12/30...Elmo's New Vet...

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Beth 73

Beth 73

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Hello all !!!! Just got back from first visit with new vet and HE MAINLY USES LANTUS !!!!!!!! He feels Elmo' s high BGs last week were probably stress related, that he is close to remission, that teeth,kidneys need watched but no inflammation/infection and I should go ahead and use my local vet for T4 tests for Elmo's thyroid. Recommended starting Elmo on 1/4 unit Lantus,continuing to home test . Only place where we differed is he highly encouraged me to take Elmo off insulin for week to 10 days before Lantus cos he thinks Elmo is in beginning remission now....I could just hear you all( especially Mogs) screaming in my head"NOOOO...." but I smiled and nodded. Hoping this positive news puts some wind beneath all your wings as u care for Mittens. Please let me know if there is a GoFund Me set up or other avenue thru which money could be sent to help with vet costs. Oh, and a PS...Dr Enderson looks exactly like and has the same gentle demeanor as my precious son-in-law.....that was my cherry on the top
 
Sorry to be so late seeing this but so pleased things went so well at the new vet. Sounds like Elmo and you are in good hands. As Kris said, tell us more!:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
:bighug:Good morning to you all :):bighug: . Yes, the visit could not have gone better( right down to the fact he could be my son in law, Chris, brother in appearance and gentle demeanor...didn't realize til I got in car to head home that that fact had added a wonderful familiar sense about it all). Dr Enderson is a huge Lantus proponent and starts all his patients on it. He was so gentle with Elmo although Elmo was not on best behavior...might have been cos first thing they did was whisk him to the back to weigh and take his temp....THAT did not go over well and set the tone for the rest of visit. Doc was impressed with the SS, was familiar with FDMB, said Elmo needs teeth cleaning but not right now. He is definitely a go low and slow vet but did think Elmo should be bumped up to full thy Rx ( but I will give the 3/4 dose a few more weeks then take to local vet to check. )As I said in earlier post, he encouraged me to immediately take Elmo off vetsulin and give him a 10 day to two week OTJ trial, just as you all had forewarned me of. Then if that didn't take start the Lantus. I nodded and smiled :)...he loved Elmo's numbers, believes he is in early remission and that my .25 minus a drop is probably not even therapeutic at this time. All in all an exhausting but very good day in contrast to sweet Mittens, Dan and Heather....and all of you who fought the good fight right along side them. My heart, prayers and thots are with everyone involved. FDMB is truly a family.
 
MrWorfMen's Mom said:
Sorry to be so late seeing this but so pleased things went so well at the new vet. Sounds like Elmo and you are in good hands. As Kris said, tell us more!:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
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Oh, Linda, absolutely no apologies necessary. I was in the FDMB "grandstands" cheering Mittens and you all on.What I witnessed is the kind of devotion found in tight, loving, have-ur-back families. You are amazing .....I really , once again, have no words :bighug::bighug::bighug:.Just praying now for everyone to have peace and be restored. Will be holding Dan, Heather and you all who were intimately involved close to my heart in coming days.
 
Beth 73 said:
:bighug:Good morning to you all :):bighug: . Yes, the visit could not have gone better( right down to the fact he could be my son in law, Chris, brother in appearance and gentle demeanor...didn't realize til I got in car to head home that that fact had added a wonderful familiar sense about it all). Dr Enderson is a huge Lantus proponent and starts all his patients on it. He was so gentle with Elmo although Elmo was not on best behavior...might have been cos first thing they did was whisk him to the back to weigh and take his temp....THAT did not go over well and set the tone for the rest of visit. Doc was impressed with the SS, was familiar with FDMB, said Elmo needs teeth cleaning but not right now. He is definitely a go low and slow vet but did think Elmo should be bumped up to full thy Rx ( but I will give the 3/4 dose a few more weeks then take to local vet to check. )As I said in earlier post, he encouraged me to immediately take Elmo off vetsulin and give him a 10 day to two week OTJ trial, just as you all had forewarned me of. Then if that didn't take start the Lantus. I nodded and smiled :)...he loved Elmo's numbers, believes he is in early remission and that my .25 minus a drop is probably not even therapeutic at this time. All in all an exhausting but very good day in contrast to sweet Mittens, Dan and Heather....and all of you who fought the good fight right along side them. My heart, prayers and thots are with everyone involved. FDMB is truly a family.
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So glad that it went so well, Beth! Going out now to do errands and hope it distracts me from all the sad business of yesterday. :(
 
Your new vet sounds like a dream. We all have those tiny details we don't agree with the vet about (my main ones was testing for a rare high dose condition and of course an admonishment that I really didn't need to test so often) but that is to be expected. We live with these critters 24/7 so we get to know them intimately which no vet ever will and that makes us the most knowledgeable about their care in many if not most situations. Interesting discussion about those low doses somewhere on the board here....I think it's in the Think Tank. It very much depends on the cat and Elmo looks like he's just not a greedy guy when it comes to insulin! FYI some cats have needed just a couple of drops to see a difference in their BG. This speaks to the value of hands on vs. book learning. Book learning is the foundation but the real knowledge comes from being able to puzzle out different situations and deal with them when they weren't covered in the text. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
@Kris & Teasel @MrWorfMen's Mom .....today Elmo looked like this after a great last night BG:
AMPS....161
1.5. 120
3.5. 151
PMPS. 216
Is this considered a bounce from yesterday's stress vet trip ??? Do I stick to .25 minus small drop as I did a Christmas night at 202 ???? Guess I'm needing some Kitty Cavalry reassuranceo_O
 
Beth 73 said:
@Kris & Teasel @MrWorfMen's Mom .....today Elmo looked like this after a great last night BG:
AMPS....161
1.5. 120
3.5. 151
PMPS. 216
Is this considered a bounce from yesterday's stress vet trip ??? Do I stick to .25 minus small drop as I did a Christmas night at 202 ???? Guess I'm needing some Kitty Cavalry reassuranceo_O
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I say 0.25 u minus small drop, Beth. If this is a bounce it's a very small one - Elmo's version. I saw those greens you had last night!
 
I'm with Kris. 0.25 minus small drop. Elmo looks good in green but Mama probably likes blue better for her own peace of mind! ;););)
I'm guessing he's bouncing a little from those greens last night. He's rarely been that low lately so he has to get used to it again. Dang defense system kicks in and you get higher pre-shots. Such is the dance!
 
Kris, I know!!! Greens got me excited especially after the 200 mid afternoon ! Thanks for response...I know I'm silly and did not really want to bother you all as u recover from the past days. Just to know you all are out there is reassuring in itself. I hope you, Linda and Mogs are being restored . I want to be like each of you when I grow up :rolleyes:
 
MrWorfMen's Mom said:
I'm with Kris. 0.25 minus small drop. Elmo looks good in green but Mama probably likes blue better for her own peace of mind! ;););)
I'm guessing he's bouncing a little from those greens last night. He's rarely been that low lately so he has to get used to it again. Dang defense system kicks in and you get higher pre-shots. Such is the dance!
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Thank u, Linda...you doing better today? I hope so. Have had you all on my heart all day long....praying for your hearts to heal and strength restored. As I just told Kris, I want to be just like you all when I grow up:)
 
It's been a difficult day but I finally ate and am feeling a tad better right now although I am still exhausted. This board is like a two edged blade. One day we're jubilating about kitties like Elmo and their Beans and every so often there is a Mittens. I think I now know why my vet told me her job makes her feel like a manic depressive sometimes. One minute rejoicing and the next devastated. This Xmas was brutal with all the kitties in trouble or close to. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Just know there are many
MrWorfMen's Mom said:
It's been a difficult day but I finally ate and am feeling a tad better right now although I am still exhausted. This board is like a two edged blade. One day we're jubilating about kitties like Elmo and their Beans and every so often there is a Mittens. I think I now know why my vet told me her job makes her feel like a manic depressive sometimes. One minute rejoicing and the next devastated. This Xmas was brutal with all the kitties in trouble or close to. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
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Just know there are many of us, tho we could not directly help, were and still are holding you all up. Wish there was a way to transfer strength to each of you. My heart is heavy and I hope it somehow lifts a little of the load:bighug::bighug::bighug:
. Said it before, will say it again...you all are my heroes.
 
Just reread your posts, Linda and Kris, and realized that instead of the greens scaring me I was thrilled with them. Heard Kris in my head say "trust your gut" and I let the greens be, no steering , to see where he went. Because of you all spending so much time with us I have confidence and knowledge ....it's a powerful and peaceful place thanks to you all:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Beth 73 said:
Just reread your posts, Linda and Kris, and realized that instead of the greens scaring me I was thrilled with them. Heard Kris in my head say "trust your gut" and I let the greens be, no steering , to see where he went. Because of you all spending so much time with us I have confidence and knowledge ....it's a powerful and peaceful place thanks to you all:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
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Great! Those high greens are what you want to see!
 
Good morning Beth. A couple of pics of winter wonderland for you to enjoy. I'd be happy not to be hogging all this white stuff! LOL!! More shovelling UGGGGHH!
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SS Question: when I switch to Lantus and human meter do I start new SS or abridge current one ????
 
Beth 73 said:
SS Question: when I switch to Lantus and human meter do I start new SS or abridge current one ????
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Seeing as the New Year is almost upon us, you could start a new SS using one of the templates for the human meter. When you post on the L forum the conversation is almost exclusively in terms of a human meter because the dosing protocol is based on vet research that gives BG guidelines from human meter readings. IMO they should have included pet meter readings too but not my call ...
 
Thanks, Kris... I agree on the meter...my Freestyle just arrived and I'm going to practice with it along side my AT til insulin comes to get a feel of operational differences as well as readings differences....
 
Beth- great news to hear about Elmo's vet visit! When does he start the Lantus? What did you decide about giving him a trial OTJ run before starting the new insulin? Ozzy and I will be following you guys!
 
Good morning all ....still no snow here so I still have fluffy white envy of Linda and Kris. Gotta get over that for the time being:). We are waiting on Lantus to arrive, have our new meter, strips and syringes ready and will continue to take notes on L stickies today. Do have a question tho: I will be gone on Sunday from +1.5 until +6... first time I've left Elmo early in the cycle since early in December. What can I do to help keep him in safe numbers while gone? I will be taking AMPS and +1.5 .....Wanting him safe and my mind at peace for those few hours.
 
Beth 73 said:
Good morning all ....still no snow here so I still have fluffy white envy of Linda and Kris. Gotta get over that for the time being:). We are waiting on Lantus to arrive, have our new meter, strips and syringes ready and will continue to take notes on L stickies today. Do have a question tho: I will be gone on Sunday from +1.5 until +6... first time I've left Elmo early in the cycle since early in December. What can I do to help keep him in safe numbers while gone? I will be taking AMPS and +1.5 .....Wanting him safe and my mind at peace for those few hours.
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Hi Beth,
Give him a dose that you know is a teeny bit on the low side - 0.25 u minus a large drop? That should help you feel better while you're away tomorrow.
 
Ozzy Pawzbourne said:
Beth- great news to hear about Elmo's vet visit! When does he start the Lantus? What did you decide about giving him a trial OTJ run before starting the new insulin? Ozzy and I will be following you guys!
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Hello Jo and Ozzy :bighug:.......we start Lantus as soon as it arrives from Marks...with bookend holidays shipment is a little slower but has given me time to read Lantus Stickies and get new meter, syringes and practice with them. I am going with Mogs expert advice and going straight from vetsulin to L to give Elmo's pancreas more time to heal and operate in good numbers instead of cold turkey. Mogs explained it so well, made such good common sense so we r going with Lantus to usher Elmo into remission . Have u made any decisions about Ozzy as u go back to work? That is a big decision that I've not had to make because I am semi retired and here as much as needed. Will be thinking and praying for you to have extra wisdom about ur next steps with sweet Ozzy
 
Kris & Teasel said:
Hi Beth,
Give him a dose that you know is a teeny bit on the low side - 0.25 u minus a large drop? That should help you feel better while you're away tomorrow.
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Thank u, thank u Kris....exactly what my gut said , to do what I'd do if wanting an uneventful overnight...how is Teasel doing ??? Teasel has been on my mind lately :bighug:
 
Hi Beth, I agree with Kris and you.....a tiny bit lower dose and Elmo should be fine. The other trick some folks use is to freeze cat food in an ice cube tray and then put that out before you leave so as it thaws, Elmo has something to munch on should he feel the need.

On the snow front, I went outside and tried to blow some your way, but it ain't budging! Just got snow cleaned up yesterday and got another tiny fall last night. They are predicting more flurries tonight and then the possibility of mixed precipitation or rain tomorrow. Make for a very messy clean up. Oh well it is after all winter but very unusual to be getting rain storms between snow falls.
 
MrWorfMen's Mom said:
Hi Beth, I agree with Kris and you.....a tiny bit lower dose and Elmo should be fine. The other trick some folks use is to freeze cat food in an ice cube tray and then put that out before you leave so as it thaws, Elmo has something to munch on should he feel the need.

On the snow front, I went outside and tried to blow some your way, but it ain't budging! Just got snow cleaned up yesterday and got another tiny fall last night. They are predicting more flurries tonight and then the possibility of mixed precipitation or rain tomorrow. Make for a very messy clean up. Oh well it is after all winter but very unusual to be getting rain storms between snow falls.
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Thank u, oh wonderful and benevolent fairy godmother of Elmo...;):bighug::)
 
Lantus update...after several snafus the Lantus is on its way today...seems our credit card company is not use to seeing me shop outside our small town of 3000 and flagged the order causing delay...I will choose to be appreciative of their vigilance instead of frustrated by the delay :):rolleyes::cat:
 
MrWorfMen's Mom said:
Didn't they call you about it right away or were they delayed because of the holiday too?[/QUOTE Very much my fault... placed the order last Friday , Dec 23, as they were getting ready for a long holiday weekend. So when they got to it today our credit card company put a hold on it, sent my husband the email notification and he tried to take care of it from out in the middle of the woods with minimal cell coverage , sooooooo.....all that to say I was a doofus to order around the holidays but it's all good now. I was just thinking of you as I bought a Freestyle Freedom Lite meter but was wondering where you purchase your test strips. I looked on ADW and was surprised the strips were about same price as AT....am I looking at wrong item ???
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Oh Beth, you may very well find the FS strips are expensive although I'm surprised they would be almost the same as the AT strips. I pay about $76 for 100 strips at Walmart which now is less than half of what the AT2 strips cost but that is in Cdn bucks so I'd expect your cost to be less. There have however been a couple of other US folks mention how expensive the FS strips were for them and if memory serves they all seemed to be living in very small communities or rural. I know you don't want to ditch that meter but seriously, if there is a Walmart nearby your best economical meter would be the ReliOn Confirm or Micro. Both take only a small amount of blood and there are a huge number of folks using them here so they are reliable. There is another ReliOn meter called Prime that has cheaper strips but it requires more blood and there have been complaints about wasting strips so the savings get lost due to waste. If you can't return the FS Freedom, you could donate it to DCIN. I'm sure they would be thrilled to take it off your hands or you could keep it just for a backup.
 
My credit card company isn't use to seeing me use it much outside of our town , Amazon or the small city of Springfield near us...I bet that Canadian charge set off fireworks with the fraud folk :eek:
 
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