NEED HELP WIYTH FIRST HOME TEST

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Taisia&Henry Richmond VA

Taisia&Henry Richmond VA

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Hi all-
Is there anyone in the Richmond Virginia (Lakeside) area that would be willing to physically help coach me with my first HT? Id like to do it asap- today if possible- Ive been on catinfo.org and watched the videos, etc- but would feel so much better if someone were with me for my first attempt. Im now convinced that HT is the only way to successfully manage my cats diabetes (diagnosed last week) My vet had me giving him 3 units- 'blind' shots- every 12 hrs, but I learned thats not the best- ANY HELP IS VERY KUCH APPRECIATED
 
Hiya,

You may find it helpful to edit your message title so as to include where you live. It may help to attract the attention of folks in your area.

Well done, you for wanting to test. It is absolutely the right way to go. :smile:
 
Hi Taisia,

I'm not in the Richmond area, but welcome to FDMB! It's a great decision to do home testing -- one of the best that you'll make for your cat, likely!

Other things you can do are to switch to a wet food, low-carb diet, if kitty isn't on one already. And you may want to do your own calculation on a starting dose -- 3 units (are you using Lantus?) sounds pretty high for an initial dose. There are posts and stickies about how to do that, based on kitty's ideal weight. Most start out around .5 or 1.0 units of Lantus (if that's what you're using).

I'm sure you'll hear back from others, but I will encourage you to get started on the testing as soon as possible. You will get the hang of it -- sometimes it takes a few weeks, but kitty's ear will "learn to bleed" and you'll be a pro. One big tip is NOT to use the ultra-thin lancets that come with meters and lancing devices -- they're too thin for a new tester and cause needless frustration.

Post questions and concerns as you go -- you'll find this to be a great place!
 
What's the worst possible thing you imagine might happen?

- You're unsuccessful so you have to try again. Many, if not most of us, have had that experience, lived through it, and tried again until we were successful. A general rule of thumb is to try up to 3 pokes, treat, then wait for the next time to try again.

- You poke right through the ear. Been there, done that. If there is a blood drop, test it. Take a tissue or cotton ball, and apply direct pressure to the area to reduce bruising or scabbing.

- Poked the vein, either unintentionally or intentionally, and had a profuse flow of blood. I did that. Get a bead of blood on a clean fingernail for the test, and apply direct pressure to the poked area with a tissue or cotton ball for a couple of minutes until it stops bleeding. This reduces scabbing and bruising. Wipe off any remaining blood with a damp tissue or cotton ball.

- Poked or scratched ourselves, before or after testing the cat. I did that too. Squeeze the area to make it bleed, which helps push out any bacteria. Wash the area thoroughly. It may be tender for a couple of days.

- The cat struggles. Use a bath towel, set the cat facing away from you, and firmly wrap the cat like a burrito for gentle restraint. Optionally, straddle with your knees to assist in reducing motion while you test. Always treat afterwards.

See my signature link Secondary Monitoring Tools for some supplemental methods of monitoring your cat while you are learning to blood test.
 
BJM said:
What's the worst possible thing you imagine might happen?


- The cat struggles. Use a bath towel, set the cat facing away from you, and firmly wrap the cat like a burrito for gentle restraint. Optionally, straddle with your knees to assist in reducing motion while you test. Always treat afterwards.


__________________________
I might add to that - put the cat on the bed so he's comfy. Working over him on the floor is tough on your back and he can skedaddle a lot easier too. The burrito method helps a lot and have tools at fingertip touch on the bed. I used to keep all my testing supplies in an old Estee Lauder makeup bag and I swear Joey knew the sight of that bag.

Good luck - it'll come.
Click to expand...
 
Thank you everyone

I didnt even see all of the replies to my post about getting help with HT- My inbox said I had zero messages ! (??) Somehow I found all of your replies-
I had my first success today at 8:15- his BG is 425- My vet had me giving him 3 units of Prozinc- started Feb 11- I did my first phone consult with Dr Pierson last night and as of today now Im giving 1 unit-
Just started them both on fancy feast today (Ben is my healthy cat) (per Dr P- no more Hills w/d as perscribed by my local vet) I am going to give Henry a break for a couple hrs and test again later

QUESTION- what are some acceptable didbetic TREATS I can give him after testing? Both my cats are indoor only, I used to pick small bits of grass from outside and give to them- they both seemed to LOVE it, and didnt puke with small amounts- Is this still OK?

I have a million more questions- I dont even know how to use this message board properly yet--- This is SO overwhelming- oh- and I THINK I posted my on-line google spreadsheet successfully- but Im not sure how to give you guys access to it-

~ whew!
 
Re: Thank you everyone

Taisia&Henry Richmond VA said:
I didnt even see all of the replies to my post about getting help with HT- My inbox said I had zero messages ! (??) Somehow I found all of your replies-
Click to expand...

The notation that you have zero messages refers to private messages (also called PM) which are much like email. The replies you finally found appear in the open forum under your original post. The message board prefers that treatment discussions happen on the open forum so there is peer review.

So you need to go to your original post to see the answers. You can also click the box at the bottom of the message window that says "Notify me when a reply is posted" and an email will be sent to you telling you there is a new reply.

I hope this helps you navigate around the site!
 
YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!!! THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH your support--- Every time I see a reply from one of you , I get a little jolt of relief- Dr P has me up and running with the SS- Ive posted it to Google so she can see it- Ive done 3 phone consults with her which I cant keep doing ($$$$) , but I am going to lean on you folks at FDMB for my safety net and the right way to figure how much to shoot- Without talking to Dr P every day (which I cant) I feel like im winging it, which isnt good-

Henry and I were successful with our first day of HT yesterday! (Even though my knees still shake when I HT- I try to be outwardly calm and cool for his sake) I had an AlphaTrak (lent to me) and did tests all day with that. Dr P had me get a Relion Micro. Used that for PMPS and AMPS today- will use that going forward - Very frustrated that I couldnt compare readings from both meters (had only 1 aplha strip left and didnt get a good enough sample)

I am going to the tech forum here today and learn how to add the SS to my signature

I hope it isnt poor PDMB etiquette to ask- do any of you ever share your phone#s ? If so, I wont be a FDMB "stalker"- I promise!

Thanks again - hope to hear from someone soon
 
TheBowHuntress said:
You're doing a fantastic job! And we can't wait to see a picture of your sweetie!! Are you a member of our FB group?
Click to expand...


Bow-
I didnt even think of FB! But I will join today--- I tried to post a pic of my boy here, (i-phone pic) but it said the file was too big-- Not sure how to get it down to size-
 
Taisia&Henry Richmond VA said:
Taisia&Henry Richmond VA said:
TheBowHuntress said:
You're doing a fantastic job! And we can't wait to see a picture of your sweetie!! Are you a member of our FB group?
Click to expand...
Click to expand...


Hi again- I just "liked" FDMB on FB- Is that considered a "join" ?
Click to expand...
um...geez, I'm not sure! see if you're able to post there..I thought it was "join"?
 
One of the great things about the FD FB page (that in addition to all the information and friends there) is that if you need help and no one is answering your ? here at FDMB, there's a very good chance that someone on FB can help you
 
Re: NEED HELP WITH HOW TO INTERPRET BG READINGS FOR SHOT AMO

LynnLee + Mousie said:
i've sent out a couple messages to people in the area so hopefully they're around this weekend
Click to expand...


Hi Lynlee- thanks for your support! Did you happen to locate anyone in my area? Im also trying to publish my SS here on the forum (add as a signature) but the Google docs web page seems to be down (maybe because Im trying to access from work) Will keep trying
 
JacksonCatson said:
Hi Taisia,

sorry- i hit submit too soon- I have my SS set up on Google docs, with my 2 days of data logged, I want to be able to post my SS as part of my signature like you guys do-
But I cant access the sheet today for some reason- it may be because im on my work computer- I get all the way past the log in screen, up to where I can see the document icon- but when I click it, it says the web page is 'temporarily unavailable'

May I ask if anyone on this site offers phone numbers to newbies? I feel a bit lost in trying to determine the dosage amount based on what his BG reading is- Im not going over 1 unit though, (contrary to what my local vet had me doing) but not sure what to shoot if he tests really high- like 400- (shoot 2?) I also need a different syringe - as mine is only in whole units- so I have to "eye" skinny- I cant afford to keep relying on the CA doctor- even though shes amazing!

in the last tweek, my life feels upside down- I know it will get better, but- sheesh!

any help you can offer is much appreciated!
Click to expand...
 
It may help to practice testing on yourself or on a friend or on an apple or tomato to literally get a feel for it.

Also, mental practice - ie, going through the steps in your head - often helps reduce your unfamiliarity with it. Athletes do this, and it has a real benefit on performance.

Finally, Relaxation Breathing, based on the work of Dr Herbert Benson:

Begin by sitting in a comfortable chair with good back support, or lying down. The key thing is to have your body pretty much straight between hips and shoulders so your lungs have room.

Now, breathe out completely. That way there will be room for a full breath in. If you start with half filled lungs, taking a deep breath in won't feel very large.

Pause.

Slowly, take a deep breath.

Pause.

Slowly, exhale.

Repeat, and establish a pattern of slow, deep breathing. Give yourself a good 20 minutes (turn off the phone, close the door) to get into this process. If done at bedtime, you may drift into sleep.

By slowing and deepening your breathing, you often cause the heart rate to slow and relax, muscle tightness to ease away, and blood pressure to decrease.
 
Taisia&Henry Richmond VA said:
I know it will get better, but- sheesh! any help you can offer is much appreciated!
Click to expand...
Hi--I don't give dosing advice, but can offer moral support and testing tips.
 
Taisia&Henry Richmond VA said:
JacksonCatson said:
Hi Taisia,

sorry- i hit submit too soon- I have my SS set up on Google docs, with my 2 days of data logged, I want to be able to post my SS as part of my signature like you guys do-
But I cant access the sheet today for some reason- it may be because im on my work computer- I get all the way past the log in screen, up to where I can see the document icon- but when I click it, it says the web page is 'temporarily unavailable'

May I ask if anyone on this site offers phone numbers to newbies? I feel a bit lost in trying to determine the dosage amount based on what his BG reading is- Im not going over 1 unit though, (contrary to what my local vet had me doing) but not sure what to shoot if he tests really high- like 400- (shoot 2?) I also need a different syringe - as mine is only in whole units- so I have to "eye" skinny- I cant afford to keep relying on the CA doctor- even though shes amazing!

in the last tweek, my life feels upside down- I know it will get better, but- sheesh!

any help you can offer is much appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

I hope you can get your ss up and linked to your signature once you are on your home computer.

We are not allowed to discuss dosing advise off the board. Have you tried posting in the ISG forum for PZI? The people there may be able to answer your questions about dosing. I would go to that forum when you have a chance and read the Starred Stickys there.
 
Re: NEED HELP WITH HOW TO INTERPRET BG READINGS FOR SHOT AMO

Taisia&Henry Richmond VA said:
LynnLee + Mousie said:
i've sent out a couple messages to people in the area so hopefully they're around this weekend
Click to expand...


Hi Lynlee- thanks for your support! Did you happen to locate anyone in my area? Im also trying to publish my SS here on the forum (add as a signature) but the Google docs web page seems to be down (maybe because Im trying to access from work) Will keep trying
Click to expand...

there's a Kathleen & Fred in your area but I'm not personally familiar with them as I'm not on the board as much as I used to be. there's also laur+danny who are very long time members of FDMB but to be honest, I don't see her around as much as we all used to be either. I haven't heard back from either one of them but maybe someone else has another way to contact them. Did you still need their help with testing or you got that down?
 
Re: NEED HELP WITH HOW TO INTERPRET BG READINGS FOR SHOT AMO

Did you still need their help with testing or you got that down?[/quote]


Hi Lynlee- THANK YOU for your relply- I've kind of gotten the testing down, I think- Just need help managing the dosage amount, which i can go to the 'pzi section here, I believe? I have one very ticked off local vet, as I have taken a different treatment route than she perscribed- Not sure what to do at this point- I need to find a local vet that supports early HT, and doesnt think Hills W/D is the diet Henry needs- Ive heard from a LOT of people that that food is "crap" for diabetic cats- Someone I trust, but is very far away, suggested Fancy Feast, showed me the SS, how to post it- etc- - - My bottom line is I need to find another vet I think-
 
Or, you just use your current vet for vaccinations and check ups and blood work and prescriptions and such.
The last 4 vets I've been to (our regular vet, a vet I had to go to to get J.D.'s BP checked because our regular vet does not have BP testing equipment, a vet we saw while on vacation in California, and the dental specialist we just went to) either don't mention at all or barely even mention how I treat J.D. for his diabetes.
I guess it's a different story with you, since your vet probably did the dx :? .
 
I would Edit the Subject Line in your first post (on this thread) to say "HE JUST TESTED 108!! ARE WE IN TROUBLE???" so that you get more eyes.

I have to log off now, to get ready for work.

I don't know PZI insulin, but I believe it is generally recommended not to shoot if under 200, when you don't have much data yet.

Also, please link the two threads, so that people can see what was written in each forum.

On Lantus, we say if you're going to stall, then don't feed as food will make the numbers rise. We want to see a true test number that has not been influenced by a food spike. I don't know if it's the same with PZI. You'll have to ask over there.

I'm sure you'll get some help, if you change the Subject Line in your first post. Good Luck. Sorry, I have to go to work and can not be here for you.
 
CONCERNS FROM TAISIA AND HENRY

Hi all- I will try to link this post in PZI also-

CONCERNS:

I can feel his little knobby spine when I pet him- NEVER felt that before- he was always so "round" but not really fat- so I think im going to get a scale today that measures ounces

Not sure what to think of these lowish yellow spreadsheet numbers.. also- I WILL buy the ketastix today and try to get a urine sample (then learn how to read it)

Bought U100 30 gauge syringes- need to bring my printed conversion chart to a pharmacist for actual coaching on how to convert dosages

Without a veterinarian on board, I still feel like Henry and I are like shipmates without a captain in this treatment program . (THIS BY NO MEANS THAT I LACK SUPPORT- I COULD NOT DO THIS WITHOUT ALL OF YOU GUYS!!! ) Will need to address that quickly-

Do I give my orig doc a chance? only if shes on board with his current plan. If not- I'll find another who is!!

THANKS ALL, PLEASE ADVISE WHEN YOU CAN
 
Until he's regulated, you may see all different colors. Its a process, not an event ;-)

As the insulin begins to work, he'll be able to use the calories from the food he eats. Up until he was on insulin, he was literally starving because his body couldn't use the food due to lack of insulin.

Maybe you could print out, share, and discuss the AAHA guidelines with your vet.

If you decide to go vet shopping, see my signature link Vet Interview Topics for questions to ask.

U-100 insulins have 100 units in 1 mL.
U-40 insulins have 40 units in 1 ml; this means that for the same volume, the U-40 is 40% of the 'strength' of the U-100 insulin.

Here's the math in English:
U-100 syringe mark times 0.4 equals U-40 insulin dose
In more symbols:
U-100 syringe mark * 0.4 = U-40 dose

You want to give very low dose since he's doing so well
0.5 mark on U-100 syringe * 0.4 = 0.2 units of insulin
You might try that the next time he's safe to shoot.
 
Taisia&Henry Richmond VA said:
BJM,

Thanks so much- I printed your last reply, and my nurse friend is coming tonight to physically show me--- @-)
Click to expand...
Awesome! Great news that you have a friend who is also a nurse!!! More shipmates, Taisia!!! flip_cat
 
Looks like you are doing all the right things.. testing, insulin, fancy feast classic pates for food only, set up a spreadsheet, and you are buying the ketone testing strips. It all looks good.

Do you have a hypo kit set up ? ie Phone number of your vet, Phone number, address and map/directions to your nearest emergency vet (or phone number of the cab company and some cash/credit card), Karo syrup, honey or corn syrup, High carb canned food with gravy – 2-3 cans, Some favourite treats, Spare pack of 25 blood glucose strips, Coffee for you ;)

Keep up the good work!!

Wendy
 
Thanks so much Wendy. I have syrup, and FF with
gravy- no high carb treats ( temptations) because i tossed them all when
i learned about high carbs! Will go tomorrow
and get them!
 
I would get high carb wet food but not high carb treats since they tend to be dry and take too long to be digested in an emergency. Low carb treats are best.
 
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