1/28 How much can constipation affect BGs ???

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Beth 73

Beth 73

Member Since 2016
Good morning !!! Have looked at Wal Mart and on Amazon for control solution for my Relion meter . Where can I find it ??? Thank you, thank you ....:)
 
Have also noticed the strips are labeled Relion Confirm plus..... are these the strips that go with the Relion Confirm ???
 
Call the company and they will send you the control solution. They ate the right strips. Tgey only have one for tge Confirm and Micro.
 
Thank you to you both ..... getting ready to switch from Freedom Freestyle to the Relion.. Waiting on call back from vet...Elmo BGs have risen last two AMBGs....he is constipated so don't know how much that would affect ...thoughts ???
 
Thank you, Elise. Have given him 1 teaspoon pumpkin plus 10 cc warm water for several days ( up from doing it just once a day) ...last night added 1/8 t mirlax to the pumpkin last night. I have seen a 30 point rise in AMBG in last two days . Don't want to blame constipation if something else going on. We have just completed our first week of remission so being vigilant.
 
Hey Beth, yes the company will send it to you but it took about 10 days for me

And yes, constipation can really affect the numbers. I have seen it with Bubba. I always give 1/4 tsp twice a day ( worked up from 1/8 tsp) and sometimes he still gets constipated. I have had really good luck with a tsp of coconut oil or you can use a pat of unsalted butter or a little bit of olive oil. The times I have given the coconut oil, I got a deposit in the box within 8 hours or so.
 
Bobbie And Bubba said:
Hey Beth, yes the company will send it to you but it took about 10 days for me

And yes, constipation can really affect the numbers. I have seen it with Bubba. I always give 1/4 tsp twice a day ( worked up from 1/8 tsp) and sometimes he still gets constipated. I have had really good luck with a tsp of coconut oil or you can use a pat of unsalted butter or a little bit of olive oil. The times I have given the coconut oil, I got a deposit in the box within 8 hours or so.
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Hi Bobbie and thank you. Would constipation account for an AMBG of 90 then next two mornings 133 and now this morning 147??? His +3 yesterday was 74 so I felt better after that . After the odd way we entered OTJ and now one week of remission I am being vigilant . Once again realizing what a blessing this Board is...I sent Elmo's curve testerday and vet did not call back. Won't be back in office til Monday .
 
I don't see any tests in the SS since 1/18. It's good to keep the SS up to date. I also use miralax daily for Doodles...1/4 tsp twice a day. It takes consistent dosing for it to work. Sending poopy vines!
 
Beth 73 said:
Hi Bobbie and thank you. Would constipation account for an AMBG of 90 then next two mornings 133 and now this morning 147??? His +3 yesterday was 74 so I felt better after that . After the odd way we entered OTJ and now one week of remission I am being vigilant . Once again realizing what a blessing this Board is...I sent Elmo's curve testerday and vet did not call back. Won't be back in office til Monday .
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Constipation has really hiked Bubba in the past I will try to find the dates on SS and reference them for you to take a look, BRB
 
Doodles & Karen said:
I don't see any tests in the SS since 1/18. It's good to keep the SS up to date. I also use miralax daily for Doodles...1/4 tsp twice a day. It takes consistent dosing for it to work. Sending poopy vines!
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Yes, I have been recording BGs in his daily journal. Will get all that entered on SS today . And thank you for the poopy vines :bighug:....they are received and appreciated :bighug:
 
Beth, go to Bubba's SS for 2016 and look at 3/19 and 3/20 You will see that I sited he was constipated and look at the hike in his numbers. On 3/20 where I declared he pooped, look how he came down.
 
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Bobbie And Bubba said:
Constipation has really hiked Bubba in the past I will try to find the dates on SS and reference them for you to take a look, BRB
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Thanks so, so much :bighug:..... the 147 really was surprising...don't want to use constipation as reason if it's something else. Oh, and just got call back from vet(one of the others in office)....acted like no big deal ...
 
Bobbie And Bubba said:
Beth, go to Bubba's SS for 2019 and look at 3/19 and 3/20 You will see that I sited he was constipated and look at the hike in his numbers. On 3/20 where I declared he pooped, look how he came down.
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Bobbie, those numbers are shocking..that not pooping could do that to BGs .....so glad you pointed this out :)
 
Bobbie And Bubba said:
I know right! ??
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He is pooping in several trips to LB. Small amounts , straining. +3 was 78. Bobbie, is there any remission advice you could share ? see that you and Bubba went thru two OTJs( 2nd OTJ Party reference). How did you know Bubba had slipped out of remission??
 
Beth 73 said:
He is pooping in several trips to LB. Small amounts , straining. +3 was 78. Bobbie, is there any remission advice you could share ? see that you and Bubba went thru two OTJs( 2nd OTJ Party reference). How did you know Bubba had slipped out of remission??
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The only way I knew was by continuing to track his numbers each day AM and PM and when I saw him creeping back up I knew something was wrong and had to investigate it. The first lost remission was due to a bad tooth and this time to a GI upset. It is so nerve wracking isn't it? I hope that if I get him back into remission again I will be able to relax a bit about it. :rolleyes:
 
Bobbie And Bubba said:
The only way I knew was by continuing to track his numbers each day AM and PM and when I saw him creeping back up I knew something was wrong and had to investigate it. The first lost remission was due to a bad tooth and this time to a GI upset. It is so nerve wracking isn't it? I hope that if I get him back into remission again I will be able to relax a bit about it. :rolleyes:
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Oh, i pray so too, for Bubba and for you. Odd how some go into remission and stay and others can be bumped out. Remission isn"t as big a relief as I would have thought. As you said, there is still a vigilance that has to be maintained. So thankful for FDMB...more and more so each day:bighug::):cat:
 
I'm glad Bobbie shared Bubba's experience with constipation and high numbers. Thank you, @Bobbie And Bubba !

Going forward... assuming you've ruled out constipation as the reason for higher numbers... just throwing something out there because I know most of the current residents of the L & L ISG have never seen what I'm about to suggest.

It's rare, but every once in awhile we see a kitty who requires an occasional insulin shot(s). In other words, you shoot on an "as needed basis". I would suggest continuing to track Elmo's numbers and think about setting a "shoot number". If Elmo reaches or surpasses that number, start with the tiniest dose of insulin like I suggested to you awhile back. If the numbers tell you he doesn't need insulin at the next shot time... withhold insulin... don't shoot.

Giving another shot of insulin may or may not ever present itself again. Play it by ear.
 
Jill & Alex (GA) said:
I'm glad Bobbie shared Bubba's experience with constipation and high numbers. Thank you, @Bobbie And Bubba !

Going forward... assuming you've ruled out constipation as the reason for higher numbers... just throwing something out there because I know most of the current residents of the L & L ISG have never seen what I'm about to suggest.

It's rare, but every once in awhile we see a kitty who requires an occasional insulin shot(s). In other words, you shoot on an "as needed basis". I would suggest continuing to track Elmo's numbers and think about setting a "shoot number". If Elmo reaches or surpasses that number, start with the tiniest dose of insulin like I suggested to you awhile back. If the numbers tell you he doesn't need insulin at the next shot time... withhold insulin... don't shoot.

Giving another shot of insulin may or may not ever present itself again. Play it by ear.
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Jill, I have no words to thank you. As I've said, how Elmo entered his OTJ and now remission has always left a bit of a question mark in my mind . This whole phase puts me back to newbie status !!! Will enter all his data since 1/18 on his SS later today. Thank you for watching over us...thank you for ur wisdom...FDMB is my safe space :bighug::):bighug:
 
@Jill & Alex (GA) ....also, I am unsure as to what that trial shoot number would be.....more data, more data will help answer that. And if I can ever get a call back from the vet just to throw his opinion into the mix ;)
 
I saw the constipation subject and have been wanting to ask about that. (I guess I should post this somewhere else, but thought I'd see what ideas you had. Let me know if I should post elsewhere. :) ) Sammy is our 12 year old Maine Coon, and he's been on Laxatone for about a year for constipation. With Callie's diabetes onset, we're trying to get all 6 of them off the dry food and onto FF. I was hoping the wet food would help him with the constipation, and I can't tell yet if it's helping. I've been concerned about the Laxatone causing Sammy to get diabetic because of the molasses and the corn syrup. It's got Omega fatty acids which is good, but then the molasses...I was concerned about that even before Callie got sick and at first thought the over wetting in the catbox was Sammy. So any thoughts about the Laxatone and any ideas for Sammy. I saw pumpkin and Miralax mentioned. Sammy weighs about 13 lbs.
 
Beth, easier said than done, but try not to stress about this. Elmo does throw some less than solid OTJ numbers, but something else that is rarely seen in this group is BG numbers eventually falling into solid greens. Here's an extreme example of what I'm talking about:

Linda's Scruffy - (note the color coding is different than what we're used to, light blue = our greens)

Click on the tab that says "Numbers". Scroll down to around March of 2008 where you can see Linda is basically on a very loose 12/12 schedule... basically on as needed basis through the beginning of April 2008. Last shot was on 4/8/2008. Check out Scruffy's OTJ numbers. He didn't settle down into all double digits until the first of July! I've seen the same thing happen more than once.
Beth 73 said:
@Jill & Alex (GA) ....also, I am unsure as to what that trial shoot number would be.....more data, more data will help answer that. And if I can ever get a call back from the vet just to throw his opinion into the mix ;)
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I used 140 with Alex simply because I knew her renal threshold was somewhere in the 140 - 180 mg/dL range (using a human meter). At this point, I'd watch for numbers trending upwards. However, barring a kibble raid or an issue with constipation since both these issues can clear up quickly, I'd think about shooting in the 150 - 175 range if I were seeing an upwards trend. My vet told me 200 (human meter). It's a good idea to talk to your vet to see what he thinks.

Basically, there's no right or wrong answer. Go with your gut, analyze what's happening and possible reasons for it, and talk to your vet.
 
Jill & Alex (GA) said:
Beth, easier said than done, but try not to stress about this. Elmo does throw some less than solid OTJ numbers, but something else that is rarely seen in this group is BG numbers eventually falling into solid greens. Here's an extreme example of what I'm talking about:

Linda's Scruffy - (note the color coding is different than what we're used to, light blue = our greens)

Click on the tab that says "Numbers". Scroll down to around March of 2008 where you can see Linda is basically on a very loose 12/12 schedule... basically on as needed basis through the beginning of April 2008. Last shot was on 4/8/2008. Check out Scruffy's OTJ numbers. He didn't settle down into all double digits until the first of July! I've seen the same thing happen more than once.

I used 140 with Alex simply because I knew her renal threshold was somewhere in the 140 - 180 mg/dL range (using a human meter). At this point, I'd watch for numbers trending upwards. However, barring a kibble raid or an issue with constipation since both these issues can clear up quickly, I'd think about shooting in the 150 - 175 range if I were seeing an upwards trend. My vet told me 200 (human meter). It's a good idea to talk to your vet to see what he thinks.

Basically, there's no right or wrong answer. Go with your gut, analyze what's happening and possible reasons for it, and talk to your vet.
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Jill, you are positively angelic :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:. Realizing more and more the bond we all share here. :bighug::):bighug::)
 
Glennie said:
I saw the constipation subject and have been wanting to ask about that. (I guess I should post this somewhere else, but thought I'd see what ideas you had. Let me know if I should post elsewhere. :) ) Sammy is our 12 year old Maine Coon, and he's been on Laxatone for about a year for constipation. With Callie's diabetes onset, we're trying to get all 6 of them off the dry food and onto FF. I was hoping the wet food would help him with the constipation, and I can't tell yet if it's helping. I've been concerned about the Laxatone causing Sammy to get diabetic because of the molasses and the corn syrup. It's got Omega fatty acids which is good, but then the molasses...I was concerned about that even before Callie got sick and at first thought the over wetting in the catbox was Sammy. So any thoughts about the Laxatone and any ideas for Sammy. I saw pumpkin and Miralax mentioned. Sammy weighs about 13 lbs.
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Hi !!! I use 1 teaspoon pumpkin 2 x a day...make sure its PLAIN pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling. I have also started syringing 2 t warm water along with the pumpkin. When he gets plugged up, as now, I give that 2 t warm water several times a day ...seems to get things moving:). Hope this helps:rolleyes:
 
Jill & Alex (GA) said:
I gave 1/4 teaspoon Miralax mixed in food twice a day. 1/4 tsp x 2 is the usual starting dose. You might have to gradually increase the dose until you see results.
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Thanks so much. I really appreciate it.
Jill & Alex (GA) said:
I gave 1/4 teaspoon Miralax mixed in food twice a day. 1/4 tsp x 2 is the usual starting dose. You might have to gradually increase the dose until you see results.
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Thanks so much. I'll give it a try. :)
 
Beth 73 said:
Hi !!! I use 1 teaspoon pumpkin 2 x a day...make sure its PLAIN pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling. I have also started syringing 2 t warm water along with the pumpkin. When he gets plugged up, as now, I give that 2 t warm water several times a day ...seems to get things moving:). Hope this helps:rolleyes:
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Does he like the pumpkin? Or do you have to dilute the pumpkin with the water and syringe it in to get him to take it? I guess that's one of those ECID things. ;) I will try both the pumpkin and the Miralax (not at the same time) and see which one works with him. I would feel a lot better about using either one instead of the Laxatone. And he'll probably be thrilled. The Laxatone is so thick, it almost gags him. I'll be sure to use the plain pumpkin rather than the pie filling. Thanks again! :)
 
Glennie said:
Does he like the pumpkin? Or do you have to dilute the pumpkin with the water and syringe it in to get him to take it? I guess that's one of those ECID things. ;) I will try both the pumpkin and the Miralax (not at the same time) and see which one works with him. I would feel a lot better about using either one instead of the Laxatone. And he'll probably be thrilled. The Laxatone is so thick, it almost gags him. I'll be sure to use the plain pumpkin rather than the pie filling. Thanks again! :)
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You are welcome. And yes, I have to syringe it down him. He can be a pick about such things so rather than leave it to him i put it in a syringe, warm it in a mug of warm water then give it:)
 
Beth 73 said:
You are welcome. And yes, I have to syringe it down him. He can be a pick about such things so rather than leave it to him i put it in a syringe, warm it in a mug of warm water then give it:)
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All righty. I really appreciate the info. :)
 
Beth - another example for you to see how constipation affects a cat off of insulin is Junior's SS. He is currently half way through his OTJ trial He has megacolon and Linda is trying to find the right combo/doses of meds to make him more regular. You can tell when he's backed up or needs an enema by the numbers. When he's cleaned out and eating, he's green.

An alternative to pumpkin is babyfood squash. Some cats prefer that to pumpkin. My crew get pumpkin mixed into their food along with extra water.
 
Wendy&Neko said:
Beth - another example for you to see how constipation affects a cat off of insulin is Junior's SS. He is currently half way through his OTJ trial He has megacolon and Linda is trying to find the right combo/doses of meds to make him more regular. You can tell when he's backed up or needs an enema by the numbers. When he's cleaned out and eating, he's green.

An alternative to pumpkin is babyfood squash. Some cats prefer that to pumpkin. My crew get pumpkin mixed into their food along with extra water.
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Thank u, Wendy . Looking at others SS helps so much.
 
Wendy&Neko said:
Beth - another example for you to see how constipation affects a cat off of insulin is Junior's SS. He is currently half way through his OTJ trial He has megacolon and Linda is trying to find the right combo/doses of meds to make him more regular. You can tell when he's backed up or needs an enema by the numbers. When he's cleaned out and eating, he's green.

An alternative to pumpkin is babyfood squash. Some cats prefer that to pumpkin. My crew get pumpkin mixed into their food along with extra water.
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I'll remember the babyfood squash too. All of these alternatives...thanks for the ideas.
 
Love the 'poops arsenal'! I did do the 2 tsp. of warm water with the pumpkin this morning and syringed
Beth 73 said:
You are welcome. And yes, I have to syringe it down him. He can be a pick about such things so rather than leave it to him i put it in a syringe, warm it in a mug of warm water then give it:)
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Beth 73 said:
You know ,for my kitties , it seems just as important is giving the pumpkin warmed along with the 2 t of warm water . May just be my guys tho ;) . It's just good to have all this in ur poops arsenal :rolleyes:
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I love the 'poops arsenal'! I did give him the 2 tsp of warm water with the pumpkin (warmed in a mug of warm water) and syringed it on down. He's really mad at me, but he's a bit of a grouch anyway. I'll love on him a lot, and maybe he'll forgive me. :) Now we'll see what happens next. ;)
 
Glennie said:
Love the 'poops arsenal'! I did do the 2 tsp. of warm water with the pumpkin this morning and syringed



I love the 'poops arsenal'! I did give him the 2 tsp of warm water with the pumpkin (warmed in a mug of warm water) and syringed it on down. He's really mad at me, but he's a bit of a grouch anyway. I'll love on him a lot, and maybe he'll forgive me. :) Now we'll see what happens next. ;)
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I could put the pumpkin right into my cats and dogs food with no objections.
 
Bobbie And Bubba said:
I could put the pumpkin right into my cats and dogs food with no objections.
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What sweet, cooperative, amiable fur children you have, Bobbie. We are still on poop patrol here. its been about 24 hours since the little hard poopies of yesterday. He is acting and eating fine but does not know a glycerin suppository awaits him . Told him earlier that is our plan so he has been warned. We got to be pros at enemas and suppositories with our female , Chloe. With Elmo, the few times we have done it all it takes is gently, slowly putting only the tip in and we get movement. To anyone reading this, we did this upon training and advice from vet first. You have to be very careful .
 
Kris & Teasel said:
Ah, the things we learn when we have animals. Example - when you take a horse's rectal temperature you need a long string tied to your thermometer because they can suck it right inside if you're not careful! :facepalm:
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AHHHHaaaaa....that is hilarious and unreal all at once, Kris :joyful::joyful::joyful:. Have you ever read books by James Herriot ?(All Creatures Great and Small, etc). Bet you have, but if you havent I know you'd like them. I dug mine out the other day and putting them in my "to read" stack:):coffee:
 
Glennie said:
Love the 'poops arsenal'! I did do the 2 tsp. of warm water with the pumpkin this morning and syringed



I love the 'poops arsenal'! I did give him the 2 tsp of warm water with the pumpkin (warmed in a mug of warm water) and syringed it on down. He's really mad at me, but he's a bit of a grouch anyway. I'll love on him a lot, and maybe he'll forgive me. :) Now we'll see what happens next. ;)
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Please tell Glennie I am sorry I have armed you with the Arsenal...:)...
 
Beth 73 said:
AHHHHaaaaa....that is hilarious and unreal all at once, Kris :joyful::joyful::joyful:. Have you ever read books by James Herriot ?(All Creatures Great and Small, etc). Bet you have, but if you havent I know you'd like them. I dug mine out the other day and putting them in my "to read" stack:):coffee:
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I adore those stories, Beth! Loved the TV series as well - saw them all. You certainly have to put aside any/all squeamishness and "delicate sensibilities" when dealing with critters - horses more so because you have to learn a fair bit of doctoring. You can't just put them in a crate and drive them to the vet clinic ... :confused:
 
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