Newly Diagnosed and leaving for travel

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Tom B

Tom B

Member Since 2017
Our 10 year old cat, Max, was diagnosed with diabetes yesterday. His level was just over 400. The vet prescribed Lantus 2x per day. I went to pick up the rx and was shocked by the $380 total. The vet says this should last a few months but it's possible that it will only last the 28 days that it was tested for. On top of that during the first few weeks they would like to see him weekly at about $100+ per visit. I've had Max his entire life, he never leaves my side. If having this diagnosis wasn't bad enough, my wife and I are leaving for our honeymoon in 2 weeks, we will be gone for 13 days. I talked to the vet about boarding the cat while we were gone but it will be close to $800.

I haven't purchased any medication yet because I don't know what to do. I am currently trying to buy insulin on craigslist because $350 per vial is out of our budget. I'm also struggling with how to take care of Max while we are away because we can't afford $800 for boarding. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated because I am completely overwhelmed and depressed. We are located in Northwest NJ.

Thank you in advance,
Tom
 
Tom, welcome. More people will pop on soon. For the insulin most get it from Mark's in Canada. The box of 5 pens is the most economical under $200. It will last up to a year if stored properly in the fridge. They will need a script from your vet. It will take awhile to receive it. Call them, customer service is great.

https://rxcanada4less.com

Also check out the section here called Supply Closet. People will sell or give insulin they don't need anymore.

Good luck.
 
Hi Tom, I suppose the good things in life, like a honeymoon, are never free. If Max lives to 15 then $800 for a 13 day board doesn't sound too outrageous at roughly 44 cents/day IF that includes Max's meds and a few curves. I suppose you've already thought about family members or a live-in caregiver but getting someone to be responsible for Max's health is easier said than done. My experience with kennels that board cats includes food, water and cheap litter. Mention injectable anything and they won't have to ask their insurance provider for the answer. A honeymoon and a cat are the same thing, something that means forever. Everyone here will tell you the first month or two is the hardest. I won't give you the "What love means" speech, if you've had Max this long you already know. At least Max will be monitored and fed and there won't be any frantic through-a-red-light trips to the vet. It's not about what comes first, you just have bad luck but you had it at the best time. Other members will chime in on the cost of the vial, I use Caninsulin, about $29/vial Canadian. I wish you and Max the best of luck. Try and think how happy he'll be to see you when you return and how many of those "first month" problems will be worked out.
 
Tom B said:
Our 10 year old cat, Max, was diagnosed with diabetes yesterday. His level was just over 400. The vet prescribed Lantus 2x per day. I went to pick up the rx and was shocked by the $380 total. The vet says this should last a few months but it's possible that it will only last the 28 days that it was tested for. On top of that during the first few weeks they would like to see him weekly at about $100+ per visit. I've had Max his entire life, he never leaves my side. If having this diagnosis wasn't bad enough, my wife and I are leaving for our honeymoon in 2 weeks, we will be gone for 13 days. I talked to the vet about boarding the cat while we were gone but it will be close to $800.

I haven't purchased any medication yet because I don't know what to do. I am currently trying to buy insulin on craigslist because $350 per vial is out of our budget. I'm also struggling with how to take care of Max while we are away because we can't afford $800 for boarding. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated because I am completely overwhelmed and depressed. We are located in Northwest NJ.

Thank you in advance,
Tom
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Tom, so sorry that your Max was diagnosed with diabetes. It's pretty overwhelming and shocking at first. Since your vet suggested Lantus, you might try posting on the Lantus forum. You will get much more feedback. If you start with a question mark, you might get answers sooner.

Our cat was diagnosed in November, and we're using Lantus. It lasts much longer than the 28 days if you keep it refrigerated. And getting it from Mark's Marine Pharmacy in Canada (as mentioned above) is much more doable. I was able to get my first vial of Lantus at Wal-Mart for $288, and the next time I'm ordering from Mark's. If you were in Colorado, I would care for him while you were gone. I'm fairly new at this, but it does get easier. I don't know that I would buy Lantus on Craigslist because you don't know how it's been cared for. If it hasn't been refrigerated or has been frozen, it's not good. I have read some posts of some people doing that, but I wouldn't. Just me though.

The weekly visits are just to do glucose curves, and you can do those at home once you've mastered home testing. If I can do the home testing and the glucose curves at home (with much encouragement and help from people on this forum), anyone can do it. They've been great and have helped me more than I can say.

Also about the boarding, it has been suggested asking at a vet's office if they have a vet tech that also does home pet care. Since they're trained, they could come by and home test Max and give him his insulin. That's usually much cheaper than boarding at the vet's office. Or I wonder if a kindly soul in NJ that also has a diabetic kitty would care for him. Or you could train a friend or family member to care for him while you're gone since you still have two weeks. All of this hasn't cost what I feared at first so hang in there.

Congrats on your wedding and your upcoming honeymoon. Hope you find some answers soon.
 
Tom B said:
Our 10 year old cat, Max, was diagnosed with diabetes yesterday. His level was just over 400. The vet prescribed Lantus 2x per day. I went to pick up the rx and was shocked by the $380 total. The vet says this should last a few months but it's possible that it will only last the 28 days that it was tested for. On top of that during the first few weeks they would like to see him weekly at about $100+ per visit. I've had Max his entire life, he never leaves my side. If having this diagnosis wasn't bad enough, my wife and I are leaving for our honeymoon in 2 weeks, we will be gone for 13 days. I talked to the vet about boarding the cat while we were gone but it will be close to $800.

I haven't purchased any medication yet because I don't know what to do. I am currently trying to buy insulin on craigslist because $350 per vial is out of our budget. I'm also struggling with how to take care of Max while we are away because we can't afford $800 for boarding. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated because I am completely overwhelmed and depressed. We are located in Northwest NJ.

Thank you in advance,
Tom
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Tom, new wife, and Max, hope you're all okay. Please try to repost on the Lantus forum. You will get much more of a response. I know how terrifying this all is at first. It seems like most of us on here have felt that way, and I promise it is doable. There are ways around the expense, and although it still isn't cheap, it is feasible. The people on here are awesome to help so please don't give up on not getting more responses and more help with suggestions.
 
Welcome Tom and Max. I hope you will keep posting as this is the best place you never wanted to be. We are like a family here, and can help you with support and guidance. The diagnosis and all you have to do and get used to in caring for Max can be confusing and feel overwhelming, at first.
I would take a look through The Supply Closet on this forum as there are members often selling inexpensively and sometimes giving away supplies and insulin.
I tried looking for a pet sitter, and finally just took J.D. with me on vacations as he needed me. I'm sure you don't want Max on your honeymoon with you, but I would call around to many different vets (for I would say a good distance radius from where live) asking about their boarding prices. A 24 hour facility would be best. Or maybe you can come up with a responsible and animal loving friend or relative that would be willing to stay at your house and give them access to this board, so we can help them while you are away.
 
Tom,
I just sent you a PM. I can help with a couple of Lantus pens to get you started. I also have almost a full box of syringes and Ketostix and I might even have an extra meter at home that you can have so we can teach you how to test Max at home and save money on vet visits. Hoping to hear from you!

Please come back here and post with any and all questions or concerns. There are loads of people here that are more than willing to help and will guide you every step of the way. Like Dyana said... we're like family here and the folks on this board will bend over backwards to help you.

We all know this diagnosis can be overwhelming at first, but trust me, diabetes is totally manageable and we can show you ways to help Max while making it as economical as possible. Hang in there! It will be OK.
 
Donna and Flame said:
Tom,
I just sent you a PM. I can help with a couple of Lantus pens to get you started. I also have almost a full box of syringes and Ketostix and I might even have an extra meter at home that you can have so we can teach you how to test Max at home and save money on vet visits. Hoping to hear from you!

Please come back here and post with any and all questions or concerns. There are loads of people here that are more than willing to help and will guide you every step of the way. Like Dyana said... we're like family here and the folks on this board will bend over backwards to help you.

We all know this diagnosis can be overwhelming at first, but trust me, diabetes is totally manageable and we can show you ways to help Max while making it as economical as possible. Hang in there! It will be OK.
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Dyana said:
Welcome Tom and Max. I hope you will keep posting as this is the best place you never wanted to be. We are like a family here, and can help you with support and guidance. The diagnosis and all you have to do and get used to in caring for Max can be confusing and feel overwhelming, at first.
I would take a look through The Supply Closet on this forum as there are members often selling inexpensively and sometimes giving away supplies and insulin.
I tried looking for a pet sitter, and finally just took J.D. with me on vacations as he needed me. I'm sure you don't want Max on your honeymoon with you, but I would call around to many different vets (for I would say a good distance radius from where live) asking about their boarding prices. A 24 hour facility would be best. Or maybe you can come up with a responsible and animal loving friend or relative that would be willing to stay at your house and give them access to this board, so we can help them while you are away.
Click to expand...
 
Dyana said:
Welcome Tom and Max. I hope you will keep posting as this is the best place you never wanted to be. We are like a family here, and can help you with support and guidance. The diagnosis and all you have to do and get used to in caring for Max can be confusing and feel overwhelming, at first.
I would take a look through The Supply Closet on this forum as there are members often selling inexpensively and sometimes giving away supplies and insulin.
I tried looking for a pet sitter, and finally just took J.D. with me on vacations as he needed me. I'm sure you don't want Max on your honeymoon with you, but I would call around to many different vets (for I would say a good distance radius from where live) asking about their boarding prices. A 24 hour facility would be best. Or maybe you can come up with a responsible and animal loving friend or relative that would be willing to stay at your house and give them access to this board, so we can help them while you are away.
Click to expand...
 
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I was able to take a ride yesterday and meet Donna, she was an amazing help and because of her I was able to get the supplies and advice that I needed to get Max started on Lantus. I've chosen to use the SLGS method mainly because we will be leaving in 2 weeks. I'll be posting in the Lantus forum with a few questions. Thank you all for the help.
 
Tom B said:
I was able to take a ride yesterday and meet Donna, she was an amazing help and because of her I was able to get the supplies and advice that I needed to get Max started on Lantus. I've chosen to use the SLGS method mainly because we will be leaving in 2 weeks. I'll be posting in the Lantus forum with a few questions. Thank you all for the help.
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That is awesome! @Donna and Flame that was an amazing offer, and so good to let them get all the info and advice in person! :D Tom, if you need any other advice and help this group is here. You have a collective group who has a lot of experience and advice, and we are here to help. CONGRATULATIONS on your wedding! I'm also in north Jersey, but east in Bergen County. :)
 
Hi Tom, did you find someone to pet sit for Max while you are away?
A big thank you to @Donna and Flame for helping you out with supplies.
I am in central New Jersey, on the west side, in Hunterdon County. Where are you?
 
Tom B said:
I was able to take a ride yesterday and meet Donna, she was an amazing help and because of her I was able to get the supplies and advice that I needed to get Max started on Lantus. I've chosen to use the SLGS method mainly because we will be leaving in 2 weeks. I'll be posting in the Lantus forum with a few questions. Thank you all for the help.
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Thanks for the update. So glad you met up with Donna, and that she was able to help you. I'll be looking forward to hearing how Max is doing. Have a wonderful honeymoon!
 
Tom B said:
I was able to take a ride yesterday and meet Donna, she was an amazing help and because of her I was able to get the supplies and advice that I needed to get Max started on Lantus. I've chosen to use the SLGS method mainly because we will be leaving in 2 weeks. I'll be posting in the Lantus forum with a few questions. Thank you all for the help.
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It was great to meet you yesterday! Although I have to admit, it was a little bittersweet to be giving away Flame's supplies, I truly was SO happy to be able to help Max. He sure is a handsome boy and sounds like quite the character!! Thanks for sharing some Max stories with me!! They made me laugh!!

Looking forward to seeing your posts and following Max's progress!! He sure is very well loved!! :D
 
Tom B said:
My brother is going to watch him, I'm a bit nervous about it but it's the best solution. We are in Sussex County in the very small town of Fredon.
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Kitty will surely be happier with family then at the vet! How great of your brother.
 
Leave a print out of the hypo instructions taped to the outside of your counter and an example syringe with some colored water or juice measured to the dose you want him to give to compare the dose of insulin to. Have some urine ketone test strips available for him. Write HC on your stash of high carb food and put them next to the Karo syrup and feeding syringe. I would ask him to post on this forum if he has any questions.

I hope you have a great honeymoon!
 
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