Supplements/alternatives

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Vtambo & Rex

Vtambo & Rex

Member Since 2017
has anyone tried any kind of supplements or alternative medicine to either treat or help with insulin treatment? Our vet originally had Rex taking Pancreatrophin and Diaplex (both rom Standard Process), then added in Feline Hepatic Support and Feline Whole Body Support (also Standard Process). I can get it in him by mixing
with food,but to me it just doesn't seem to be doing much, and actually sometimes might even seem like he has more urine and more drinking when he is taking. Anyone else had this experience? Also, has anyone ever tried any other type of treatment, like homeopathic or herbal? Currently Rex is on 1unit of Lantus twice a day, but he just doesn't seem that much better. Still more drinking than I would like to see and more urine than I would like to see as well, also his coat seems to look a bit scruffy. I have tried home testing a few times but it never goes well. I have not done it lately. Kind of feeling stuck and not exactly sure how to proceed.
 
I guess what I am struggling with is when I try the testing I take too long to do the poke. I am trying so hard to get it in just the right place and I get so nervous I am sure Rex can sense it and then he gets freaked out and ultimately ends up running away. The first time I tried I ended poking him three times in one ear before I got enough blood to test, then later in the day did it again and ended up doing the same thing. After that we were both so stressed out and his numbers were going up so of course that got me even more stressed. I ended up calling the vet and they told me not to do it anymore (thats another story), and to bring him in for a fructosamine test instead. I did. It came back at 490 which that vet said was "excellent" however after researching I found out that is FAR from being "excellent". So I have been gun shy ever since. I was also using the clicker which is probably harder to use since you don't really get close enough with your hand to pinpoint exactly where you poke - it's kinda like trying to poke from a distance. I should try just using my hand and the needle. Rex is not and has never been what I would call a "lap cat" so not really an option to put him in my lap for testing. So the positioning is kind of awkward as well.

Maybe I am just finding excuses or am still in denial, but the bottom line is he is never going to get better if I don't get with the program, is he? I need to find some videos to look at. And take the time to watch them.
 
Vtambo & Rex said:
I guess what I am struggling with is when I try the testing I take too long to do the poke. I am trying so hard to get it in just the right place and I get so nervous I am sure Rex can sense it and then he gets freaked out and ultimately ends up running away. The first time I tried I ended poking him three times in one ear before I got enough blood to test, then later in the day did it again and ended up doing the same thing. After that we were both so stressed out and his numbers were going up so of course that got me even more stressed. I ended up calling the vet and they told me not to do it anymore (thats another story), and to bring him in for a fructosamine test instead. I did. It came back at 490 which that vet said was "excellent" however after researching I found out that is FAR from being "excellent". So I have been gun shy ever since. I was also using the clicker which is probably harder to use since you don't really get close enough with your hand to pinpoint exactly where you poke - it's kinda like trying to poke from a distance. I should try just using my hand and the needle. Rex is not and has never been what I would call a "lap cat" so not really an option to put him in my lap for testing. So the positioning is kind of awkward as well.

Maybe I am just finding excuses or am still in denial, but the bottom line is he is never going to get better if I don't get with the program, is he? I need to find some videos to look at. And take the time to watch them.
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We have many tips/tricks to help with testing. It really is the only way you'll know what's going on with your kitty. Once you have a routine in place and are logging data in the spreadsheet we use here, we'll be able to get you on track. This all seems like a monster in our mind before we actually commit to do it and build the skills needed. Kitties sense our anxiety so if you can stay very calm and business-like while poking it'll help a lot. Hard to do at first but becomes easier as you see the benefits.
 
Starting the testing can feel kind of scary but once you get it down, like Kris said and see the benefits, it does get easier. A big help is making sure his ear is warm before you poke. Some people use a little bean bag, empty pill bottle filled with warm water, or gently rub the ear to warm it up. As for him not being a "lap cat", there are some members who are succeeding with semi-feral's :). Desensitization exercises can help too. Most of us don't use the clicking function on the device because it is harder to control and some kitties do not like the noise. Unfortunately, those fructosamine tests are not a good way to know how your cat's diabetes is controlled. Please do not be afraid to ask us for help. Remember, this is a support group for kitty and YOU :bighug: We all started at one point :cat: and dealt with similar emotions and fears.
 
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