Refused refill

Status
Not open for further replies.
Caitlin M

Caitlin M

Member Since 2017
This is going to be a bit of a rant, so if anyone doesn't want to read, stop now!

My cat Pita was DX in mid February of this year. The vet I went to has been where my grandparents, aunt, uncle's, mother, etc has gone to for years. However, when I went for his appointment I had a (newish) vet that I had never met before. She was not supportive of home testing and I had other issues with her as well (never letting me speak, talking over me...). She had wanted me to bring Pita in for a curve two weeks after he began PZI and I didn't. Pita is a horrible traveler. Vomiting, diahrea, mouth foaming. Case in point- she gave me meds to give him for the day I went in to get the Insulin and practice on him. Knowing how bad he is clearly wasn't a concern for her.
Come to today. I have been home testing since his DX and am happy I've done so. He is almost out of PZI so I called this morning and left a message about a refill. Well, I just got called back saying Pita needed to come in for a curve before she would refill it. As kindly as I could, I told the girl that I know my vet didn't approve of home testing but I am and can give her all my curve #'s and any others. Nope- they won't refill a cat's insulin unless I bring him in. So, I am going to have to order it online though Allivet and now start calling around to find a new vet. I could scream and cry at the same time and of course this morning has already been rough before this.

1. Has anyone ever ordered PZI or another insulin from Allivet?

http://www.allivet.com/mobile/search.aspx?SearchTerm=Insulin

2. What questions do j need to ask when I search for a new vet?

Thank you to all for reading.
 
wow. just wow. That is awful. I stole this from someone else....maybe Kris? Some of them may or may not apply, but it's a great place to start.

QUESTIONS FOR VET:

  1. Do you treat many diabetic cats?
  2. What insulin do you generally prescribe and why?
  3. How do you decide on the starting dose of insulin?
  4. Are you an advocate of home testing of BG?
  5. What food do you recommend for diabetic cats?
  6. Do you require in clinic blood glucose curves to be done?
  7. Are you willing to work with an experienced owner who is very hands on?
Some of these seem trivial but give you a good idea of where the vet is coming from - eg. the question about recommended diet.

be clear with a new vet that:
  • your budget is limited
  • you do home testing and can't afford nor see the need for in clinic curves
  • you feed him low carb wet food and that's what he likes
  • you use a human meter because that's what you can afford and you understand how to interpret its BG ranges
  • you track all your BG in a SS (show a copy)
If you can convey all these things politely but firmly it should set the tone for your relationship with the vet. If he/she balks or gets on his/her high horse about any of them, that's not the vet for you.

I hope you can find a good vet soon, and maybe even one who will just get you the insulin now based on your numbers so you don't have to order it.
 
I have not ordered anything from Allivet but I have heard of other ordering things from that place with no problems. Just not that insulin requires overnight shipping to ensure that it does it remains cold and that typically adds $20 or so to the listed price.
 
Djamila said:
wow. just wow. That is awful. I stole this from someone else....maybe Kris? Some of them may or may not apply, but it's a great place to start.

QUESTIONS FOR VET:

  1. Do you treat many diabetic cats?
  2. What insulin do you generally prescribe and why?
  3. How do you decide on the starting dose of insulin?
  4. Are you an advocate of home testing of BG?
  5. What food do you recommend for diabetic cats?
  6. Do you require in clinic blood glucose curves to be done?
  7. Are you willing to work with an experienced owner who is very hands on?
Some of these seem trivial but give you a good idea of where the vet is coming from - eg. the question about recommended diet.

be clear with a new vet that:
  • your budget is limited
  • you do home testing and can't afford nor see the need for in clinic curves
  • you feed him low carb wet food and that's what he likes
  • you use a human meter because that's what you can afford and you understand how to interpret its BG ranges
  • you track all your BG in a SS (show a copy)
If you can convey all these things politely but firmly it should set the tone for your relationship with the vet. If he/she balks or gets on his/her high horse about any of them, that's not the vet for you.

I hope you can find a good vet soon, and maybe even one who will just get you the insulin now based on your numbers so you don't have to order it.
Click to expand...
I think I might have written this for Sieden. Not sure. Seems a reasonable set of issues to discuss if I do say so myself. ;) I put a link on the ProZinc thread to another list of vet interview questions that was posted on here in the past.
 
Caitlin M said:
Nope- they won't refill a cat's insulin unless I bring him in. So, I am going to have to order it online though Allivet and now start calling around to find a new vet.
Click to expand...
Insulin is a prescription med. I think you will need a RX to order it. Call the company and check. Is the older vet still at the practice? Call and ask for him specifically. Maybe he will write the prescription.

I just looked at the Supply Closet (http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/forums/supply-closet-for-sale-or-free.15/). There is Prozinc and lantus listed, but I didn't see any PZI. But you could keep an eye out for it there.
 
Maggies Mom Debby said:
Insulin is a prescription med. I think you will need a RX to order it. Call the company and check. Is the older vet still at the practice? Call and ask for him specifically. Maybe he will write the prescription.

I just looked at the Supply Closet (http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/forums/supply-closet-for-sale-or-free.15/). There is Prozinc and lantus listed, but I didn't see any PZI. But you could keep an eye out for it there.
Click to expand...
I don't need a prescription for this website which is nice. Sorry, PZI is ProZInc! I honestly don't even want to even call back to ask for the older vet. I'm also assuming he would agree with her otherwise the whole practice might constantly be at odds....
 
Djamila said:
wow. just wow. That is awful. I stole this from someone else....maybe Kris? Some of them may or may not apply, but it's a great place to start.

QUESTIONS FOR VET:

  1. Do you treat many diabetic cats?
  2. What insulin do you generally prescribe and why?
  3. How do you decide on the starting dose of insulin?
  4. Are you an advocate of home testing of BG?
  5. What food do you recommend for diabetic cats?
  6. Do you require in clinic blood glucose curves to be done?
  7. Are you willing to work with an experienced owner who is very hands on?
Some of these seem trivial but give you a good idea of where the vet is coming from - eg. the question about recommended diet.

be clear with a new vet that:
  • your budget is limited
  • you do home testing and can't afford nor see the need for in clinic curves
  • you feed him low carb wet food and that's what he likes
  • you use a human meter because that's what you can afford and you understand how to interpret its BG ranges
  • you track all your BG in a SS (show a copy)
If you can convey all these things politely but firmly it should set the tone for your relationship with the vet. If he/she balks or gets on his/her high horse about any of them, that's not the vet for you.

I hope you can find a good vet soon, and maybe even one who will just get you the insulin now based on your numbers so you don't have to order it.
Click to expand...
I can ask all of this over the phone right? I can't imagine driving to tons of vets...
 
Caitlin M said:
I can ask all of this over the phone right? I can't imagine driving to tons of vets...
Click to expand...

Yes....just call and tell the receptionist that you'd like the vet to call you back when it's convenient (it's usually going to be after office hours) so you can discuss treatment of your diabetic cat

If they don't call you back, that's a good sign you need to keep looking anyway
 
Well, now I don't know what to do. I'll have to call back and basically beg for a prescription/refill from this vet. I'm not bringing him in.
 
Caitlin M said:
I don't need a prescription for this website which is nice. Sorry, PZI is ProZInc! I honestly don't even want to even call back to ask for the older vet. I'm also assuming he would agree with her otherwise the whole practice might constantly be at odds....
Click to expand...

PZI is different than Prozinc. They are NOT the same.
 
Thank you for the like Caitlin and Tracey. Caitlin, it doesn't stop when you get older either. Going back to laundry now. "Don't put the whites in with the coloreds. Thanks laundry lady!"
 
I hate not seeing the same vet every time. I get having staff, and I get needing a sick day, but I hate the rotation thing vet's offices have.
So I would add a question to your list like, "Will I always be able to set an appointment with the same vet?", "How many vet's does your office keep on staff/rotation?"
(If they have a webpage also check to see how long the staff has been at that office. Staff turnover caused tons of issues at an office I went to many years ago... also if the staff keeps turning over it could be a sign they don't like their jobs there, and people that don't like their jobs are not going to be caring for my animals...)
 
Noah & me said:
Thank you for the like Caitlin and Tracey. Caitlin, it doesn't stop when you get older either. Going back to laundry now. "Don't put the whites in with the coloreds. Thanks laundry lady!"
Click to expand...
In hoping that the older I get, I'll at least not feel badly about speaking against someone.
 
AlphaCat said:
I hate not seeing the same vet every time. I get having staff, and I get needing a sick day, but I hate the rotation thing vet's offices have.
So I would add a question to your list like, "Will I always be able to set an appointment with the same vet?", "How many vet's does your office keep on staff/rotation?"
(If they have a webpage also check to see how long the staff has been at that office. Staff turnover caused tons of issues at an office I went to many years ago... also if the staff keeps turning over it could be a sign they don't like their jobs there, and people that don't like their jobs are not going to be caring for my animals...)
Click to expand...
This is a great point and question. Thank you.
 
Update- I did call back and asked to have 'a' vet call me back. So we'll see. I'll start to try calling new places tomorrow. At this point I'm petrified he's going to run out before I find someone. I'm afraid I'll call ten vets and none of them will prescribe without seeing him in person. Yeah. Not sure if his vial has a week or three weeks left.
 
Caitlin M said:
My mistake. I thought the two words were interchangeable. My cat is on ProZinc.
Click to expand...

I thought the same thing also until my vet said otherwise and people hear confirm it. Then I looked both up to see for my own eyes. Over cautious I know. But it is a powerful medication.
 
Caitlin M said:
Update- I did call back and asked to have 'a' vet call me back. So we'll see. I'll start to try calling new places tomorrow. At this point I'm petrified he's going to run out before I find someone. I'm afraid I'll call ten vets and none of them will prescribe without seeing him in person. Yeah. Not sure if his vial has a week or three weeks left.
Click to expand...

Have you checked the for sale board on this site to get you through until you find your new vet?
 
Caitlin M said:
Update- I did call back and asked to have 'a' vet call me back. So we'll see. I'll start to try calling new places tomorrow. At this point I'm petrified he's going to run out before I find someone. I'm afraid I'll call ten vets and none of them will prescribe without seeing him in person. Yeah. Not sure if his vial has a week or three weeks left.
Click to expand...
Sorry, but no reliable vet will give a prescription for insulin to a cat he has never seen.

The Supply Closet is a place for FDMB members to offer supplies they no longer need. I see one member in New England had half a bottle of ProZinc available at the beginning of May. If you are not in the area, maybe you can get her to send it if you pay the shipping. It will at least buy you some time to find a new vet. http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/prozinc-and-needles.177540/
 
Those are all good questions. That's how I found my current vet, and I love him, he's great. He took the time to really talk to me about himself, his clinic and staff, and listened when I told him what I was doing and what I was looking for. We were on the phone for about 45v minutes. Funnily enough, he has never actually treated Squallie for his FD, he knows I know what I'm doing so he leaves me alone to do it, lol. He has a link to my spreadsheet so he can see how Squall is doing, and in case I ever need his help. He sees all my kitties.
 
Squalliesmom said:
He has a link to my spreadsheet so he can see how Squall is doing.
Click to expand...
Why did that thought never even cross my mind? Just because I'm old enough to have seen Neil Armstrong walk on the moon doesn't mean I won't accept technology.
@Squalliesmom You get a prize of some sort and that IS MEANT as a compliment. Why can I download a high-def movie in seconds and then have to drag a giant manila envelope from doctor to doctor with scans, x-rays etc. The real pain comes in breaking in a tech right out of school. Nigel was a sweetheart in every way (Can I have another enema?) but if you touched his claws he would gnaw on your eyeballs. My vet showed me that when a cat's nose turns pink/pinker it means increased blood flow=stress. Then comes mouth breathing and panting and it's time to stop! I pointed this out to an 18 year old tech mangling Nigel's claws, stupid senior citizen! My family doctor gets talked down to by her vet and the vet knows she's a doctor. I'm done now.
 
I just spoke with the vet. She was not happy with me. Told me that they had called several times to try to see how he was/set up his GC (they did/I didn't call back), she reminded me that she told me how big of a financial undertaking it was and she was surprised the bottle was even still good since it's been three months. She said even if I bring him in still she has a feeling that we will continue to have problems since I seem to not want to listen to her but that she can not give more insulin without seeing how he's doing. I asked her if she wanted me to try to go in or if I should just find another vet. Told me that I was more than welcome to bring him in but if I was going to have different opinions that it may be better to try to find a vet who could work with me. I'm in tears. I can't imagine him being in a cage all f***ing day while someone else pokes him. I also feel stupid because I'm sure the vet tech/receptionists know what's going on, so if I do go in, I'll feel like an idiot. I feel like I've been slapped in the face and told that I'm a horrible mother. I understand she isn't comfortable being held accountable if anything were to go wrong and she continued to give me insulin, but she also has no plan to work with me with how I want to proceed. I'll start to call other vets today. At this point I understand that any new vet will want to see him before giving a prescription and that's fine. I just don't want to be treated like a negligent idiot and unfortunately that's exactly how I feel. :( I just don't know. Now I do feel like a horrible person because I need to get him insulin before he runs out. So I'll either have a new vet or have to tuck my tail between my legs and go to her.
 
OK. Attitude adjustment needed. You are NOT a horrible person and you are NOT an stupid idiot! You are having a disagreement about treatment with your vet.

So, you are right. The vet IS worried that you are disregarding her advice and might sue her if things go wrong. She treats one way, you want to handle it another. So her saying that you both will continue to have problems in the future is spot on. That doesn't make her a bad vet, just one who isn't willing to work WITH you. She does seem to be willing to give you insulin on her terms, and as hard as it may be, that may be necessary in the short run. If you do this, do NOT go in with your tail between your legs. Go in with the knowledge that you are doing what you think is right for YOUR cat, because in the end you are the one who is responsible for his day to day treatment. And start looking for a new vet. Oh! Also ask for printouts of any test results if you don't already have them.

BTW, my vet wanted to see Maggie every six months, even though I was home testing. Not to do a curve, but to do blood tests and check her over. Don't be surprised if a new vet also requires regular visits.
 
Please find a new vet! I can understand them wanting to see him, but there's no need for them to do a curve if you already have good home-testing records, and the ability to do a curve at home. Did they even ask to see your spreadsheet?

Your situation sound so incredibly similar to mine, with my former vet, except she and her tech/receptionist chose to publicly humiliate me in an office full of patients and staff. They literally screamed and shouted at me that I was killing my cat because I was home testing him and feeding him Fancy Feast instead of her expensive "prescription" food. I came home in tears and started calling other vets, and I never darkened her doorway again. I found a wonderful vet who is a perfect fit for us - supports home testing and appreciates that I want to be a very "hands-on" participant in the care of ALL my cats. He has never actually treated Squallie for his diabetes, lol. Other things, yes, but never the FD. He has a link to the spreadsheet so he can follow Squall's progress, and I do curves at home. He is also great at advising over the phone when appropriate, another thing to think about asking when you interview new vets, especially if you live far away from them!

Debby said it, spot on - you are not a horrible person or a stupid idiot, and don't let your vet make you feel like you are. I hope you won't have to go back there for your Rx but if you do, keep your head high! And keep looking for a new vet! :bighug:
 
This is all relevant. That's a big word isn't it Caitlin? Goo goo. Like other multi-syllable words; condescending, pompous, obtuse.
A lot of these problems are directly related to our completely rational fear of the legal system and the ethical boundaries imposed on the medical system. When Nigel was dying in front of our eyes our vet had the courage to say "This isn't working. Feed him whatever he wants, whenever he wants". Boink! He got all his weight back, he was happy, textbook curves. Our dog tried to dig a hole behind the furnace to crawl in and die every time she even suspected fireworks or thunder. Too many people have over-medicated their dog for long car rides and the dog died. Our vet had the courage to prescribe Hannah valium because that's what poor Hannah needed. Courage? Yes! If Nigel or Hannah died and we wanted to be miserable we could have sued our vet or at minimum filed a complaint with the board. Before our wonderful vet we had to drag poor 23 year old Leroy to an emergency clinic to put him out of his misery. (Our vet could not squeeze him in on Saturday, COWARD!). I get it, you don't know he's 23 but we did not want to discuss OPTIONS. Look, HE'S ALREADY DEAD, finish it! But Caitlin, you sound smart, you know all the big words and you OBVIOUSLY know what you're doing. You cannot fake that. You joined February 10 and I PM'd you later, "Hurray, you rock my world, and Pita's too". My vet, family doctor, neurologist and neurosurgeon are all women by choice and luck. I must be naïve to be shocked this is coming from a woman doctor. I'd rather be naïve than jaded. Sorry Caitlin, that's all I can offer except to say what you already know; you're not a bad Mommy or a negligent idiot. You started this post with "This is going to be a bit of a rant". I am ranting and raving but we are all on your side. We're good, right?
 
How is insulin shipped long distances? I take a mini-ice chest or a travel mug to the vet on a hot day because "they" say yak-a-tee-yak blah blah. Won't know unless you ask.
 
Caitlin M said:
I just spoke with the vet. She was not happy with me. Told me that they had called several times to try to see how he was/set up his GC (they did/I didn't call back), she reminded me that she told me how big of a financial undertaking it was and she was surprised the bottle was even still good since it's been three months. She said even if I bring him in still she has a feeling that we will continue to have problems since I seem to not want to listen to her but that she can not give more insulin without seeing how he's doing. I asked her if she wanted me to try to go in or if I should just find another vet. Told me that I was more than welcome to bring him in but if I was going to have different opinions that it may be better to try to find a vet who could work with me. I'm in tears. I can't imagine him being in a cage all f***ing day while someone else pokes him. I also feel stupid because I'm sure the vet tech/receptionists know what's going on, so if I do go in, I'll feel like an idiot. I feel like I've been slapped in the face and told that I'm a horrible mother. I understand she isn't comfortable being held accountable if anything were to go wrong and she continued to give me insulin, but she also has no plan to work with me with how I want to proceed. I'll start to call other vets today. At this point I understand that any new vet will want to see him before giving a prescription and that's fine. I just don't want to be treated like a negligent idiot and unfortunately that's exactly how I feel. :( I just don't know. Now I do feel like a horrible person because I need to get him insulin before he runs out. So I'll either have a new vet or have to tuck my tail between my legs and go to her.
Click to expand...
:bighug::bighug::bighug: You are NOT a terrible mother, Caitlin! I do not like her attitude but you also know I am biased when it comes to Vets, hence why Maury doesn't have one for his FD. Luckily, the one that diagnosed him didn't give me an issue when I said I needed more insulin. Hopefully, they'll be that way if I decide to switch too but anyways! You definitely don't want a Vet that is going to assume you two aren't going to agree on anything for his treatment and is obviously stuck in "its her way or no way" mentality. There is no logic in that Vet thinking you are a negligent idiot. They should look up the word negligent. You are the opposite and taking very good of Pita! How much longer will your current vial last?
 
Yes to what everyone else has already said. You are doing a great job with Pita, and you need a new vet. It shouldn't be a problem to get into a vet, show the spreadsheet, have them run a glucosamine if it makes them feel better, and then walk out with a new bottle of insulin. Just make a few calls until you find someone who supports home testing, and move forward. There are way too many great vets out there to waste time with someone who makes you feel like this.
 
Oh this just makes me furious! Caitlin, take it from us, who KNOW you...you're a WONDERFUL cat mom! The vet sounds like kind of a horrible human being. You're clearly doing everything needed to take wonderful care of Pita and the damn vet doesn't care! Ohhhh...makes me want to slap the vet!

Okay, on to further business. Definitely time for a new vet. I think, yes, the new vet will want to see Pita but may be willing to prescribe insulin with just a test in house not a curve. My old vet took one look at my SS, cheered for me, told me I was doing exactly what she would do, and I never went back until Gypsy was so sick at the end. I called and ordered new insulin and they just said "it'll be in tomorrow!" and I went and got it. So, those vets DO exist. Please please let us know when you find a new vet and until then know that your FDMB family knows you and knows you are amazing. :bighug:
 
Noah & me said:
That's a big word isn't it Caitlin? Goo goo. / I must be naïve to be shocked this is coming from a woman doctor. I'd rather be naïve than jaded.
Click to expand...
I thought I would wait a few hours and calm down before attempting this. Once a week I'll blurt something out like the above which is not meant to be clever or an inside joke. Caitlin's doctor is treating her like a child = goo goo. Most, not all of the male doctors I've seen in the last 10 adventure filled years of my life were pompous and wrong, two male vets murdered two of our cats, language I will not regret tomorrow. Every woman doctor I see is great. There's a Harvard School of Medicine study that backs this up. I guess I'm saying I'm not a wienie pretending to be Mr. Sensitive, I'm too old and I've seen that movie before. My frustration with everything gets the best of/brings out the worst in me. And more family tragedy today, I should know better. This is Caitlin's thread, not my sandbox.
 
@Maggies Mom Debby @Squalliesmom @Noah & me @Lisa and Witn (GA) @Yong @Djamila @Kris & Teasel @Rachel

I believe that is everyone who responded to yesterday's debacle! Sorry if I left anyone out. First and foremost- THANK YOU <3
I called three different vets around my area yesterday and either left the reason I was calling with the receptionist or directly on a voicemail. I received two call backs. One left me a voicemail and gave me some basic answers to the questions I had asked- Yes, she supports home testing. No, they do not require in-clinic curves as studies have shown the numbers are skewed. Yes, she and other vets have diabetic experience and she herself had a diabetic cat. I was ecstatic! My first call back and already a vet who lines up with what I want! I was hoping to hear from another vet whose receptionist was SO kind and helpful over the phone, as I tend to gravitate towards people who make me feel comfortable, so I waited to hear back to give myself another option before going with the first place.
At 6:15pm on a Friday night, I got a call. The vet told me she was sorry it was late but she wanted to call before she left. They were already closed but the girl who gave her my notes asked to call me because I sounded so upset and she hoped the vet could help. I was impressed and told her so. I gave her my spiel of what happened earlier as well as what I was looking for. She was very supportive and let me know that it sounded like the vet was very stuck in her ways and no one should make me feel that way about my pet. So far so good... She was very up front and we went back and forth about the possible reasoning behind my vet's attitude, without making me feel horrible- more of a devil's advocate, try to see all the sides of it. She said yes, she 100% supports home testing and thinks it's the best way to go. She was unfamiliar with a human meter as she said she was obviously trained to use a pet one. She said so long as I could show her a conversion of what the numbers meant, she'd be willing to give that a try (is there an actual conversion I can print of x# on a human equals roughly x# on a pet?). I also suggested that I don't mind buying an AlphaTrak and just using it for curves (I know many people here do that). She said we could definitely find a happy medium for us both. In-clinic curves were also unnecessary for her as she agreed that numbers would be inconsistent due to all the activity that he'd be surrounded by. She did say she may want to do an initial curve just to compare our numbers against each other, even though there'd be some variance. I am totally fine with one, especially if I'm being respected. She'd like to meet him once to do a check in before prescribing, which I would also like (he needs some shots and stuff anyway) and suggested even wanting to see how I test him and how my process goes. She is also the main full-time vet at the practice so as long as I can make an appointment, there shouldn't be an issue not seeing her. Overall, we spent 30 minutes speaking-on a Friday night, past when she was 'done' working. I'm so impressed.
I was going to give the other vet a call back and get more details, but after discussing with a friend, decided nope, I'm going to make an appointment with the second one! I will be calling today to set up the initial meet, where she said she will absolutely send me home with a new vial and then we can discuss the one possible curve with her. Phew! I think/hope/anti jinx that I found the new vet! (I also think it's great that both vets who called back were advocates of home testing-very interesting). Again, thank you to everyone who listened to my rant(s) and gave me support and advice. It was more helpful than you'll ever know and I of course, will keep you updated :):bighug:
 
Caitlin M said:
@Maggies Mom Debby @Squalliesmom @Noah & me @Lisa and Witn (GA) @Yong @Djamila @Kris & Teasel @Rachel

I believe that is everyone who responded to yesterday's debacle! Sorry if I left anyone out. First and foremost- THANK YOU <3
I called three different vets around my area yesterday and either left the reason I was calling with the receptionist or directly on a voicemail. I received two call backs. One left me a voicemail and gave me some basic answers to the questions I had asked- Yes, she supports home testing. No, they do not require in-clinic curves as studies have shown the numbers are skewed. Yes, she and other vets have diabetic experience and she herself had a diabetic cat. I was ecstatic! My first call back and already a vet who lines up with what I want! I was hoping to hear from another vet whose receptionist was SO kind and helpful over the phone, as I tend to gravitate towards people who make me feel comfortable, so I waited to hear back to give myself another option before going with the first place.
At 6:15pm on a Friday night, I got a call. The vet told me she was sorry it was late but she wanted to call before she left. They were already closed but the girl who gave her my notes asked to call me because I sounded so upset and she hoped the vet could help. I was impressed and told her so. I gave her my spiel of what happened earlier as well as what I was looking for. She was very supportive and let me know that it sounded like the vet was very stuck in her ways and no one should make me feel that way about my pet. So far so good... She was very up front and we went back and forth about the possible reasoning behind my vet's attitude, without making me feel horrible- more of a devil's advocate, try to see all the sides of it. She said yes, she 100% supports home testing and thinks it's the best way to go. She was unfamiliar with a human meter as she said she was obviously trained to use a pet one. She said so long as I could show her a conversion of what the numbers meant, she'd be willing to give that a try (is there an actual conversion I can print of x# on a human equals roughly x# on a pet?). I also suggested that I don't mind buying an AlphaTrak and just using it for curves (I know many people here do that). She said we could definitely find a happy medium for us both. In-clinic curves were also unnecessary for her as she agreed that numbers would be inconsistent due to all the activity that he'd be surrounded by. She did say she may want to do an initial curve just to compare our numbers against each other, even though there'd be some variance. I am totally fine with one, especially if I'm being respected. She'd like to meet him once to do a check in before prescribing, which I would also like (he needs some shots and stuff anyway) and suggested even wanting to see how I test him and how my process goes. She is also the main full-time vet at the practice so as long as I can make an appointment, there shouldn't be an issue not seeing her. Overall, we spent 30 minutes speaking-on a Friday night, past when she was 'done' working. I'm so impressed.
I was going to give the other vet a call back and get more details, but after discussing with a friend, decided nope, I'm going to make an appointment with the second one! I will be calling today to set up the initial meet, where she said she will absolutely send me home with a new vial and then we can discuss the one possible curve with her. Phew! I think/hope/anti jinx that I found the new vet! (I also think it's great that both vets who called back were advocates of home testing-very interesting). Again, thank you to everyone who listened to my rant(s) and gave me support and advice. It was more helpful than you'll ever know and I of course, will keep you updated :):bighug:
Click to expand...
I'm relieved you found some good options for her care! Best of luck! Listen to your gut feeling about which to choose.
 
Great news! My vet told me at Teasel's diagnosis that I'd be testing/curving at home - no need to take him to the clinic. All I ever had to do was call in to get more insulin. She said she prefers to work collaboratively with clients. Once I decided to do things the FDMB way I told her and she was on board. I know I'm lucky but my vet also trusts my judgment and ability to make decisions.
 
So happy to hear your endeavors paid off, Caitlin! :bighug: I like the document Lucy gave you above, maybe even just to show the Vet since there aren't direct conversions. If you decide to buy an AT2 meter for curves, you can get an idea of your meter's variances :). The only generalization is the two meters differ more at higher numbers and less at lower numbers.

My final suggestion, and you might do it on your own anyways ;), is call the first interviewed Vet to thank them kindly but you will be going to another. At least these Vet's seem to be open to learning more!
 
Yong said:
My final suggestion, and you might do it on your own anyways ;), is call the first interviewed Vet to thank them kindly but you will be going to another.
Click to expand...
Great advice, don't burn your bridges. Here in Tiny Town the vets all know each other and some think it's a contest and/or take things personally. One would not forward my files to my new vet, something you are legally obliged to do, quickly!
 
Noah & me said:
One would not forward my files to my new vet, something you are legally obliged to do, quickly!
Click to expand...
I've had this happen to me too.
The next week I showed up and asked for all my animals complete records. The receptionist said, "I can't do that right now, I have to take care of patient stuff." I said, "That's okay, I'll wait."
Then she tried to hand me this one page synopsis of everything.
I said, I have a bunch of animals, I need copies of their records, then rather loudly, "I need them for their new vet's office." Suddenly, my records became a priority.
I hate bringing out my evil side, but then - don't make me...
It takes a lot for me to burn a bridge, but when I get there, I'll sit and watch it all burn.
 
AlphaCat said:
The receptionist said, "I can't do that right now, I have to take care of patient stuff." I said, "That's okay, I'll wait."
Click to expand...
Sad and true. Sorry, didn't see your diploma, my bad! I'm surprised the local hospital has not sent me a cease and desist. Stupid facial recognition software!
 
I have been following your thread and I am so happy you found someone! Now you can concentrate on getting Pita feeling better than dealing with that nonsense.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top