Finally Starting Insulin

[Cherish4]

Hey everyone,

So after an unfortunate delay of a couple of weeks, I finally took Little B up to the vets today to get his insulin. Vet was really pleased with how he's doing (even without the insulin) and she was impressed that I was so prepared and knew as much as I did (thanks to this place!).

Anyway, first we discussed the various insulin options available but she still decided in the end to start him on Caninsulin. I have agreed for now, so we'll see how he goes. She wants him on 2 units twice a day. I did mention that I'd read it's better to start on 1 unit but in the end I agreed to 2 to begin with. I'm wondering if that's the right call now though? I obviously want to maintain a good relationship with my vet but I want to make sure it's what is best for him as well. Do you think 2 units twice a day will be alright?

Secondly, she did a glucose test while we there and compared my human meter with their pet one. She was thrilled to see that they were nearly identical. Theirs was 24.3 and mine was 24.2 so the difference was tiny (he seems to be hovering around the low to mid 20s at the moment). She wants to do a couple more comparisons between them next time he's there but she was really happy with it. Says it will make the readings I'll send them much easier to interpret.

He has to go back in two weeks to have a blood curve. I said I didn't think it was really necessary and it could stress him out but she insisted, especially as the local RSPCA will be covering it. So again I eventually agreed but implied that it'll only be the once.

Finally, I had a practice injecting him with some saline solution. She shaved a bit of his fur off so that it will be easier for me at the beginning. First attempt was unsuccessful as I worried I was hurting him but I did better on the second and third goes and the vet was pleased so... It feels very unnatural to push a needle into him though and it is going to take some getting used to.

Home testing is still proving a challenge by the way but now he's starting insulin I am going to try really hard to at least get the pre shot tests in and hopefully work our way up to a few more eventually.

I'm actually due to give him his first proper insulin shot in a little while (think I'm going to aim for 6am/6pm every day) but he's been through quite a bit at the vets already this afternoon so I wondered whether to wait until tomorrow morning to start? Or is it better to just get on with it?

 

[Kitty Anderson]

I can't access your SS. See screenshot.

Can you check BG every hour? Or is that to much for your sugarcat? Every other hour?
My Kraken has sleeps through some of hers so fairly easy.

After my experience with that starting dose I would reccomend close BG monitoring to see how little B responds. My vet told me not to check BG.. Big mistake for my Kraken. But Kraken was also only 2.1 kg when starting so according to canininsulin website that was double her reccomended starting dose by weight.

Do you have a hypo kit? Not saying B will hypo but its good to have it ready.

 

[Kitty Anderson]

Sorry, missed a line on home testing....

Try to get at least a PS and a plus 4 to see how he's dropping..

Im new to this as well so I can't advise on much, other than home testing saved my cat and it gets easier and easier. Mine would struggle and squirm at first but now if she's asleep at test time she just opens an eye when I stroke her head and show her the meter and lancet, goes back to sleep and opens an eye again at the prick and then back to sleep.

 

[Diana&Tom]

I'd just get on with it tonight. It will give you a boost to know you've successfully given a shot, otherwise you'll be worrying overnight about having to give the first one in the morning. Try to be practical and matter of fact about it, it will help both of you.

As for dose, I'd only give 1u. You have no idea yet how any dose is going to work, and it's always best to start slow. You can work your way up if necessary but it's much harder to work your way down. Start at the beginning, which is 1u. It's up to you of course - go with the vet if you feel you want to, but it would be better to say you were nervous of giving a 2u starting shot than worrying now about whether 2u is too much, especially on a PM dose.

As to your question will 2u be ok - we don't know. If you can do a test at +2 and +4 and even +6, we might have a better idea. A curve after the first dose might be asking too much though, so I go back to my suggestion of starting at 1u - and give it now. Numbers in the 20s are too high for long-term health so the sooner you give insulin at a safe dose - the better.

 

[Cherish4]

I can't access your SS. See screenshot.

I wonder what I've done wrong then? Thought I followed the instructions right?

Can you try accessing it again now and let me know if you can see it?

Can you check BG every hour? Or is that to much for your sugarcat? Every other hour?

Unfortunately not. He really hates the process. I maybe able to get a test in before bed but that's it.

After my experience with that starting dose I would reccomend close BG monitoring to see how little B responds. My vet told me not to check BG.. Big mistake for my Kraken. But Kraken was also only 2.1 kg when starting so according to canininsulin website that was double her reccomended starting dose by weight.

Little B is 6.1 kg so he's triple your cat! I think I might start at 1 unit to begin with, just to be safe.

Do you have a hypo kit? Not saying B will hypo but its good to have it ready.

I do yes.

 

[Cherish4]

Sorry, missed a line on home testing....

Try to get at least a PS and a plus 4 to see how he's dropping..

I will try but he's been through a lot today already.

 

[Cherish4]

I'd just get on with it tonight. It will give you a boost to know you've successfully given a shot, otherwise you'll be worrying overnight about having to give the first one in the morning. Try to be practical and matter of fact about it, it will help both of you.

Okay thanks.

As for dose, I'd only give 1u. You have no idea yet how any dose is going to work, and it's always best to start slow. You can work your way up if necessary but it's much harder to work your way down. Start at the beginning, which is 1u. It's up to you of course - go with the vet if you feel you want to, but it would be better to say you were nervous of giving a 2u starting shot than worrying now about whether 2u is too much, especially on a PM dose.

How long should I stick with 1u for then and should I phone the vets and tell them I'd be more comfortable with that or just wait until I take him back in two weeks?

Also, who can I speak to regarding the spreadsheet? I thought I had set it up properly but it doesn't seem to be accessible to people and I don't know what I've done wrong.

 

[Kitty Anderson]

Okay thanks.



How long should I stick with 1u for then and should I phone the vets and tell them I'd be more comfortable with that or just wait until I take him back in two weeks?

Also, who can I speak to regarding the spreadsheet? I thought I had set it up properly but it doesn't seem to be accessible to people and I don't know what I've done wrong.

If the spreadsheet is working for you then you probably did. You might have done the publish to Web part wrong. Try doing the publish to Web part again following the instructions very closely. Make sure when cp into the link box for signatures that every letter in the url is copied.

 

[Diana&Tom]

I would give 1u tonight and over the weekend at least, and see what that does to the bg. It may well be a bit too low a dose but I think you've read enough here to know that it's better to be safe than sorry. The key is testing - if by early next week, he's still in the 20s at PS, you could look at increasing by 0.25u for another two or three days... and work your way up that way as necessary. When it comes to dosing though, you may be better off posting on the Caninsulin/Vetsulin forum.

It's up to you whether you want to keep the vet informed about your decisions but I see no need to tell them now, if ever, if you decide to start at 1u. It may be by this time next week that you'd be looking at 1.5u or so, in which case you still have a week to play with as far as vet feedback is concerned. Most of us here have learned to listen to the vet, listen to people here, and make our own decisions based on gut instinct.

 

[Kitty Anderson]

I will try but he's been through a lot today already.

Poor baby. My old vet told me to reuse lancets. Not good. With a new lancet it's much easier. Getting the vein hurts so study the sweet spot. I use a led torch to see the veins better. And a small no carb treat after makes them with time connect BG with treat time.

Princess Kraken was difficult at first but now tests like a champ. B will get there.

 

[Cherish4]

If the spreadsheet is working for you then you probably did. You might have done the publish to Web part wrong. Try doing the publish to Web part again following the instructions very closely. Make sure when cp into the link box for signatures that every letter in the url is copied.

I will try that thanks.

 

[Cherish4]

Poor baby. My old vet told me to reuse lancets. Not good. With a new lancet it's much easier. Getting the vein hurts so study the sweet spot. I use a led torch to see the veins better. And a small no carb treat after makes them with time connect BG with treat time.

Princess Kraken was difficult at first but now tests like a champ. B will get there.

Fingers crossed he will get used to it eventually. I am trying the treat thing but he's still not happy poor thing.

 

[Cherish4]

I would give 1u tonight and over the weekend at least, and see what that does to the bg. It may well be a bit too low a dose but I think you've read enough here to know that it's better to be safe than sorry.

I have. I wish I'd brought it up whilst there but I was a little overwhelmed with everything.

The key is testing - if by early next week, he's still in the 20s at PS, you could look at increasing by 0.25u for another two or three days... and work your way up that way as necessary.

Problem is they didn't have any syringes with half unit markings so they had to give me ordinary ones.

When it comes to dosing though, you may be better off posting on the Caninsulin/Vetsulin forum.

Okay, will do.

It's up to you whether you want to keep the vet informed about your decisions but I see no need to tell them now, if ever, if you decide to start at 1u. It may be by this time next week that you'd be looking at 1.5u or so, in which case you still have a week to play with as far as vet feedback is concerned. Most of us here have learned to listen to the vet, listen to people here, and make our own decisions based on gut instinct.

Okay. I'll take all that under advisement and then make a decision. Thanks as ever for your advice and help.

 

[Diana&Tom]

I think you'll be fine with all this Lauren, I can see a positive change in your self-belief... just don't start doubting yourself. This is a journey, it's true, and you may find you'll be posting here for a good while yet whilst you get to grips properly with testing and shooting, but as time goes on it really does become routine and the fear gets less. I'd say the important thing is to look at how you stay in a positive frame of mind and stay on track... we've mentioned chocolate and/or wine, then there are good friends who will listen, a good book or film... you have to keep some perspective. Remember the Community page here also if you feel the need to post about pretty much anything other than actual feline diabetes...

 

[Erin & Scott]

I don't know if you changed anything, but I can see your spreadsheet.

Wow, you've already come a long way since you started this journey! It sounds like you've gained a lot of confidence and are ready to do what it takes for Little B! I hope that the first shot goes well and you can put that hurdle behind you - best of luck, and I'll be eager to hear how it goes.

 

[Kitty Anderson]

I will try that thanks.

I can see it.

Here's why I am a hard core advocate for home testing..

This is my babies old chart.. Vet discouraged home testing.. Said we didn't need a glucose meter or to home test other than the first day's to calculate her dose.
That it was enough to drop by once a week for a BG test. Later once a month would be fine.

We got one anyway. Told us doing one reading before a shot every so often was more than enough. That resuing lancets was fine. That using one syringe a day for 2 shots was fine.. We never reused syringes.. (GROSS). Started her at double the recommended starting dose, lowered her down to 0.1 units above her current dose. Then raised her about a unit a week before keeping her on 1.4.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1DVKAvWu5GAIxKHQJ_mJ7HJI-jHa5d8lg

This is her old chart. No curve in black and reds most of the time. Getting sicker and sicker.

I did curve, cut her dose by like 70% then a 0.1 more.. Went back on kidney meds. Ones known to cause hypoglycaemia.. When I learnt that called them and they said that was bullshit I changed vets immediately. While she was going into hypo ... Saw the vet 3 hours later. She's great.

In my signature is her new chart.. Still stabilising... But one day of red that could be a bounce or a slight chance it was a fur shot.

 

[Cherish4]

I don't know if you changed anything, but I can see your spreadsheet.

I created a new one with a different e-mail address and that seems to have fixed the problem.

Wow, you've already come a long way since you started this journey! It sounds like you've gained a lot of confidence and are ready to do what it takes for Little B! I hope that the first shot goes well and you can put that hurdle behind you - best of luck, and I'll be eager to hear how it goes.

So I managed to give him his first shot this morning. Took a couple of goes to hold his skin right but got there in the end and gave him a few treats afterwards. I went with 1u as recommended on here, especially as his BG was 18 mmol this morning (the lowest I've seen it). I have entered it on the spreadsheet and am now monitoring him closely. I don't know if I'll get another test in though before tonight as the one this morning was awful and upset him a great deal. He was squirming so badly that I ended up accidently catching his ear in a way that hurt him and he was making growly noises too. Poor boy is very wary of me again now.

By the way, the vet said that I could use the same syringe for his morning and night shot and then change it the following day. Was she correct or not?

 

[Cherish4]

I can see it.

Great, thanks for letting me know. Have entered his first reading this morning.

Here's why I am a hard core advocate for home testing..

This is my babies old chart.. Vet discouraged home testing.. Said we didn't need a glucose meter or to home test other than the first day's to calculate her dose.
That it was enough to drop by once a week for a BG test. Later once a month would be fine.

We got one anyway. Told us doing one reading before a shot every so often was more than enough. That resuing lancets was fine. That using one syringe a day for 2 shots was fine.. We never reused syringes.. (GROSS). Started her at double the recommended starting dose, lowered her down to 0.1 units above her current dose. Then raised her about a unit a week before keeping her on 1.4.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1DVKAvWu5GAIxKHQJ_mJ7HJI-jHa5d8lg

This is her old chart. No curve in black and reds most of the time. Getting sicker and sicker.

I did curve, cut her dose by like 70% then a 0.1 more.. Went back on kidney meds. Ones known to cause hypoglycaemia.. When I learnt that called them and they said that was bullshit I changed vets immediately. While she was going into hypo ... Saw the vet 3 hours later. She's great.

In my signature is her new chart.. Still stabilising... But one day of red that could be a bounce or a slight chance it was a fur shot.

What an upsetting experience for you both but I'm glad things are on track with her now. It is hard trying to figure out how much you can trust what your vet is saying. Mine told me I could reuse the same syringe in a day and they've only given me enough for that up until when he has to go back so I'm not sure what to do. I've also ignored their recommendation of 2u a day and gone with the 1u as suggested on here. Now monitoring him to see how he reacts. Slightly terrfied at the moment if I'm honest.

Regarding home testing..I do believe in it and I can see it's importance but it is difficult if you have a cat like mine who gets very upset wtih being messed with. He behaves quietly and fine at the vets but with me not so much. I did manage to get a pre shot test done this morning but it went badly, he got very stressed and I got really upset. I don't think it's ever going to be easy with him but we'll see.

 

[Cherish4]

So I managed to give him his first shot this morning. Took a couple of goes to hold his skin right but got there in the end and gave him a few treats afterwards. I went with 1u as recommended on here, especially as his BG was 18 mmol this morning (the lowest I've seen it). I have entered it on the spreadsheet and am now monitoring him closely. I don't know if I'll get another test in though before tonight as the one this morning was awful and upset him a great deal. He was squirming so badly that I ended up accidently catching his ear in a way that hurt him and he was making growly noises too. Poor boy is very wary of me again now.

By the way, the vet said that I could use the same syringe for his morning and night shot and then change it the following day. Was she correct or not?

 

[Diana&Tom]

No, don't use a syringe more than once! As well as the hygiene issue, there are some magnified/close-up photos somewhere on here that show how much the needle is blunted after a single use - a second use wouldn't be too comfortable for a cat, let alone one who hasn't got used to injections yet anyway.
I'd be a tad wary of what your vet is telling you. I'm sure they all mean well but I suspect that sometimes they're just guessing...

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

By the way, the vet said that I could use the same syringe for his morning and night shot and then change it the following day. Was she correct or not?

My vet said the same. But after reading online about this I soon decided against it. Blunting of the needle is one issue. But there is also the matter of contaminating the insulin: It just doesn't make sense to me to insert a syringe into the insulin vial after it's been stuck in the cat's body...

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

So I managed to give him his first shot this morning. Took a couple of goes to hold his skin right but got there in the end and gave him a few treats afterwards. I went with 1u as recommended on here, especially as his BG was 18 mmol this morning (the lowest I've seen it). I have entered it on the spreadsheet and am now monitoring him closely.

Well done, you! And that 18 isn't bad at all for a newly diagnosed kitty...

 

[Cherish4]

No, don't use a syringe more than once! As well as the hygiene issue, there are some magnified/close-up photos somewhere on here that show how much the needle is blunted after a single use - a second use wouldn't be too comfortable for a cat, let alone one who hasn't got used to injections yet anyway.
I'd be a tad wary of what your vet is telling you. I'm sure they all mean well but I suspect that sometimes they're just guessing...

See that's what I thought but when I brought up the hygiene issue she assured me that it would be fine. And that's the problem isn't it? These people are supposed to be the trained professionals, people you can trust and yet you end up second guessing everything they tell you.

I'm going to have to look for somewhere to get more syringes then as she only gave me enough for one a day. Any ideas where I can buy U40 syringes that aren't expensive? Also, do I need a prescription for them?

 

[Cherish4]

My vet said the same. But after reading online about this I soon decided against it. Blunting of the needle is one issue. But there is also the matter of contaminating the insulin: It just doesn't make sense to me to insert a syringe into the insulin vial after it's been stuck in the cat's body...

This was my thinking as well. Problem is she only gave me enough for one a day. Any ideas where I can buy U40 syringes that aren't expensive? Do I need a prescription for the syringes?

 

[Cherish4]

Well done, you! And that 18 isn't bad at all for a newly diagnosed kitty...

Thank you.

It's the lowest I've seen his reading so far and that was taken 2 hours after he'd last had any food. I suspect that many of his 20+ readings have been down to food and stress and he's probably closer to the 18 normally. But that's just a guess.

Those treats you sent me are really coming in handy so thank you again.

 

[Kitty Anderson]

My vet said the same. But after reading online about this I soon decided against it. Blunting of the needle is one issue. But there is also the matter of contaminating the insulin: It just doesn't make sense to me to insert a syringe into the insulin vial after it's been stuck in the cat's body...

I need injections. Have been on them for years. Would never reuse a needle.
So why would I with my baby ..

 

[Kitty Anderson]

Great, thanks for letting me know. Have entered his first reading this morning.



What an upsetting experience for you both but I'm glad things are on track with her now. It is hard trying to figure out how much you can trust what your vet is saying. Mine told me I could reuse the same syringe in a day and they've only given me enough for that up until when he has to go back so I'm not sure what to do. I've also ignored their recommendation of 2u a day and gone with the 1u as suggested on here. Now monitoring him to see how he reacts. Slightly terrfied at the moment if I'm honest.

Regarding home testing..I do believe in it and I can see it's importance but it is difficult if you have a cat like mine who gets very upset wtih being messed with. He behaves quietly and fine at the vets but with me not so much. I did manage to get a pre shot test done this morning but it went badly, he got very stressed and I got really upset. I don't think it's ever going to be easy with him but we'll see.

Mine tried to take out my carotid artery once. If he gets to pissed off take a break. While he is getting used to all this you aren't going to be able to get as many. Just keep trying and it will get easier. Don't beat yourself up if you only get a few. Every successful reading is a victory at this point. And remember to breathe, I opened a nice bottle of malbec to give myself a little reward in the evenings.. Last week was almost a glass a day week. Not reccomending that long term, but hey.. Wine's good for the heart.

 

[Kitty Anderson]

This was my thinking as well. Problem is she only gave me enough for one a day. Any ideas where I can buy U40 syringes that aren't expensive? Do I need a prescription for the syringes?

We can't get U40s here and I use U100s.
If you go in my spreadsheet there's a conversion chart. I got it from here somewhere and added to it. I need to find it again and link it in mine.

 

[Cherish4]

Mine tried to take out my carotid artery once. If he gets to pissed off take a break. While he is getting used to all this you aren't going to be able to get as many. Just keep trying and it will get easier. Don't beat yourself up if you only get a few. Every successful reading is a victory at this point.

Thanks. My aim at the moment is just the pre shot tests and if I can, one before bed just to make sure he's safe to leave overnight. Hopefully we'll work up to more eventually.

And remember to breathe, I opened a nice bottle of malbec to give myself a little reward in the evenings.. Last week was almost a glass a day week. Not reccomending that long term, but hey.. Wine's good for the heart.

I've got some Pimm's and Season 2 of Queer Eye on Netflix lined up for later!

 

[Cherish4]

We can't get U40s here and I use U100s.
If you go in my spreadsheet there's a conversion chart. I got it from here somewhere and added to it. I need to find it again and link it in mine.

I'll take a look thanks.

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

Any ideas where I can buy U40 syringes that aren't expensive? Also, do I need a prescription for them?

No prescription needed, Lauren. There's info on buying U40 syringes in the second link in my signature. Scroll down to 'Veterinary Insulins', and the information on buying syringes is in the paragraph below that one, I think...

 

[Erin & Scott]

When our vet got us started, she warned us to NEVER use a syringe more than once. She had a client who did this, and his pet got tetanus - not once, but twice. After the first round of tetanus, he reused a needle again, and his pet got tetanus again. So please, no - never reuse a syringe!

 

[Kitty Anderson]

Hey @Cherish4

Maybe this can be helpful.. It in no way replaces the need for glucose testing, but it can help you track how B is feeling, give you an overview of how he's doing day from day.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1r6ktdF7AMJCYHgPkVQWFUFy5Ag6OnbmfNfQqL3zX_88/mobilebasic

I found it on here in user BJM signature.

There's a chart in the link on the doc. I added that to my SS to have it all as one sheet.

Also you can get the urine test strips and register those under labs. The ones I use test for 10 things, ketones, protein, glucose, pH and RBC are the ones I try to catch each time. If I manage to catch more I chart it but those are the ones I focus more on. I stick a spoon under Princess Krakens butt while she is peeing and then pour it over the strip.

While B is getting more used to BG tests then these are tools to chart what information you can and aren't invasive at all (unless B is pee shy or stresses if your near the box while he's going) and can help you over time notice trends. You can also verify if glucose is being peed and hopefully catch ketones if they start.

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

I'll take a look thanks.

Lauren, just thought... My new foster kitty arrived with some U40 syringes (40 or 50, I think).... I don't need them because I'm using Bertie's old U100 insulin. If you want the U40's I'll pop them in the post to you.

As @KittyAnderson says though, it is also possible to use u100's with U40 insulin and a conversion chart. This is especially helpful if it turns out that a cat needs small doses.

Eliz

 

[Cherish4]

No prescription needed, Lauren. There's info on buying U40 syringes in the second link in my signature. Scroll down to 'Veterinary Insulins', and the information on buying syringes is in the paragraph below that one, I think...

Okay thanks.

 

[Cherish4]

When our vet got us started, she warned us to NEVER use a syringe more than once. She had a client who did this, and his pet got tetanus - not once, but twice. After the first round of tetanus, he reused a needle again, and his pet got tetanus again. So please, no - never reuse a syringe!

Sounds awful! Don't worry, I won't be reusing. Am glad I went with my instincts and double checked on here.

 

[Cherish4]

Hey @Cherish4

Maybe this can be helpful.. It in no way replaces the need for glucose testing, but it can help you track how B is feeling, give you an overview of how he's doing day from day.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1r6ktdF7AMJCYHgPkVQWFUFy5Ag6OnbmfNfQqL3zX_88/mobilebasic

I found it on here in user BJM signature.

There's a chart in the link on the doc. I added that to my SS to have it all as one sheet.

Thanks for letting me know about this.

Also you can get the urine test strips and register those under labs. The ones I use test for 10 things, ketones, protein, glucose, pH and RBC are the ones I try to catch each time. If I manage to catch more I chart it but those are the ones I focus more on. I stick a spoon under Princess Krakens butt while she is peeing and then pour it over the strip.

While B is getting more used to BG tests then these are tools to chart what information you can and aren't invasive at all (unless B is pee shy or stresses if your near the box while he's going) and can help you over time notice trends. You can also verify if glucose is being peed and hopefully catch ketones if they start.

I've already been testing for ketones for a number of weeks but I can certainly order some glucose urine strips as well.

 

[Cherish4]

Lauren, just thought... My new foster kitty arrived with some U40 syringes (40 or 50, I think).... I don't need them because I'm using Bertie's old U100 insulin. If you want the U40's I'll pop them in the post to you.

As long you're sure you don't need them that would be wonderful thank you!

 

[Cherish4]

Tonight has been a complete failure all round. Got my brother to try and help with Little B's PMPS but couldn't get any blood so ended up having to leave it. Then to top it all off, had trouble holding his skin properly and ended up with a fur shot. Obviously I know not to try a second time but it means he's only had one injection today.

I felt quite positive about the insulin injections this morning, it felt like it was going to be really easy in comparison to home testing but obviously not. Overall it's not been a great start.

 

[Kitty Anderson]

It's just a rough day. Things will get better

My one has been shooting up..
While we are sure we are getting shots right her dose is so small it could be happening. Tomorrow we are going to use some of her old 0.5 ml one unit marking. Her vet said it would be helpful if we gave her a little subq when I asked. And a few ml of saline isn't really going to be a anything but beneficial for a dehydrated cat.
A full 0.5 ml syringe vs 0.75 of a unit... We will see..

How much queer eye do you have left? And this might be a pims and Netflix night?

Try again at +4. Ours is usually most agitated if her bg is high..

 

[Cherish4]

It's just a rough day. Things will get better

Doesn't feel like it. I managed to give him his shot this morning but the pre shot test was a failure again so I'm anxiously watching him at the moment.

My one has been shooting up..
While we are sure we are getting shots right her dose is so small it could be happening. Tomorrow we are going to use some of her old 0.5 ml one unit marking. Her vet said it would be helpful if we gave her a little subq when I asked. And a few ml of saline isn't really going to be a anything but beneficial for a dehydrated cat.
A full 0.5 ml syringe vs 0.75 of a unit... We will see..

Hope she's doing okay.

How much queer eye do you have left? And this might be a pims and Netflix night?

Try again at +4. Ours is usually most agitated if her bg is high..

I have about six episodes left. I did watch a bit of last night and had my Pimm's but my heart wasn't in it and I didn't feel better afterwards.

Was unable to get a +4 test as he was just too upset.

 

[Cherish4]

So after failing with both the pre shot test and his insulin shot last night, I decided to try and be more matter of fact about it this morning. Took a few deep breaths, picked him up and just tried to get on with it but it was still awful. He got ridiculously stressed out, making upsetting noises and wouldn't keep still. I couldn't get any blood and ended up having to let him go again. I did manage to give him his 1u shot a little bit afterwards but I'm obviously taking a risk as I have no idea what his levels were this morning. I'm now anxiously watching him like a hawk to make sure he's okay.

I tried to approach him a short while ago to give him some fuss and reassure him but he flinched away from me and moved off somewhere else.

I don't know what to do anymore. He has to have the insulin but I'm scared to keep giving it without pre shot tests and if I can't get those, there's no way I will be able to get mid cycle tests. Nothing works, I have no idea how to make it less stressful for him and I've tried everything that has been suggested to me.

I have to go to work tomorrow and I'm terrified about giving him his insulin and then leaving him if I don't know what his levels are. What do I do?

 

[Diana&Tom]

Lauren, try to remember that this is just a start. You're still practising the testing and shooting techniques. Please don't give yourself such a hard time. I do think that you're transferring your nerves to Little B and this isn't helping, so as I've said before I think, try to work on yourself and find ways to be more positive about this whole thing. Think about all the other new things you've learnt in life - learning anything new is a process, not a quick fix.

I am reluctant to play the amateur psychologist too much, but as a mere suggestion - would it help if you printed out some of your posts, and look at what you've said? Cross out words like "complete failure" and so on, and write over them in red pen words like "I can do this" or "It will be easier next time"... you get the drift. Read the positive affirmations out loud to yourself as many times as you like, it might help to instil more confidence in you. Many of us here have found this hard - emotionally, practically, financially - and many of us manage completely on our own, so you are amongst people who understand.

There was a thread on Community this morning about dealing with stress. You might like to look for that and participate. It's not that we don't understand here, we do, but there is only so much we can say that will help. I really wish I had a magic wand to make things easier for you but in the absence of that I can only make suggestions like the above. This is a challenge for sure but we are all rooting for you.

 

[Cherish4]

Lauren, try to remember that this is just a start. You're still practising the testing and shooting techniques. Please don't give yourself such a hard time. I do think that you're transferring your nerves to Little B and this isn't helping, so as I've said before I think, try to work on yourself and find ways to be more positive about this whole thing. Think about all the other new things you've learnt in life - learning anything new is a process, not a quick fix.

I have tried to be more positive and I actually felt pretty good about things for most of yesterday, especially after I got a pre shot test and his insulin done but then it went wrong in the evening and this morning and as someone who's a bit of a perfectionist, I find that hard. Sometimes I wish Little B was a bit more of a laid back cat, as it would make this whole process a little easier.

I am reluctant to play the amateur psychologist too much, but as a mere suggestion - would it help if you printed out some of your posts, and look at what you've said? Cross out words like "complete failure" and so on, and write over them in red pen words like "I can do this" or "It will be easier next time"... you get the drift. Read the positive affirmations out loud to yourself as many times as you like, it might help to instil more confidence in you.

It's a good suggestion but I'm afraid that this type of thing doesn't really work for me, never has unfortunately.

Many of us here have found this hard - emotionally, practically, financially - and many of us manage completely on our own, so you are amongst people who understand.

I know, I think that's why I keep venting my frustrations and worries on here because I know you'll all understand.

There was a thread on Community this morning about dealing with stress. You might like to look for that and participate. It's not that we don't understand here, we do, but there is only so much we can say that will help. I really wish I had a magic wand to make things easier for you but in the absence of that I can only make suggestions like the above. This is a challenge for sure but we are all rooting for you.

Thanks, I'll take a look.

 

[Kitty Anderson]

Nr 1. Breathe! Breathe! Stretch, and breathe.

I was taught a method as a teen called cognitive behavioural therapy. I don´t have the training to teach this method, let alone via the internet. But a small exercise based on this method, which anyone can do, is something I can suggest. Print out your posts. Pretend that you didn't write them but rather someone who you care deeply about and want to support. Would you say these things to your sister or brother, your best friend? Imagine what you would say to them, then do what Diana&Tom suggested and write it down. If you would not say these things to someone you love, then you don´t deserve to hear them from yourself. We often find it easier to be kind to the ones we love than ourselves. Speaking from experience.


Keep going with the matter of fact attitude, this is a matter of fact. As you practise you will get more confident, just because you are still in the learning what works for your furbaby phase, doesn't mean you will be there forever. We had so many failed ones at the start, even now for the PMPS it´s challenging. Kraken can be super chill, but when she goes, nope, not doing, then it´s like trying to wrangle a miniature leopard. Last night she wanted food from +10 and no way in hell was she letting me do the +10, I have scratches. It took two of us and bribes to get the PMPS. (Then her after dinner ones she slept through them, what the heck?) Just keep going. You got one yesterday. That´s a win. To start with there will be more losses than wins in this division. It´s going to get better.

Keep using other tools you have, keep trying, and you are going to get there. Just give it time. Try not going into it with "I have to get a blood drop" but more of let´s see how close we can get. If you are stressed little B will sense it. Do the best you can and remember you are already doing a lot for little B that many pet owners would never do. Keep at it, breathe and it´s a yay when it works, and a oh well, better luck next time when it doesn´t.

How much Queer eye do you have left?

 

[Diana&Tom]

I like what Kitty says above because she's offered a practical exercise and even though you may have found that "these things never work", this may be the time when you have to make them work. You have to find a way, or ways, to feel more confident. We have to keep making these suggestions to you because they are in your best interests... if all we said was "oh how awful, maybe you're never going to get the hang of things" I don't think that would be very helpful!

Why not try the positive thinking exercise just for today and see how you get on. Enter into it with a positive frame of mind, believing that it will help you, and not a negative mind thinking "this is probably a waste of time". Or write a letter to yourself, pouring out how you feel about everything, and ban the words "but" and "failure".

As Nike says, just do it...

 

[Kitty Anderson]

@Cherish4 Quick question.. Regarding how you are blood testing.
When you manage to get the poke, what do you do? With Kraken if you hang onto her ear, then she will not be cooperative.. at all.. At first we were so stressed about each prick producing blood wed be manipulating her ear to try and squeeze some out. We HAD to get a drop.
So we stroke and snuggle and massage the ear a bit, if it´s cold we use a warm rice sock, if the ear feels warm then not. We get the poke, give the treat (a sliver of raw mince) and then just chill for a bit. Sometimes it takes a full half a minute to minute for the blood to start to bead. We gently fiddle with the ear at the vein but below the prick to get the pressure working in your favour. Little strokes up her nose. scritches under the chin. Kisses. When the blood starts to bead we gently squeeze the big ear vein and then when we feel the drop is catchable we sneak the meter under it. It's a full 5 minute process If we only have to to one poke.

 

[Cherish4]

I was taught a method as a teen called cognitive behavioural therapy. I don´t have the training to teach this method, let alone via the internet. But a small exercise based on this method, which anyone can do, is something I can suggest. Print out your posts. Pretend that you didn't write them but rather someone who you care deeply about and want to support. Would you say these things to your sister or brother, your best friend? Imagine what you would say to them, then do what Diana&Tom suggested and write it down. If you would not say these things to someone you love, then you don´t deserve to hear them from yourself. We often find it easier to be kind to the ones we love than ourselves. Speaking from experience.

I'll give it try thanks.

Keep going with the matter of fact attitude, this is a matter of fact. As you practise you will get more confident, just because you are still in the learning what works for your furbaby phase, doesn't mean you will be there forever. We had so many failed ones at the start, even now for the PMPS it´s challenging. Kraken can be super chill, but when she goes, nope, not doing, then it´s like trying to wrangle a miniature leopard. Last night she wanted food from +10 and no way in hell was she letting me do the +10, I have scratches. It took two of us and bribes to get the PMPS. (Then her after dinner ones she slept through them, what the heck?) Just keep going. You got one yesterday. That´s a win. To start with there will be more losses than wins in this division. It´s going to get better.

I appreciate all the encouragement and I do understand I'm not the only one who struggles with it at times. It's just hard dealing with him getting so upset and with him being a former stray from the area, I think there's a part of me that's terrified he might end up taking off because he's had enough.

How much Queer eye do you have left?

Six episodes of season two and then season 3 is released on Friday I think. Honestly that show has been my happy place lately and I adore those five guys so much.

 

[Cherish4]

I like what Kitty says above because she's offered a practical exercise and even though you may have found that "these things never work", this may be the time when you have to make them work. You have to find a way, or ways, to feel more confident. We have to keep making these suggestions to you because they are in your best interests... if all we said was "oh how awful, maybe you're never going to get the hang of things" I don't think that would be very helpful!

Why not try the positive thinking exercise just for today and see how you get on. Enter into it with a positive frame of mind, believing that it will help you, and not a negative mind thinking "this is probably a waste of time". Or write a letter to yourself, pouring out how you feel about everything, and ban the words "but" and "failure".

As Nike says, just do it...

I will try it, thanks.

 

[Kitty Anderson]

I'll give it try thanks.



I appreciate all the encouragement and I do understand I'm not the only one who struggles with it at times. It's just hard dealing with him getting so upset and with him being a former stray from the area, I think there's a part of me that's terrified he might end up taking off because he's had enough.



Six episodes of season two and then season 3 is released on Friday I think. Honestly that show has been my happy place lately and I adore those five guys so much.

I wouldn't stress to much of him running off. He knows where the treats are.. Also once he starts stabilising he will probably connect you with that.

I watched all the old queer eye.. Doesn't age well but I used to love it.!