? Help interpreting urine test strip

[Armish & Roo]

Hi there! As I mentioned in my last post, Roo just had his dental with a couple of extractions a week ago today. The vet asked me to check his urine for glucose and ketones, so I ended up buying some of the hydrophobic litter sand and some pet urine test strips (since I think the Ketostix or ReliOn brand strips only test ketones).

Based on trying three strips, I'm pretty confident that there's no ketones in the urine, as I'm not seeing a color change, but I'm not so sure about the glucose - its getting brown in some areas but staying blue/greenish in other areas - can I get a second opinion? Is it possible the brown spots are where the sand is being scooped up in the pipette??

Pictures attached, taken right at the 60 second mark indicated for both glucose and ketone tests, I've circled where I dripped the pee as I only tested those two. Help!

 

[Idjit's mom]

Armish, I can't help you interpret the glucose reading and a BG test is going to be a much better indicator of blood sugar. The sticks are testing urine that may have been in the bladder for quite some time and isn't as accurate. We use those sticks primarily for the ketones, which you have done.
Back in the day, and I'm dating myself terribly, all we had was these special paper strips to try to tell us the blood sugar by testing the urine. Thank goodness for the development of the glucose meters and blood testing! You will always get a much more accurate test with blood and the meter.

 

[Armish & Roo]

Armish, I can't help you interpret the glucose reading and a BG test is going to be a much better indicator of blood sugar. The sticks are testing urine that may have been in the bladder for quite some time and isn't as accurate. We use those sticks primarily for the ketones, which you have done.
Back in the day, and I'm dating myself terribly, all we had was these special paper strips to try to tell us the blood sugar by testing the urine. Thank goodness for the development of the glucose meters and blood testing! You will always get a much more accurate test with blood and the meter.

Thanks for the input. Vet wanted me to pause on BG testing with meter and only do the strips but I've still been doing BG tests with the meter at least twice a day in preparation for starting insulin soon. Wanted to give her what she was looking for so we could have a productive convo next time I take Roo in since she wasn't convinced with just the spreadsheet and BG numbers. I sent her the images and she agrees that we should talk about insulin dosing when I take him for his dental recheck in a couple weeks. Don't worry, I'm not abandoning the BG testing daily!

 

[Idjit's mom]

Very glad to hear that you are going to continue testing, that is so much more accurate and I am amazed that the vet would rely on the glucose urine test strips and discount the blood sugar tests you are getting. I do understand you wanting to be able to work with the vet however. Just remember, you are Roo's advocate and will be the one that is doing the 24/7 care.

Looking at the spreadsheet, and seeing those numbers I believe he really does need some insulin therapy, sooner rather later. I am not an expert, but I do know from reading that a 200 BG is the renal threshold, that is the point at which glucose gets into the urine. More weeks of those "pinks" is not good for him. A non diabetic cat normal range on a human meter is 50-120. You have already provided a low carb diet and this has not lowered the BG enough.
I am going to tag some of the more experienced members for input on this issue because I'm concerned for Roo.
@Bron and Sheba @Olive & Paula @Bobbie And Bubba @Wendy&Neko

 

[Olive & Paula]

You already switched diet, had dental. Definitely need to get insulin started sooner rather than later. Lantus/levemir take a week to get her the depot set, so that adds more time in pinks. Vetsulin and Prozinc would act right away. I don't like to think of the dose they will suggest since they seem to be dragging their feet on this. I would not wait a few more weeks though. It's already been to long.

 

[Armish & Roo]

Very glad to hear that you are going to continue testing, that is so much more accurate and I am amazed that the vet would rely on the glucose urine test strips and discount the blood sugar tests you are getting. I do understand you wanting to be able to work with the vet however. Just remember, you are Roo's advocate and will be the one that is doing the 24/7 care.

Looking at the spreadsheet, and seeing those numbers I believe he really does need some insulin therapy, sooner rather later. I am not an expert, but I do know from reading that a 200 BG is the renal threshold, that is the point at which glucose gets into the urine. More weeks of those "pinks" is not good for him. A non diabetic cat normal range on a human meter is 50-120. You have already provided a low carb diet and this has not lowered the BG enough.
I am going to tag some of the more experienced members for input on this issue because I'm concerned for Roo.
@Bron and Sheba @Olive & Paula @Bobbie And Bubba @Wendy&Neko

Thanks! His next appointment is on the 24th, but I might try to reschedule to this weekend to get him started sooner rather than later. My biggest concern is that I'm going to visit family (about a three hour drive away) from 6/19-6/23 and am taking him with me. Not sure if starting insulin before this would be a good idea because while I am with family my schedule isn't going to be very consistent, and he will probably be pretty stressed with the new location and people. Hence going in to the vet the day I get back. Any advice on that?

 

[Squeaky and KT (GA)]

No ketones and glucose IS spilling into urine meaning his glucose is ABOVE 'renal threshold'. That's normally 230-250 which causes the kidneys to have to 'spill' extra glucose into the urine to get rid of it.

 

[Idjit's mom]

If Roo is going to be under additional stress while visiting, his BG is just going to be higher, with no assistance to lower it. If it was me, and I'm no expert, I would get him on at least a starting dose, and work very hard to keep him on the 12 hour dosing schedule. The longer these high numbers persist, the lousier he feels and the harder on his body.

 

[Armish & Roo]

If Roo is going to be under additional stress while visiting, his BG is just going to be higher, with no assistance to lower it. If it was me, and I'm no expert, I would get him on at least a starting dose, and work very hard to keep him on the 12 hour dosing schedule. The longer these high numbers persist, the lousier he feels and the harder on his body.

Thanks, sounds good. The earliest appointment they had was for 8am on the 17th (upcoming Monday), and I am leaving on Wednesday morning so hopefully will have a few days to figure out a good dose before I leave. Based on what I've read, I should be requesting Lantus or ProZinc since they are longer lasting, correct?

 

[Idjit's mom]

Again, I can't make a solid recommendation about the insulin. We used Lantus because that's what the vet prescribed. It's a great insulin for our sugar babies, and many members use Prozinc also. There is a price difference between the two, and with Lantus you can choose to either use a vial or the pen. The pen is more cost effective, as even with refrigeration the chances of you using the full contents of a vial are very slim. If you choose Lantus, going forward you can order from Marks Marine (with a prescription) in Canada and save quite a bit.
Take a look at the stickies at the top of the Lantus and the Prozinc forums, so that you can make an informed decision before the vet visit.
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/forums/lantus-basaglar-glargine-and-levemir-detemir.9/
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/forums/prozinc-pzi.24/

Be aware that these two insulins use different syringes. Throw this question out on the Main forum in a new thread, Prozinc or Lantus?, get as many informed opinions as you can.

 

[Armish & Roo]

Thanks, will do!

 

[Squeaky and KT (GA)]

I'm going to throw a monkey wrench in this toolbox... I much prefer Levemir over Lantus if you go with a depot insulin. Levemir gives a much flatter curve and works much more gently when it onsets. Even when a cat is bouncing, the numbers are still nice and even. That feels much better 'in' their body than a quick dive that I always had with Lantus. The difference in the method of delivery is also a plus. Lantus works by precipitation of small crystals in the fatty layer and is based on the ph balance of the body. If a cat has an issue with a swinging electrolyte or is not feeling well, that ph balance isn't always at neutral. Levemir works totally differently by binding to the albumin and isn't based on ph balance.

Just more info for your toolbox!

 

[Idjit's mom]

I'm going to throw a monkey wrench in this toolbox... I much prefer Levemir over Lantus if you go with a depot insulin. Levemir gives a much flatter curve and works much more gently when it onsets. Even when a cat is bouncing, the numbers are still nice and even. That feels much better 'in' their body than a quick dive that I always had with Lantus. The difference in the method of delivery is also a plus. Lantus works by precipitation of small crystals in the fatty layer and is based on the ph balance of the body. If a cat has an issue with a swinging electrolyte or is not feeling well, that ph balance isn't always at neutral. Levemir works totally differently by binding to the albumin and isn't based on ph balance.

Just more info for your toolbox!

Thank you Lyresa, I don't know much about Lev, and it's time for me to educate myself about this insulin also. The more info, the better I think. I just checked Marks Marine and it is also available there, but I don't know the difference between US cost and there. I just know that US insulin prices are awful.

 

[Armish & Roo]

I'm going to throw a monkey wrench in this toolbox... I much prefer Levemir over Lantus if you go with a depot insulin. Levemir gives a much flatter curve and works much more gently when it onsets. Even when a cat is bouncing, the numbers are still nice and even. That feels much better 'in' their body than a quick dive that I always had with Lantus. The difference in the method of delivery is also a plus. Lantus works by precipitation of small crystals in the fatty layer and is based on the ph balance of the body. If a cat has an issue with a swinging electrolyte or is not feeling well, that ph balance isn't always at neutral. Levemir works totally differently by binding to the albumin and isn't based on ph balance.

Just more info for your toolbox!

Wow, thank you! I didn't know this. Adding to my giant list of mental notes

 

[Squeaky and KT (GA)]

Thank you Lyresa, I don't know much about Lev, and it's time for me to educate myself about this insulin also. The more info, the better I think. I just checked Marks Marine and it is also available there, but I don't know the difference between US cost and there. I just know that US insulin prices are awful.

Price is about the same as Lantus.

 

[CandyH & Catcat]

at Mark's Marine, looks like u$ 170 plus shipping for 5 pens
using a discount card at several US chains, looks like $80-90 for one pen, $480-495 for 5

of course that doesn't make mathematical sense, but discount card may not apply to multiple pens

 

[Squeaky and KT (GA)]

I can verify that the cost to me here in Oklahoma last fall for a box of 5 Lev pens was $425. My last pen I had that had been given to me was bad - I was suddenly completely without. Luckily I explained the situation to the head pharmacist at a small, locally owned pharmacy - she ended up just giving me a single pen from the 'Homeless Med Program' they have.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

its getting brown in some areas but staying blue/greenish in other areas - can I get a second opinion?

I say the non-uniform color of the glucose pad is due to you not getting the pad fully covered with urine. Your first image really shows that by the brown portion stil being covered with the liquid urine.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

I think you definitely need to start insulin. I would not wait until you come back. You might have bigger problems then. If a cat needs insulin it is always a good idea to start it. Start on a small dose of 1 unit and if you can test the blood sugars that will keep your kitty safe. Test before every shot and again during the cycle to see how low the insulin is taking kitty. Around +4 to + 6 is a good place to start.
I prefer Lantus or levemir over Prozinc but that is probably because I understand them more. Your vet may not know levemir as it is newer than the others.

 

[Armish & Roo]

Thanks all. Have an appointment for first thing Monday and will be requesting Levemir or Lantus. My main concern is that my boss is only allowing me to work from home for Monday so I won’t be able to monitor much after that aside from the usual AM and PM and +2/+3 in the evening. I’ll try to sneak away for a midday test around lunch on Tuesday. Hopefully all goes well.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Have you had a look at the 2 dosing methods? Have a look at the link below and choose the one you think would best suit you. You can always swap. If you are gone a lot of the time the Start Low Go Slow method might be better in the beginning at least. If you choose that one and Roo is on a low carb wet diet you should start on 0.5 units of insulin and hold that dose for a week unless he drops too low.
Here is the link
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/...-low-go-slow-slgs-tight-regulation-tr.210110/

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Make sure the insulin syringes you get are the U-100 0.3ml syringes and they have the 1/2 unit markings IF you are going to be using the Lantus or levemir insulins. You can buy at Walmart.
The Prozinc insulin uses a different syringe.

 

[Armish & Roo]

Thanks Bron! Yea, I read some about the dosing methods and it looks like SLGS is probably what works best for now, at least until I get back from traveling. Then maybe transition into TR after I am more available.

 

[Armish & Roo]

I think you definitely need to start insulin. I would not wait until you come back. You might have bigger problems then. If a cat needs insulin it is always a good idea to start it. Start on a small dose of 1 unit and if you can test the blood sugars that will keep your kitty safe. Test before every shot and again during the cycle to see how low the insulin is taking kitty. Around +4 to + 6 is a good place to start.
I prefer Lantus or levemir over Prozinc but that is probably because I understand them more. Your vet may not know levemir as it is newer than the others.

I’m at the vet right now and they are NOT okay with using the human meter, and went so far as to say that they won’t even look at the numbers unless it’s the AT2. Additionally they won’t start insulin today because no frutosamine results yet. I wanted to start him before travel on Wednesday because he’s so high but I don’t know what to do??? @Bron and Sheba @Idjit's mom any ideas?? Should I try to find a new vet?? I am shocked at how much of a hardass they are being.

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

A human meter is not ideal but the lower numbers are reasonably accurate compared to an AT2. I used a human meter for two cats over many years and never got grief from my vet. I don't particularly like badmouthing other member's vets but his numbers are high, you're about to travel and they're treating you this way? That is not okay.
@JeffJ lives in Austin, maybe he could steer you towards a more understanding vet.

 

[Armish & Roo]

A human meter is not ideal but the lower numbers are reasonably accurate compared to an AT2. I used a human meter for two cats over many years and never got grief from my vet. I don't particularly like badmouthing other member's vets but his numbers are high, you're about to travel and they're treating you this way? That is not okay.
@JeffJ lives in Austin, maybe he could steer you towards a more understanding vet.

Thanks I would love the input. They also told me that I shouldn’t be testing before shooting “because he’s not a human” and that it would make it worse. And she also basically said that everything on here is uninformed and not based on science. I’m FUMING. only saving grace is that they do want to prescribe Lantus vs other insulin’s, just not yet.

 

[CandyH & Catcat]

grrrr -- can you hear Catcat growling at that vet !!!

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

Oh brother, did everyone hear that? What we're doing here is not based on science. Maybe this is the Dr. Phil show for cats.
Did this guy graduate at the back of the class? You need to have your files transferred to another vet, that is a steaming pile of doo-doo!

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

Sorry for the double post. Some members have been here for over ten years and everything we do is based on practical experience, something you don't get from a textbook. Personally I've changed syringes, food, feeding schedules and recommended doses all with the approval of my vet who is totally open to new ideas.
Many doctors (the ones who say "It's doctor actually) are more than inflexible to new ideas and cannot accept that a mere mortal may have a better idea. It's your cat and your money, you're free to do whatever you want.

 

[Armish & Roo]

Oh brother, did everyone hear that? What we're doing here is not based on science. Maybe this is the Dr. Phil show for cats.
Did this guy graduate at the back of the class? You need to have your files transferred to another vet, that is a steaming pile of doo-doo!

Agreed. Though they are currently running the frutosamine and want to get him on Lantus starting when I get back from my trip (MUST HAVE THE FREAKING AT2 THOUGH *eyeroll*) - so maybe get the prescription and then ghost them and find a new vet. I'm at a loss and am just mindblown.

 

[Armish & Roo]

Sorry for the double post. Some members have been here for over ten years and everything we do is based on practical experience, something you don't get from a textbook. Personally I've changed syringes, food, feeding schedules and recommended doses all with the approval of my vet who is totally open to new ideas.
Many doctors (the ones who say "It's doctor actually) are more than inflexible to new ideas and cannot accept that a mere mortal may have a better idea. It's your cat and your money, you're free to do whatever you want.

I totally agree. I've been reading about this constantly and feel that I am well equipped to deal with this, and the vet is the one getting in the way. I think once I get the insulin I should be fine, but I'm having to jump through hoops. Because his frutosamine was not crazy high and he doesn't have bad clinical signs (overdrinking and overpeeing), they are saying that he might not actually be diabetic and are continuing to delay despite BG being high. I feel like I just need some support form them and I'm drowning

 

[Armish & Roo]

Another thing I just remembered she said - when I said I wasn't loving the idea of using the AT2 because of how pricey the strips are she was like "it's not like you're using them everyday, and no one has complained about the price of them before" - well yea if you haven't given them another option of course they can't complain!!! FUMING STILL.

 

[JeffJ]

Most cat owners here have gone with human meters because of the cheaper test strips. Many go with Freestyle. I still use Alphatrak, and I purchase test strips at ~$0.35/apiece off ebay by using Freestyle Lite test strips in the Alphatrak.

If you provide insulin to your cat, and you do NOT test before the dose, then your cat is in danger. What if you had a human child and dosed the child without testing? Then the child could die from hypoglycemia. This is not hypothetical.

 

[Armish & Roo]

I bought the AT2, and will probably just use it for the vet curve since they are being very stubborn about it. Will continue to use my human meter to test on the daily now and after starting insulin.

 

[JeffJ]

Remember that Roo is your kitteh, and ultimately all decisions about Roo belong to you.

 

[Idjit's mom]

Armish, thank goodness you have the good sense to decide to keep testing. Most of us do use the human meter because of cost issues, and it's still going to tell you the blood sugar levels. You absolutely should test before injections, and in between the best you can to keep Roo safe. I have been online all day or night supporting other members with kitties with very low blood sugar (hypos) resulting from NOT TESTING. I am in agony thinking about all the other diabetic cats that this vet is treating!

You do what you need to do for Roo. I think I would be looking for a new vet that I could trust had some experience with feline diabetes, but for now you are very wise to get what you need for Roo. I know I can rely on the information and advice from this board, Idjit is proof. Get the insulin and get Roo to a better level of health and well being. If I had a cotton picking pen of Lantus, it would be on its way to you.

Keep posting, reading, learning, asking questions. Let the members with years of experience guide you and let the rest of us support you in taking good care of that little guy.

 

[Armish & Roo]

Thank you all so so much for the support!

This vet has been great for all but diabetes, so a disappointment to learn that they are not very open to this. They are even a feline only practice!! I am planning on sending an informative (but polite) email with some info from Dr. Lisa's site (since they only trust vets with science apparently) and hopefully that might knock some sense in to them, or at least justify my plan. In the meantime, I'll get the AT2 so I can at least get insulin started, and then start SLGS based on the protocol here (I work fulltime) while looking for a new vet.

My biggest concern is that I'm going to have to wait another week (they don't want to start before travel/trip) to get insulin, so hopefully bub will be okay. I have gabapentin and feliway, crossing my fingers that those keep the BG as low as possible.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Leaving your kitty without insulin for another week is putting Roo in danger of developing ketones. That would be my main concern with not starting the insulin. Do you have some Ketostix to test the urine most days while you are away? Can someone do that for you? It’s just a matter of collecting a specimen and testing it as per instructions on the bottle.
Also make sure Roo is eating well all the time you are away. That is important as well.
I can’t believe some of the things your vet is saying. The human meter is absolutely fine to use. That is what the dosing methods are based on here. The pet meters are only reasonable new and quite a few members have them now, but the numbers are different to the advice given in the dosing methods and the strips are very expensive. Up until the pet meters became available vets used human meters.... and many still do. If you have bought one but have a human meter , I would just use the alphatrak for the vet curves.
I doubt they know much about FD. And I wonder what they are being taught at uni about FD. Please always test before every shot. And testing during the cycle is very important as well to see how low the insulin is taking Roo. I live in Australia and often spend hours with caregivers who have kitties who have dropped really low at night and need help to get the kitty back in safe numbers.
It sounds like that vet wants to be a dictator when what you need is a vet who will work with you in partnership to help Roo.
The only thing I like so far about your vet is that they will use Lantus. Don’t let them start Roo on a large dose of insulin. It sounds like you are asking lots of questions and have loads of common sense.
I’d be looking around for another vet and asking questions about their attitude to caregiver involvement in the care I think.

 

[Armish & Roo]

Thanks Bron. Yes, he is coming with me and I'm bringing the pee test strips with - planning on testing for ketones whenever I can. Luckily all the tests so far have been negative so I don't think he's prone to them but will keep checking. I don't think eating will be a problem either, he's food obsessed LOL, and has actually gained weight since I adopted him (8.5-9.8 in 2.5 months).

I have another appointment on Monday with the same vet (coming back Sunday night), so they better have the fructosamine results and a prescription for me. I'm probably going to disregard their dosing directions and go with SLGS and 1 unit. Not really trusting what all they've been telling me. Once I get the insulin I can definitely rest easier and take some time to find a new vet - I'm worried about finding a new one again right now since they might drag their feet with more tests and intro BS.

I can't believe how adamant she was about not testing before every shot by saying "he's not human, he doesn't need it" - he's more precious to me than any human and saying that so clearly tells me where their priorities lie. Shocking and not acceptable.

 

[JeffJ]

I started with insulin from our local vet. But soon found the other sources were much cheaper.

Frankly, while our cat-only vet is great, I learned most of the diabetes stuff here - reading and help from others.

You are right. Many of our kittehs are more precious to us than some think. It's not acceptable to treat them as furniture. Theresa and I think of our kittehs as fur-kids. Pictures of Leo and LD here <<-- link

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Make sure you read the SLGS method document. Printing it off is a good idea as you can refer to it easily. Are you on a completely wet diet now?
I’m glad Roo is going with you. And he is food motivated. If his appetite goes off while you are away check for ketones more often.
My blood is still boiling from reading what your vet said....

 

[Armish & Roo]

Make sure you read the SLGS method document. Printing it off is a good idea as you can refer to it easily. Are you on a completely wet diet now?
I’m glad Roo is going with you. And he is food motivated. If his appetite goes off while you are away check for ketones more often.
My blood is still boiling from reading what your vet said....

Yes, all Fancy Feast and Friskies pates, with occasional chicken Purebites for testing treats!

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

they won’t start insulin.....because he’s so high

Have to be honest I haven't read every post. I get that not all meters agree on low numbers but if he's consistently high why are they not starting him on at least a low dose of insulin for now? Maybe I missed something but you're in good hands with the other members here. Good luck.

 

[Tomlin]

I read the post & one thing that made me curious was why is it taking so long (or maybe I've misread) to get a fructosamine back? Just for reference, I took my T in for exam & bloodwork on a Tues morning. By Wed the labs (my vet clinic uses Altech) came back with elevated BG. The vet called that day (Wed) & said he asked Altech to run a fructosamine. By first thing Thursday morning the fructosamine result was available, he called me & we started insulin.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

See the following for a discussion for using non-AlphaTrak strips in the AlphaTrak meter.
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/...ucose-strips-substitutes.215744/#post-2392033

 

[Armish & Roo]

Have to be honest I haven't read every post. I get that not all meters agree on low numbers but if he's consistently high why are they not starting him on at least a low dose of insulin for now? Maybe I missed something but you're in good hands with the other members here. Good luck.

Their reasoning was that I'm traveling and its going to be hard to keep a schedule, bring insulin, keep it cool, have a vet there in case something happens, etc. Even though I repeatedly assured them that I am fine with any of the circumstances, prepared to stick to the schedule and find an ER vet if need be. I also specifically called out that I wanted to start him on insulin before the trip because his levels are already high and wanted him to have support for his body because stress was going to cause his BG to go higher than it already is. They said "Oh BG going high with travel is normal don't worry about that" - like yes I know that BG goes higher with stress, it doesn't mean that its not a problem.

I read the post & one thing that made me curious was why is it taking so long (or maybe I've misread) to get a fructosamine back? Just for reference, I took my T in for exam & bloodwork on a Tues morning. By Wed the labs (my vet clinic uses Altech) came back with elevated BG. The vet called that day (Wed) & said he asked Altech to run a fructosamine. By first thing Thursday morning the fructosamine result was available, he called me & we started insulin.

I took him in yesterday (Monday morning) and that is when they took the blood for fructosamine. They wanted to have the results before starting insulin, and they said those would be in within 1-2 days and then we can start, so normal. They also said I have to get the AT2 as well before they allow me to have insulin. In an ideal world, the test and the meter would be in and done by tomorrow (Wednesday) morning to start insulin, but the problem is I am going to be traveling starting tomorrow, and won't be back in town until Sunday (6/23). That's why I won't be able to start until after the trip (appointment first thing Monday morning on 6/24 when I'm back).

 

[Tomlin]

Their reasoning was that I'm traveling and its going to be hard to keep a schedule, bring insulin, keep it cool, have a vet there in case something happens, etc. Even though I repeatedly assured them that I am fine with any of the circumstances, prepared to stick to the schedule and find an ER vet if need be. I also specifically called out that I wanted to start him on insulin before the trip because his levels are already high and wanted him to have support for his body because stress was going to cause his BG to go higher than it already is. They said "Oh BG going high with travel is normal don't worry about that" - like yes I know that BG goes higher with stress, it doesn't mean that its not a problem.



I took him in yesterday (Monday morning) and that is when they took the blood for fructosamine. They wanted to have the results before starting insulin, and they said those would be in within 1-2 days and then we can start, so normal. They also said I have to get the AT2 as well before they allow me to have insulin. In an ideal world, the test and the meter would be in and done by tomorrow (Wednesday) morning to start insulin, but the problem is I am going to be traveling starting tomorrow, and won't be back in town until Sunday (6/23). That's why I won't be able to start until after the trip (appointment first thing Monday morning on 6/24 when I'm back).

I'm sorry this is happening to you! Its wild that here you are on top of it all, willing to take him with you, willing to do all the right things & they are throwing what seem like obstacles in . Maybe drop a call & see if they have the results? Did they order the A2 or did you order on Amazon?

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

Remember that Roo is your kitteh, and ultimately all decisions about Roo belong to you.

If you do decide to switch vets don't take any crap from yours. He's legally bound to transfer your files promptly.
We have one vet for the cats and another for the dog and it's not a secret. Neither vet gets in a snit about it but I have heard horror stories. If they give you any emotional grief or a guilt trip that's their problem. Great vets are out there, we have two of them.

 

[Armish & Roo]

I'm sorry this is happening to you! Its wild that here you are on top of it all, willing to take him with you, willing to do all the right things & they are throwing what seem like obstacles in . Maybe drop a call & see if they have the results? Did they order the A2 or did you order on Amazon?

It's been 24 hours since they sent in the test so I'll give them a call during my lunch break. I ordered the AT2 from Amazon, just got delivered to me. I'm hoping that with that and the frutosamine results being in soon, they should be able to give me the prescription and hopefully do the first shot right away when I go in on Monday morning after my trip. Going to continue to email and phone until they confirm that. What a freaking nightmare am I right??

 

[Idjit's mom]