Cleared the first hurdle!

[Karen & Charlie]

Charlie, my 12 YO love bug, was just diagnosed. Went to the vet today to pick up his Vetsulin & syringes and to learn how to inject. I read dozens of posts here last night to see what I was up against and watched some injection videos.

I'm not needle-phobic, per se, I'm just a baby about needles poking me--IV line, blood draw, finger prick, you name it. I can't watch, I often get lightheaded and nauseous. SO, the prospect ahead of me is terrifying.

Vet suggested I bring one of my dogs with me--instead of Charlie--for the lesson, as dogs are less fidgety, and Lucy was a champ. I got lightheaded and had to step back 2 times before I could stick her, but I did it! FIRST HURDLE CLEARED. So, I gave Charlie his injection tonight. He, also, was a champ. Will I ever get used to it? Going to do my own curves (is that the right way to say it?) because--WOW--is it expensive to have the vet do it. Hurdle number 2 coming in 2 weeks. I think I'm more nervous about the pricks than the injection.

Anyway, just wanted to say what an amazing resource this is and I'm so glad to have found it. I hope you don't mind if I come back with questions once Charlie and I get further along his journey to health. That is to say, probably tomorrow.

~Karen

 

[Panic]

Great job Karen! I was terrified at the thought of having to stick needles in my baby but it was so much easier than I thought! Looks like you'll have to give yourself a treat alongside Charlie to make it a positive experience for you both!

Please stick around - this section of the website is a little quiet since not many people use Vetsulin anymore but if you ever need anything be sure to post in the Main Health forum to get a bunch of eyes on it quick! Best of luck to you and Charlie

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

You will get used to it. We cried for a day with our first cat years ago, then it became a slight daily inconvenience. When our second cat was diagnosed I just rolled my eyes and was thankful I hadn't donated our meter.
As for posting new questions; no question is too stupid, you're allowed to cry, internet friends aren't creepy. It really is that simple.

 

[Karen & Charlie]

You will get used to it. We cried for a day with our first cat years ago, then it became a slight daily inconvenience. When our second cat was diagnosed I just rolled my eyes and was thankful I hadn't donated our meter.
As for posting new questions; no question is too stupid, you're allowed to cry, internet friends aren't creepy. It really is that simple.

Thanks so much!

 

[Karen & Charlie]

Great job Karen! I was terrified at the thought of having to stick needles in my baby but it was so much easier than I thought! Looks like you'll have to give yourself a treat alongside Charlie to make it a positive experience for you both!

Please stick around - this section of the website is a little quiet since not many people use Vetsulin anymore but if you ever need anything be sure to post in the Main Health forum to get a bunch of eyes on it quick! Best of luck to you and Charlie

My vet only offered Vetsulin ($56) and Prozinc ($110)...gah! I had to choose Vetsulin. Thanks so much!

 

[Panic]

My vet only offered Vetsulin ($56) and Prozinc ($110)...gah! I had to choose Vetsulin. Thanks so much!

I recommend looking into Lantus! It's outrageously expensive here in the US but if you can get a script for it you can send it to Mark's Marine Pharmacy - the upfront cost is higher but in the long run it's actually the cheapest insulin. One box of 5 pens (they are like mini-vials) is $169 plus $25 shipping, but because they are like mini-vials, you only open one at a time, use the entire pen to the last drop before opening another which extends the expiration date. Depending on kitty's dosage a box of pens will last 9 months to 2 years! In 9 months time you'll have purchased 2-3 vials of Vetsulin ($168) and in 2 years time 5-6 vials ($336). Cats respond better to Lantus than any other insulin out there too. Something to keep in mind, especially if Charlie doesn't respond well to Vetsulin.

 

[Karen & Charlie]

I recommend looking into Lantus! It's outrageously expensive here in the US but if you can get a script for it you can send it to Mark's Marine Pharmacy - the upfront cost is higher but in the long run it's actually the cheapest insulin. One box of 5 pens (they are like mini-vials) is $169 plus $25 shipping, but because they are like mini-vials, you only open one at a time, use the entire pen to the last drop before opening another which extends the expiration date. Depending on kitty's dosage a box of pens will last 9 months to 2 years! In 9 months time you'll have purchased 2-3 vials of Vetsulin ($168) and in 2 years time 5-6 vials ($336). Cats respond better to Lantus than any other insulin out there too. Something to keep in mind, especially if Charlie doesn't respond well to Vetsulin.

I was just reading Marks Pharma's insulin policy. It states, "All items requiring refrigeration are shipped with...inside thermal insulation using only express delivery. Refrigeration items may not arrive cold/ at room temperature." I assume you always request express delivery?

Regarding the pens...do you use it like a pen or do you draw out the insulin with a syringe? I've been reading it can be done both ways.

Thanks for this info, I sure appreciate it!

 

[Panic]

I was just reading Marks Pharma's insulin policy. It states, "All items requiring refrigeration are shipped with...inside thermal insulation using only express delivery. Refrigeration items may not arrive cold/ at room temperature." I assume you always request express delivery?

Regarding the pens...do you use it like a pen or do you draw out the insulin with a syringe? I've been reading it can be done both ways.

Thanks for this info, I sure appreciate it!

Yes, always do express delivery. Marks does an excellent job shipping insulin but it's always best to get it from them to you asap. That's what the $25 shipping fee covers.

You want to draw it out with the syringe like you would a vial. The issue with doing it the other way is you have to "prime" the insulin each time - so you're wasting 2 units every time! And that way also only works in whole units, so if the dose is between that you can't get your exact dose.

 

[Karen & Charlie]

Yes, always do express delivery. Marks does an excellent job shipping insulin but it's always best to get it from them to you asap. That's what the $25 shipping fee covers.

You want to draw it out with the syringe like you would a vial. The issue with doing it the other way is you have to "prime" the insulin each time - so you're wasting 2 units every time! And that way also only works in whole units, so if the dose is between that you can't get your exact dose.

Thank you!