Our first YELLOW since diagnosis (Nico, ma-suga-butt)

[Emily Tuomey]

We certainly are excited by the sight of a yellow number today, but are equally as nervous it won’t stay that way; we’ve been here before.. Could it be a bounce? A fluke? The early signs of a more correct dose for my sweet guy? ...jury is still out.
Stay tuned.

https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/relative-newbies-sugarbaby-nico-numbers.238290/

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

Could it be a bounce?

Bounces only go UP, but the lower than "usual" number could be the cause of a bounce!

By the time we get our cat's diagnosed, they've usually already been diabetic for quite some time (and if we were non-human, we probably would have caught the signs faster) so even through dropping into 200's is by no means "too low", his body has had time to get used to living in the 400's and higher....so even though 200's aren't in any way dangerous, they still feel "wrong" to his body so it reacts by releasing stored sugars and hormones to bring it back up quickly.

Don't worry....this too shall pass

 

[Emily Tuomey]

even though 200's aren't in any way dangerous, they still feel "wrong" to his body so it reacts by releasing stored sugars and hormones to bring it back up quickly.

So his PMPS was 437, how can you tell if it’s a bounce? Just with time?

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

It really doesn't matter if the higher number at Pre-Shot is a bounce number or just an indicator that the dose isn't quite right yet but generally, any time they drop into numbers they haven't been in for a long time, they are going to bounce. I wouldn't be surprised if the next test you get tonight is even higher than the 437

Hopefully, as they spend more time in lower numbers, their body will get used to being there and the bounces won't be as high and will clear faster.

 

[Emily Tuomey]

I wouldn't be surprised if the next test you get tonight is even higher than the 437

His +3 tonight was 421, so not higher but also not markedly less. Thoughts?

 

[Emily Tuomey]

AMPS 419. The first time we’ve seen a red number for a pre-shot test. Trying not to get too excited, but optimistic that we are getting closer to a more effective dosing and better health for my sweet boy. That being said, I know we are far from there but it’s a relief to have him out of the blacks. Fingers crossed it continues to go down from here. What are our thoughts today?

ps Grateful to each and every one of you; thank you for keeping us afloat during this difficult health journey!

 

[Emily Tuomey]

Back to red. +6, 454. Damn.

 

[Critter Mom]

I want to nominate the opening post of this thread for Blood Glucose Reading of the Year.




Mogs
.

 

[Emily Tuomey]

I want to nominate the opening post of this thread for Blood Glucose Reading of the Year.




Mogs
.

Awe Mogs, so sweet! I’ll let Nico know I’m trying not to be discouraged by his higher number this afternoon. We shall see how he does this evening..

 

[Deb & Wink]

Yes, you did the link to your old thread just fine. That way, people that may not be too familiar with you and Nico can see some past history.

 

[Emily Tuomey]

Yes, you did the link to your old thread just fine. That way, people that may not be too familiar with you and Nico can see some past history.

Gotcha. Thank you.

 

[Emily Tuomey]

Nico is really skittish tonight, every little noise or movement bothers him. I haven’t tested yet (soon!) this evening but he was mid 400s in the afternoon. Could this be a high bg thing? Or just anxiety? I’m worried this evenings testing and insulin will traumatize him (though I know it’s necessary). But, I guess on the flip side maybe it’ll help him to feel better?

 

[Emily Tuomey]

I’m beginning to feel like an Amy Winehouse song.....

PMPS 535

 

[Emily Tuomey]

Can anyone help me out? I feel like I’m second guessing Nico’s insulin injections, whether they’re actually going into his body versus his hair, because his numbers don’t reflect what I anticipated with a dose increase. Maybe that’s “normal” in sugarbabies though? It’s not wet or have a scent after his BID injections and I honestly think they’re going in but his body isn’t reflecting that. Am I doing something wrong?? Help, experience please!!

 

[JanetNJ]

Can anyone help me out? I feel like I’m second guessing Nico’s insulin injections, whether they’re actually going into his body versus his hair, because his numbers don’t reflect what I anticipated with a dose increase. Maybe that’s “normal” in sugarbabies though? It’s not wet or have a scent after his BID injections and I honestly think they’re going in but his body isn’t reflecting that. Am I doing something wrong?? Help, experience please!!

His numbers come down after injection most of the time. If it was a fur shot you would feel it wet in him. Patience.

 

[Deb & Wink]

Where on his body are you injecting Nico?

 

[Emily Tuomey]

Where on his body are you injecting Nico?

Kinda between his shoulder blades, but just a bit lower. Is there a better spot?

His numbers come down after injection most of the time. If it was a fire shot you would feel it wet in him. Patience.

So this is potentially a totally “normal” or typical response? I’ve only had two (and not since early on) that there was definite wetness. I feel like I’m getting a bit paranoid — I just don’t see and SS’s like Nico’s... he’s like 80% black with all these little blips of other colors. I truly feel like every time I test him I have zero idea what the number, or even range, will be.

 

[Deb & Wink]

Some cats react better to the insulin if it's injected into the flanks. There have been anecdotal reports of the insulin not being absorbed as well when injected in the "scruff" or shoulder blade area. On the other hand, plenty of people inject the insulin in the scruff with no problems.

I'm copying this information from the Health Links Index sticky, specifically from Marje and Gracie's Testing and Shooting Tips

Shooting
We all have our own techniques for shooting but just a few thoughts and others may bring some of their ideas in as well.

• Injection sites:

You can shoot the scruff, side of chest, side of belly, side of flank....wherever your kitty is comfortable and you have the least chance of doing a fur shot.

• Site Rotation

It's actually a great idea to rotate sites in order to prevent development of a lipoma or scar tissue. A lipoma is just a thickened area of fatty cells right under the skin. If you shoot in the same place repeatedly and your kitty develops one, they often will go away on their own if you switch to another site. However, if you change injection sites every day (if possible), there is a much decreased chance in developing either a lipoma or scar tissue. Both of these can affect absorption negatively. If your cat prefers scruff shots only, you can shoot one side in the morning and the other side at night; you can also move the scruff site so the first day, you shoot at the inner scruff on one side, the next day, the middle scruff, and the third day, the outer part of the scruff. Or, if kitty is tolerant of any injection sites, you can shoot one side in the mornings and shoot the scruff the first day, the chest the next, the flank the third day. In the evenings, you can shoot the other side of the kitty but in the same order.

• Absorption Rates

Theoretically, shots absorb slower when given in the scruff area as opposed to the chest, belly, or flank. This does not mean the BG numbers will be different. It just affects the absorption rate....faster or slower. But, ECID and you can keep track of where you shoot and see if the absorption rates vary for your kitty depending on shot site.

 

[Emily Tuomey]

Patience.

We are back to 600+HI tonight and I don’t know what to do for him. I don’t know what it means to have him keep having such high readings. I don’t see any other SS’s like Nico’s. I feel like it’s operator error. I reread the entire ReliOn Prime manual just now and am doing it correctly, but he can’t possibly be unreadable nearly always. He’s eating now then 2.5u. I just feel like that won’t help him. I may try to get a bunch of readings tonight/tomorrow, but that means little sleep. I just don’t know what else to do. What can I do???!

 

[Emily Tuomey]

Some cats react better to the insulin if it's injected into the flanks.
.

I shot just below his shoulder blades tonight, but can try his flank tomorrow morning. I’m really emotional about stuff tonight. Feel like I’m failing him.

 

[Little Bit’s Mom]

I shot just below his shoulder blades tonight, but can try his flank tomorrow morning. I’m really emotional about stuff tonight. Feel like I’m failing him.

I know how you feel, but you are doing a great job for sweet Nico! Keep going and things will get better. We are all here for you to support you through this. It takes a lot of patience. Sending you and Nico hugs.

 

[jt and trouble (GA)]

Awwww (((Em))) you arent failing him youre LEARNING him. This disease is insidious everyone has a personal learning curve, depending on their own unique situation. ITS GOING TO BE OK
jeanne

 

[JanetNJ]

We are back to 600+HI tonight and I don’t know what to do for him. I don’t know what it means to have him keep having such high readings. I don’t see any other SS’s like Nico’s. I feel like it’s operator error. I reread the entire ReliOn Prime manual just now and am doing it correctly, but he can’t possibly be unreadable nearly always. He’s eating now then 2.5u. I just feel like that won’t help him. I may try to get a bunch of readings tonight/tomorrow, but that means little sleep. I just don’t know what else to do. What can I do???!

You don’t need To stay up at night. If you want a little more readings I’d do preshots, an am +5, am +7, and a before bed. That really All you need. Let’s give this another day then we can discuss if he needs another increase. I told you last week I don’t think You are going to see much movement before 3-4 units. He needs what he needs.

you can only control what you can. You can’t control What his pancreas does. And who knows, there might be other things at play. My cat has a high dose condition called acromegaly. She got up to 12.5 units before I could start reducing.

 

[Emily Tuomey]

If you want a little more readings I’d do preshots, an am +5, am +7, and a before bed.

I didn’t end up staying up last night, decided to just let it be. However, I was up using the bathroom around 2am, so got a reading then. Red. Which at least lower than black...

Let’s give this another day then we can discuss if he needs another increase. I told you last week I don’t think You are going to see much movement before 3-4 units. He needs what he needs.

Okay. I’ll try to be patient today.

 

[Emily Tuomey]

*** +5, 287 ***
*************

 

[jt and trouble (GA)]

lol celebrate those victories!

 

[Emily Tuomey]

lol celebrate those victories!

And remember them tonight when it goes back into the black...!

 

[jt and trouble (GA)]

Youre gathering data. Its all for the good.

KEEP UP THE GOOD FIGHT!

 

[Emily Tuomey]

Let’s give this another day then we can discuss if he needs another increase. I told you last week I don’t think You are going to see much movement before 3-4 units. He needs what he needs.

Think it’s time we talk dose (for tomorrow?). He was at 505 at +9– he’s gonna be struggling by 7p for his PMPS. We had a really good day though, and he reacted more favorably to the flank injection this morning, so think I will continue with that (alternating sides), at least for now. Maybe it was absorbed better too?? Anyway.. Hope y’all had a great day!

 

[Deb & Wink]

Would you please make notes on the SS, to say what times Nico is being fed? Putting in the times in the + hour format, for both AM and PM, over in the Remarks column can be helpful.

I think you need to increase the dose again. Up to 2.75U at least for tomorrow.

 

[JanetNJ]

Would you please make notes on the SS, to say what times Nico is being fed? Putting in the times in the + hour format, for both AM and PM, over in the Remarks column can be helpful.

I think you need to increase the dose again. Up to 2.75U at least for tomorrow.

I agree. I’d say just go right for 3.

 

[Emily Tuomey]

I agree. I’d say just go right for 3.

3.0u it is!

 

[Emily Tuomey]

Would you please make notes on the SS, to say what times Nico is being fed? Putting in the times in the + hour format, for both AM and PM, over in the Remarks column can be helpful.

Does it look better now? I just put it after AMPS/PMPS. 7a/7p PST. Always the same. Hopefully that helps!

 

[JanetNJ]

Does it look better now? I just put it after AMPS/PMPS. 7a/7p PST. Always the same. Hopefully that helps!

Did you get a chance to catch a +5-6?

 

[Emily Tuomey]

Did you get a chance to catch a +5-6?

Grabbing a +6 here in a few minutes. I’ll report back as soon as I do!

 

[Emily Tuomey]

Did you get a chance to catch a +5-6?

+6 330 Thoughts?

 

[Emily Tuomey]

Update: +9 was 498. Probable he will be 600+ by his PMPS. But, I have to just let his body adjust. Thanks for your help.

Did you get a chance to catch a +5-6?

 

[JanetNJ]

+6 330 Thoughts?

Hey that's not too bad relative to the preshot.

 

[Emily Tuomey]

Hey that's not too bad relative to the preshot.

TRUTH. Now how do I get him to stay there longer..?!

 

[JanetNJ]

TRUTH. Now how do I get him to stay there longer..?! View attachment 58123

wish I knew. But let's see what happens over the next few days.

 

[Emily Tuomey]

wish I knew. But let's see what happens over the next few days.

Okay. Will plan to hold at 3.0u and see what his body does with it. Are tests at like +5/+7 or +6/+8 best still? Or more often? I’ll keep posting, so if more are necessary just let me know. I’m working from home (because of covid), so I can literally test whenever. He’s used to my antics now — haha!

 

[JanetNJ]

Okay. Will plan to hold at 3.0u and see what his body does with it. Are tests at like +5/+7 or +6/+8 best still? Or more often? I’ll keep posting, so if more are necessary just let me know. I’m working from home (because of covid), so I can literally test whenever. He’s used to my antics now — haha!

I'd like to see a 5 or 6

 

[Emily Tuomey]

I'd like to see a 5 or 6

Yesterday we did a +5, today we did a +6. Or do you mean back to back? Or at night? Or all of the above?

 

[JanetNJ]

Yesterday we did a +5, today we did a +6. Or do you mean back to back? Or at night? Or all of the above?

A 5 or a 6. No need for back to back. I think he peeks earlier than 7. Our you could do a 5 then a 7.

 

[Emily Tuomey]

A 5 or a 6. No need for back to back. I think he peeks earlier than 7. Our you could do a 5 then a 7.

Okay will aim for a +5 and +7 tomorrow at 3.0u (7am). What about a +4? Not sure I’ve captured that hour yet.. I think +2 or +3 don’t really show much change either. Let me know.

 

[Deb & Wink]

Prozinc usually starts to onset around +2. So you might not see much difference then. But ECID (Every Cat is Different).

The +2 compared to the pre-shot test can give you an idea of where the cycle is headed though.

Getting some random tests during the cycle helps to fill in the blank spots on the SS. Like filling in books (your mid-cycle tests) between the bookends (pre-shots being the bookends). So mix it up a bit.

A +5 and/or a +7 helps you to find the nadir (the low) for your cat Nico. It varies from cycle to cycle too, so it may not always be at +5 in any particular 12 hour period. Some cats nadir earlier. Wink was around +3 to +4, but he was on a different insulin.

 

[Emily Tuomey]

A +5 and/or a +7 helps you to find the nadir (the low) for your cat Nico. It varies from cycle to cycle too, so it may not always be at +5 in any particular 12 hour period. Some cats nadir earlier. Wink was around +3 to +4, but he was on a different insulin.

Interesting. Thank you. What about overnight? Is that not as important as daytime?

 

[JanetNJ]

Interesting. Thank you. What about overnight? Is that not as important as daytime?

Go to SLEEP overnight. Lol. The only time I test overnight (other than a before bed test) is if she's running low. You've got to take care of yourself, too.

 

[Emily Tuomey]

HAPPY NEWS TO REPORT THIS MORNING!! Nico was 461 AM PRE-SHOT!!!! I’m so excited for him! He’s alwayyyys 600+— such big steps forward for him. And, he now purrs during BG testing and not even a flinch for his injections. My sweet boy is a diabetes ROCKSTAR Love him so!!! I’ll grab a +5 and +7 today from him for you guys as well. Happy Friday!

 

[jt and trouble (GA)]