I hear your frustration. I was very frustrated and worried about hurting Ruby and our bond. I realized though that I was doing it all wrong! I got a lancing device and it made testing fast and easy to the point where Ruby comes to me when it's time and sits and purrs while she waits for it. She gets a little impatient if I take too long or have to take more than one jab to get enough blood, but testing has become a huge bonding experience for us, and I think this could happen for you and Squeaky too. I even pricked my civvie Olive's ear and she loved having the warm sock rubbed on her ears and head.
I think 99% of it is the attitude YOU bring to the interaction. If you're upset about having to do it to him, he will feel it and take on your energy.
If you're on the Feline Diabetes Facebook group, perhaps you could ask if there's someone in the Boulder area who can come to show you another pricking technique perhaps that you haven't thought of that might be less stressful for you and Squeaks?
I think fluid therapy could be helpful. It sounds like his pancreatitis could be flaring again? If so, fluids could be the missing treatment piece he needs to start feeling better.
Thanks you thank you thank you everyone, I so appreciate your answers. They make me feel cared for. I was so frustrated this afternoon, I texted the gal who came over and showed us how to do the ear pricks many months ago. (it helped, we are successful at ear pricks) She is out of town and can come over in 2 weeks when she is back. I think she can look over what we're doing and answer my questions. There is something about this process that I don't understand.
I hear what you are saying about the energy, and I think I am doing well with the ear pricks. And we are doing well because Squeaky is also making an effort. But if I do more than 4 BG a day, plus 2 shots, he gets upset about it. Tries to hide in the litter box, runs away if I just look at him.
Used to be when we only had the inhaler to do, I'd get that lovely reaction -- it was our bonding time, and he would run to me for it, purr and fun for both. The diabetes is different. The inhaler doesn't hurt him. But now.... He doesn't feel well a lot. Now he has inhaler, ear prick, force a pill, put oral fluid (buprenorphine, he told the animal communicator it hurts his mouth), and THEN a shot. You know, can you blame him for not liking this? But he is strong and brave, he has learned how to swallow the pills, tolerate the ear prick, deal with the mouth hurting, and put up with the shot. I gotta hand it to him for being such a cooperator. But if I do too much of this, he gets neurotic about it, hiding in his litter box, running away. Can you blame him?
Hey, before the whole routine, I pick him up, walk him around the house and show him things in the kitchen and through the windows. He gets to smell whatever is in the kitchen. He gets a full body massage before each ear prick (he loves it). Also I "tenderize" him before the pilling, very tenderly stroking his face. Homemade beef jerky kibble after the medicines and after the insulin shot. It's not bad! He just gets very unhappy if more than 4 BG/2 shots per day.
I also think he needs fluids. I need someone to help me with it. I emailed the vet tech, no answer today and if she comes over will probably cost me $50 to have her come over and coach me and hold him. Heather could help but she won't be here for 2 weeks. What's a mom to do? Except feel frustrated.... if Squeaky's picking up frustration this is it.
@THH & Snowcrash (GA), would you kindly remind me of the protocol.... how much, how many times? Seems to me you recommended giving him fluids 3 times. I do think he is dehydrated now.
When his BG #s are high, like tonight, he was very playful and happy. Most of the time when they are lower, he's not so interested in play. I get that the high numbers give him energy but would like to see him happy in the normal range.
Well good night everyone. With a 467 I'm going to sleep through the night.
