? Questions about testing

[Miss Mew]

https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/new-here-just-need-to-spill-everything.249879/ First thread for background info.

Today marks a week since Leon's diagnosis. I'm still awaiting my vet appointment to begin his insulin. Meanwhile, I've calmed down quite a bit and been trying to learn as much as my brain can handle at a time. I feel like things are slowly making more sense.

(Also...I don't like waiting this long to begin treatment. I'm considering calling the vet and just getting the prescription, dose, etc. and starting this myself. But that's another story.)

When I first read about home testing my immediate response was "Absolutely not", I was already too scared and overwhelmed just thinking about the insulin shots and didn't want to take on any more stress. But after learning how beneficial it would be for my cat (and my wallet), I started to consider it and eventually decided I will ease into doing it, but probably start the "traditional way" by letting the vet take care of things at first.

But now I'm wondering if I could go ahead and get started with testing even if I'm still awaiting the appointment? Mostly so I can practice and get comfortable with it. Would that be okay to do or should I just wait? I want to feel like I'm doing something, I guess.

Also, I had a few additional questions I wanted to ask!

- I'm aware most people use human meters. I see the Relion Prime mentioned often. I want to make sure I'm looking at the right thing - it's this one right?
http://www.walmart.com/ip/ReliOn-PRIME-Blood-Glucose-Monitoring-System-Red/20752267

- What test strips can I use that are the most affordable and where to get them? (I'm in the US)

- Same as above but where to buy affordable lancets? ALSO how often should I change the lancet? (I would assume after each use just like syringes, but I also read some diabetic humans re-use their's a few times with no issue?)

- I mentioned in my first thread that I'm severely needlephobic and my gf is going to have to do the injections. But I actually feel okay trying to do the testing without her help. My fear is mainly with syringe or IV needles, and I am ok with blood. But my phobia can be triggered by imagery of any needle piercing skin. When I was looking at how this stuff works, I realized the lancet devices made it look a LOT less scary to me and that's why I'm feeling more confident to try it. Do you think using a lancet device can reasonably hide the sight of the needle going in so I don't have a reaction? I am just really worried about accidentally hurting myself and my cat if I end up getting dizzy or fainting. (I swear I have no control over this so please be nice lol)

- Also are the lancet devices re-useable? Do they need to be replaced very often?

- Aside from before each shot, when else do I need to test him? Does it depend on what insulin I use (I'm going to ask for Prozinc)? I'm worried I won't be able to keep up with testing a bunch throughout every day. Pretests and monthly curves sound manageable.

- Should I assume most the numbers I see around here are "human numbers" since those meters are more common? Just curious, but not wanting to overwhelm myself anymore, I still hardly know what all these numbers mean.

Sorry if it's a lot of questions or if any of them are dumb questions. But yeah I'm still a total newbie. Also I think I have a solid idea of HOW to do the tests as I've seen plenty of images of where to poke and how to warm up the ear.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

I'm aware most people use human meters. I see the Relion Prime mentioned often. I want to make sure I'm looking at the right thing - it's this one right?

Yes, that one is fine.

What test strips can I use that are the most affordable and where to get them? (I'm in the US)

You need to get the test strips that go with that meter. You can buy them from Walmart. They are very cheap

Same as above but where to buy affordable lancets? ALSO how often should I change the lancet? (I would assume after each use just like syringes, but I also read some diabetic humans re-use their's a few times with no issue?)

Ask for size 26 or 28 gauge lancets. They are not expensive and please only use them once, the same as the syringes. It is unfair on the cat to use them more than once as they will get blunt. Same for syringes. Contamination is also an issue for things being used more than once.

Do you think using a lancet device can reasonably hide the sight of the needle going in so I don't have a reaction? I am just really worried about accidentally hurting myself and my cat if I end up getting dizzy or fainting. (I swear I have no control over this so please be nice lol)

Yes the lancing device will hide the needle when it goes in.

Also are the lancet devices re-useable? Do they need to be replaced very often?

they can be used many times. Just wash them to keep them clean.

Aside from before each shot, when else do I need to test him? Does it depend on what insulin I use (I'm going to ask for Prozinc)? I'm worried I won't be able to keep up with testing a bunch throughout every day. Pretests and monthly curves sound manageable.

test before every dose of insulin and again at least once during both the am and the pm cycle to see how low the dose is taking Leon.

Should I assume most the numbers I see around here are "human numbers" since those meters are more common? Just curious, but not wanting to overwhelm myself anymore, I still hardly know what all these numbers mean.

You can look in the persons signature and it should tell you if they are using a human or pet meter. If you are looking at the spreadsheet it will tell you ar the top what type of meter is being used.

Sorry if it's a lot of questions or if any of them are dumb questions. But yeah I'm still a total newbie

No such thing as a dumb question around here! We are happy to answer all questions.

If you haven’t started the insulin yet, I would buy a bottle of Ketostix from Walmart or a pharmacy and test the urine for ketones just to be sure none are forming while you wait for the insulin to start.

Also I think it is a great idea to start testing the blood glucose now before you start the insulin. Good practice and it will get Leon used to it and give you good data!
Bron

 

[Miss Mew]

Hi, thank you so much for the helpful answers!!

I do have Ketostix on the way from Amazon, they didn't have them at my Walmart when I checked. Got 100 cuz they're probably good to have around. A little lost on how to get a urine sample, I watched a video and they showed a special non-absorbing litter but is there something cheaper? My cats share litter boxes but I think I can make this work by just putting some in the spots he goes (yes, I know what his favourite litterbox corners are...and which pee clumps belong to which cat lol).

I started looking at things and it seems the Relion Prime strips are ~$18 at my Walmart for 100. Tbh this sucks for me because one box will only last a month max and thats a pretty big hit to my already increasing monthly expenses (am poor). Is there a cheaper option or is the Relion Prime still my best bet?

Any particular lancet device you guys would suggest? Also will keep that in mind about the lancets. I saw the Relion 30 gauges for real cheap but I'm guessing that size won't work?

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Get the 26 or 28 gauge lancets. They work best for beginners.
I think you will find the ReliOn test strips are probably the cheapest. But you need to get the ones that go with the meter so I would look at the ReliOn meter.

to collect a urine. Can you sneak upon him in the littler box and pop a big spoon u der his butt?
Or maybe 1/2 bury a small plastic container in his favourite spot for him to pee into?

I would look at the ReliOn lancet device as well.

 

[Sherri & Moondance]

I am new here, too; but I wanted to put in a few words of encouragement regarding testing. I am not needle phobic, but I was extremely skeptical of my ability to manage the testing. After reading all of the good advice here, I decided to jump in and give it a try. I am still waiting on insulin that I ordered online, but I wanted to get comfortable with testing before adding the stress if giving shots and worrying about any life threatening hypos.

It is going much better than expected! The first couple of days were rocky, but I switched to 26 gauge lancets and found a routine of treats and bribery that work well for us. Now I have a lot more confidence knowing that I can test consistently. I have tested twice per day for the last 5 days without incident. If we have a hypo situation where Moondance’s life might depend on me getting a BG reading every 20 or 30 minutes, I know I’ll be able to handle it.

So, if you have the opportunity to get comfortable with testing before starting insulin. I highly recommend it! The peace of mind is well worth it.

 

[Miss Mew]

Thanks for the advice, you two. The idea of using a little plastic container sounds good - I'll definitely try that. I do want to start asap, at this point I'm getting antsy.

Unfortunately, I totally spiraled and had another breakdown this morning over everything. It's disappointing because I was starting to feel more confident. But looking at all this stuff I need to buy really made me freak out again. I think seeing the price of just the test strips alone sent me over the edge. $18 may not seem like much to some people, but when that may only last me a month, and I still need all sorts of other things, it's alot. I'm super poor and though I am applying for help, it's not a guarantee (and I just feel really bad for asking).

I also started to panic because, after doing the math, if I have to test him 4x a day I'll be going through those supplies quickly. And moreover, I'm doubting my ability to keep up with it because I'm so mentally ill. Like, unless I'm missing something here, that means always having to get up in the middle of the night (unless you're someone who functions on 6 hours of sleep I guess). Not sure I can do that? Sleep is already complicated for me, I'm always shifting between insomniac episodes or needing 10-12 hours of sleep. For example, I've been in stess-induced insomnia mode for 5 days straight and today, after my breakdown, I finally went and had 10 hours of sleep.

I cannot stick to schedules for the life of me and I'm just so worried I can't do this because I'm a dysfunctional mess with Adhd (I'm medicated but still). I'm just wondering when you get time to sleep or leave the house when you need to give round-the-clock care like this? Like, there's a reason I don't have human children and it's cuz I know I'm not cut out for this sorta thing. I know most people have jobs to go to also, and wondering how it's possible.

I also hate the thought of having to jab my poor cat with a needle 6x a day (including insulin). And keeping up with all these different supplies is overwhelming me, even without the financial aspect. I think I'm going to dedicate a shelf in my hallway closet to all his things so it feels a little more organized. I wish my apartment wasn't so small and cluttered right now.

Catching up on sleep helped. I talked to my mom on the phone and she gave me some reassurances. She also mentioned that she might be able to get me a free meter and strips which would help a lot. I'm feeling calmer for now, but I'm still worrying about a lot of this stuff.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

It is stressful in the beginning for everyone so you are not on your own!
Try not to stress about everything ………it won’t all happen at once.
Try writing down what you think you will need and we can help you prioritise it all.
No one is expecting you to be able to do everything straight away. We know it is stressful and takes time.
You won’t have to test during the night every night.
We do suggest getting a before bed test in and sometimes you may need to test again if the BG is dropping but we can help you with all of that. One day at a time……..that’s how I do it.
If you do the Start Low Go Slow method you will be able to manage and remember we are always here to help and support you

 

[Miss Mew]

Ah...thank you. I think my anxious brain always wants to have all the answers right now immediately, but it just can't work that way.

I spent a long time typing out my monthly cat-related expenses, and then my phone died. But basically, I'm already looking at ~$125/mo for cat food and litter alone (for both cats). If that sounds like a ridiculous number, let me know and I'll try to break down the costs if you think it could be cheaper.

Leon's stuff is coming out to about $57-67 for 1-1.5/mo of supplies, plus the insulin is $110 for a 10ml vial. Broken down below, feel free to help me prioritize, or suggest cheaper options.

Meter+lancet device: $15-16 at Walmart. These should hopefully be a thing I can buy once and have it last for a long time, so I didn't factor it into the recurring expenses.

Lancets: $1.60 for 100 at Walmart ($3-4/mo). I'm looking at the ReliOn 26 gauges. All the other brands were closer to $10 for 100, and I don't know why these are that cheap? Are they always this cheap? Sceptical.

Syringes: I don't know what I need yet, but Chewy has the U-40s (for ProZinc) at $15-25 for 100, depending on what cc and if you want the sharps disposal with it.

Insulin: ProZinc is ~$110 on Chewy for a 10ml vial. I poked around in the forum and it seems a vial can last 3-6 months depending on different factors. This is the insulin I plan to ask for (I need that extra wiggle room to feel comfortable, I hear its a good insulin too).

Other things I need to keep on hand: Ketostix ($8 for 100), honey (we always have this in the kitchen regardless so whatever), high carb/gravy food (how many to keep around?).

Anything else?

This isn't accounting for vet bills, which is never cheap and which I fear I'm going have more unplanned ones now. Or shots, toys, treats, catnip, litterbox replacements, etc. (I just remembered I got a Litter Genie recently too. I like it a lot but the replacements are like $12 at Walmart. Haven't really figured out how long they last...I might have to sacrifice it eventually.)

So...that leaves me with about $200-250/mo (after this and rent). And I still need to take care of my own self with that somehow. I have meds, hygeine products, etc. I need regularly. And sometimes even us poor people like to get new clothes or something related to our hobbies, y'know? But at this rate I'll feel lucky if I can just make ends meet without incident. I have no way to put money back for an emergency either; I barely have extra money left but I'm not allowed to keep over $2000 at a time or they'll cut me off.

If my mom can get me the test strips and meter, that'll help some though (she says she'll get back to me tomorrow).

Is this gonna be do-able? I can just feel my heart sinking more and more.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

I don’t live in the US so I don’t really know the cost of many things so I’m going to tag @Chris & China (GA) as she is will be able to help you with living on a budget.