Understanding numbers at +2

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Ok. Deep breaths…..I can see last nights numbers now.
So this morning you were not able to get a test done but you gave the dose…is that correct?
Didn’t you say on your other thread that your mother was going to bring you some more test strips. Has she done that?

 

[Lauren & Red]

Ok. Deep breaths…..I can see last nights numbers now.
So this morning you were not able to get a test done but you gave the dose…is that correct?
Didn’t you say on your other thread that your mother was going to bring you some more test strips. Has she done that?

Yes that is correct. I couldn’t test but gave the insulin. My mom dropped off new strips tonight and the same thing is happening… Which is why I’m thinking the problem is the device and not the strips anymore.. Especially because I’m testing myself and having the same problem. Unless I’m missing something??

I take a new strip out of the bottle and close the bottle. I then put the strip in but I don’t push it in all the way. I warm up my cats ear, poke with the lancet device, get a blood drop, push in the strip and wait until the drop shows up on the screen and then I put the end of the strip to the ear or my finger and let the blood get sucked up. Error message every time.

And according to the manual there are a lot of different errors. Some mean I’m using the incorrect strip, some mean that there’s not a big enough blood sample, but the one I keep getting says that it’s a “used strip or I’m putting the blood on top of the strip”. But I know they’re new and I know I’m not touching the top. So I don’t know what the problem is.

It’s getting late again and I need to decide. Should I shoot or not?

 

[smorgasbord]

So now I’m thinking the problem is the device and maybe that also got wet last night. ?? I don’t know.

I haven't used that device, but if you have fresh strips as you said, you'll probably want to get a new device at this point. And a back up haha.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Yes that is correct. I couldn’t test but gave the insulin. My mom dropped off new strips tonight and the same thing is happening… Which is why I’m thinking the problem is the device and not the strips anymore.. Especially because I’m testing myself and having the same problem. Unless I’m missing something??

I take a new strip out of the bottle and close the bottle. I then put the strip in but I don’t push it in all the way. I warm up my cats ear, poke with the lancet device, get a blood drop, push in the strip and wait until the drop shows up on the screen and then I put the end of the strip to the ear or my finger and let the blood get sucked up. Error message every time.

And according to the manual there are a lot of different errors. Some mean I’m using the incorrect strip, some mean that there’s not a big enough blood sample, but the one I keep getting says that it’s a “used strip or I’m putting the blood on top of the strip”. But I know they’re new and I know I’m not touching the top. So I don’t know what the problem is.

It’s getting late again and I need to decide. Should I shoot or not?

Did you switch off the glucose meter completely and reboot it before trying again.?

 

[Lauren & Red]

Did you switch off the glucose meter completely and reboot it before trying again.?

I don’t know how to reboot but I have turned it off and on and tried many different strips.

I haven't used that device, but if you have fresh strips as you said, you'll probably want to get a new device at this point. And a back up haha.

Ok I understand I’m going to need a new device. But can you please tell me if I should shoot or not? I need to decide ASAP

 

[smorgasbord]

Yes that is correct. I couldn’t test but gave the insulin. My mom dropped off new strips tonight and the same thing is happening… Which is why I’m thinking the problem is the device and not the strips anymore.. Especially because I’m testing myself and having the same problem. Unless I’m missing something??

I take a new strip out of the bottle and close the bottle. I then put the strip in but I don’t push it in all the way. I warm up my cats ear, poke with the lancet device, get a blood drop, push in the strip and wait until the drop shows up on the screen and then I put the end of the strip to the ear or my finger and let the blood get sucked up. Error message every time.

And according to the manual there are a lot of different errors. Some mean I’m using the incorrect strip, some mean that there’s not a big enough blood sample, but the one I keep getting says that it’s a “used strip or I’m putting the blood on top of the strip”. But I know they’re new and I know I’m not touching the top. So I don’t know what the problem is.

It’s getting late again and I need to decide. Should I shoot or not?

I can't help with deciding to shoot or not, Bron has got your back there, but see if there is an error for "meter is broken"? Maybe that will help the process of elimination? You could also be getting too much blood on the strip. I know it's a lot to ask, but you could try posting a photo of the used strip and maybe we could see if there is too much blood? First see if there is an error for a broken meter!

 

[smorgasbord]

Did you switch off the glucose meter completely and reboot it before trying again.?

Hah. Good thinking. Sometimes the answer is too simple. *fingers crossed*

 

[smorgasbord]

 

[smorgasbord]

Are you getting a "drop" symbol when you put the test strip in?

 

[smorgasbord]

When you put the strip in, does the screen do this:

 

[Lauren & Red]

I can't help with deciding to shoot or not, Bron has got your back there, but see if there is an error for "meter is broken"? Maybe that will help the process of elimination? You could also be getting too much blood on the strip. I know it's a lot to ask, but you could try posting a photo of the used strip and maybe we could see if there is too much blood? First see if there is an error for a broken meter!

There is one for meter error and that’s not the one I’m getting. I don’t think it’s too much blood because my cat isn’t bleeding much. I’ve had many errors where the “sample is not detected” because it wasn’t enough blood. I’ve wasted many strips that way. But there’s no possible way it’s too much blood. Because I’m struggling with getting the blood to begin with. I already threw them all away and don’t want to go poking him again when I’m almost positive my device is broken.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Lauren, did you turn the meter completely off and then back on again before trying to test again?

 

[Lauren & Red]

When you put the strip in, does the screen do this:
View attachment 61896

Yes I get that screen first then everything disappears except the time at the top and the stick symbol. Almost immediately after I get a drop symbol next to the strip symbol and that’s when I get the blood. I always wait until I get the drop symbol. So I’m guessing I can’t dose since nobody is answering me and the time is getting later and later?

We can go back to my device problems later. Assuming I can’t test (because I can’t), should I dose or not? Please tell me what do you think I should do. I need to decide like 45 min ago

 

[Lauren & Red]

Lauren, did you turn the meter completely off and then back on again before trying to test again?

Yes many times

 

[smorgasbord]

Lauren, the reason we are focusing on the device is not for our own amusement. I'm sure you can tell at this point just how very important it is to get the test before shooting

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Assuming I can’t test (because I can’t), should I dose or not? Please tell me what do you think I should do. I need to decide like 45 min ago

Lauren, I can’t recommend you give the dose because I don’t know what the preshot is and if it is safe to give the dose.

 

[Lauren & Red]

Lauren, the reason we are focusing on the device is not for our own amusement. I'm sure you can tell at this point just how very important it is to get the test before shooting

I understand it’s important to test. Most of the stuff I’ve been reading on this message board is completely over my head. But the instructions for this testing device is pretty straightforward and I don’t think I’m doing it wrong. I think there’s something wrong with the device.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Are you able to get a new meter by the next test? That is what I would recommend.
If you skip this dose, you can start giving the next dose at a much earlier time slot that is much more convenient you. How does that sound.?

Also I know Marje had organised for someone to come and help you get started with testing. I would strongly suggest you take up that offer. I have helped others get started. By showing them and it helps a lot a,

 

[Lauren & Red]

Lauren, I can’t recommend you give the dose because I don’t know what the preshot is and if it is safe to give the dose.

Ok thanks. Have a good night or day (whatever it is where you are).

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

I understand it’s important to test. Most of the stuff I’ve been reading on this message board is completely over my head. But the instructions for this testing device is pretty straightforward and I don’t think I’m doing it wrong. I think there’s something wrong with the device.

Yes, you need a new meter. Take it back where you got it, but get it sorted out today so we can start afresh tonight.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Make sure you give Red a good meal now and leave some food out foe him. Even though he hasn’t had the insulin, he needs to eat well.

 

[Lauren & Red]

Are you able to get a new meter by the next test? That is what I would recommend.
If you skip this dose, you can start giving the next dose at a much earlier time slot that is much more convenient you. How does that sound.?

Also I know Marje had organised for someone to come and help you get started with testing. I would strongly suggest you take up that offer. I have helped others get started. By showing them and it helps a lot a,

I will wake up early and try to get another device. I know the one I bought was the only available one at my local store. And I really hate to buy the same one I’m having problems with already, but otherwise I won’t be able to do insulin again tomorrow so I don’t think I have a choice

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

I will wake up early and try to get another device. I know the one I bought was the only available one at my local store. And I really hate to buy the same one I’m having problems with already, but otherwise I won’t be able to do insulin again tomorrow so I don’t think I have a choice

Do the best you can!

 

[Lauren & Red]

Make sure you give Red a good meal now and leave some food out foe him. Even though he hasn’t had the insulin, he needs to eat well.

He always has access to LC food now so that’s not a problem. I didn’t keep my receipt for the device. But it is what it is.

 

[smorgasbord]

Good luck getting a new one, and hey, silver lining, you get to reset your schedule. Have a good night and get some sleep!

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

@Lauren & Red make sure you are ready to test and go 1/2 hour before your new time schedule so we can get back on a better schedule for you.

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

Take it back where you got it, but get it sorted out today so we can start afresh tonight.

Unfortunately, it won't help to take it back. You can't return meters or strips because both are considered "blood products" (even if they've never been opened....once you pay for them, they're yours). You should be able to call the company and they'll probably send you a replacement (just don't tell them it's for a cat) but that won't get you a new meter anytime soon.

If there's a WalMart nearby, you could get the Relion Prime ($9) and strips are $9 for 50, $17.88 for 100. It's about the cheapest meter and strips available.

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Agree with Chris get the Relion Prime if there's a Walmart near you

 

[Shelley & Jess]

Is the battery indicator on the low side? You could try changing the batteries if you have some handy.

When the batteries in my meter were getting low it still had enough juice to turn on but not enough oompf to read the test.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

Have you tried testing yourself? That way you have time to make sure you get enough blood.

 

[Bree & Misty]

Thank you!

ok… Got my +2. He wasn’t happy and it’s breaking my heart to cause him pain. His ears look horrible which makes me hesitant to test. I hate that I’m the cause of it.

But I did it anyway. I’m just sad in general to be constantly hurting the sweetest thing that brings nothing but happiness to my life. He’s beginning to not like or trust me. Don’t even get me started on that because I’m too tired to get emotional. It will get ugly.

I asked a few people about using lidocaine prior to the ear test. I was desperately trying to find a way to keep his pain as minimal as possible. I would pay a great deal for that (the fact that I have little money is besides the point because I would find away).

The response I got to lidocaine was a unanimous no because they didn’t know if it was safe for cats or would interfere with the results. If anyone ever finds anything that proves it’s ok, PLEASE let me know.

ok so his reading at +2 is 239.
Please don’t tell me that means I need to stay up again all night. They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger… But I think another night of no sleep might actually kill me.

Topical lidocaine is safe for cats and I found pet specific versions online, but I think you'd need a prescription. I'm not sure about it interfering with BG numbers, in humans there have been studies done about injected anesthetics containing vasoconstrictors (epinephrine) affecting blood glucose/insulin absorption in diabetic patients slightly. Others say there is no significant effect, but I couldn't find anything on topically applied lido (which wouldn't contain vasoconstrictors and might be different due to not being injected into the bloodstream) and of course cats are different than humans anyway. I would ask your vet.
I looked into topical benzocaine too, since that can be bought otc, but it's not safe for cats and can be very toxic for them.
Hopefully he will get used to testing, a lot of members' cats here actually like being tested because it means extra treats and attention. My girl is coming around on it.

Edit: vasocream with lidocaine is recommended for human diabetics in multiple sources I found. It is otc. You might want to look into something like that. I'm not a vet though, please consult your vet first. Happy to provide my sources if anyone wants!