New Member- tips needed to stop overthinking the injections.

[JennRoseFX]

Hi all! This is my first time posting here so I apologize if I’m posting this in the wrong spot. I promise to learn and get better. I’m just… having a bit of a meltdown today.

I feel like I’m making mistakes. My cat, Bug (an absolutely charming and intelligent 12 year old Tortie) was diagnosed with diabetes two months ago. TWO MONTHS. Why I didn’t come here from the start? I don’t know. I think I was completely overwhelmed and feeling sorry for myself. I still am, but I’ve come to terms with that. Ha.

There are a lot of things which need tweaking and adjusting. Diet for sure. But for the sake of my fragile mental state today, hahaha, I’m going to just limit this to one question today.

I’ve been giving Bug insulin injections now for two months. I watched so many videos. Read so many posts. It was rough going in the beginning, but that’s to be expected. Then we got into a groove. I would put down her treats with her blood pressure pills, and while she ate that, I would quickly give her the shot. I found if I just reminded myself to not think or hesitate, it went well and she didn’t react much.

The problem is… something changed. I had a couple of mishaps where I accidentally stabbed through the skin and poked my finger. I had a few mishaps where my other cat came bolting through the room and Bug got startled and shifted and bent the needle. I had a Freestyle Libre put on her last week at the Vet’s request after her fructosamine count came back insanely high, and was then able to see first hand how her BG levels just skyrocket when I mess up the shot.And then really drove home how much is riding on me being a competent insulin injector. And I think all of these things just compounded and creeped into my subconscious and now… well I feel like I’ve regressed.

I feel like I felt back at day one. Injection time has become a struggle and I’m hesitating and fighting anxiety, and of course Bug picks up on that (not to mention she no longer trusts having me behind her while she eats the treats because she’s grown wise to my hijinx. I do feel like every time we reach a successful routine, she realizes it and we have to switch things up).

I know there is no answer here other than I need to get my act together. I guess I’m just writing because I needed to get it out, and maybe someone else has experienced something similar? Maybe someone has some tips for things that have worked for them to help them get out of their head and give the shot quickly and effectively? Is it too late to train a cat to be accepting of the shots after two months of occasional fumbling? I feel absurd. I should have a handle on this by now.

(I am doing manual spot checks as well FYI… and those have been quite easy oddly enough)

Anyways, apologies for the novel. I’m having a day. Haha. And thank you!

Jenn (and Bug)

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

Relax, you're in the right place. I was very lucky to have two agreeable sugar cats but over the years made a boatload of mistakes. Cat 1 just couldn't wait to have me poke holes in him, cat 2 had "curves" that looked like a kid had drawn on the walls with crayons. You don't need to get your act together, you just need practice.
When you have a minute http://www.felinediabetes.com/dear-mom.htm changed everything for me. On a Saturday morning I was sure I had just murdered my cat, then my wife read this to me. He was indeed just having a nap.

 

[Katherine&Ruby]

I watched every single video on Youtube that I could find to learn the best way to do the injections. My Ruby was diagnosed in Sept 2020 at the height of the pandemic, and I never even saw her vets.

I put her in a place where it was not easy for her to squirm away, on the couch next to the armrest. I rub her head and her back with a sock filled with rice, then use that to warm her ear and test. Then I pull up be scruff where there's the most loose skin, and gently push the needle in. If it's uncomfortable for her, she lets out a little cry and I pull the needle out and try another spot. She knows by now that these shots make her feel better so she puts up with the routine, and your cat will get there as well. Half the battle is doing it in the most relaxed manner possible. I found singing a silly song helped me with testing and the shots. Singing gets you to breathe more deeply and can calm you down. The cat might like it too.

 

[Howiesmom]

Try switching the type of syringe. I use the SureComfort brand from ADW with no problems. When I thought I could save a couple dollars by switching brands, Howie absolutely revolted and gave me a hassle as they hurt. The SureComfort brand has a good lubricant on the needle that helps it go in smoothly. I’m sad I had to figure it out the hard way, but I will never switch brands again. Big hugs…I know how overwhelming this all is. You’ve got this!

 

[Lando demando]

Hi all! This is my first time posting here so I apologize if I’m posting this in the wrong spot. I promise to learn and get better. I’m just… having a bit of a meltdown today.

I feel like I’m making mistakes. My cat, Bug (an absolutely charming and intelligent 12 year old Tortie) was diagnosed with diabetes two months ago. TWO MONTHS. Why I didn’t come here from the start? I don’t know. I think I was completely overwhelmed and feeling sorry for myself. I still am, but I’ve come to terms with that. Ha.

There are a lot of things which need tweaking and adjusting. Diet for sure. But for the sake of my fragile mental state today, hahaha, I’m going to just limit this to one question today.

I’ve been giving Bug insulin injections now for two months. I watched so many videos. Read so many posts. It was rough going in the beginning, but that’s to be expected. Then we got into a groove. I would put down her treats with her blood pressure pills, and while she ate that, I would quickly give her the shot. I found if I just reminded myself to not think or hesitate, it went well and she didn’t react much.

The problem is… something changed. I had a couple of mishaps where I accidentally stabbed through the skin and poked my finger. I had a few mishaps where my other cat came bolting through the room and Bug got startled and shifted and bent the needle. I had a Freestyle Libre put on her last week at the Vet’s request after her fructosamine count came back insanely high, and was then able to see first hand how her BG levels just skyrocket when I mess up the shot.And then really drove home how much is riding on me being a competent insulin injector. And I think all of these things just compounded and creeped into my subconscious and now… well I feel like I’ve regressed.

I feel like I felt back at day one. Injection time has become a struggle and I’m hesitating and fighting anxiety, and of course Bug picks up on that (not to mention she no longer trusts having me behind her while she eats the treats because she’s grown wise to my hijinx. I do feel like every time we reach a successful routine, she realizes it and we have to switch things up).

I know there is no answer here other than I need to get my act together. I guess I’m just writing because I needed to get it out, and maybe someone else has experienced something similar? Maybe someone has some tips for things that have worked for them to help them get out of their head and give the shot quickly and effectively? Is it too late to train a cat to be accepting of the shots after two months of occasional fumbling? I feel absurd. I should have a handle on this by now.

(I am doing manual spot checks as well FYI… and those have been quite easy oddly enough)

Anyways, apologies for the novel. I’m having a day. Haha. And thank you!

Jenn (and Bug)

Hi Jenn, Bug is adorable!!
Sending you well wishes and support.
The above advice is great, and please know that this rough patch will NOT LAST FOREVER! If you can try some of the advice above you will find your ( and Bug’s ) groove again. FWIW Lando hissed at me a few times after i had one too many ear test botches. Hes back to trusting me. This is a rollercoaster ride in the beginning, but it will even out. Best of luck to you and Bug

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Hi Jen and if and welcome to the forum. You have come to the right place for help and support. This is a very supportive and friendly community and we all have or have had diabetic cats so understand all the pressures, issues etc that go with the first few weeks of FD.
There’s lots more we can a help you with, so when you are ready just let us know and we will help you.

Cats pick up on any anxieties we have so try humming and singing as you are getting the injection ready.

 

[jaspkaur]

We're in the same boat.The worst is that every Youtube video is the chillest and calmest cat ever. I've only been poking Duff for a month now so I have my fair share of bad days. Every video and article says "the needle is so small they don't feel it." Well then explain why Duff hisses at me the second it goes in? One thing that helped me was to "waste" a needle by practicing on a stuffed toy. I'd practice tenting on him and use the cap of the needle to practice on him too. That really helped me figure out how I wanted to hold the needle and how I wanted to insert.

We also have a routine where I have him sit on a pillow and I lift the pillow on my lap. We sit and get pets and love. Then at some point I poke him. Some times we just sit and I don't. Some days he actually doesn't notice. Some days I may be off my technique because he hates my guts.

The worst is when he flinches and I'm not sure if I got him or not. I'm still never sure if the needle is in or not so we had a spot shaved so I could see for sure. I still think I've had a few fur shots but it eases a bit of my anxiety that I can see for sure if it was or not.

 

[Librarianista]

Welcome!

First, please take a deep breath and be kind to yourself.

I was treating Chloe’s diabetes blindly for 6 months before I discovered this forum. Late is always better than never!

We’ve all missed shots from time to time. On those days, BGs are going read higher. But there’s always the next dose. Short term, BG that is too high is way safer than BG that is too low. Also I see you’re on Lantus. Since that insulin keeps a depot in the body, there’s still some that’s working even if you mess up a shot.

With my girl, she hated when I tried to give her shots with her food. It worked better for us to do it 15-30 minutes after meal time. She would curl up on the couch or in her favorite box after she’d eaten and was much more relaxed. A relaxed cat helped me be relaxed and give shots more easily.

You will have better days and worse days, and your cat will have better days and worse days. It’ll cycle back around. Diabetes treatment is NOT straightforward - many here refer to it as a dance because there are few quick fixes and every cat is different. What works one day might not the next (my gosh, just finding a low carb food my cat would eat took MONTHS of trial and error).

You got this. And this is a great place to be for support.

 

[Hendrick Cuddleclaw]

Hi Jen I just wanted to chime in with some support, this is all very new to me as well and like you, I thought i had the shot down and then suddenly the other day -- I blew it. Fur shot, insulin everywhere but in the kitty

I actually didn't know that there could be needles which may be easier on the kittah than other ones just by brand -- I knew about the gauge but not the brand that is very interesting and good information thank you @Howiesmom

what syringes are you using can you post a picture of the box @JennRoseFX ?

the singing a song thing, that was a fantastic suggestion I got from members here.

I have now composed 4 verses of "The Hendrick Pokey" sung to the tune of "The Hokey-Pokey"

♪♪ Let's warm the left ear up, we'll leave the right ear out
We'll do the Hendrick Pokey and get a blood drop out

Put the test strip in, take the test strip out
We're checking your blood glucose to make sure that there's no doubt

Plug the numbers in, fill the spreadsheet out
If we get you to remission you know that we will shout

Got some low-carb cans, threw that kibble out
Getting regulated is what it's all about! ♪♪



it definitely helps me be more calm and in turn, Hendrick as well. I start singing it now and he comes and gets into the BG test spot and waits. I know your issue is more the shot than the BG test but still, it might help to sing a tune

 

[Lando demando]

Hi Jen I just wanted to chime in with some support, this is all very new to me as well and like you, I thought i had the shot down and then suddenly the other day -- I blew it. Fur shot, insulin everywhere but in the kitty

I actually didn't know that there could be needles which may be easier on the kittah than other ones just by brand -- I knew about the gauge but not the brand that is very interesting and good information thank you @Howiesmom

what syringes are you using can you post a picture of the box @JennRoseFX ?

the singing a song thing, that was a fantastic suggestion I got from members here.

I have now composed 4 verses of "The Hendrick Pokey" sung to the tune of "The Hokey-Pokey"

♪♪ Let's warm the left ear up, we'll leave the right ear out
We'll do the Hendrick Pokey and get a blood drop out

Put the test strip in, take the test strip out
We're checking your blood glucose to make sure that there's no doubt

Plug the numbers in, fill the spreadsheet out
If we get you to remission you know that we will shout

Got some low-carb cans, threw that kibble out
Getting regulated is what it's all about! ♪♪



it definitely helps me be more calm and in turn, Hendrick as well. I start singing it now and he comes and gets into the BG test spot and waits. I know your issue is more the shot than the BG test but still, it might help to sing a tune

Omg haha the hendrick pokey is amazing. My songs that i sing to Lando need to be leveled up!

 

[JennRoseFX]

I'm so sorry it's taken me this long to come back and respond. I was so, so overwhelmed the day I wrote the original post. I felt like I was having a meltdown and that there was no way I was going to be able to keep doing this long-term.
But... thanks to all of you here and everyone over at the facebook group, I feel I was talked off the proverbial ledge.
I felt SO MUCH support and reassurance from everyone, and think that's what I needed to get out of that headspace and come at it from a different angle. And I did. And things have improved vastly.
I tried singing to her and she looked at me like I had lost my mind. I ended up trying the Fancy Feast Purely Natural treats (the ones that are JUST a flake of chicken, tuna or salmon)... and not only is she BONKERS for them, if
I break one treat up in a little bowl, it takes her long enough to eat that I can quickly give her the shot. That plus lots of hyping things up and talking excitedly about the wonders of cat treats, plus lots of petting, and I've ACTUALLY
managed to get to the point where she isn't reacting to the shot anymore. And I can't even tell you... it makes me want to weep with joy.
We are still working on getting her numbers down, but are definitely making strides there (a diet change and getting more accurate with my injections is making a HUGE difference). But my overall level of anxiety has gone down substantially
and I can't thank you all enough. Thank you thank you thank you.

@Hendrick's mom and dad It's been far too many years since I've posted in a forum format and I can't remember how to post a photo. Hahaha. But the syringes I've been using are the Carepoint Vet U-100 3/10cc 31G x 5/16".
They're working ok but I'm always willing to try a different brand!

 

[Hendrick Cuddleclaw]

I'm so sorry it's taken me this long to come back and respond. I was so, so overwhelmed the day I wrote the original post. I felt like I was having a meltdown and that there was no way I was going to be able to keep doing this long-term.
But... thanks to all of you here and everyone over at the facebook group, I feel I was talked off the proverbial ledge.
I felt SO MUCH support and reassurance from everyone, and think that's what I needed to get out of that headspace and come at it from a different angle. And I did. And things have improved vastly.
I tried singing to her and she looked at me like I had lost my mind. I ended up trying the Fancy Feast Purely Natural treats (the ones that are JUST a flake of chicken, tuna or salmon)... and not only is she BONKERS for them, if
I break one treat up in a little bowl, it takes her long enough to eat that I can quickly give her the shot. That plus lots of hyping things up and talking excitedly about the wonders of cat treats, plus lots of petting, and I've ACTUALLY
managed to get to the point where she isn't reacting to the shot anymore. And I can't even tell you... it makes me want to weep with joy.
We are still working on getting her numbers down, but are definitely making strides there (a diet change and getting more accurate with my injections is making a HUGE difference). But my overall level of anxiety has gone down substantially
and I can't thank you all enough. Thank you thank you thank you.

@Hendrick's mom and dad It's been far too many years since I've posted in a forum format and I can't remember how to post a photo. Hahaha. But the syringes I've been using are the Carepoint Vet U-100 3/10cc 31G x 5/16".
They're working ok but I'm always willing to try a different brand!

great to hear you have made such progress! And don't worry about the photo. I can look them up based on the info you gave

 

[Lando demando]

I'm so sorry it's taken me this long to come back and respond. I was so, so overwhelmed the day I wrote the original post. I felt like I was having a meltdown and that there was no way I was going to be able to keep doing this long-term.
But... thanks to all of you here and everyone over at the facebook group, I feel I was talked off the proverbial ledge.
I felt SO MUCH support and reassurance from everyone, and think that's what I needed to get out of that headspace and come at it from a different angle. And I did. And things have improved vastly.
I tried singing to her and she looked at me like I had lost my mind. I ended up trying the Fancy Feast Purely Natural treats (the ones that are JUST a flake of chicken, tuna or salmon)... and not only is she BONKERS for them, if
I break one treat up in a little bowl, it takes her long enough to eat that I can quickly give her the shot. That plus lots of hyping things up and talking excitedly about the wonders of cat treats, plus lots of petting, and I've ACTUALLY
managed to get to the point where she isn't reacting to the shot anymore. And I can't even tell you... it makes me want to weep with joy.
We are still working on getting her numbers down, but are definitely making strides there (a diet change and getting more accurate with my injections is making a HUGE difference). But my overall level of anxiety has gone down substantially
and I can't thank you all enough. Thank you thank you thank you.

@Hendrick's mom and dad It's been far too many years since I've posted in a forum format and I can't remember how to post a photo. Hahaha. But the syringes I've been using are the Carepoint Vet U-100 3/10cc 31G x 5/16".
They're working ok but I'm always willing to try a different brand!

Keep up the positive thinking! If you experience a hiccup, remember that you were able to get through the first challenge! Sending all the well wishes!

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

I was having a meltdown....talked off the proverbial ledge.

It's also important for older members to recall having those exact same moments. I somehow managed to go from "Did I just kill my cat?" to "does this meter need batteries?" when our second sugar cat was diagnosed. By then I knew all the words to Hush Little Baby.
Having a cooperative patient who loved the car was a big bonus

 

[Rachel P]

It sounds like you’ve got it under control now, but I’m new to this and just wanted to drop one thing I figured out in my first panicked nauseated days for anyone else reading.

the moment I started letting her do what she wanted during the shot, was the moment she stopped reacting poorly. I let her do a thing she always gets in trouble for - walk on the counter and eat a tiki cat stick off the granite. I literally dump half a tiki cat stick on the counter, let her lick it off and she doesn’t even notice I did it. This stopped all protesting. I think it helps sometimes with cats to let them do something out of the ordinary or let them have their way and shock them a little. Hard to explain but I’m sure you all know.

Now I do it on windowsills and everywhere, then wipe up the mess with a wipe. A little messy and annoying, but it usually puts her at the perfect height for me at the kitchen counter. Works out for her and me. She’s so distracted and the shot is now the easiest part. It really doesn’t hurt, they’re literally just perturbed by the “not doing what they want” part. At least I find. Let them do what they want and they relax.

 

[Paige & Wesson]

I found that crumbling up the Pure Bites kept him busy enough for me to get the shot in no problem. When I would just give a treat, he would gulp it down and start moving on me. Glad you guys are in a good routine now.

 

[Karolina & Nestle]

Hi Jen I just wanted to chime in with some support, this is all very new to me as well and like you, I thought i had the shot down and then suddenly the other day -- I blew it. Fur shot, insulin everywhere but in the kitty

I actually didn't know that there could be needles which may be easier on the kittah than other ones just by brand -- I knew about the gauge but not the brand that is very interesting and good information thank you @Howiesmom

what syringes are you using can you post a picture of the box @JennRoseFX ?

the singing a song thing, that was a fantastic suggestion I got from members here.

I have now composed 4 verses of "The Hendrick Pokey" sung to the tune of "The Hokey-Pokey"

♪♪ Let's warm the left ear up, we'll leave the right ear out
We'll do the Hendrick Pokey and get a blood drop out

Put the test strip in, take the test strip out
We're checking your blood glucose to make sure that there's no doubt

Plug the numbers in, fill the spreadsheet out
If we get you to remission you know that we will shout

Got some low-carb cans, threw that kibble out
Getting regulated is what it's all about! ♪♪



it definitely helps me be more calm and in turn, Hendrick as well. I start singing it now and he comes and gets into the BG test spot and waits. I know your issue is more the shot than the BG test but still, it might help to sing a tune

Hello,
I must say I absolutely LOVE your song! It's purrrrrfect