10/24, Binie, AMPS 322, +4.5 306, both Accu Check

[Heike & BInie]

Last post: https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/10-23-binie-amps-384-3-320-6-244.295158/#post-3215943

Good evening,

Binie saw blue numbers last night, yeah!

Unfortunately the sensor crashed only 22 hours after the activation. It showed "sensor error" for two hours and then it said I have to activate a new sensor. I did a handheld check at 02:45 am and spent some time contemplating what to do.

When I installed the sensor two days ago I needed two trys (and two sensors) and I already had to clean her skin with alcohol and cleaner several times to remove the skin tac of the first failed installation. I am worried to hurt her skin (it was actually inflamed after I took the last sensor off) if I start all over again and so I decided to give her skin time to heal until Sunday, before I apply the next sensor. Changing the location is not really an option, because on the other side I just removed the sensor after two weeks and on a different location she might lick it off and I can't make her wear anything.

This means testing with a handheld, which is not easy with Binie. I decided to test before shots and one test in the middle of the cycle. I would love to test more but if I poke her too much, she might refuse to get poked before the shot or the shot itself which would be a desaster. I wish it was easier with her. I am so impressed, how many of you manage to keep your kittys safe with a handheld and do so many tests.

Unfortunately this all happens before I have to be away tomorrow. My neigbor will take care of her but she can't test her. I changed my plans, booked a car and will drive home quickly in my lunchbreak to take a test. I hope it is all safe for Binie. I am really a nervous wreck and hope I manage to change the sensor successfully on Sunday.

By the way, for the Libre users: On the Abbott hotline they told me, that a sensor can crash if you apply a new one when the old one is still on. I know many people do it but she told me there is a risk. I never heard of that before but maybe it is worth to do some research.

Hope everyone has a safe surf!

 

[Staci & Ivy]

Last post: https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/10-23-binie-amps-384-3-320-6-244.295158/#post-3215943

Good evening,

Binie saw blue numbers last night, yeah!

Unfortunately the sensor crashed only 22 hours after the activation. It showed "sensor error" for two hours and then it said I have to activate a new sensor. I did a handheld check at 02:45 am and spent some time contemplating what to do.

When I installed the sensor two days ago I needed two trys (and two sensors) and I already had to clean her skin with alcohol and cleaner several times to remove the skin tac of the first failed installation. I am worried to hurt her skin (it was actually inflamed after I took the last sensor off) if I start all over again and so I decided to give her skin time to heal until Sunday, before I apply the next sensor. Changing the location is not really an option, because on the other side I just removed the sensor after two weeks and on a different location she might lick it off and I can't make her wear anything.

This means testing with a handheld, which is not easy with Binie. I decided to test before shots and one test in the middle of the cycle. I would love to test more but if I poke her too much, she might refuse to get poked before the shot or the shot itself which would be a desaster. I wish it was easier with her. I am so impressed, how many of you manage to keep your kittys safe with a handheld and do so many tests.

Unfortunately this all happens before I have to be away tomorrow. My neigbor will take care of her but she can't test her. I changed my plans, booked a car and will drive home quickly in my lunchbreak to take a test. I hope it is all safe for Binie. I am really a nervous wreck and hope I manage to change the sensor successfully on Sunday.

By the way, for the Libre users: On the Abbott hotline they told me, that a sensor can crash if you apply a new one when the old one is still on. I know many people do it but she told me there is a risk. I never heard of that before but maybe it is worth to do some research.

Hope everyone has a safe surf!

Hi Heike, I’m so sorry to hear that the Libre failed. That really sucks. I’m trying to think of a solution.
Could you possibly move the spot on the same side slightly up or down? (see photo below)

I know you have given every possible thought to an alternative solution.

I understand that Abbott suggested not having 2 sensors on at the same time.
I’ve been doing just that for many, many months and had no problem.

I install the new one a day before I want to activate it and then I remove the old one after the new one is activated.
I actually learned of doing this while watching the video of someone giving suggestions on what to do for humans. (It wasn’t even related to using it for a pet and that’s where I got the idea of “marinating” the sensor). I didn’t make it up. I learned it from somebody else and thought it made sense and it’s been working quite well.
But I guess you just never know what can go wrong. There’s so many things that can cause them to fail, they’re so finicky.

Ivy and I are sending you lots of love and support Heike. You’re doing everything right. And everything humanly possible!!

It’s a real challenge all of this. And you’re an amazing cat mom to Binie

 

[Heike & BInie]

Hi Heike, I’m so sorry to hear that the Libre failed. That really sucks. I’m trying to think of a solution.
Could you possibly move the spot on the same side slightly up or down? (see photo below)
View attachment 71272

I know you have given every possible thought to an alternative solution.

I understand that Abbott suggested not having 2 sensors on at the same time.
I’ve been doing just that for many, many months and had no problem.

I install the new one a day before I want to activate it and then I remove the old one after the new one is activated.
I actually learned of doing this while watching the video of someone giving suggestions on what to do for humans. (It wasn’t even related to using it for a pet and that’s where I got the idea of “marinating” the sensor). I didn’t make it up. I learned it from somebody else and thought it made sense and it’s been working quite well.
But I guess you just never know what can go wrong. There’s so many things that can cause them to fail, they’re so finicky.

Ivy and I are sending you lots of love and support Heike. You’re doing everything right. And everything humanly possible!!

It’s a real challenge all of this. And you’re an amazing cat mom to Binie

Hi Staci,

thank you so much for your support and the idea! I know you know how I feel... I thought about doing it as you said but cleaning the area with alcohol and removing the skin tac is the same, even if I move the sensor a bit. Maybe it wouldn't do anything to her skin but I am just so scared to risk her skin getting hurt again.

I think the fail didn't happen because of two sensors. Besides knowing that you do this with success, I read that many times in a facebook forum for human libre users who do it like that. I am just a bit irritated, I got this info on the Abbott costumer hotline. Makes me think that maybe there is some truth in it.

I think about two things which probably went wrong with the sensor: 1. Maybe I didn't manage to get rid of all skin tac from the first try and it hardened. 2. Location: I know that the location I choose is not 100 % perfect, but I need to find a spot on her back where she is not licking. On the right side of her back, that sometimes gives problems with her hips when she is sitting in a certain position. Maybe this time the sensor was too close to the hip and the sensor got dislocated when she was sitting in the loaf position.

I really hope this experience makes me more confident about testing with a handheld. That would give me so much freedom.

Big, big hugs and a kiss for sweet Ivy!

 

[SmallestSparrow]

Yay blue! Boo lost sensor. I’m sorry this happened at the exact wrong time and I know not knowing is stressful—but maybe she hasn’t had too many really low readings mid day? Seeing numbers go high makes me despair but going low is what makes me anxious. I hope everything goes smoothly tomorrow and the new sensor is up and running soon.

Methos doesn’t always cooperate with ear sticks (he seems to know when it’s really important and choose that time to refuse) but he really really like freeze dried liver and knows he only gets it with an ear stick. He also knows an ear stick generally precedes a meal. Sometimes when he’s hungry he will sit next to where I keep my meter.

Abbott also makes the meter I use for ketones (precision xtra)—I’ve found tech support to be hit and miss: sometimes useful and sometimes I think they are making up an answer (because it contradicts the manual). I also have had them refuse to help if they know I was testing a cat

 

[Heike & BInie]

Yay blue! Boo lost sensor. I’m sorry this happened at the exact wrong time and I know not knowing is stressful—but maybe she hasn’t had too many really low readings mid day? Seeing numbers go high makes me despair but going low is what makes me anxious. I hope everything goes smoothly tomorrow and the new sensor is up and running soon.

Methos doesn’t always cooperate with ear sticks (he seems to know when it’s really important and choose that time to refuse) but he really really like freeze dried liver and knows he only gets it with an ear stick. He also knows an ear stick generally precedes a meal. Sometimes when he’s hungry he will sit next to where I keep my meter.

Abbott also makes the meter I use for ketones (precision xtra)—I’ve found tech support to be hit and miss: sometimes useful and sometimes I think they are making up an answer (because it contradicts the manual). I also have had them refuse to help if they know I was testing a cat

Thank you so much Colleen! It's like you said - high numbers are despair, low anxiety. And there is a tiny, tiny little corridor inbetween, which makes me happy. Doesn't happen too often....

Yes, it is a stupid time to happen. But I booked a car now and I will come back for my lunchbreak, so hopefully all is good. She had some low events during the day but I always catched it early because of the libre. Now I feel a little blind just with one test during the day.

I really wish I could easily test her. I can only test her while she is licking churrus. Getting a treat afterwards would be not enough. But if she gets Churrus too often, she looses interest and it is not worth an ear prick anymore. So happy you found something Methos is fond of. So sweet he is sitting next to the meter!

Thank you for encouraging my doubt about the support. The longer I think about it the more unlogical I find it. Yes, you should never tell them it is for a cat! I use the freestyle neo for the ketones or the meter. Are the strips also so horribly expensive in the US? You must spend a fortune...

I hope Methos goes gently down in his pm cycle!

 

[Staci & Ivy]

If you are going as low as the hips, that sounds kind of low.
Maybe that’s the issue??
I know it’s hard to find just the right spot and of course you have to put it in a spot where Binie can’t get to it Since you can’t cover it.
I know you’ve thought of all the different options Heike, I’m not being critical.

Maybe you will get Binie to change her mind and decide testing is ok? Who knows!
But I’m sending good vibes for calm and peaceful cycles

 

[Heike & BInie]

If you are going as low as the hips, that sounds kind of low.
Maybe that’s the issue??
I know it’s hard to find just the right spot and of course you have to put it in a spot where Binie can’t get to it Since you can’t cover it.
I know you’ve thought of all the different options Heike, I’m not being critical.

Maybe you will get Binie to change her mind and decide testing is ok? Who knows!
But I’m sending good vibes for calm and peaceful cycles

Hi Staci,

yes, I know it is not the best place to put it. That is definitely an issue and maybe a reason, why I have to fight with errors so often. But usually it is working more or less well and if I would apply it on the recommended places, she would lick it off. So it is all about compromises..... And the left side works definitely better than the right side, the hip doesn't come out so much.

Very funny, I just stumbled about a post in the fb libre group for cats and dogs, that on the Abbot hotline they very often give wrong technical adivce. So we shouldn't be to impressed about what they said with the two sensors disturbing each other...

Yes, that would give me much freedom if Binie would cooperate better with testing. Anyhow, I'm glad there is the sensor. I just tested before going to bed, she has a yellow number an I am sad I will not find out, if she sees blue numbers or not. I would even set an alarmclock for another test but I don't want her to be grumpy in the morning, when I test before insuline.

Ah, something else I found out: You are sometimes surprised, that my handheld numbers are closer to the Libre than yours. I just read, that the Accu Check instant I use, tends to read a bit lower than the Contour next for example. So the mistery is solved....

Hopy you have a nice evening and a good night in your bed!

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Hi Heike , I'm sorry you are having so much trouble with the sensor. Sending prayers that Binie will be fine when you run home on your lunch break to test her

 

[Staci & Ivy]

Hi Staci,

yes, I know it is not the best place to put it. That is definitely an issue and maybe a reason, why I have to fight with errors so often. But usually it is working more or less well and if I would apply it on the recommended places, she would lick it off. So it is all about compromises..... And the left side works definitely better than the right side, the hip doesn't come out so much.

Very funny, I just stumbled about a post in the fb libre group for cats and dogs, that on the Abbot hotline they very often give wrong technical adivce. So we shouldn't be to impressed about what they said with the two sensors disturbing each other...

Yes, that would give me much freedom if Binie would cooperate better with testing. Anyhow, I'm glad there is the sensor. I just tested before going to bed, she has a yellow number an I am sad I will not find out, if she sees blue numbers or not. I would even set an alarmclock for another test but I don't want her to be grumpy in the morning, when I test before insuline.

Ah, something else I found out: You are sometimes surprised, that my handheld numbers are closer to the Libre than yours. I just read, that the Accu Check instant I use, tends to read a bit lower than the Contour next for example. So the mistery is solved....

Hopy you have a nice evening and a good night in your bed!

hi Heike, I think the advice on the Abbott line is staffed with not the brightest people. I’ve had very frustrating conversations with many of them. It’s obvious they just read from a script and don’t have the knowledge or ability to answer a question without reading from a script. So they’re just doling out whatever Abbott tells them to say, whether it’s true or not. I always took whatever I heard from them with a grain of salt. I feel like I get better information out in the wild doing research from actual people using the sensors and posting about it in different places.

That’s interesting about your handheld meter versus my meter and that yours reads lower, so that would make sense. I’m curious, where did you read that? Do you have a link I could read? I’m interested..
anyway Heike I’m hoping everything goes smoothly. I know you’ll get through the next few days And you’ll be back on track and Binie will be fine.
I hope you have really restful night.

 

[SmallestSparrow]

Thank you so much Colleen! It's like you said - high numbers are despair, low anxiety. And there is a tiny, tiny little corridor inbetween, which makes me happy. Doesn't happen too often....

Yes, it is a stupid time to happen. But I booked a car now and I will come back for my lunchbreak, so hopefully all is good. She had some low events during the day but I always catched it early because of the libre. Now I feel a little blind just with one test during the day.

I really wish I could easily test her. I can only test her while she is licking churrus. Getting a treat afterwards would be not enough. But if she gets Churrus too often, she looses interest and it is not worth an ear prick anymore. So happy you found something Methos is fond of. So sweet he is sitting next to the meter!

Thank you for encouraging my doubt about the support. The longer I think about it the more unlogical I find it. Yes, you should never tell them it is for a cat! I use the freestyle neo for the ketones or the meter. Are the strips also so horribly expensive in the US? You must spend a fortune...

I hope Methos goes gently down in his pm cycle!

Glad you will be able to come back to check on her. Yes the strips are expensive—sooo expensive. I used to think about it when I was testing 2-3 times a week. Now I’m just numb to it. And the cost of the alpha trak strips. I tell myself that once he has a stable dose and not having ketones I will test him only occasionally. Luckily I enjoy vegetarian food. And lately am too stressed to eat much. So that’s a savings
I think if one adds the cost of strips, lancets, 2x2s etc then the Libre is no more expensive—unfortunately with his skin he can’t use one. I would LOVE being able to know his glucose without sticking him. On days when he goes lower and needs many tests I feel terrible and he refuses to sleep with me

 

[SmallestSparrow]

I’ve had very frustrating conversations with many of them. It’s obvious they just read from a script and don’t have the knowledge or ability to answer a question without reading from a scrip

Definitely true. I’ve sent more than one email telling them I’m a physician and have had it with people reading scripts and someone who actually knows something about my meter needs to get back with me. Then I quote some nonsense I’ve been told. Eventually an engineer calls or emails. One time the person (who admittedly didn’t speak English well so there’s one part of the problem) kept asking me about my Libre and I kept saying “this is about the Precision Xtra meter, not Libre” and he’d again say “first when did you get the Libre”
I will say one thing in favor of Alpha Trak—their tech support does a little script reading but once you say “yeah already tried that” they move on to actually working the issue and appear to know about their product and can trouble shoot with you.

 

[Deb and Tiger]

Oh Heike I know how frustrating that is and expensive. I’ve had them go out after a day or two and get so mad! Good luck with the manual readings for the next couple days. We have had to replace the sensor right next to where the one came off and had no problem with the skin but each kitty is different for sure. If the skin looks irritated I wouldn’t put it too close.
Sending you hugs and kitty kisses!

 

[Staci & Ivy]

Definitely true. I’ve sent more than one email telling them I’m a physician and have had it with people reading scripts and someone who actually knows something about my meter needs to get back with me. Then I quote some nonsense I’ve been told. Eventually an engineer calls or emails. One time the person (who admittedly didn’t speak English well so there’s one part of the problem) kept asking me about my Libre and I kept saying “this is about the Precision Xtra meter, not Libre” and he’d again say “first when did you get the Libre”
I will say one thing in favor of Alpha Trak—their tech support does a little script reading but once you say “yeah already tried that” they move on to actually working the issue and appear to know about their product and can trouble shoot with you.

Hi Colleen, yes, part of the problem is the language barrier for sure. They’re outsourcing to other countries and unfortunately, they just can barely speak English. It’s a fact. So I’m sure the call center can only read the script because they can’t communicate well.
The responses I’ve gotten back when I comment or ask a question are pure gibberish.
And because I’ve reported so many failed sensors, they had a higher up person call me and told me they won’t replace them any more. How’s that for customer service of a crappy product!
(They tell me I should have my doctor prescribe something else or I should finger stick all the time. If they knew it was for a cat who won’t tolerate that….which I couldn’t tell them)

It’s just not a great situation

It’s good that the service is better with alpha Trak!
@SmallestSparrow

 

[SmallestSparrow]

time. If they knew it was for a cat who won’t tolerate that….which I couldn’t tell them)

I was trying to find out why I got a very wrong reading and unfortunately told them it was a cat—but explained (a) this is used on cats even if not tested for them and (b) the issue was one weird result and three normal ones all at the same time so I was just trying to figure out if bad strip or something in technique. The guy told me he knew how to tell but wouldn’t tell me because it was a cat. I was so stressed at this point, I begged him while crying to please help me and he said no (this is the same guy who kept calling it a libre), that he wouldn’t tell me because it was a cat.
I wrote a scathing review and an angry email (signed with my MD after my name). The company had someone from the US call me and apologize. Still wouldn’t help me but that’s because the “help” would have been have me send remaining strips to them to test and since it had been a week I’d thrown them away—and when he knew it was a cat said they wouldn’t have tested strips anyway. I pointed out that no matter the species, obviously there was an issue because the same “sample” (cat blood) shouldn’t give wildly different results (2.0, 0.2, 0.2,0.2). But whatever. I’ve ordered (and received) a pet ketone meter but haven’t had the energy to set it up yet. Apparently one needs to check cows for ketones…it’s made for dogs, cats, and cows and was sold on a dairy farmer website. They are as pricey as Abbotts ketone strips but I’m hoping tech support is better bc I cannot call Abbott again, I will have a stroke

 

[SmallestSparrow]

cat who won’t tolerate that….which I couldn’t tell them)

I’d be tempted to say it’s for a special needs teenager

 

[Heike & BInie]

I’d be tempted to say it’s for a special needs teenager

I love that!

 

[Heike & BInie]

I was trying to find out why I got a very wrong reading and unfortunately told them it was a cat—but explained (a) this is used on cats even if not tested for them and (b) the issue was one weird result and three normal ones all at the same time so I was just trying to figure out if bad strip or something in technique. The guy told me he knew how to tell but wouldn’t tell me because it was a cat. I was so stressed at this point, I begged him while crying to please help me and he said no (this is the same guy who kept calling it a libre), that he wouldn’t tell me because it was a cat.
I wrote a scathing review and an angry email (signed with my MD after my name). The company had someone from the US call me and apologize. Still wouldn’t help me but that’s because the “help” would have been have me send remaining strips to them to test and since it had been a week I’d thrown them away—and when he knew it was a cat said they wouldn’t have tested strips anyway. I pointed out that no matter the species, obviously there was an issue because the same “sample” (cat blood) shouldn’t give wildly different results (2.0, 0.2, 0.2,0.2). But whatever. I’ve ordered (and received) a pet ketone meter but haven’t had the energy to set it up yet. Apparently one needs to check cows for ketones…it’s made for dogs, cats, and cows and was sold on a dairy farmer website. They are as pricey as Abbotts ketone strips but I’m hoping tech support is better bc I cannot call Abbott again, I will have a stroke

I am sorry this has happened to you Colleen! Sounds that there is a strange legal reason behind their behavior. Otherwise - why should they mind if you test your own blood or your cats blood? So far I didn't experienced strange readings with the ketones strips but it is not surprising to me, that from time to time there is a bad strip. I hope Methos doesn't feel offended, you are using a meter now which is mostly for cows.

 

[Heike & BInie]

Hi Colleen, yes, part of the problem is the language barrier for sure. They’re outsourcing to other countries and unfortunately, they just can barely speak English. It’s a fact. So I’m sure the call center can only read the script because they can’t communicate well.
The responses I’ve gotten back when I comment or ask a question are pure gibberish.
And because I’ve reported so many failed sensors, they had a higher up person call me and told me they won’t replace them any more. How’s that for customer service of a crappy product!
(They tell me I should have my doctor prescribe something else or I should finger stick all the time. If they knew it was for a cat who won’t tolerate that….which I couldn’t tell them)

It’s just not a great situation

It’s good that the service is better with alpha Trak!
@SmallestSparrow

Argh... so sorry Abbott gives you such a hard time! I wonder when they will tell me, that they will not replace the sensors anymore. On the German hotline they all speak German and are quite friendly. They have a catalogue of questions they ask, which is always the same. I was not thrilled about the tech support when I couldn't download the data from the reader anymore. They made me sent one million files from my computer and never found the problem. In the end they just stopped contacting me and gave up, which is not a great support I think. But they make it easy to report problems and so far they have been always quick with sending me a new one. I hope the technology improves fast, so we don't have to contact the support so often...

 

[Heike & BInie]

Oh Heike I know how frustrating that is and expensive. I’ve had them go out after a day or two and get so mad! Good luck with the manual readings for the next couple days. We have had to replace the sensor right next to where the one came off and had no problem with the skin but each kitty is different for sure. If the skin looks irritated I wouldn’t put it too close.
Sending you hugs and kitty kisses!

Hi Deb,

yes, I know you've also been through a lot with these sensors. I just don't want to take a risk now. I was a bit shocked last time I saw she reacted on the sensor. I don't know if the reation was due to the sensor or my prepping. On the one hand I want to prep the area well, so the sensor sticks longer. On the other hand all these alcohol wipes might be difficult for her skin. But I can tell you I feel much more comfortable, if Binie wears a sensor and I just have to click on the reader to see her numbers.

I hope you and Tiger are well and you have a nice start in the weekend!

 

[Heike & BInie]

Glad you will be able to come back to check on her. Yes the strips are expensive—sooo expensive. I used to think about it when I was testing 2-3 times a week. Now I’m just numb to it. And the cost of the alpha trak strips. I tell myself that once he has a stable dose and not having ketones I will test him only occasionally. Luckily I enjoy vegetarian food. And lately am too stressed to eat much. So that’s a savings
I think if one adds the cost of strips, lancets, 2x2s etc then the Libre is no more expensive—unfortunately with his skin he can’t use one. I would LOVE being able to know his glucose without sticking him. On days when he goes lower and needs many tests I feel terrible and he refuses to sleep with me

I already thought about the libre for Methos but then I remembered his skin and that might be really difficult. But you are doing such a great job to keep him safe with your tests! So sorry he gets angry with you. I think Binie sometimes gets angry because she feels my stress, maybe it is not the poking itself. I really hope it gets easier for all of us over the time!

 

[Heike & BInie]

hi Heike, I think the advice on the Abbott line is staffed with not the brightest people. I’ve had very frustrating conversations with many of them. It’s obvious they just read from a script and don’t have the knowledge or ability to answer a question without reading from a script. So they’re just doling out whatever Abbott tells them to say, whether it’s true or not. I always took whatever I heard from them with a grain of salt. I feel like I get better information out in the wild doing research from actual people using the sensors and posting about it in different places.

That’s interesting about your handheld meter versus my meter and that yours reads lower, so that would make sense. I’m curious, where did you read that? Do you have a link I could read? I’m interested..
anyway Heike I’m hoping everything goes smoothly. I know you’ll get through the next few days And you’ll be back on track and Binie will be fine.
I hope you have really restful night.

Hi Staci,

I just searched for the website about the Accu Check and the Contour next and I have to apologize - seems I was too tired yesterday to read properly. The text says the Accu Check reads lower but they didn't mean it in comparison to the Countour next. My brain just made it up because there was also a description of the Contour next. If you are interested,
here is the link. Maybe your browser can translate? The website is from a shop for diabetes products for cats and dogs.
https://www.tierdiabetes-shop.de/diabeteszubehoer/

Seems I need more sleep....sorry!