need help with FreeStyle Libre

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Noah & me (GA)

Noah & me (GA)

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Most everyone has heard this story from me before. Our first sugar cat Nigel got his tests and shots on the kitchen table. I'd spread out a big towel, thump the chair and he'd just jump up. "I'm ready to have holes poked in me papa". He also loved riding in the car. When Noah was diagnosed I just yawned, got new batteries for the meter and new strips.
Bruce @Bruce Blount is having an incredibly hard time getting blood from his cat. I sent him the FDMB drawing "where to inject your cat" and the link to Janet's video and he's still not having any luck. I suggested two things. As our vet wouldn't let me leave until I could show her I could test and shoot my first suggestion was to go back to his vet for a lesson.
My second idea was the FreeStyle Libre system which I have zero experience with. Bruce obviously loves and cares for his cat and I am all out of ideas. Singing, laying everything out in front of the cat so it's not a surprise attack, the warm sock, everything!
@Wendy&Neko
@Sienne and Gabby (GA)
@Marje and Gracie
@Diane Tyler's Mom GA

 
I hope Bruce stops by here. We prefer help and suggestion like this be given by post in the forum than via PM. This is a peer reviewed forum and this gives people a change to comment or add more information. We do have a number of experienced Libre users who often stop by posts and add comments,.

There are more options than just Janet's video to help with testing. Here's one such post: Hometesting Links and Tips. For me, I did get the vet to show both DH and I how to shoot, and we practiced with water at the clinic before we left with the diabetes diagnosis. I also got someone at the clinic to show me how to test. It's possible a tech could also do the demo. Or maybe Bruce can find someone from FDMB who lives near him who would be willing to help with a demo.

Lots of information around on the Freestyle Libre. Again, a couple posts with more information:
There are some downsides to the Libre, the most important is that it can read a lot lower than a meter in lower numbers, making it seem like kitty is a lot lower than really is. So we recommend being able to use a hand held meter to double check low numbers. There are lots of upsides, such as being able to leave kitty and get the readings sent to your phone, great for work and holidays if there is a petsitter.
 
I have one additional suggestion—perhaps @Bruce Blount could find a pet sitter who tests or a vet tech from his clinic, who for a reasonable sum could come by for one or two visits to the house to help. This would be less stressful than bundling kitty back to the clinic where he will associate ear tests with clinic.

when Methos was first starting insulin testing was ok bc I’d tested him for ketones while on Bexacat. His shots were a different matter. I was stressed beyond words that I wasn’t doing it right and he would die bc I was such a failure. My pet sitter happens to be a vet tech and I begged her to give him some shots —she didn’t want to be paid but I did and I’d suggest Bruce pay the going local rate for a pet sitter visit—her three visits were spaced over a week and were worth their weight in gold. Methos was relaxed at home. I got to watch her technique. I cried with relief knowing at least those nights he definitely got insulin and it let me muddle on in between knowing help would be there again on a few days. Maybe a tech could come by, demo and test. Bruce could practice, and repeat again on a few days?
 
SmallestSparrow said:
I have one additional suggestion—perhaps @Bruce Blount could find a pet sitter who tests or a vet tech from his clinic, who for a reasonable sum could come by for one or two visits to the house to help. This would be less stressful than bundling kitty back to the clinic where he will associate ear tests with clinic.

when Methos was first starting insulin testing was ok bc I’d tested him for ketones while on Bexacat. His shots were a different matter. I was stressed beyond words that I wasn’t doing it right and he would die bc I was such a failure. My pet sitter happens to be a vet tech and I begged her to give him some shots —she didn’t want to be paid but I did and I’d suggest Bruce pay the going local rate for a pet sitter visit—her three visits were spaced over a week and were worth their weight in gold. Methos was relaxed at home. I got to watch her technique. I cried with relief knowing at least those nights he definitely got insulin and it let me muddle on in between knowing help would be there again on a few days. Maybe a tech could come by, demo and test. Bruce could practice, and repeat again on a few days?
Click to expand...
Two of my grands are diabetic - I had to give them insulin shots when they stayed the night. THAT made me nervous, but it needed to be done. Wicked tolerates the shot very well, drawing blood is another matter!
 
Bruce Blount said:
Two of my grands are diabetic - I had to give them insulin shots when they stayed the night. THAT made me nervous, but it needed to be done. Wicked tolerates the shot very well, drawing blood is another matter!
Click to expand...
The techs might have a few tricks up their sleeves or be able to watch you do it and suggest some tweaks. Or try the Libre. If Methos’ skin would tolerate a Libre he’d be wearing one.

You’re lucky shots are easy for you. Good luck with testing :)
 
Wendy&Neko said:
I hope Bruce stops by here. We prefer help and suggestion like this be given by post in the forum than via PM. This is a peer reviewed forum and this gives people a change to comment or add more information. We do have a number of experienced Libre users who often stop by posts and add comments,.

There are more options than just Janet's video to help with testing. Here's one such post: Hometesting Links and Tips. For me, I did get the vet to show both DH and I how to shoot, and we practiced with water at the clinic before we left with the diabetes diagnosis. I also got someone at the clinic to show me how to test. It's possible a tech could also do the demo. Or maybe Bruce can find someone from FDMB who lives near him who would be willing to help with a demo.

Lots of information around on the Freestyle Libre. Again, a couple posts with more information:
There are some downsides to the Libre, the most important is that it can read a lot lower than a meter in lower numbers, making it seem like kitty is a lot lower than really is. So we recommend being able to use a hand held meter to double check low numbers. There are lots of upsides, such as being able to leave kitty and get the readings sent to your phone, great for work and holidays if there is a petsitter.
Click to expand...
Wendy&Neko said:
We prefer help and suggestion like this be given by post in the forum than via PM. This is a peer reviewed forum and this gives people a change to comment or add more information. We do have a number of experienced Libre users who often stop by posts and add comments,.
Click to expand...
 
You wrote:
" We prefer help and suggestion like this be given by post in the forum than via PM. This is a peer reviewed forum and this gives people a change to comment or add more information. We do have a number of experienced Libre users who often stop by posts and add comments,."

I would certainly like to do the correct thing, but I don't know how to post in a forum, or how that may be different from a PM. The ONLY way I know to post is to go to one of these PM messages and reply. I have tried to read the welcome letter, etc., but honestly - it is over my head. I am not making excuses, but I am a brain tumor survivor, and what I may have read yesterday - is already forgotten by today. I may (usually not) "stumble" on a forum that SEEMS like it is where I should go....So, this morning I failed while trying to get a blood sample from Wicked, I stabbed his ear probably twenty times, but he keeps pulling back from me, shaking his head - making it impossible for me to get a sample. So, I give up in disgust, come here and search for any advice, only to find I am looking at the wrong place??? Can someone write simple instructions for me to print out and tape next to my computer - so I can do these things, please?
 
Bruce --

What you are doing now, posting in a thread, is what Wendy was referring to as "posting in the forum." It's not all that different than the private message function that you access via the Inbox (top right on the page). The Inbox function allows for a one-on-one or small group conversation. If you start on the Feline Health (i.e., this page), you are in a forum. You go through the same process to start a new thread as you would anywhere on this website.

You want to:
  • log in to FDMB: https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/
  • below the top menu bar is a line that reads, "Home > Forums > Main - Feline Health & FAQs." On the far right of this line is a rectangular button that's labeled, "Post New Thread." Click on the button.
  • When you click the button, a new window opens with a title, Create Thread.
  • You need to give the new thread a title.
  • Type the information you want to post in the box below the thread title.
  • When you're done, click on the "Create Thread" button below the box where you've been typing.
 
Hi Bruce

I’m sorry it’s so difficult and I know how anxiety provoking it is having trouble when your cat is depending on you—it must be more difficult when your brain surgery makes this computer stuff even more challenging (congrats on being a survivor btw).
@Sienne and Gabby (GA) gave you great step by steps that your requested, but just in case you’re a visual learner (it may look slightly different on a computer vs my phone but close enough)

from the main forum (different topics) page choose and click the forum you want, for instance the main intro and general questions
upload_2024-12-5_11-59-39.jpeg


Then click the “post New Thread” (new discussion/question you have)
upload_2024-12-5_12-1-37.jpeg


Fill out a title for your post
upload_2024-12-5_12-2-44.jpeg


Type in the larger box what info you want
upload_2024-12-5_12-3-49.jpeg



when done click “create thread”
upload_2024-12-5_12-5-20.jpeg
 

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Sienne and Gabby (GA) said:
Bruce --

What you are doing now, posting in a thread, is what Wendy was referring to as "posting in the forum." It's not all that different than the private message function that you access via the Inbox (top right on the page). The Inbox function allows for a one-on-one or small group conversation. If you start on the Feline Health (i.e., this page), you are in a forum. You go through the same process to start a new thread as you would anywhere on this website.

You want to:
  • log in to FDMB: https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/
  • below the top menu bar is a line that reads, "Home > Forums > Main - Feline Health & FAQs." On the far right of this line is a rectangular button that's labeled, "Post New Thread." Click on the button.
  • When you click the button, a new window opens with a title, Create Thread.
  • You need to give the new thread a title.
  • Type the information you want to post in the box below the thread title.
  • When you're done, click on the "Create Thread" button below the box where you've been typing.
Click to expand...
 
Bruce Blount said:
A good day - I was able to get a blood sample AND check his keytones (trace). I have a question - Are Keytone test strips for humans good to use for cats?
Click to expand...
I know you can use precision xtra and I’ve seen others here use different human meters. While I only know of a study regarding using the Precision Xtra I *think* in theory all human meters would work (each meter having its own accuracy *for humans* standards)
 
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