11/06 Regs AMPS 223 +1 278 +2 286 +6.5 195 +7 174 +4 149 +10 169

[Britta and Regs]

Last post

I’m a little confused about his numbers this morning. Today should actually be one of his drop days, based on his recent every-other-day pattern, but so far his numbers look more like his usual bounce pattern. Could he be bouncing from those lovely blues last night, even he did not drop low?

If he doesn’t drop today, I’m even more worried about tomorrow. I have a hair appointment and will be gone from about +2 until +7. Rob will be home, but he refuses to test Regs’ blood sugar. I’m seriously considering canceling, even though I’d still have to pay the full amount. I really don’t want to lose that money, but keeping Regs safe is more important to me. I just wish Rob wouldn’t be so stubborn about helping. Does anyone have any ideas on how to keep Regs safe while I’m gone, especially since he’s still ignoring his feeder? Maybe MC food in the bowl before I leave?

And here’s Regs enjoying some fresh air. Could this cat look any happier?

 

[Connie & Parker & Moonie]

Don't cancel the hair appointment .

Can Rob feed him MC while you're out? Or maybe even 1 tsp HC? I think of giving HC sometimes as strategically stopping the cycle if you can't monitor.

Also I might have asked you already, but have you guys considered a Libre? That might help alleviate some of the monitoring stress if you can't be there.

Regs looks like a model for a beautiful luxury FL resort! I'd book if I got to hang out with such a handsome gentleman

 

[Carina and Shelly]

And here’s Regs enjoying some fresh air. Could this cat look any happier?

OMG. He is a gem

 

[Britta and Regs]

Don't cancel the hair appointment .

Can Rob feed him MC while you're out? Or maybe even 1 tsp HC? I think of giving HC sometimes as strategically stopping the cycle if you can't monitor.

Also I might have asked you already, but have you guys considered a Libre? That might help alleviate some of the monitoring stress if you can't be there.

Regs looks like a model for a beautiful luxury FL resort! I'd book if I got to hang out with such a handsome gentleman

Thanks so much, Connie! I really don’t want to cancel, especially since I only go to the hairdresser two or three times a year. I could really use a few hours to myself, too.

I’ll test +1 and try to convince Rob to at least test at +4 and give Regs some food, but I’m not sure he will. He seems to think I’m doing all these tests just to torture Regs rather than to keep him safe. I’ll also give him slightly higher carb food for breakfast and hope that helps.

I actually have a Libre waiting for me at CVS, but I don’t trust myself to put it on Regs. The vet charged me $100 last time just to apply it. And the Libre itself is twice as expensive as last time, so I wanted to shop around and see if I could find a coupon. But you’re right, if I connect it to my old iPhone 8 , it would probably give me some peace of mind.

Regs is always so happy when he gets to spend some time outside. I honestly think those are his happiest moments

 

[Britta and Regs]

OMG. He is a gem

Thank you so much Carina. I’m 100% sure that he knows that he looks handsome

 

[Connie & Parker & Moonie]

Thanks so much, Connie! I really don’t want to cancel, especially since I only go to the hairdresser two or three times a year. I could really use a few hours to myself, too.

I’ll test +1 and try to convince Rob to at least test at +4 and give Regs some food, but I’m not sure he will. He seems to think I’m doing all these tests just to torture Regs rather than to keep him safe. I’ll also give him slightly higher carb food for breakfast and hope that helps.

I actually have a Libre waiting for me at CVS, but I don’t trust myself to put it on Regs. The vet charged me $100 last time just to apply it. And the Libre itself is twice as expensive as last time, so I wanted to shop around and see if I could find a coupon. But you’re right, if I connect it to my old iPhone 8 , it would probably give me some peace of mind.

Regs is always so happy when he gets to spend some time outside. I honestly think those are his happiest moments

He looks so happy to be outside enjoying the sun with his mama

Please definitely go to the hair appointment! Regs says you need your fur groomed too . Even if Rob won’t test +4, he can always give a little bit of MC or HC to just keep him a little higher today. And you can leave some higher carb LC out.

It’s no life to be too scared to go out and do something for yourself for just a few hours. And Regs wouldn’t want that for you either.

I’m sure you’ve already read the info here on CGMs but if you have specifics, you should ask Elaine or Staci! They’re both so experienced with Libres and know a ton about how to use them

 

[Mary & Jude]

Last post

I’m a little confused about his numbers this morning. Today should actually be one of his drop days, based on his recent every-other-day pattern, but so far his numbers look more like his usual bounce pattern. Could he be bouncing from those lovely blues last night, even he did not drop low?

If he doesn’t drop today, I’m even more worried about tomorrow. I have a hair appointment and will be gone from about +2 until +7. Rob will be home, but he refuses to test Regs’ blood sugar. I’m seriously considering canceling, even though I’d still have to pay the full amount. I really don’t want to lose that money, but keeping Regs safe is more important to me. I just wish Rob wouldn’t be so stubborn about helping. Does anyone have any ideas on how to keep Regs safe while I’m gone, especially since he’s still ignoring his feeder? Maybe MC food in the bowl before I leave?

And here’s Regs enjoying some fresh air. Could this cat look any happier?

View attachment 81215

He's such a beautiful cat! Regal looking!! Regs is Regal!
I wouldn't cancel the hair appointment. Regs is in moderately higher numbers right now, and he'll probably remain there tomorrow.
By the way, did you give higher carb food with that 95 a couple of days ago?
When I have to go to work and Jude is in lower numbers, I typically leave some MC for him. But if Rob will be home, perhaps he could just be sure that Regs gets some of his regular LC food each hour or so between +4 and +7, when Regs typically nadirs.

 

[Britta and Regs]

He looks so happy to be outside enjoying the sun with his mama

Please definitely go to the hair appointment! Regs says you need your fur groomed too . Even if Rob won’t test +4, he can always give a little bit of MC or HC to just keep him a little higher today. And you can leave some higher carb LC out.

It’s no life to be too scared to go out and do something for yourself for just a few hours. And Regs wouldn’t want that for you either.

I’m sure you’ve already read the info here on CGMs but if you have specifics, you should ask Elaine or Staci! They’re both so experienced with Libres and know a ton about how to use them

Thank you so much, Connie! I love the idea that Regs thinks I need my fur groomed too! Although I’m pretty sure he’ll still have the better hairstyle afterward, how could he not?

Looks like I might actually get my drop today after all. He was down another 20 points within 30 minutes, even after eating his lunch. Unfortunately, I had to go back to work, but I’m hoping to get home early to check on him.

Maybe that means he’ll give me a nice flat cycle tomorrow so I can enjoy my hair appointment I just don’t understand why his pattern has suddenly changed. He used to drop early in the cycle, but now he’s waiting until much later, just like he did on Wednesday.
Thank you for encouraging me to take some time for myself after the last couple weeks I have the feeling I really need it.

 

[Britta and Regs]

He's such a beautiful cat! Regal looking!! Regs is Regal!
I wouldn't cancel the hair appointment. Regs is in moderately higher numbers right now, and he'll probably remain there tomorrow.
By the way, did you give higher carb food with that 95 a couple of days ago?
When I have to go to work and Jude is in lower numbers, I typically leave some MC for him. But if Rob will be home, perhaps he could just be sure that Regs gets some of his regular LC food each hour or so between +4 and +7, when Regs typically nadirs.

Thank you, Mary! It’s funny how Regs only uses his tongue to groom himself, yet his fur looks a hundred times better than my hair ever could!

Yes, I gave him 0.7 oz of MC when he dropped to 95 on Wednesday. I’ll try to convince Rob to do at least one test and offer him some food tomorrow, let’s see.

Regs seems to be showing some new patterns lately. He spent much of last night in the higher blues, went up from 223 this morning, but then started dropping around lunchtime, even dropping another 20 points shortly after eating. Unfortunately, I had to return to work, but I hope to get home early.

I’m puzzled about which pattern is the real Regs! He used to drop early, but now he’s having these late drops. Another reason to try the Libre again! I just need to find the sticky on applying it myself so the vet doesn’t charge me another fortune

And thank you for encouraging me to keep my hair appointment! I really could use a little me-time. Hopefully Regs gives me a nice flat cycle tomorrow

 

[Mary & Jude]

The shift to later nadirs could just be a result of him bouncing. He was typically nadiring at +5/+6ish; he's shifted a bit later. It might shift back. He's been slowly coming down since that 11/4 PM bounce.
Here's that sticky: Getting Started With Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) for Diabetic Cats

 

[Britta and Regs]

The shift to later nadirs could just be a result of him bouncing. He was typically nadiring at +5/+6ish; he's shifted a bit later. It might shift back. He's been slowly coming down since that 11/4 PM bounce.
Here's that sticky: Getting Started With Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) for Diabetic Cats

Thanks so much Mary That actually makes sense with the bounce breaking. I really hope he'll go back to his usual +5/+6 nadirs because these late drops make me nervous, especially when we're getting close to the next shot. We have 2 hours left and he is only at 169.
But I guess it makes me a bit relaxer for my hair appointment tomorrow when he has a longer time in blue today

And thank you for the CGM link! I took a look at the sticky, and it actually sounds like we might be able to apply the Libre ourselves!

 

[Staci & Ivy]

Thanks so much Mary That actually makes sense with the bounce breaking. I really hope he'll go back to his usual +5/+6 nadirs because these late drops make me nervous, especially when we're getting close to the next shot. We have 2 hours left and he is only at 169.
But I guess it makes me a bit relaxer for my hair appointment tomorrow when he has a longer time in blue today

And thank you for the CGM link! I took a look at the sticky, and it actually sounds like we might be able to apply the Libre ourselves!

It’s very doable to apply the Libre, Britta.
Read the sticky.
My big tip is to have a toothpick handy and when you apply the sensor and go to lift off the cap, take the toothpick and put it underneath the cap and basically hold down the little paper disc, which is now attached to kitty.
And as you’re holding down the little disc, you’re pulling off the cap at the same time, but the toothpick is holding the sensor against the cat and you won’t pull it off.
Then, I cover the sensor with a Tegaderm, which is a thin, clear bandage, and I take that toothpick and I tear a little hole in the center where that little hole is in the middle of the sensor. It lets it breathe.

Other than that, you just make sure you shave the spot carefully and gently, clean the skin well following the directions let it dry and then apply the skin tac (which is a moisture barrier, not an adhesive).
Wait, maybe a minute and then apply the sensor
The adhesive on the back side of the sensor paper is what sticks it to their skin. (You definitely do not want to use any glue! And that’s tend to want to use glue, which is really bad for the skin and kills the sensor as well).

The first time or two are a little nerve-racking because it’s a little scary but once you’ve done it a few times you get over it real quick and realize it’s not hard at all
If I can do it with crazy Ivy, you can do it. Believe it or not, she doesn’t fight me at all on this, but she fights me on ear pokes

You’ve got this

 

[Connie & Parker & Moonie]

Thank you so much, Connie! I love the idea that Regs thinks I need my fur groomed too! Although I’m pretty sure he’ll still have the better hairstyle afterward, how could he not?

Looks like I might actually get my drop today after all. He was down another 20 points within 30 minutes, even after eating his lunch. Unfortunately, I had to go back to work, but I’m hoping to get home early to check on him.

Maybe that means he’ll give me a nice flat cycle tomorrow so I can enjoy my hair appointment I just don’t understand why his pattern has suddenly changed. He used to drop early in the cycle, but now he’s waiting until much later, just like he did on Wednesday.
Thank you for encouraging me to take some time for myself after the last couple weeks I have the feeling I really need it.

As Mary mentioned, bounce breaks tend to come at the end of the cycle. And sometimes over time kitties can shift their patterns around on you… just to keep you on your toes I guess!

You do such a wonderful job with Regs, Britta. I’m excited to hear about your hair appointment tomorrow! I hope it comes out exactly as you want it

 

[Mary & Jude]

It’s very doable to apply the Libre, Britta.
Read the sticky.
My big tip is to have a toothpick handy and when you apply the sensor and go to lift off the cap, take the toothpick and put it underneath the cap and basically hold down the little paper disc, which is now attached to kitty.
And as you’re holding down the little disc, you’re pulling off the cap at the same time, but the toothpick is holding the sensor against the cat and you won’t pull it off.
Then, I cover the sensor with a Tegaderm, which is a thin, clear bandage, and I take that toothpick and I tear a little hole in the center where that little hole is in the middle of the sensor. It lets it breathe.

Other than that, you just make sure you shave the spot carefully and gently, clean the skin well following the directions let it dry and then apply the skin tac (which is a moisture barrier, not an adhesive).
Wait, maybe a minute and then apply the sensor
The adhesive on the back side of the sensor paper is what sticks it to their skin. (You definitely do not want to use any glue! And that’s tend to want to use glue, which is really bad for the skin and kills the sensor as well).

The first time or two are a little nerve-racking because it’s a little scary but once you’ve done it a few times you get over it real quick and realize it’s not hard at all
If I can do it with crazy Ivy, you can do it. Believe it or not, she doesn’t fight me at all on this, but she fights me on ear pokes

You’ve got this

Staci, not to add more to your already full plate, but a video (or a series of videos) of you applying/removing the Libre sensors, etc. would be so helpful for people on the forum. Also, I was just looking on YouTube to see if videos exist showing application procedures (I didn't see one that doesn't use surgical glue), and I came across this. Have you heard of it before? Looks like it's a CGM made just for animals.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

I just don’t understand why his pattern has suddenly changed.

Possibly because he saw green for the first time a couple days ago. That's a new low for him, might have panicked his body.

 

[Staci & Ivy]

Staci, not to add more to your already full plate, but a video (or a series of videos) of you applying/removing the Libre sensors, etc. would be so helpful for people on the forum. Also, I was just looking on YouTube to see if videos exist showing application procedures (I didn't see one that doesn't use surgical glue), and I came across this. Have you heard of it before? Looks like it's a CGM made just for animals.

Thanks Mary. I’ll have to look into this Cgm.
This video is actually very accurate to how I apply the sensor.
My vet did tell me about a new sensor that was recently developed. Maybe this is the one they mentioned.
(And they don’t use glue!)

 

[Britta and Regs]

It’s very doable to apply the Libre, Britta.
Read the sticky.
My big tip is to have a toothpick handy and when you apply the sensor and go to lift off the cap, take the toothpick and put it underneath the cap and basically hold down the little paper disc, which is now attached to kitty.
And as you’re holding down the little disc, you’re pulling off the cap at the same time, but the toothpick is holding the sensor against the cat and you won’t pull it off.
Then, I cover the sensor with a Tegaderm, which is a thin, clear bandage, and I take that toothpick and I tear a little hole in the center where that little hole is in the middle of the sensor. It lets it breathe.

Other than that, you just make sure you shave the spot carefully and gently, clean the skin well following the directions let it dry and then apply the skin tac (which is a moisture barrier, not an adhesive).
Wait, maybe a minute and then apply the sensor
The adhesive on the back side of the sensor paper is what sticks it to their skin. (You definitely do not want to use any glue! And that’s tend to want to use glue, which is really bad for the skin and kills the sensor as well).

The first time or two are a little nerve-racking because it’s a little scary but once you’ve done it a few times you get over it real quick and realize it’s not hard at all
If I can do it with crazy Ivy, you can do it. Believe it or not, she doesn’t fight me at all on this, but she fights me on ear pokes

You’ve got this

Thank you so much for the detailed instructions Staci.This is really helpful, especially the toothpick trick! I never would have thought of that!

We actually tried installing the Libre by ourself once before, but unfortunately it fell off after just three days so I just assume we did it wrong.But in this time Regs was so skinny and I was afraid I hit his bone with the little needle. I'm still a little nervous about applying it myself, but you make it sound much less intimidating. And if you can do it with Ivy, maybe there's hope for me and Regs too!

I really don't think it's worth spending so much money having the vet apply it, especially if it might fall off again after a few days. By the way, do you have any tips on finding coupons or discounts for the Libre that you use for Ivy?

 

[Britta and Regs]

Possibly because he saw green for the first time a couple days ago. That's a new low for him, might have panicked his body.

That would make total sense, he has not been in the greens forever. Lets hope I am right and he is giving me a quiet cycle today

 

[Staci & Ivy]

Thank you so much for the detailed instructions Staci.This is really helpful, especially the toothpick trick! I never would have thought of that!

We actually tried installing the Libre by ourself once before, but unfortunately it fell off after just three days so I just assume we did it wrong.But in this time Regs was so skinny and I was afraid I hit his bone with the little needle. I'm still a little nervous about applying it myself, but you make it sound much less intimidating. And if you can do it with Ivy, maybe there's hope for me and Regs too!

I really don't think it's worth spending so much money having the vet apply it, especially if it might fall off again after a few days. By the way, do you have any tips on finding coupons or discounts for the Libre that you use for Ivy?

You just want to make sure it’s not on his spine (avoid bone). I make sure I feel her spine and I go to the left or to the right, alternating each time I do it from one side to the other so you let the skin heal completely.
As my son said to me the first time I went to do it “by the time you push down and it clicks, it’s already attached and it’s over”. And he was exactly right.
You just want to make sure you have everything close at hand.
I lay everything out on the floor right next to me so I don’t have to move (because I’m doing it all by myself with no help and I don’t want to give her the opportunity to run away if I had to get up and go get something).

Do you know why your sensor fell off last time, did you use a patch or reader to cover it? Put a tee shirt or bandage wrap around him so he can’t remove it?
Even a wide headband can work like this
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D8352G42?tag=felinediabetesfdmb-20

As for coupons, you can go on Abbott’s website and download a coupon for a one time use for a free sensor (you print out and give it to the pharmacy).
After that, I have it filled at my pharmacy inside of my grocery store and they find the cheapest coupon available and apply it.
I make sure to tell them I am not using any insurance.
Don’t let them tell you coupons don’t apply for a pet, that’s BS. (they know I’m buying it for a cat.)
Sometimes you have to get the pharmacy manager or pharmacist involved and they are better at applying the coupons that are available that they can access on their computer. You just keep reminding them you're paying cash out-of-pocket.

I pay around $36 or $37 for each sensor.
I know that Costco is supposed to be pretty reasonable, (it may be less than I am paying) and you don’t have to be a member in order to buy it there. If you are a member, however I know it is a better price so it may make sense to become a member just for buying these sensors, overtime there is a savings and you would re-coop the cost of the membership.

I hope it goes easily for you and Regs, let me know if any more questions!

 

[Britta and Regs]

You just want to make sure it’s not on his spine (avoid bone). I make sure I feel her spine and I go to the left or to the right, alternating each time I do it from one side to the other so you let the skin heal completely.
As my son said to me the first time I went to do it “by the time you push down and it clicks, it’s already attached and it’s over”. And he was exactly right.
You just want to make sure you have everything close at hand.
I lay everything out on the floor right next to me so I don’t have to move (because I’m doing it all by myself with no help and I don’t want to give her the opportunity to run away if I had to get up and go get something).

Do you know why your sensor fell off last time, did you use a patch or reader to cover it? Put a tee shirt or bandage wrap around him so he can’t remove it?
Even a wide headband can work like this
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D8352G42?tag=felinediabetesfdmb-20

As for coupons, you can go on Abbott’s website and download a coupon for a one time use for a free sensor (you print out and give it to the pharmacy).
After that, I have it filled at my pharmacy inside of my grocery store and they find the cheapest coupon available and apply it.
I make sure to tell them I am not using any insurance.
Don’t let them tell you coupons don’t apply for a pet, that’s BS. (they know I’m buying it for a cat.)
Sometimes you have to get the pharmacy manager or pharmacist involved and they are better at applying the coupons that are available that they can access on their computer. You just keep reminding them you're paying cash out-of-pocket.

I pay around $36 or $37 for each sensor.
I know that Costco is supposed to be pretty reasonable, (it may be less than I am paying) and you don’t have to be a member in order to buy it there. If you are a member, however I know it is a better price so it may make sense to become a member just for buying these sensors, overtime there is a savings and you would re-coop the cost of the membership.

I hope it goes easily for you and Regs, let me know if any more questions!

Thanks again, Staci! You’re really making me feel a lot more confident about trying this again!

We actually applied the last sensor ourselves, in the same spot where the vet had placed the previous one, near his shoulder blade. Regs was already shaved there, so that seemed like the easiest option. But he was still so skinny back then that I could feel his ribs, and I was afraid of hurting him. We also had no idea about skin prep or any of that, so I guess that might explain why it fell off so quickly. We didn’t use a patch or anything to protect it either.

I’ll definitely try your suggestions next time! I especially love the idea of the headband. I can already picture how gorgeous it would look with his fluffy fur! And knowing Regs, he’d probably be so annoyed by the headband that he’d forget to get rid of the sensor!

And wow, $36–37 per sensor is a great price! I had no idea you could get them that cheap. CVS wanted $91 for just one sensor this time, so I definitely need to shop around! Last time I paid $45, which I thought was pretty reasonable.

Unfortunately we don’t have a Costco membership, but I’ll definitely check Abbott’s website. I always assumed the free sensor offer was only for people, so I’ll have to see if Mr. Regs qualifies.

The pharmacist actually gave me a bit of an attitude last time when I told her it was for my cat. She even made fun of it, so maybe that’s why she didn’t bother looking for any coupons. If the free sensor offer doesn’t work, I might just ask why the price has doubled since last time and whether they can apply whatever discount I got before. Hopefully I can find a better deal!

And thank you again, Staci, for taking so much time to explain everything! I know you have a lot on your plate with Ivy, and I really appreciate all your help and encouragement.

 

[Staci & Ivy]

Abbott’s website. I always assumed the free sensor offer was only for people, so I’ll have to see if Mr. Regs qualifies

Just go to the pharmacy with confidence and kindness and the coupon printed out and assume it’s going to work.
If not, call over the pharmacist. They seem better able to make things happen (i’ve had to argue with many clerks over the past several years because they just don’t know what to do).
If the pharmacist only gives you one price, you could ask them nicely to see if there are any coupons available. Tell them you have friends who have paid anywhere from $30-$40 each (which is true).
I think I’ve heard people paying under $30 at Costco, it’s just not close to me, I’m too lazy to schlep all the way to the nearest Costco.

You may want to call a few pharmacies and see what their best cash price is for a Libre. I’ve also heard the price can be lower if you buy several at a time.
I pay the same price whether I buy one or several at my pharmacy, but things seem to vary.
You just want them to understand you’re not using any insurance.
And again, you don’t have to be a member of Costco in order to use their pharmacy for any medication.

 

[Britta and Regs]

Just go to the pharmacy with confidence and kindness and the coupon printed out and assume it’s going to work.
If not, call over the pharmacist. They seem better able to make things happen (i’ve had to argue with many clerks over the past several years because they just don’t know what to do).
If the pharmacist only gives you one price, you could ask them nicely to see if there are any coupons available. Tell them you have friends who have paid anywhere from $30-$40 each (which is true).
I think I’ve heard people paying under $30 at Costco, it’s just not close to me, I’m too lazy to schlep all the way to the nearest Costco.

You may want to call a few pharmacies and see what their best cash price is for a Libre. I’ve also heard the price can be lower if you buy several at a time.
I pay the same price whether I buy one or several at my pharmacy, but things seem to vary.
You just want them to understand you’re not using any insurance.
And again, you don’t have to be a member of Costco in order to use their pharmacy for any medication.

Thanks so much for all your advice, Staci! I got the voucher from Abbott and will try my luck at CVS tomorrow. It was actually really easy, and I didn't see anything saying it was only for humans I said it was for someone I care for, which is true! I entered his name and age and indicated that he doesn't have health insurance.

Maybe I should also check with Walmart or a few other pharmacies to see what kind of prices they can offer me

 

[Staci & Ivy]

Thanks so much for all your advice, Staci! I got the voucher from Abbott and will try my luck at CVS tomorrow. It was actually really easy, and I didn't see anything saying it was only for humans I said it was for someone I care for, which is true! I entered his name and age and indicated that he doesn't have health insurance.

Maybe I should also check with Walmart or a few other pharmacies to see what kind of prices they can offer me

Great job!
If anyone gives you pushback with the coupon, just tell them it absolutely works for a pet, you have friends who have used it, which is true.

Also, it can’t hurt to call around to some other pharmacies and if they don’t give you a good price right off the bat, ask them to see if they can look for any coupons that are available as you are shopping for the best price.
Hopefully they will be inspired to help.

Please keep us posted