02/12 Ethan AMPS 146, +2 218, PMPS 166

+2 is higher than AMPS. This has happened in the past although always feels perplexing.

Poked him too hard this time...way too much blood :(.
Aww poor Ethan! He'll be okay.
Great job getting the +2 :bighug: If it were me, that +2 would mean I could take a testing break. However, I'm a data addict and might try and grab another test around +5ish - +7ish. The additional testing at various times in the cycle fills in the pieces for more experienced members to help give dosing advice A N D the added benefit of both you and Ethan getting better at testing. Soon, you'll be able to test him in the middle of the night.
Refresh my memory, are you using the lancet pen or free handing?
 
Thanks @Angela & Cleo!

Was thinking of giving him a break for now too...Trying to balance improving at testing/getting more data filled in and letting his ears recover a bit.

Free handing - I started with the 28-gauge Freestyle lancets but they were very rough on Ethan's ears, so we went to the 30-gauge OneTouch lancets.
 
Free handing - I started with the 28-gauge Freestyle lancets but they were very rough on Ethan's ears, so we went to the 30-gauge OneTouch lancets.

Me too! same thing here :cat:. I ask because...

I also learned that it helped when I looked really close at the lancet and saw that its actually angled - just like the syringe with the insulin. See pic below. I look for the angle and gentle apply pressure with that part into the sweet spot at about a 45 degree angle, just like the syringe with insulin.

upload_2022-3-23_16-45-8-png.63792


perhaps this will help with his little ears and the bleeding :)
 
Thanks so much @Angela & Cleo...I really appreciate all the tips! (Pun intended? :smuggrin:)

I will try to focus more attention on the angle of the bevel as well. Currently, I get the lancet into my hand and check the position of the bevel before starting...but by time everything's said and done I'm often not sure if I ended up poking in the same orientation I started with!
 
You are doing great and FWIW wayyyyyy better than me when I first started. You'll be a pro in no time ;).
Oh I almost forgot the most important thing, pick a treat for yourself too.
 
PMPS could not have gone smoother! I tried to take in all of you advice:
  • Made my way down to the lower ear real estate
  • Wadded up the cotton piece as small as possible to try to avoid tickling the ear hairs
  • Took more time with the bevel placement and lancet angle - this took a number of grasps to be able to hold on long enough to position optimally
  • Tried to do aftercare to minimize blood crusties (Ethan still wasn't a fan but I held on for 1-2 seconds at a time x 2-3 times)
We got a teensie perfect drop...And the bloodsucker lets you add more blood so even though our initial sample was too small I was able to suck up another tiny splotch on my finger and get the reading!

Thank you!!!!!!

@Hendrick Cuddleclaw

@Angela & Cleo

@Melinda and Kitkat
 
what you think is a tiny lttle success????? its a big success!!!!! well done girl! :bighug::bighug:
Kitkat could talk your ear off about how he had to go through all these things! poor guy has a pretty good story. fur sure. :D:p
 
Hehehe @Melinda and Kitkat...it's totally paid off for Kitkat though...his SS is a dream! See Kitkat your momma was right when she told you it was all for your own good :cat:

Thanks @Angela & Cleo! I know we should aim for a +2 / +3 but I think we'll leave it to just make sure we end on a high note tonight...but will be back at it at AMPS and aiming for 4 tests tomorrow!

Thanks again for all your support :bighug:
 
Thanks @Angela & Cleo! I know we should aim for a +2 / +3 but I think we'll leave it to just make sure we end on a high note tonight...but will be back at it at AMPS and aiming for 4 tests tomorrow!
I think thats a positive idea. keep it a good note.... If it's at Ethan's pace, then so be it:cat:, and its all good you go at that pace. you know how teenagers never wanna talk or listen, but if you talk to them and listen, and then give them their time, they will, a few days later ,astonishingly repeat your words of advice and come around? lol, I still wonder if Cats are like 3 yr olds, or cranky teenagers, but either way..... us mamas can get them sorted. :D
 
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