06/02/10 - Max - 47

[laurentusa00]

Hello all,

My name is Laurent and my cat name is Max (photo attached, male, 17 years and 2 months young). Max has been diagnosed with diabetes a week ago tomorrow, but seems to be doing OK... other than this morning scary low reading.

The feline diabetes website mentioned that you may find a way to bound with your cat when doing the testing. It has been the opposite for me. Max used to spend some time with me in the morning when I was getting dressed and greeted me in the evening when I was coming back from work. Since his testings, he is avoiding me and just come around me when he wants to eat. How was it for you? Is it going to be back to normal (the way it was)? Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Also, I do his testing on the ears (2 or more times a day). Any other places that would be better as Max seems to feel pain now?

Thank you in advance

Laurent

 

[Libby and Lucy]

Hi Laurent,

Did you give Max a shot when he was at 47? That was this morning, right? Do you know what his number is now?

 

[Nina and KB]

Welcome to the group, Laurent. When you have a chance, try to to review the threads at the top of the forum under Announcements, particularly the "New to the Group" one. You'll also want to start sharing your BG test results - the easiest way for you to get quick help is to set up a spreadsheet, like you'll see in our threads (there are step by step instructions for setting one up in Google Docs, in the Tech Support Forum on this board: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=16). Until then, it would be helpful to put a few of the tests in your daily thread so people can see what your readings are, and how much insulin Max is getting.

You might see a lot of Personal Messages coming in, too. Everyone in the Lantus group will have gotten your message, and many will reply to everyone, too. : ) You'll get the hang of things quickly, I'm sure, and Max is in good hands if you're home testing and asking questions. This is a great place to be, glad you found it.

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

Welcome from another Chicago person!

Thanks for moving your post to Lantus Land. Most of us test well more than twice a day. If you look at Gabby's spreadsheet (SS) that's linked to my signature, you'll see what I mean. I'm an admitted testaholic. What I found when I first started home testing was that if I gave Gabby a treat (a low carb treat!) no matter whether the test was successful or not, she was very cooperative. Likewise, she gets lots of praise and hugs for putting up with my poking. At this point, she doesn't associate a test with pain. Instead, it's associated with either treats or food. If you are not using a thin lancet, that may also help to make testing more comfortable for Max. I use a 30 gauge Lancet.

We are very good at helping you to manage low numbers -- this Board is a true resource.

It will also help us to get to know Max if you can tell us more about him:

• What kind of food are you feeding him?
• Does he have any medical problems currently and is he on any medication besides Lantus?
• Does he have a history of any medical problem, especially concerns like ketones or pancreatitis?

 

[chriscleo]

it takes a while for the bond to come back. they're feeling pretty sick at diabetes diagnosis.
what helps is looking for him when you don't need to test him, just to hang out (sometimes we treat them too much like a patient and they don't like that), and to give a special treat after each test. what worked for me is a small piece of chicken breast boiled in water. it's bland, high protein, and kitties normally love it. but whatever you think max loves best is good.
when testing, whether number is low, high, or whatever, always praise extravagantly, to make the test a positive thing for max.
eventually believe it or not max will come to you at test time to tell you it's time (and to get the treat and praise).