09/07 Ivana AMPS=239, +2=167, +6=122, +9=151, PMPS=164

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Tara & Ivana (GA)

Tara & Ivana (GA)

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This morning's AM test didn't go so well, we think because Ivana's ears weren't warm enough. We learnt out lesson to rub her ear first, or let her lay in the sun for a bit, or both. Waited a little while then tried the test again and she bled first time, yay! We will get the hang of this, I'm sure.

Hubby is worried that Ivana is going to end up hating us, because she was growling when he tried to poke her the first time this morning. I told him that she'd hate us more if she was dead because we didn't do these things, I don't think that helped him much though. The good news is she didn't even flinch when we tested the second time.
 
It's a good idea to give food or a treat (depending on when you're testing) when you test, so they associate it with good things. Also give lots of praise and affection. Also, here in the US we use neosporin with pain relief to help heal the ear quickly. I'm not sure what you have that is comparable there - @Vyktors Mum or @Bron and Sheba? It helps a lot, too.

Some people use a small container, like a plastic bottle, full of hot water to warm the ear. Maybe a warm wash cloth? I'm sure you'll come up with something.
 
We can't get neosporin ointment out here OTC. We have to buy it overseas on ebay @Tricia & Cinco

Darryn........Ivana will not hate you, I promise. She is just getting used to it like you both are. All this change in routine is new to her too and she needs time to get used to the new normal...until then, she will tell you of her displeasure at times!
Look how she was when I tested her. She didn't move at all so it didn't hurt her.......

Cats can feel your stress if you get too anxious (and this is VERY NORMAL WHEN YOU FIRST START TESTING), so don't beat yourself up about it......try humming or singing or talking to her all through it. You are not failing her just because you can't get every test.........we all had to start and we all had times when we couldn't get blood.
She has small ears...smaller than Sheba's...... so when you are trying to milk the ear to get the blood to flow, if it doesn't when you prick it..........try making sure your finger is at the base of her ear when you start massaging it, otherwise you mightn't able to get a good massage going. I thought you did really well on Saturday........I was all fingers and thumbs for the first few weeks and I remember being all churned up in the tummy before every test....but that will pass. It is like anything ...practise, practise, practise...and give her a little treat every time you try and give yourself one too!!. You are both only a couple of days into testing and I think you are both doing a fantastic job..........
 
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I'm going to print out the page with hints and tips, and he's going to try free-handing it next time. At least then he will know he's on the edge of her ear, rather than off the edge and just poking the cotton ball. I just did the +6 and got so much blood than when I put the meter and strip down on the bed (after the reading) it made a blob on the cover, so I think I might have been too far inwards. No matter, she got her treats that she earned, so all is well.
 
Hey Bron, what about Emla cream for pain? Although Ivana isn't being hurt as such, if it would make Darryn feel better to use it on her before testing, do you think that would be ok?
 
Tara & Ivana said:
Hey Bron, what about Emla cream for pain? Although Ivana isn't being hurt as such, if it would make Darryn feel better to use it on her before testing, do you think that would be ok?
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I honestly don't think it is hurting Ivana to have the pricks.....and she seems to be bleeding quite well for a "new" cat. She bled very well down here I thought. It is just a matter of Darryn learning to relax as he does it.....and not beat himself up if not successful first time........this is not a criticism at all ...everyone has to learn it. He is only 2 days into it so early days.....plenty of people struggle for much longer so you are both doing very well. And a lot of guys don't even try so he is a hero already!!

The Elma cream would need to be on for at least an hour before it is effective and it should be under an occlusive dressing to be really effective. The neosporin cream the others are talking about is not like Elma cream. It has just an antiseptic cream with a bit of local anaesthetic in it. Elma is a full on anaesthetic to numb the area. I think it would be overkill at this stage. Good idea to get him to try the free hand to see how he goes. I personally would not put it on Sheba at this stage.
 
Fair enough, it sounds quite different to the Neosporin. I'll let you know how he goes freehand, hopefully he finds it less stressful.
 
Looks like Ivana has broken her bounce already - nice work little girl :cat:

She may do a bit of a wobble bounce and go back up tonight or she could go the opposite way and head to greens again. I hope you have high carb wet food (we used fancy feast grilled turkey or chicken) syrup of some variety and plenty of test strips, could be a busy night :D
 
I have all of the above :-) The only thing I don't have is a PMPS due the blood ball being flicked off before the meter could suck it up. Oops! Waiting a bit before trying again.
 
Added: Ivana was booked in to have another curve done at the vet next Tuesday. I called and spoke to the vet and she's more than happy for us to do it at home. I asked if she needed results for every 2 hrs for 12 hrs, and she said she'd be happy with every 3-4 hrs for 12 hrs. Does that sound reasonable to you guys?
 
It sounds very reasonable. What you want to learn from doing a curve is when Lantus onset starts and when Ivana's nadir typically occurs. Keep in mind that nadirs can and do move around so it's an approximation.

It's entirely up to you how you do a curve. With kitties who are new to FD, we either use a typical curve (i.e., every 2 hrs) or a mini-curve (testing every 3 hours) for one, 12-hour cycle. I suspect your vet is delighted you're home testing since most people won't. Doing a curve at home saves you money and allows Ivana to avoid vet stress which will give inaccurate results it that's what dosing is based upon. We generally don't base dosing on the results of a curve.
 
Fantastic. I've already made myself unavailable for work that day so I can stay home and do it. How often are curves generally done?
 
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