I'm sorry you haven't had the feedback here that you were seeking. It's a large, busy forum and because of that posters are asked to start a new thread daily with a particular format (AMPS followed by other BGs during the cycle as the thread title - have a look at the thread titles here) so that you don't get lost in the sea of posts. It takes a little time to get used to this but will be worth it in getting attention from experienced Lantus users.
We on FDMB know that there are other groups who dose Lantus differently and are successful doing it. However, here on FDMB consistency rules and the clear guidelines in SLGS and TR have helped many people to get their kitty into good control if not remission. In my opinion it's best to stick to one methodology and try it out as it's intended to be used for a long enough time to clearly see the effect. I think you'll be very confused and won't have the best outcome if you compare FDMB "ways" with the FB group and others and/or try to mix different approaches.
I hope this helps.
I personally would never disparage vets. Like the rest of us they can differ in personality, conscientiousness and "people skills". Most do the absolute best they can do but are often limited in their experience with diabetic cats and as a result can have different views around feeding, dosing and monitoring than we have here. Some of those views, if followed, can lead a kitty into dangerous territory (no testing, doses that are too high or increases in whole unit increments, for example). It's a struggle for almost everyone who comes to FDMB to deviate from a trusted vet's advice. I was certainly one of those people. I spent 8 months at the beginning following my excellent vet's advice but got nowhere with Teasel and had no comprehension of why he was so very difficult to figure out. When I finally bit the bullet and came here, the magic combination of regular testing, keeping the spreadsheet and getting advice from experienced members opened the door wide for me. I'm very lucky in that my vet is willing to learn from me about managing diabetes in a complicated kitty. The rest, as they say, is history ...
It is hard when you have a vet who has been exceptional and then you come online and people advise you not to listen to them! I'm sure you know how that feels.I personally would never disparage vets. Like the rest of us they can differ in personality, conscientiousness and "people skills". Most do the absolute best they can do but are often limited in their experience with diabetic cats and as a result can have different views around feeding, dosing and monitoring than we have here. Some of those views, if followed, can lead a kitty into dangerous territory (no testing, doses that are too high or increases in whole unit increments, for example). It's a struggle for almost everyone who comes to FDMB to deviate from a trusted vet's advice. I was certainly one of those people. I spent 8 months at the beginning following my excellent vet's advice but got nowhere with Teasel and had no comprehension of why he was so very difficult to figure out. When I finally bit the bullet and came here, the magic combination of regular testing, keeping the spreadsheet and getting advice from experienced members opened the door wide for me. I'm very lucky in that my vet is willing to learn from me about managing diabetes in a complicated kitty. The rest, as they say, is history ...
. Our vet was very open to my home testing Ginger as soon as I told him I am diabetic myself and wanted to do it. I got the impression that most people he encounters don't want to do the testing at home and are extremely reluctant to do the insulin shots. He seemed very happy that I was willing to test her at home. He even told me my meter might be better than the one they use. They gave me their info on doing curves and recommended I do them at home, as her numbers will be higher if they do them due to the stress of her being at the vet office. We think the world of our vet and would never cut him out of Ginger's treatment decisions.
I totally understand this. My vet is great and has seen me through many kitty health issues over many years. When I had one of Teasel's siblings in a few months ago for an annual checkup my vet had a new vet to the practice shadowing her. Her comment to that new vet was that if she (new vet) wanted to know anything about feline diabetes I was the person to ask.It is hard when you have a vet who has been exceptional and then you come online and people advise you not to listen to them! I'm sure you know how that feels.
