12/14 - Pip - AMPS 376, +4 229, +6.5 112, PMPS 221, +2 374

Hi SJ and P! Nice work last night. This is Pip's nadir, meaning it's likely as low as he's going to go.

About feeding, generally we give a bit of food at +2 and +4, and don't feed after the nadir, so continue to test him, but don't feed him after this, unless he continues to go down, and in that case, only low carb. Not feeding after +6 helps the effect of the Lantus last longer, so he remains in good numbers for a longer period of time.

But continue to test him every 2 hours, because he's just getting used to Lantus, and who knows what his plans are!

If you're going back to school tomorrow and going to be gone for the day, be sure to have a plan for how you're going to manage this. I'm sure you've thought a lot about it. Can your partner drop by and test Pip while you're gone?
 
Lara & Luciole (Lu) said:
Hi SJ and P! Nice work last night. This is Pip's nadir, meaning it's likely as low as he's going to go.

About feeding, generally we give a bit of food at +2 and +4, and don't feed after the nadir, so continue to test him, but don't feed him after this, unless he continues to go down, and in that case, only low carb. Not feeding after +6 helps the effect of the Lantus last longer, so he remains in good numbers for a longer period of time.

But continue to test him every 2 hours, because he's just getting used to Lantus, and who knows what his plans are!

If you're going back to school tomorrow and going to be gone for the day, be sure to have a plan for how you're going to manage this. I'm sure you've thought a lot about it. Can your partner drop by and test Pip while you're gone?
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Hello Lara :)

My partner lives on the south shore and is not able to come into town...

My mother is downstairs and my roommate might come home tomorrow I don't know she spends a lot of time away...,

All the foods are labeled. I have a webcam on him and 2 people willing to help if he looks like he is not feeling well.
But I have to be at school, 8am to 3:30pm every day but wednesday, and on wednesday I get home at noon.

After this week I have time off until January 6th.

But no, I cannot be with him or do curves while I am at school and I cannot put the burden on others around me.
I tend to be the caregiver and I dont rely on people much... I am trying to ask but not getting great results.

At least my partner agreed to let me bring Pip to his place for the holidays.

I am still sick and I need to lie down a bit, I will test again when I wake up.

back in a bit 💕
 
I understand how some of that is, Sarah! I have a similar schedule, roommates I can't count on to be available, and do all the heavy lifting parts myself. (Asking people to stick lancets and needles into my cat has always seemed like such a big deal, especially if they have to come from any distance to do it.) I will say that having the Libre is a godsend, so at least I'll know if there's a burgeoning hypo emergency and can rush home if absolutely necessary. I don't know if a CGM is something you've considered/might be an option?

Rest up. ❤️ What a nasty cold!
 
Allie & Gen said:
I understand how some of that is, Sarah! I have a similar schedule, roommates I can't count on to be available, and do all the heavy lifting parts myself. (Asking people to stick lancets and needles into my cat has always seemed like such a big deal, especially if they have to come from any distance to do it.) I will say that having the Libre is a godsend, so at least I'll know if there's a burgeoning hypo emergency and can rush home if absolutely necessary. I don't know if a CGM is something you've considered/might be an option?

Rest up. ❤️ What a nasty cold!
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I guess the thought of implanting a device into Pip for 2 weeks kinda scares me?

Also my budget is really tight since I had to pay for Tiny's biopsy.

It is indeed a very nasty cold and I must be better by tomorrow... today is not a good day :(
 
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SarahJeanne said:
I guess the thought of implanting a device into Pip for 2 weeks kinda scares me?

Also my budget is really tight since I had to pay foir Tiny's biopsy.

It is indeed a very nasty cold and I must be better by tomorrow... toiday is not a good day :(
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You can't force your body to heal ... how critical is tomorrow? Sorry, I have a big sibling complex, I realize that's a little outside the bounds of this forum. 😅

I certainly understand the budgetary concerns, and I don't know how costs translate up on your side of the border, or if you might be able to use this coupon that a number of folks here have had luck with?

If it helps with the "yikes" factor, the part that goes "into" the cat is barely anything, it's a tiny filament that goes just under the skin to test glucose in the subcutaneous layer. The rest of the sensor is just a small plastic disk held onto the skin with a gentle adhesive (vets often use surgical glue as well, which is not advisable - there are detailed guidelines available for applying a sensor without that, which I would have brought with me to my vet the first time if I'd known). A gentle adhesive spray removes it cleanly and easily. It doesn't hurt (I guess the removal might be a bit like taking a band-aid off, but not worse than that), though I'll admit that application is a bit of a pain when you do it yourself, especially by yourself (most of the folks around here are able to get a second person to help hold or distract the cat, but I'm on my own).

Obviously, people have made due with blood testing just fine for many years and it's even still recommended as a supplement if you have a CGM. But the CGM means that when I have to leave Gen home alone for hours, I'll know if his BG suddenly takes a dive and lifesaving interventions are necessary, and that would be a pretty big incentive for me even if he weren't so miserably resistant to having his blood taken. The Libre means I have to put him through a procedure he objects to intensely once every two weeks (usually/ideally) ... instead of multiple times a day. (At least. Back when I was trying to do blood testing, I failed to get a result from most of the tests on top of the awful experience of performing them, for both of us.) This will obviously vary enormously based on the human(s) and cat involved! I'm not trying to convince you by any means, but I know how nerve-wracking it can be to have to leave your cat for hours every day when they're not regulated, so I'm just sharing info in case it's of any help. ❤️
 
Allie & Gen said:
You can't force your body to heal ... how critical is tomorrow? Sorry, I have a big sibling complex, I realize that's a little outside the bounds of this forum. 😅

I certainly understand the budgetary concerns, and I don't know how costs translate up on your side of the border, or if you might be able to use this coupon that a number of folks here have had luck with?

If it helps with the "yikes" factor, the part that goes "into" the cat is barely anything, it's a tiny filament that goes just under the skin to test glucose in the subcutaneous layer. The rest of the sensor is just a small plastic disk held onto the skin with a gentle adhesive (vets often use surgical glue as well, which is not advisable - there are detailed guidelines available for applying a sensor without that, which I would have brought with me to my vet the first time if I'd known). A gentle adhesive spray removes it cleanly and easily. It doesn't hurt (I guess the removal might be a bit like taking a band-aid off, but not worse than that), though I'll admit that application is a bit of a pain when you do it yourself, especially by yourself (most of the folks around here are able to get a second person to help hold or distract the cat, but I'm on my own).

Obviously, people have made due with blood testing just fine for many years and it's even still recommended as a supplement if you have a CGM. But the CGM means that when I have to leave Gen home alone for hours, I'll know if his BG suddenly takes a dive and lifesaving interventions are necessary, and that would be a pretty big incentive for me even if he weren't so miserably resistant to having his blood taken. The Libre means I have to put him through a procedure he objects to intensely once every two weeks (usually/ideally) ... instead of multiple times a day. (At least. Back when I was trying to do blood testing, I failed to get a result from most of the tests on top of the awful experience of performing them, for both of us.) This will obviously vary enormously based on the human(s) and cat involved! I'm not trying to convince you by any means, but I know how nerve-wracking it can be to have to leave your cat for hours every day when they're not regulated, so I'm just sharing info in case it's of any help. ❤️
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You install it yourself?
I thought it had to be sutured or glued on by a vet? Maybe its not as bad as I picture it?

Pip lets me poke him and move him around and had zero issue with testing or his shot I just can't quit school in order to regulate my cat... :(

Also tomorrow there's a trivia quiz thing at lunchtime that my group nominated me for... so I feel double forced to go in.
I have a doctor's note for Thursday and Friday and I missed 2 important classes already and I have those 2 classes tomorrow :(

I'll have time to do revision and catch up over the holidays but was too sick the last 4 days to do homework or read anything.

Anyway... ya... I gotta manage to do this week of school somehow!

I'm sorry if I sound like I'm complaining a lot... I just got the gloomy sick brain.
Thank you for being there <3
 
Oh goodness, no sutures involved, absolutely not! Some vets prefer to install it, but most of the FDMB folks who use one do our own installations, in part because we're often a bit better informed about practices that seem to work well with pets - crowdsourced knowledge and that kind of thing. The first two times Gen had one installed it was by a vet tech, and they did indeed use surgical glue, which has been a) shown to interfere with the efficacy of the device (chemical interference I think), and b) can really do a number on a cat's skin. (We seem to have had both issues.) So last time, I did it myself. It was hard and frustrating because I didn't have any help and Gen was really displeased, and I wound up having two expensive sensors fail before I got the third one on properly. But that third one has been working great for more than a week now, and I think I'll only get better at it as I go. (Also I'm going to try and give him some gabapentin next time in case that helps chill him out.)

This is a rather exhaustive set of guidelines and info about using a Libre with a cat or dog, put together by a Facebook group for people who use the device with their pets. (The group is supposed to be very helpful but I avoid using Facebook so I haven't really spent time there.)

These are guidelines written by folks from FDMB. @Staci & Ivy and @Brianna & Xander are our board experts on using the Libre; they've helped me a lot, and can probably help with questions if you decide you want to learn more (and I can try too, though I'm still relatively new to using it).

Aw, please complain as much as you like. ❤️ It sucks being sick, and so does the culture that encourages us to risk our health by prioritizing things like school and work over recovery. Have you talked to your professors or trivia group about how you're feeling? There could be alternatives to just muscling through it. (And if you might still be contagious, they might even thank you for not doing that!) Plus, you don't want to push yourself into a relapse and get even further behind, right? That said ... I know sometimes we have to make these choices, so whatever you do, I hope you'll take the best care of yourself that you can through it. :bighug:
 
SarahJeanne said:
Hello Lara :)

My partner lives on the south shore and is not able to come into town...

My mother is downstairs and my roommate might come home tomorrow I don't know she spends a lot of time away...,

All the foods are labeled. I have a webcam on him and 2 people willing to help if he looks like he is not feeling well.
But I have to be at school, 8am to 3:30pm every day but wednesday, and on wednesday I get home at noon.

After this week I have time off until January 6th.

But no, I cannot be with him or do curves while I am at school and I cannot put the burden on others around me.
I tend to be the caregiver and I dont rely on people much... I am trying to ask but not getting great results.

At least my partner agreed to let me bring Pip to his place for the holidays.

I am still sick and I need to lie down a bit, I will test again when I wake up.

back in a bit 💕
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Sorry luv, about the emoji. Fat fingers. As you can see, they're right next to each other.
Sorry for the misunderstanding. I definitely don't find anyone's worries or panics amusing. Sorry I didn't notice.😔
 

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Allie & Gen said:
Oh goodness, no sutures involved, absolutely not! Some vets prefer to install it, but most of the FDMB folks who use one do our own installations, in part because we're often a bit better informed about practices that seem to work well with pets - crowdsourced knowledge and that kind of thing. The first two times Gen had one installed it was by a vet tech, and they did indeed use surgical glue, which has been a) shown to interfere with the efficacy of the device (chemical interference I think), and b) can really do a number on a cat's skin. (We seem to have had both issues.) So last time, I did it myself. It was hard and frustrating because I didn't have any help and Gen was really displeased, and I wound up having two expensive sensors fail before I got the third one on properly. But that third one has been working great for more than a week now, and I think I'll only get better at it as I go. (Also I'm going to try and give him some gabapentin next time in case that helps chill him out.)

This is a rather exhaustive set of guidelines and info about using a Libre with a cat or dog, put together by a Facebook group for people who use the device with their pets. (The group is supposed to be very helpful but I avoid using Facebook so I haven't really spent time there.)

These are guidelines written by folks from FDMB. @Staci & Ivy and @Brianna & Xander are our board experts on using the Libre; they've helped me a lot, and can probably help with questions if you decide you want to learn more (and I can try too, though I'm still relatively new to using it).

Aw, please complain as much as you like. ❤️ It sucks being sick, and so does the culture that encourages us to risk our health by prioritizing things like school and work over recovery. Have you talked to your professors or trivia group about how you're feeling? There could be alternatives to just muscling through it. (And if you might still be contagious, they might even thank you for not doing that!) Plus, you don't want to push yourself into a relapse and get even further behind, right? That said ... I know sometimes we have to make these choices, so whatever you do, I hope you'll take the best care of yourself that you can through it. :bighug:
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Ok I will definitely read all the links and look into it for after the holidays :)

I will rest as much as Pip decides I can tonight and see how I feel tomorrow morning but if I am still not better I will contact the right people and prioritize my health... I just really hope I start feeling better soon

We have a 221 PMPS, lets see how the surfing goes this evening :)
Go Pip Go!
 
SarahJeanne said:
Ok I will definitely read all the links and look into it for after the holidays :)

I will rest as much as Pip decides I can tonight and see how I feel tomorrow morning but if I am still not better I will contact the right people and prioritize my health... I just really hope I start feeling better soon

We have a 221 PMPS, lets see how the surfing goes this evening :)
Go Pip Go!
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I hope you feel better soon Sarah.

In case you have time, read this document we prepared about using a Libre.

It may help you if you wanted to use one until you get Pip more regulated and are away from home.

But if you can manage with ear pricks, that’s wonderful!

Getting Started With Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) for Diabetic Cats

Please ask any questions if you have them 💖
 
SarahJeanne said:
Ok I will definitely read all the links and look into it for after the holidays :)

I will rest as much as Pip decides I can tonight and see how I feel tomorrow morning but if I am still not better I will contact the right people and prioritize my health... I just really hope I start feeling better soon

We have a 221 PMPS, lets see how the surfing goes this evening :)
Go Pip Go!
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Pip is a champion. ❤️

Like I said, no pressure on the Libre thing, but it's good to know enough to make an informed decision, so if you have time to read up, that might be good!

I really hope you start feeling better soon too! All the hugs and tissues.

Staci & Ivy said:
Getting Started With Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) for Diabetic Cats
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Thanks, Staci - sorry for calling you all over the board this evening!

Also, that was the second link I provided above, because it is incredibly helpful and I don't know what I'd have done without it. ❤️
 
Allie & Gen said:
Pip is a champion. ❤️

Like I said, no pressure on the Libre thing, but it's good to know enough to make an informed decision, so if you have time to read up, that might be good!

I really hope you start feeling better soon too! All the hugs and tissues.


Thanks, Staci - sorry for calling you all over the board this evening!

Also, that was the second link I provided above, because it is incredibly helpful and I don't know what I'd have done without it. ❤️
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Sorry if I missed your link Allie.
Just wanted to be sure it’s all here for Sarah to read.

I’m always happy to help, no problem at all 💖
 
Wow I guess Pip was keeping his bounce for this evening... we're at 374 at +2, I tested twice to be sure.

I guess I will give his ear a rest and check where he's at tomorrow morning

Still very proud that he went in the greens last night :)

Had some soup and I am in bed watching an old episode of Marple in my PJs... I think I am starting to feel a little better, I will go to sleep early.

Thank you everyone for being around and kiss your kitties on their little floofy heads for me please :)
 
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