2/12 Rusty AMPS 122, PMPS 66

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Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)

Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)

Member Since 2010
yesterday: viewtopic.php?p=321452#p321452

Good Morning Everyone,

It looks like the shed has refilled. This is a characteristic Rusty number, as I see from looking at Phoebe's spreadsheet (which I am in the process of entering into Rusty's Google SS). But getting blood out of his ear is not getting easier (if anything, the process is getting much harder--for Rusty and for me!). This morning was not quite as bad as yesterday evening, however (only about 6 tries, broken up by having to go after him twice and fetch him back to the testing place! I may order an Illumavein. Does anyone have any experience with this device?)
Anyway, Rusty ate all of his upstairs food last night and most of the downstairs food. He enjoyed his breakfast (Wellness chicken) and a freeze-dried chicken treat. He is in high spirits this morning and played vigorously in his cube with a small catnip mouse. My hand got in the way of a claw! We've had a brushing. 4 Ps in place. At the moment he is lounging on my desk as I type this. We have a wool felt pad (round) that we bought years ago for Alice. She liked it. Stu never used it. And Rusty is now sitting on it.
After yesterday's high temperatures and gale-force winds, we have snow today. It looks like the holidays. I am hoping that my FDMB calendar comes today. Everyone else seems to have gotten theirs already!
Everyone have a good day today. And may the kitties who are not feeling well get much better today.

Ella
Hey kitties! I had lots of fun yesterday. Thanks for taking me with you on the day's activities!
Rusty
 
Re: 2/12 Rusty AMPS 122

Good morning guys! This is a nice number to start the day out at ... sorry to hear you are having such a hard time with Rusty's ear pokes .. did you try a rice sock yet? No advice on the illumavein here, sorry ... I'm glad to hear that you are getting some more use out of your felt pad .. sounds like rusty is living the life with you .. have a great day guys!
 
Re: 2/12 Rusty AMPS 122

Looking good for Rusty today! I have no experience with the Illumavein so I'm no help there.
Snow....yep, tis the season, isn't it! We had flurries yesterday, but by the time I got off of work, they were gone. This morning there was a dusting on the ground and it's flurrying now. I love snow!! I just don't love shoveling, lol!

Have a great day you guys and keep warm!
 
Re: 2/12 Rusty AMPS 122

Nice AMPS Rusty!! :mrgreen:
Ella...have you heard anything about the calendar? I did get mine...Stu's picture is wonderful....do you know who else is on the page?
 
Re: 2/12 Rusty AMPS 122

Karrie, Thank you for this suggestion! I will look for a light like this. It looks as if it is easy to hold, too. (Too bad our Walmart is so far away: about 60 miles).

Ella
 
Re: 2/12 Rusty AMPS 122

Great start for Rusty today and it's a great picture of him in your avatar.

Have you tried poking both of Rusty's ears? Maybe you're poking the ear that bleeds less well?

Maybe you can find the like Karrie uses on-line.
 
Re: 2/12 Rusty AMPS 122

nice amps rusty!

ella, y'all have such great knowledge, i hesitate to even chime in...but if warming the ear is the problem, shoot me a pm...
Binks little "White-trash headgear" has made it easier for a couple of the members here...happy to share.

sorry bout the weather...but we got tired of it here in the west and sent it to our eastern neighbors!
 
Re: 2/12 Rusty AMPS 122

Hi again!
Thanks Karrie. We have an ACE Hardware here in town, so I'm going to go there this afternoon and see if they have the "Light it".

Sienne: I have been using the ear (right ear) that Phoebe and Charlie say bleeds the best. Maybe I should try the left ear, since I have mauled the right!

Celi: Poor White Trash Headgear?? I'm going to PM you, as you suggested.
 
Re: 2/12 Rusty AMPS 122

Good morning!
Glad to see Rusty's shed is back to normal.

I bought an Illumavein and it is a nifty looking device -- but -- having spent years testing a different way (holding ear with left hand while giving head scritches) and poking using a lancet device in right hand -- I could not change my ways to use it.

Basically the Illumavein is a clamp that holds the ear -- it is C shaped and you have to position it so the blood is flowing INTO the C. A diagram showing the ear veins and direction of blood flow is included with the device. The clamp makes the blood pool up in the vein - so when you poke, you get a good drop. The backlighting of the illumavein does help you see the veins in the ear - depending on how furry the kitty is -

Since I am right handed, I instinctively want to hold it in my right hand -- but then I can't poke with my right hand. Anyway, I didn't try to change my methods.

We have a headlamp - flashlight that is very helpful to see the blood drop (shiny), and the diagram did help me, in that the blood is flowing from the tip of the ear down to the base on the outside vein that we mostly use -- so I did modify my milking method to stop the blood from going down and out of the ear. I gently squeeze the ear below where I am going to poke -- to move blood backward up to the poking position while more blood is normally flowing down to the same spot.

Hopefully this description is helpful -- if long-winded.

The cost of the Illumavein is like $30 or so and add for shipping -- and since it is exposed to blood -- NOT returnable after the package is opened.

Have a good day!
phoebe

p.s we got the headlamp from REI - I forget which, but I think it was around $20 or so
http://www.rei.com/category/4500596
 
Re: 2/12 Rusty AMPS 122

Hi Phoebe, Thanks so much for this detailed description. I, too, hold the ear with my left hand while poking with the right. I have several headlamps, so will try one (but I don't have trouble seeing the blood drop once I can get it; perhaps I can use the headlamp to help illuminate the vein). I didn't know about the direction of the blood flow. This is great to know! How far up on the ear did you poke? I've been doing about 1/2 way up the outside of the right ear.
One more question: how did you keep Rusty from moving away? He begins by inching away in his accustomed lying-down position, then goes faster, then gets up on his feet and trots off. Edward could hold him (Stu used to sit between us and Edward held him gently while I poked), but it stresses Rusty even more to have both of us restraining him.

ECID, that's for sure! This is a problem I did not anticipate!!

Thanks again,

Ella
 
Re: 2/12 Rusty AMPS 122

To keep him from inching away... I would kind of hold his head down with my left hand -- wiggling my three fingers for head scritches while holding the ear between thumb and index finger --

Also -- I used a 3 strikes and I'm out -- if I could not get the test done in 3 tries -- I would stop and either try a bit later or just give a half-shot. (you will notice some gaps in the BG records).

Charlie did the testing a lot more, and may have some more suggestions -- he does not come to FDMB, so I'll send you his email address and phone number.

phoebe
 
Re: 2/12 Rusty AMPS 122

Nice AMPS for Rusty this morning. It's wonderful to see this boy settling in so well.

Sorry to hear that you are having trouble testing him. Tess isn't crazy about the rice sock either, so i just spend a little extra time petting her and stroking/holding her ears, they warm up pretty fast. Of course your hands need to be warm. :lol: Have you tried both w/ and w/out the lancet device? I freehand , fine lancet and a little twist as you remove it helps to open the prick to bleed a little better. Also a quick double prick can make a big difference in the size of the drop. I switch ears, it doesn't seem to matter. Also when I am holding her ear, between thumb and forefinger, I cup my other fingers around her head to hold her still.

The Illumavein is on sale, the link next to the Hocks link. W/ shipping about $20.

Celi the "white trash headgear" sounds to good to limit to a PM. We all need to know! :lol:
 
Re: 2/12 Rusty AMPS 122

Now that's a number we can be proud of Mr Rusty!! Ella, I always test & shoot Moonie with her back turned to me--If she sees a syrings--OFF SHE GOES!!
I put the food(dried chicken) right in front of her, & poke her as she eats(I'm sure you know this)
I always go to the tip of the ear on top or on the left side like 1/20" in just to nick the vein..She never squawks or anything--

BUt Rusty Has All that Hair in his ears!!!!! Just likes a man :lol: :lol: :lol: -I also hold with my left hand & POKE WITH THE Right-
Just rub the ear vigorously for just a minute like you are being affectionate, and the blood should come to the surface--I have a million devices to measure & illuminate, etc..Not the iiluminvein, but others--Ear rubbing works for us--Right now Moonie bleeds when I walk near her :lol: :lol: :lol:
So the only problem is when she decides to fly off!
Hope you have a wonderful day & Rusty has great numbers for you--Big Hugs--It's real cold here-BTW I cant take advil, my foot is a little better, but I have to work today-We'll see :shock:

Rusty boy!! Yeah they all try to poke us to pieces! My bean gives me foods, & I never know when she'll poke while I'm in my spot--I just know it's coming so I eat to forget :lol: :lol: --Glad you love your new home--Come out & play with me when you can--Or come sleep on our warm floors-They is really pumping today--Lubs you, Moonie
 
Re: 2/12 Rusty AMPS 122

Thanks, Ann, I'll try warming up my hands!! (not so easy!). I've never had much success with free-handing the lancet. Have tried it, but always gone back to the lancet device. Maybe it's time to try it again.

Phoebe, you already sent me Charlie's e mail address, so I will e mail him later today. Many thanks!

Roni, Looking at the cat would be the best way to get the ear to bleed! What kind of a look do you give Moonie?? By the way, we've discovered that Rusty is musical (he actually can sing a descending major scale and hits all the notes accurately). So he and Moonie will have to practice a duet for the next LL party.

Ella
 
Re: 2/12 Rusty AMPS 122

Very nice amps for Rusty - YAY, and back to normal in that regard. There really is nothing more that I can add on making testing easier. I know you are a pro, and eventually I think you and Rusty will get there. Though I am sure that you hope it is sooner than later. This has been a great discussion so far - very informative. With Mannie he sits on my lap, back to me, and we poke away, free hand - no device. I suppose however you'd want to continue with the method that Rusty is used to.

Celi: I too want to know on the white trash head gear - spill the info!

It is so nice to read that Rusty is settling in just fine - a perfect match!

I hope you like the snow we sent your way - we had it, sent it to Celi, who it seems sent it to you. :-D

Hey Rusty! Bummer on the ear thing dude... you need to help your bean.... I hate it when my bean messes up - sheshhhhh.... she bribes me with treats, so what the heck, ya know? I let her - I get good fuds stuff then. See you later today Maybe? Can I come and visit? we could build snow cats in the snow. See you ! ~~ Mannie -- oh! keep up the singing - you are good! You and Moonie should get together !!
 
Re: 2/12 Rusty AMPS 122

We use 25 gauge syringe tips as a lance - 10$ for a box of 100 at the vets office. Probably even cheaper in the US.
 
Re: 2/12 Rusty AMPS 122

I usually hold a tissue behind Raja's ear and I breathe on the little cold ear! LOL. She rolls her eyes at me of course, cause I am such a foolish woman...but it does warm her ear up real fast!
 
Re: 2/12 Rusty AMPS 122

Nice amps for Rusty this morning! I know you'll get the pokes figured out soon. :-D I hope you get your calendar today! We got ours day before yesterday. And not only are Bear Man, Mannie and Stu on the same page, but Latte and Blackie are on the same page too. And its March, my birthday month! I love the new calendar! Have a great day, Ella!
 
Re: 2/12 Rusty AMPS 122

Hi Guys,
Thanks for all the new tips. And Celi, you should post the headgear in your condo. (Where do you find washcloths that are only 4 inches x 4 inches?)

My calendar STILL hasn't come yet. I'm getting worried. I got the PayPal receipt, so unless it is lost in the mail I should have it! I'm so envious of you all (March is my birthday month, too!)

Ella
 
Re: 2/12 Rusty AMPS 122

i know everyone has different ways, but i started by getting down on the test rug with binks btwn my legs...now looks pretty funny with one leg folded and the other sticking straight out...but sense of humor prevails...he always is looking out the sliding glass door while we test...wildlife backyard does have its advantages...
 
Re: 2/12 Rusty AMPS 122

Ella..thanks for visiting Curry's condo this morning. I think she has a crush on Rusty. :lol:

Sorry you are having trouble w/his ears...Sounds like you are getting some really good advice from the folks here...And his amps sure does look good.

Have a good day and good luck w/getting the blood from Rusty's ear.
 
Re: 2/12 Rusty AMPS 122

the ACE Hardware-type LED light - one of our local dollar store carries them too.

we haven't received our calendars either :sad: we were probably one of the first to order, on Nov. 1 itself. how many are you getting? we always get three, and i received mine later than some others last year too; i wondered if it was b/c it was a bigger package.
 
Re: 2/12 Rusty AMPS 122

Meowzi is right next to Stu on the page....so beautiful. and Latte is on that page too! Blackie and Trouble and Harley and Tristan, Stu, and Mannie will be smiling at us all next March! :mrgreen:
 
Re: 2/12 Rusty AMPS 122

One last thought, have you tried inside where there is less fur rather than outside?

Stu's picture is great and Meowzi is right next to him too. I got two and she used the flat rate envelope, so that shouldn't matter. probably just distance and connections from where they were shipped from.
 
Re: 2/12 Rusty AMPS 122

ours came in a large priority mail flat rate box last year. iirc, it was a different post office truck (the ones that only bring packages), not our regular mailman, that delivered it. guess i'll just have to be patient ...
 
Re: 2/12 Rusty AMPS 122

I only ordered one (on 4 Nov.), and we have a p.o. box, so there shouldn't be a delivery problem. If the package is too big for the box, they simply put a package slip in the box and give you your package at the counter. Our P.O. is very good. I'm being "patient"!! Off now to look for small washcloths, Ace "Light It" lights.

Ella
 
Re: 2/12 Rusty AMPS 122

What meter are you using? There's a pretty big difference in how easy they sip up blood. I discovered this after going the entire 2 months we used lantus using the One Touch Ultra. While going OTU, I decided to try the Accucheck Aviva and OMG. It was so much easier. A year later, I had run out of accucheck strips and could only find OTU strips at the pharmacy. It took me 3-4 tries to get a reading!!


Anyway. He's a beautiful with beautiful numbers!! GO STU!!
 
Re: 2/12 Rusty AMPS 122

Pat+Raja+Shadow said:
Meowzi is right next to Stu on the page....so beautiful. and Latte is on that page too! Blackie and Trouble and Harley and Tristan, Stu, and Mannie will be smiling at us all next March! :mrgreen:
Click to expand...

.... and Bear Man.
 
Re: 2/12 Rusty AMPS 122

Nice numbah for Rusty :smile:

You've gotten lots of great ideas for getting that blood. I know you'll have it in no time!
 
Re: 2/12 Rusty AMPS 122

they're here they're here they're here they're here they're here
dancing_cat dancing_cat dancing_cat dancing_cat dancing_cat
all three of them :)
i hope you got yours today too, Ella
 
Re: 2/12 Rusty AMPS 122

I hope yours arrived Ella! march is the month :lol: :lol:

and yes - Bear Man is on that page too. right next to Mannie - they could be twins, and holding them both up is Stu. Love the calendar, and I do so hope yours arrived today.
 
Ella...great numbers for Rusty...look at that awesome PMPS!!! So at least you are getting his shot into him. We've been so lucky with Gracie...she is a little darling for her tests. I just sit down with my legs out in front of me and her in between. I warm her ear that I'm doing, usually with a rice sock and then I rub it a little. I hold the round cap to an old contact lens case on the inside of her ear so the ear is braced when I poke. I poke at 45 degree angle, on the edge, and fast. She's so good that 9/10, I get a great little drop the first time and she doesn't move. I use the One Touch Ultra Mini and I really love it...just a tiny drop of blood, sips, etc. but the strips are kinda pricey.

Hope you have a wonderful evening with this handsome guy!
 
Nope. No calendar today. Maybe tomorrow!
I called Phoebe's Charlie and talked to him about how he tested Rusty and got some good advice. This evening it only took 4 pokes! I hope I can get it down to 2 tomorrow morning. I decided to skip the mid-cycle test today because Rusty was used to only being tested at AMPS and PMPS (and I wanted his ear to heal a little after yesterday and this morning). I got the light that Karrie recommended and I could see the vein clearly (but I was afraid that the light might catch Rusty's eyes; it is very bright). Charlie said that they used a headlamp on the back of the ear (for their own benefit, so that they could see the blood drop) and that Rusty could see the light on the floor and it calmed him. So I tried it and it was indeed much easier to keep him in one place. Thanks, Charlie! We are using the same lancets and lancet device we used with Stu: Kinney's extra fine lancets and the device from the box containing Stu's first meter: the True Test (or something like that). (With Stu we soon switched to the Relion Ultima.) And I just switched to the Relion Micro (which had been my back-up meter) because it requires a smaller blood drop. Today's readings were on the Relion Micro. I shot .5 of a unit this morning and .25 this evening (following Phoebe's and Charlie's practice: .5 if the reading is over 100, .25 if it is under 100). (I may begin to "even" it out by shooting bid halfway between .25 and .5, especially if he usually has one of the PS readings over 100 and the other one under 100.) I'm really feeling my way here!!
Anyway, thanks everyone for your help today. Rusty is napping on the scratching-post platform. He "discovered" our desks today and this afternoon spent quite a bit of time "helping" Edward with his work (sitting on top of his computer!).
Good evening to all,

Ella & Rusty
 
Hi Ella, Rusty and Edward!

what a nice update on Rusty's takeover at your place! :lol:
Nice PMPS! :mrgreen:

Calm down Rusty, :dizcat you're doing so well!
cat_pet_icon
 
Hi Ella,

Glad that Rusty's shed is full and he is getting back to good #'s. Good luck on the testing. I hope Rusty accepts the routine soon for you. I see you got tons of advice, and i'm sure it will all come together in no time. That is so nice of you to take Rusty. Sounds like he is liking his new home. :smile:

Have a nice night Ella.

jan and sara
 
Hi Ella
I am sorry you are having such a hard time testing Rusty.....I think the more you do it the more he will get used to it. When Putty gets a little restless I just put a little blanket over him and he stays still.

I am also waiting to see where his numbers go after a ps of 61....curious minds want to know. :?
 
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