3/12 Simba Atrak PMPS: 479, +4 360, +8 311... Sub-Q?

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Sarah and Simba

Sarah and Simba

Member Since 2011
Heyas,

I'm totally psyched that Simba's numbers came down to yellows & blues :D

However, I messed up in minor degrees and I need a little reassurance and/or thoughtful guidance...

I must have hit 'snooze'... so he didn't get his shot until 6:50am instead of 6:30am... should this now be his new time, or can I go back to 6:30am? or somewhere in the middle?
Should my readings also be from the 50min mark as well?

Also, in one of my previous posts I mentioned injecting 1u air into the bottle (big no-no), so subsquently I got a little air bubble in 2/11/11's am and pm shot.

I realized I could cancel the negative effects and get rid of that air bubble by removing the 1u air, so that's what I did.

What I AM concerned about of course is that yesterday's am/pm may be what's considered "skinny" and today's am/pm are regular.

I'm so new, I hate that I'm making these minor errors. So tell me - should I be kicking myself, or patting myself on the back?

Fitfully resting,
Sarah.
 
Re: Q's about time & skinny shots & alphatrak Simba AMPS 266

Also, I was wondering if any of you are using alphatrak? Would love to see another alphatrak ss if anyone else has one :)

Ty!
 
Re: Q's about time & skinny shots & alphatrak Simba AMPS 266

Just want to say Hello I have not posted in your condo I have the alphatrak but way..... too expensive to use IMO so I use the freestyle lite now but I know there are a few here that use it and will chime in as much as I test DL and I am not working right now the alphatrak strips are just so much more costly
 
Re: Q's about time & skinny shots & alphatrak Simba AMPS 266

I agree, way too spensive :(
The vet convinced me it gives more accurate readings (since human meters are calibrated to read 30mg/l or 1.7mmol LESS than actual value) So the issue I'm running into now is comparing my results with the results of others.
So like, if your freakout number is 40, mine is 70 due to discrepancies bw the two meters...grr
The vet tech told me the human meter strips were just as expensive. Sigh. Got suckered, but now it's what I got so it's what I'm using.

I guess my REAL issue is I don't know what my "freakout" number is.
 
Re: Q's about time & skinny shots & alphatrak Simba AMPS 266

Time: If you need to move a shot time by approx. 15 min. it's not a problem. However, have you taken the time shift for daylight savings into account? Whatever time you shoot is your time. You can then begin to adjust the next shot time forward or back to make up the time. You can move a shot time by 15 min. per cycle (i.e., twice a day) or 30 min. once a day without undue influence on the shed or numbers.

Air bubbles: Are you using a pen or a vial. Injecting air into a vial isn't a problem since the vial is not on a pressure system. Flicking the syringe will help to remove bubbles. You might want to take a look at this post on bubbles.

Dose: Just do your best to shoot as consistently as possible.
 
Re: Q's about time & skinny shots & alphatrak Simba AMPS 266

Thanks sienne! I had seen that post, but flicking wasn't ridding me of bubbles :(
I'll read it again :)
Lukily I'm not having bubble issues anymore!
Thanks for the reassurance of being some minutes off... I was 20 mims off (I was having meter issues to boot!!) but it sounds like I can be reasonably sure there's not a problem (Ty Ty Ty!)

All problems aside, I am happy (estatic, thrilled) to say: NEGATIVE for ketones!!!! Dance dance dance!
 
Re: Q's about time & skinny shots & alphatrak Simba AMPS 266

PS another big thank you for the Saran wrap tip!!! Worked like a charm

Edit: using a vial
 
Re: Q's about time & skinny shots & alphatrak Simba AMPS 266

hi Sarah,
I just wanted to point out an option regarding the meter.
It may be a good idea to have a back up meter (like the One Touch for example)
As I understand it, AlphaTrak strips can only be purchased at the vets or online, but a human meter and strips are readily available at any drugstore which are easier to access, if in case one day you run low on strips and vet's is closed.

Example, Shoppers Drug Mart has the points card, and strips qualify for points, and for redeeming them. This can help you out with human meter strips if you want to consider a back up meter.
 
Re: Q's about time & sk shots & alphatrak Simba AMPS 266, +2

Thanks Ronnie, that's a great idea :)
If I'd known the shoppers pharmacy near me was open 24hrs I may have gone with a different meter.
Maybe once we get a little settled I can calibrate him to a new meter. Gunna be awhile before I can handle that (emotionally & mentally - too much stuff going on @-) ).
I was so indecisive about it at the time, I just had to go with what the doc recommended. ugh.
I love the idea of getting points for all those strips!
 
Re: Q's about time & sk shots & alphatrak Simba AMPS 266, +2

ya, right now I have $60 to redeem for my next batch of strips :-D even better is racking up the points on 20x the points days. :-D

by the way, Ann & Maggie use the AlphaTrak, scroll down the list and check her condos and SS link.
 
Re: Q's: time,sk shots & alphatrak Simba AMPS 266, +2 HI

The vet convinced me it gives more accurate readings (since human meters are calibrated to read 30mg/l or 1.7mmol LESS than actual value) So the issue I'm running into now is comparing my results with the results of others.
Click to expand...

Hi Sarah, I'm an Alpha Trak user. I think there are very few of us here that use it, as I agree, it's very expensive. You can take a look at my ss. I buy mine either at the Vet or thru Amazon. I started using it for the exact same reasons as your Vet stated. I may be using the Relion Micro later today though if my strips don't come in today's mail. I meant to also call the Vet for strips but...did not. I've thought so many times of changing to another meter just so it would be be easier comparing my results with others. I add ATrak to my subject line so others will see my meter runs higher! The reason I keep using it is I have so much data with it, and I send my ss to my Vet weekly, as he's interested in Maggie and how she's doing. And yes, I freak out at a 70 or a lower number. Good luck with your new meter if you decide on changing.
 
Re: Q's: time,sk shots & alphatrak Simba AMPS 266, +2 HI

Thanks Ann :)

So happy to have met another alphatrak user; Love seeing your ss.. and your numbers!! want! Thanks for confirming 70 freakout

ED: (I totally bookmarked maggie's ss :smile:)

I'm loath to switch meters now, so soon after starting and for the vet reasons you mention... but I can see wanting to change later on - to compare results with other fdmb ppls and for the saving on strips/ease of purchase.

Thanks for the tip on including atrak in subject line. Will do from now on!

Look forward to seeing your posts :)

Sarah.
 
Re: Q's: time,sk shots & alphatrak Simba AMPS 266, +2 HI

Hey, Sarah! I'm a former AT user... I lasted about a month after my vet also convinced me I HAD to have it. For strips, definitely check out Entirely Pets, American Diabetes Wholesale, and Amazon. If you link through mrrebates.com, you will get an additional 5-8% cashback for Entirely pets (5%) and ADW (8%). For most things you might buy, cashback amounts are miniscule, but on repeated $100 strip orders, that $5 or $8 each time can really add up! The cheapest I was ever able to get strips was $0.83/strip.

If you look at my spreadsheet, you can see that I changed the color scheme during our alphatrak use to correspond with human meter numbers. It takes a little bit of time, but is actually very easy, and if you want to do it, I'm happy to post instructions. I found it helpful when I was seeking advice at low numbers.

I would echo what Ronnie said... definitely have a back-up meter. The Walmart Relion is another good option. I would probably get one from the closest 24 hr store you have. If it is 3am, your cat is unexpectedly in low numbers and you just used your last strip, you want to be able to run to the closest place to get some more. If you look at Willie's SS, you can see he went on a tear over Christmas and had a streak of very low numbers. We were at my parents' house 5 hours away (and in the country). We ran out of strips Christmas night, and the next day was a Sunday, so there were no vets open. Because it is a rural area, I might have been able to find a vet who would have come into the clinic to help me out (my dad used to have cattle and my uncle raises pigs, so they know alot of the vets), but my family already thought I was crazy and I didn't want to ask my dad to track down a vet. I had the Relion as a backup, and was able to keep testing with no interruptions... and had I needed more strips (and had we stayed another day, I would have!), there was a 24 hr Walmart 15 minutes away.

One thing to keep in mind if $$ does become an issue and you need to cut something... it really doesn't matter that the human meter is 30 points lower. Think about it... do you really care if your cat is at 280 or 250? You know the number is yellow, and you want it lower. On the green side of things, the fact that it is lower means that your cat technically isn't as low as the meter states, which helps you to keep Simba safe. I understand completely why you're going with what your vet recommended... when I was in your shoes, it is what I did too! Just know that if you get to the point in all of this where financially, something has to give... this is one place where you can make a change, save alot of money, and not compromise Simba's care.

Hope you guys have a great weekend!
 
Re: Atrak Simba AMPS 266, +2 HI, +4 HI (Still?)

wow, what a great (if nerve wracking) story!

In terms of back-up, knowing there's a shopper's close by with 24hr pharmacy eases my mind a great deal, that's for sure.

His values are still reading as HI after 4 hours.. I'm a little concerned. I'm so glad I was able to test for ketones and got a solid negative.

Will check again at +8. going back to bed nao. The Bell guy was just here to fix the phone line so I haven't had many Zzzz's

I-)
 
Re: Atrak Simba AMPS 266, +2 HI, +4 HI (Still?)

Hi Sarah,
Nice to meet you, too. Wow, you have two Hi's! I hope Simba comes down.

Good luck with whatever you decide on meters. Christie gave you some very good information on her experience. I have the Relion Micro as a back-up and also the AccuChek Aviva (although the strips are a little pricey with the AccuChek).
 
Re: Atrak Simba AMPS 266, +2 HI, +4 HI (Still?)

What it looks like you're seeing is a bounce off of the blue #s last night. When numbers drop into lower ranges that Simba isn't currently used to or drops fast, the liver reacts. In fact, the liver panics and it dumps stored glucose and counterregulatory hormones into the bloodstream. It can take up the 72 hours for a bounce to clear. Hopefully, you'll see the numbers moving within a few hours.
 
Re: Atrak Simba AMPS 266, +2 HI, +4 HI, +8 HI .. Still

OOhhhhh thank you so much. Phew! I was so confused - *pounces you with huggles* (hope you don't mind :-D)

:idea: Do you think his new liver meds could have anything to do with it? Yesterday I started him on URSO and Zentonil

Best,
Sarah.
 
Re: Atrak Simba AMPS 266, +2 HI, +4 HI, +8 HI .. Still

come on down, Simba!

I know some others here use Ursodiol and I don't recall anyone noticing that it affected BG. I don't know about Zentonil. I tend to agree with Sienne that Simba is just bouncing off of the blue he had last night. He should come back down on his own.
 
Re: Atrak Simba AMPS 266, +2 HI, +4 HI, +8 HI .. Still

i'm chiming in to answer the question in your first post... you should be patting yourself on the back!

celi & binks
 
Re: Atrak Simba AMPS 266, +2 HI, +4 HI, +8 HI .. Still

LOL Jen! & thanks!

Thanks Libby, esp for your comment on urso - So happy I have you guys to reassure me :)

Thanks buddy!! *pat pat pat pat pat*!

After putting together food & med charts (I found I was having a helluva time remembering when we did things) I'm off to clean the gigantic mess my kitchen has become. *ponders hazmat suit*

<3 <3's for everybody!

Sarah.
 
Re: Atrak Simba AMPS 266, +2 HI, +4 HI, +8 HI, PMPS: 26.6

SWEET!!!

(i posted in your condo from yesterday...sorry)

celi & binks
 
Re: Atrak Simba AMPS 266, +2 HI, +4 HI, +8 HI, PMPS: 26.6

Hi Sarah
Just stoppong by to see how you guys are doing.
I see a lot of meter questions going on here and a few people mentioned the wamart relion.
FYI its only available at the American walmarts.
We Canadians can't have it unless you cross the border.
I have access to the states so I have been using the relion confirm.
I think some people here are using a freeom lifestyle, I think that is what is called
and seems good too.
 
Re: Question about Sub-Q. Atrak Simba PMPS: 26.6

I'm wondering about the timing of subcutaeneous fluids. I'm supposed to give him 50ml a day, and I've been giving it to him around +3 of the PM cycle because:

a) I assume it's not good to give right after shot
b) I assume it's not good to give right before shot
c) I don't want to give it to him too late in the evening, like a +6 mid-round. (Long ago vet told me not to give past 5pm.. well, we keep strange hours so I'm guessing 9pm is OK because he's active at that time)

confused_cat Can anyone confirm that PM +3 (while active) is a good time to give him fluids? Normally I'd think it would make more sense to give it AM +6 but if giving during non-active round, say, while sleeping, there's a significant chance fluids will just gather in his chest instead of be absorbed properlly. And yes. Right now, we are totally sleeping at 12:30 in the afternoon! :lol:

Sarah
 
Re: Question about Sub-Q. Atrak Simba PMPS: 26.6

Thanks Celi, I'll check it out! & thanks randi - sorry, didn't see your posts in time!

I would definitely need to do lots of research before purchasing a replacement metre. My vet did mention One Touch so once things settle down a bit I can travel that road.

thanks for thinking of me :-D
 
Re: Question about Sub-Q. Atrak Simba PMPS: 26.6

some people find that fluids can lower their cats' BGs. 50mL is such a small amount that it probably doesn't make much difference what time you give them. I just wouldn't give them in the same area that you give the shot, or at least wait til the fluid is absorbed before giving insulin in the same spot.

What other meds is Simba on?

FYI, I LOOOOOOOVE my new Freestyle Lite meter. I have a bunch of meters and that is by far my favorite. It's made by the same company that makes AlphaTrak. Strips are on the pricey side but you can buy them online for much cheaper. It sucks up the blood really fast and my favorite part is if you don't get enough blood, you get a lot of extra time (2 minutes maybe?) to add more before it errors out. It's even enough time to poke again if you have to. I also have an AlphaTrak but I never use it anymore. Too expensive, plus I very often am not organized enough to order strips in advance so I like being able to pick up strips at the drugstore (even though I do end up paying more that way).
 
Re: Question about Sub-Q. Atrak Simba PMPS: 26.6

Hi Libby, thanks for your thoughts on your fave meter :)

We had a big drop in numbers last night.. I was wondering if that might be why, yeah... I think I'm going to hold off on fluids until I finish doing his curve Sunday. His hydration is good so I'm not worried about skipping a day. :smile:

Meds. Ah, (ugh, blech, grar!) meds. He's on so many I made a chart because with our messed up sleeping patterns, I was finding it really hard to keep track of what meds he'd had when.

He's on:
Clinacin: 1 every 12hrs
Orbax: 1 1/2 every 12hrs
Canaural ear drops: 1 drop every 12 hrs (trying out 1 drop every 24 - the stuff cakes up and causes more problems then it solves. He was put on this after 2 bouts of vestibular disease)
Zentonil: 1/4 tablet every 24hrs
Cosequin: 1 every 24hrs
Sub-q: 50ml daily
Effacaps: 1 cap on food daily (still weaning him so he's on 1/2 cap till tomorrow)
URSO: 1/4 tablet every 24hrs
 
Re: 3/12 Simba Atrak PMPS: 26.6, +4 20.0 Question about Sub

Hi Sarah: Regarding meters, I have an AlphaTrak and a ReliOn. I used the AlphaTrak for 3 months as the testing needs increased and the price of the strips and the fact that the vet was the only source and he ran out I switched to the ReliOn. I did a comparison for about a week with the 2 meters and I never had a big variance between the 2. Maybe a 5-8 point difference but that is all. Also, I found more of a variance at higher numbers than the lower ones. My new vet uses a human meter because she felt the AlphaTrak was price prohibitive on the strips. Abbott makes the AlphaTrak and also the ReliOn and the strips. Good luck with you meter decision.
 
Re: 3/12 Simba Atrak PMPS: 26.6, +4 20.0 Question about Sub

Thanks Barbara :)

edit: Ooops... I just realized I posted my numbers in 'canadian' earlier. Sorry!
Sarah.
 
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