7/7 Zener PMPS 275;+3.5 245;+5 162

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Anne & Zener GA

Anne & Zener GA

Member Since 2011
Yesterday
Good morning LL. We are late getting his condo up again. I think we are a little overwhelmed lately, with Zener not feeling as good as he has in the past, with his numbers not being where we would like them and gradually increasing his insulin and now with the addition of fluids. Even after all this time, it sometimes feels overwhelming and we get sad. I suppose we aren't alone in this either.

Numbers are stinky pinky again this morning and slowing coming down. Lately it seems as if he only has one nadir, is this unusual? We are thinking more juice may be needed, but are a little cautious to increase too much as we are starting to add fluids three times per week. Any thoughts on his numbers lately and balancing increases in insulin with addition of fluids is welcome.

We are so very sad to bid bon voyage to Zeus as he travels to the rainbow bridge, sending hugs to his beloved bean Kathie.
 
Re: 7/7 Zener AMPS 333;+3 288;+5 311 cycles?

I'm sorry things have been overwhelming lately. I hope Zener will start feeling better once you start the fluids regularly. Hopefully his BGs will come down too. Sorry no dose advice, but sending hugs your way.
 
Re: 7/7 Zener AMPS 333;+3 288;+5 311 cycles?

Morning Anne, Liz ~O) ~O) ~O)

I wish you guys luck with Zener, I so understand on how overwhelming it can be, especially when things start to change, a new med is needed, or fluids added. Some how we always mange to pull it all together, get the job done. It was that way with Mannie too. There were many times when I thought: omg, give me strength. Sad ruled the roost here alot too. Somehow Mannie always managed to let me now I was doing OK. I suppose it is possible to have only one nadir, or perhaps a flat one in between the one that moves. Mannie did this to me at times too.There were days when I swore he was on a 24 hour cycle, that is exactly what his curve looked like. One huge reason why I never was aggressive with his dosing, I had to wait to see that his overall picture looked like in a week or so. He just never did play by the rules. ;-) My understanding is that the addition of fluids can lower numbers. I've never really had to deal with fluids over an extended period of time, we just never got that far with Mannie, way too many other issues. I know Ann of Ann and Maggie juggles daily fluids and other meds, so maybe she could help.

Wishing you guys much luck! And Zener: it is nice to see you coming down some.

Have a great day today.
 
Re: 7/7 Zener AMPS 333;+3 288;+5 311 cycles with fluids?

Well, we did it. nailbite_smile Our first time giving fluids to Zener. We are so grateful for the video Marje & Mike made, starring Gus the Gentleman Cat. We must have watched it a half dozen times, and had it on the iPad as we went through step by step.{{{{Marje, Mike & Gus}}}} Zener was a trooper, a little squirmy when the fluids first started in but he calmed right down with petting and telling him the story of how he came to live with us. :razz:

@carla - thanks for your encouragement and hugs!

@Michelle - we are so grateful to have your support and understanding. That is exactly what we were feeling - oh no, not more change! Zener tells us (we had our AC check in with him) that he is weary and tired of being sick, but loves spending time in his hidey cool spots, watching the birds out the window and with us. He knows humans have to do things, and he is okay with that. Nothing hurts him so that's a relief. We are hopeful the fluids will help with the weariness and help him feel better in general. Zener does not play by the rules either. We'll have to see if the fluids lower his BG numbers, we hadn't seen that in the past, but the fluids were not at the vets, so there may have been a combo of fluids lowering and vetty raising. We'll get in touch with Ann, she did stop in yesterday.

Liz is off to the gym and I am heading out to lead a tour at our local arboretum.
The Flagstaff Arboretum

Looks like it may rain so we'll see how much of a tour there is. ;-)
 
Re: 7/7 Zener AMPS 333;+3 288;+5 311 cycles with fluids?

Hi Anne & Liz,

I completely understand how wearying and worrying this dance can become. And the sadness has been heavy lately. Why can't there just be one thing at a time. But, whatever is new now, will become routine. I pray Zener feels better. And his beans feel better too.

Jane
 
Re: 7/7 Zener AMPS 333;+3 288;+5 311 cycles with fluids?

Liz and Anne

Jane said just what I was thinking. I feel so sad for you, that Zener is not feeling his best.

As you get used to giving the fluids,it will become second nature to you, just as testing and shooting is now; and when you see how much better Zener feels, it will be so worth it..
 
Re: 7/7 Zener AMPS 333;+3 288;+5 311 cycles with fluids?

Hi Anne and Liz, congrats on giving the fluids. I, too, had to watch Marje & Gus's video quite a few times before taking it all in and doing correctly. It will become second nature, and Zener will look forward to it and start feeling much better. I do Mags's fluids around Noon and then her pmps is at 3 pm, so three hours before her shot. I notice a slight drop in numbers but never a drastic drop. Hope that helps. This timing just works out with my schedule. I catch Mags while she's sleeping and all comfy.
I'm so sorry Zener isn't feeling good and sending lots of healing vines. I so understand the sadness, as I feel it a lot with Mags, too, juggling so many thing and worried I'll forget something. You both do such a great job with Zener and always have that gut feeling when to get him in to see the Vet. He's a lucky kitty.
 
Re: 7/7 Zener AMPS 333;+3 288;+5 311 cycles with fluids?

Congrats on giving fluids you guys. That is a big achievement and will become easier over time. I hope it makes Zener feel better so that it's something you all look forward to.
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I think Josie also gives Ripley fluids regularly.

As for the question on the numbers looking like one cycle or one nadir a day, I am completely the wrong person to ask about that. Neko's been doing that to me for most of her cycles for months now. I ignore whether it's a slide, a reverse slide, an inverted curve and just concentrate on trying to find the nadir and dose to that. It does mean a little more testing in the last half of the cycle, but Neko also has a random nadir time.
 
Re: 7/7 Zener AMPS 333;+3 288;+5 311 cycles with fluids?

Great job on giving the fluids to Zener!! Woot!!!

Y'all are just the best beans ever. Z-Man is so very fortunate to have snagged you two.

Lots of hugs for you both and scritches for Zener.
 
Re: 7/7 Zener AMPS 333;+3 288;+5 311 cycles with fluids?

((Liz & Anne))

I hate that y'all are feeling overwhelmed. But I'm so proud of you guys (and Zener) for getting the fluids in. I told Shasta about the successful fluids giving and she was so excited that she did one of her cheerleading splits...(notice the pointed ears and pointed toes...we've worked hard at keeping them pointed during jumps, splits and bows!)
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You guys are far more knowledgeable than me when it comes to dosing, so I've got nothing to add on that topic, but I do hope that Zener comes on down and levels out on the cool floors. Shasta's been on her pogo stick lately, so I'm sure she'll pass Z man on her way up or down. Hugs and scritches to you all and sending healing vines to Zener and prayers that the fluids help.
 
Re: 7/7 Zener AMPS 333;+3 288;+5 311 cycles with fluids?

((Anne and Liz)), You did it!! The first time is a little stressful, but as Barb said, it'll get easier and easier.
We give Ripley 100mls each evening. I give her some food with her fluids, to help keep her in one place; then I add her favorite freeze-dried treats when she looks like she wants to wander. (Sometimes I only pretend to crumble treats into her bowl -- this "fake-out" works often.)

I don't know about how the fluids will affect Zener's numbers. Ripley started getting fluids on 2/14/13, while she was in the middle to a UTI-treatment, so I don't know if her decreased numbers were due to the fluids or the ABs. I'm sorry I'm not much help in that department.

Starting a new treatment is stressful for us beans; I feel for you both right now.

I'm sure the fluids will help out Z-man. Sending many feel-better vines his way.
Hugs!!
 
Re: 7/7 Zener PMPS 275 cycles with fluids?

Hi Liz and Anne,
Congratulations on a successful first giving of fluids! I have not given fluids and I am impressed that you were able to do it so well. Z Man, you were a big help. And don't you feel better with good hydration? Getting used to doing new procedures and making time in the schedule for them is certainly overwhelming. But, as the others say, it will become routine, just like testing, shooting, giving Zener his special meds, etc. We are all rooting for you and for Zener to remain happy and interested and to start feeling more energized again.

Hugs and scritches,

Ella & Rusty
 
Re: 7/7 Zener PMPS 275 cycles with fluids?

(((Anne and Liz)))

yes...it is a very sad time in LL. I have been thinking that the last couple of days. It's been a rough few months for our friends .....we all love each other's kitties so much. It makes it very hard.

i am so sorry Zener is not feeling well. I'm happy the video helped you. It's scary at first but with two of you doing it, you'll get comfortable and then you'll be able to do it alone. Since you are only doing fluids three times/week, the days you give fluids are the days you could potentially see a change in his BG. A good time to give fluids is usually more towards the end of the cycle when numbers "should" be coming back up. Of course, if he's clearing a bounce, you'll have to judge when the best time to do it is.

I'm assuming by "one nadir" you mean one cycle he nadirs, the other one he goes up? I'd probably fatten up his dose. I think he has plenty of room. On the days you give fluids, check his BG before you give it and an hour after and see where he is so you can tell if it drops his BG or not. Some cats it doesn't; it didn't with Gracie when I gave her squids.

Is there anything I can help with? You two know I'd do anything for you and Zman.

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Re: 7/7 Zener PMPS 275 cycles with fluids?

Thanks everyone for stopping by with support, encouragement, stories, pictures and information. We are so grateful! I would post the hugs smile if it was working. ;-)

We were considering a dosecrease tonight, then though it was possible this could be a bounce from yesterday's blues and near trip to the lagoon. Not really knowing yet if the fluids will affect his BG, having iffy appy, and a possible sliding number, we opted to stay with the same dose for another cycle.

@Cleo & Jane - thanks for the support on the weary worry dance. It has been a sad time lately, kitties going to the bridge, ill, or struggling with various problems. You are right, why can't we have one thing at a time. ;-) Silly beans. And you are so right, everything else has become routine, this will too. And if he feels better, all the more motivation!

@Barb & Checkers - we try not to be discouraged when he isn't feeling up to par, mostly because we don't want him to be uncomfortable or suffering. We are still having warm days interspersed with cooling rains, so the weather must be affecting him. Our civvie, Tillie, isn't all that active either. Come to think of it, neither are the beans. :cool:

@Ann & Maggie - thanks for your insights on fluids with Maggie. Boy howdy, am I glad we have Marje and Gus the Gentleman cat's video. It sure made a huge difference! We gave his fluids today about mid-way in the AM cycle and are on a three times per week schedule for now. It's not too difficult during the summer, but once school starts we will have to sort out our work schedules. Of course, maybe by then, we will be competent enough to do it with just one of us. Thanks for your kind words. We feel the same about how lucky all of our beloved kitties are here with such loving beans.

@Wendy & Neko - thank you for the much needed laugh about cycles. Liz said "Wendy has names for Neko's cycles" and then we laughed about saying Zener has those too! And we loved the "random nadir". :lol: We had no idea there were so many beans giving fluids, and we have gotten some excellent information.

@Tena - awww, thanks for your kind words. We feel the same way about our special Zener, the day he licked my finger at the pet rescue was such a lucky day for us too! :razz:

@Deborah & Shasta - thanks for your support and checking in on us and Zener. I wonder if Shasta and Zener are on opposite elevators and keep waving to each other as they go by - up then down, then up and down. :roll:
Shasta - you's is so beautiful, thanks for sending me your picture. And you is very flexible too! Wow, I is impressed with your perfect form. I thinks you would get a 10! - Zener

@Josie & Ripley - thanks for your encouragement. It was stressful the first time, but Zener was such a trooper about it all. He never complains. We thought about using food or treats, but when Zener finishes eating, he usually wants away from his bowl immediately. So, we thought he might want to do a runner. We talked to him and petted him and that seemed to go okay. He was only squiggly at the very start. We tried the fluids mid-day when he is very sleepy. Thanks for the vines!

@Ella - thank you for the support. It was Marje and Gus's video that made it possible. And of course, the ever helpful Z man. We hope it will soon become routine. In the process of still finding the best price for the bags of fluid in our small town, but will all the info Marje gave us, we are well on our way. Thanks for cheering on the mighty Z.

Wishing all in LL a calm and drama free Sunday evening. {{{{LL beans and kitties}}}}
 
Re: 7/7 Zener PMPS 275 cycles with fluids?

Marje and Gracie said:
(((Anne and Liz)))

yes...it is a very sad time in LL. I have been thinking that the last couple of days. It's been a rough few months for our friends .....we all love each other's kitties so much. It makes it very hard.
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You are so right, they all feel like our kitties.

Marje and Gracie said:
i am so sorry Zener is not feeling well. I'm happy the video helped you. It's scary at first but with two of you doing it, you'll get comfortable and then you'll be able to do it alone. Since you are only doing fluids three times/week, the days you give fluids are the days you could potentially see a change in his BG. A good time to give fluids is usually more towards the end of the cycle when numbers "should" be coming back up. Of course, if he's clearing a bounce, you'll have to judge when the best time to do it is.
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He seems to feel better at night and when it rains and things cool off. So, we imagine the weather is contributing some. But of course, with all his metabolic issues, he could just be feeling worse. The video is excellent, and you were so calm in the video, it kept us calm too! Thanks for the suggestion on testing his BG on the days we do the fluids, and when to give fluids. We will try that and see how it goes. With our sliding guy, it may be better to give fluids at +2. :roll:

Marje and Gracie said:
I'm assuming by "one nadir" you mean one cycle he nadirs, the other one he goes up? I'd probably fatten up his dose. I think he has plenty of room. On the days you give fluids, check his BG before you give it and an hour after and see where he is so you can tell if it drops his BG or not. Some cats it doesn't; it didn't with Gracie when I gave her squids.
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Yes, that's exactly what I meant to write. We get a nadir in one cycle and then he goes up in the next one. We've been fattening by a drop lately because we thought it was keeping him from being so bouncy. We were prepared to fattened his dose again tonight, but I think with adding fluids today, brushing his teeth and bowl chasing, I just couldn't do one more new thing, even though it was only a drop. Great plan for checking his BG before fluids and then an hour later. We did check his BG before fluids but he was stinky pinky so we didn't check again. We'll do that on Tuesday, the next day for fluids. Maybe he will be like Gracie and we'll see nada.


Marje and Gracie said:
Is there anything I can help with? You two know I'd do anything for you and Zman.
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Thank you so very much! We feel a bit less stressed knowing you are close and we can get in touch if we have any problems. All went pretty well today. We did our best to stay calm. The hardest part was getting the fluids warmed up and getting the needle off to flush the line at the end. I managed to knick my finger trying to get the little bugger off. I had no idea I was so strong when I put it on in the first place. :roll:

And thanks for the hug!
 
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