8/13 Tiger AMPS 103;+2=126;+4=136;+6=196

[Tiger(GA) and Ruth]

Last condo: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=123157

My how time flies! I couldn't remember our last post, I did not sleep well last night... ohmygod_smile I've been busy trying to get the garden ready for a small dinner party when my nephew gets married the end of August. Weeks of neglect have left the backyard very much in need of TLC. Thankful for the cooler weather, makes my work easier.

Tiger had a good night last night, I have slowly built her dose back up to 4 units, which seems almost right. She appears to be starting a bounce now though, I won't bother posting her PMPS. :roll: The question is, I am seriously questioning whether her vial is getting impotent, is that the right word- it is now 4 months old? Can it go flat this quickly? I do not see any floaties and it has always been refrigerated. I did not know I could have asked for pens, I will ask at our next vet visit coming up. Also, I am thinking of asking about a switch to Levemir, I am encouraged at how other kitties have made the switch and had better results.

Continuing to keep Mariko and Ginger in my prayers and the memory of Lucy! Also sending continued vines to Marje and her mom and Gracie, and to Amy and her Dad and all others who are in need to healing vines.

 

[Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)]

Hi Ruth,
You never know how long the insulin will last. I have always heard that the vial lasts a long time if properly refrigerated, but the manufacturer still states 28 days! Tiger may indeed be bouncing from that nice string of blues and a green. I would just sit tight and see how she is doing in a few days. It can take 72 hours to clear a bounce.

Good luck with getting your garden ready for the wedding. You can always tell the guests that it's a butterfly garden. :lol:

Have a fine evening,

Ella & Rusty

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Hi Ruth - I've heard a number of people say they get 5 months out of a vial. It if looks good, then it likely is still good. It is a while since Tiger has seen such a nice string of numbers, so as Ella says, she probably is bouncing. Time to take a break and work on that garden. :lol:

I know you are thinking about Levemir but you should know that kitties still bounce on Lev. Take a look at Tess and JD's spreadsheets, they too are on Lev as well as Rusty, Gracie, Neko, Joplin and now Cobb. We usually suggest people give Lantus a 6 month trial. The biggest thing to consider on Lev is the later nadir. It's typically around +8 to +9 (although that varies too). It works for me now because I'm getting up at 4:30 in the morning for rowing so I just do a spot check then. When rowing season is over, it gets really difficult for me. With some Lev kitties, you can get a test after onset at night and have a good idea whether they'll be safe. Neko's onset is too late for me to do that. And remember, cheaper insulin is just a quick cross border shopping trip away. :smile:

 

[julie & punkin (ga)]

i doubt there is a problem with your Lantus - not with green nadir last night and a nice blue surf today. As long as you're not see-sawing the dose back and forth from the syringe to the vial, it's probably fine. Sometimes the dose needs simply change.

I'd keep on til the vial is gone and then reassess the insulin. I've heard people get 6 months even. I would also give the Lantus a full 6 months, or until the vial is gone. Looking at today's numbers, I think it's working for Tiger.

 

[tiffmaxee]

Ruth, I got 5 good months out of my last vial. After that i kept questioning if it was losing its magic so I opened the next one. I think it might have lost its potency at that point. I plan to switch to one of the pens I was given at the 5 month mark or sooner if I get the same feeling.I know you are thinking of switching to lev and so am I. Then I have a good streak and change my mind. What about you? You are newer at this than I am. i hope Tiger and Max both clear their bounces gently tonight!!

 

[Tiger(GA) and Ruth]

Thanks ladies!

LOL Ella, with those tall weeds, it does look like a butterfly garden ;-) And no doubt, Tiger is bouncing!

Thanks Wendy, that is a good point about the different and later onset time. Believe it or not, I am often up at 5AM, but any earlier than that during the winter could be a problem. And I need to really pull up my patience pants because not only is Tiger bouncing, I also am pretty sure she got a fur shot tonight ohmygod_smile ohmygod_smile ohmygod_smile I feel like shooting myself-there goes all her progress

Julie, thanks for your input. The vial got dropped once, but has always been refrigerated. I only questioned because July 14th, we went on an upswing, it was like Tiger's numbers trended higher and I had to keep increasing. But, I will wait until her vet appt, and get her new prescription. Thinking hard about switching, Tiger often doesn't look well after the shot, she flinches, I just wonder sometimes if the acidity bothers her. But I will ask the vet too.

Thanks Elise, I am still thinking about the switch. Max seems to not be bothered by the acidity of Lantus, but I do wonder about Tiger. But like you said, she will have a good run, and especially when Wendy just brought up the later onset, we have a lot of things to consider...I hope Max clears his bounce. I am pretty sure I just gave Tiger a fur shot, I could smell it on my one finger, but not on her fur. Soooo frustrated with myself tonight! ohmygod_smile

 

[Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey]

Hi Ruth:

Bummer on the possible fur shot. Did you get some later tests? If they were lower than the PS, some insulin probably got in. It's possible you got some on your finger when drawing it out of the vial. I've done that. I've also squirted an entire dose into the air when I picked up the syringe and accidentally brushed the plunger! ohmygod_smile This is why my DH is the designated shooter! :lol:

We typically get a good 6 months out of a vial. In fact, the last one lasted longer. We thought it was done and got a new one, but when the numbers didn't get better, we went back to using the old stuff, and it worked fine for another couple of months. If you treat it correctly, it could last a long time.

Good luck getting your yard in order. At least you have some time to get it handled. Sending good weather vines for you!