yay for the link working LOLKarrie and Maverick said:Awesome!!! Your link worked for yesterdays thread too - very cool. You forgot the AMPS reading in your subject though.
Sienne and Gabby said:Violet --
Thanks for the schedule. That will help us make sure we're getting info to you.
I'm also wondering if you're not feeling a little overwhelmed by the amount of content in your condo. (I know I get a little overwhelmed trying to keep up.) Would it help if the posts that are directed around Garland's health issues (i.e., feeding, Lantus or R dose, schedules, medication) were in a different color? Sandy put her post in red last night and that seemed like a really good idea. If we color code, you can just scan and pick out the essential info if you're pressed for time. When you have more time, you can go back and read at your leisure. I think everyone here wants to be supportive and encouraging but looking at your schedule, I wouldn't be surprised if you're pretty frazzled.
I haven't a clue if there's anyone from FDMB that's in the DFW area that could lend you a hand. What I am wondering, though, is if you have family or friends who might take the kids for an hour or two so you could catch a nap or have some time to just put your feet up.
My schedule changes daily slightly. But usually I can monitor during the day as well. It doesnt take long to run in there and take a test. But I can stay up tonight too. (and I will) The one time we did the R last week, nothing happened. I gave her .25Sandy and Black Kitty said:Hello Violet,
You have a lot to juggle.
In looking at your schedule, the morning does not look like a good time to start R - I don't see where you have time to monitor. So much going on.
The PM cycle looks like it could work, if you can stay awake, or "sleep test". Sleep testing is when we set the alarm for the next test time, grab 40 winks, then get up and take a quick test. This is repeated as needed. We've just got to get to know how Garland will react to R, and that can only be done in baby steps. Once we figure that out,you won't always have to get so many tests. Then maybe R could be added to the AM cycle, depending on your ability to monitor. With so many moving parts here- diet, FHL - as those things change/improve the R will have to change with them.
What I have in mind for the next step, is 0.25u R immediately following your PM Lantus shot. You will use a seperate syringe for the R. Then you get a +1, +2, +3 and possibly a +4. It may make a difference, it may not. If it doesn't the next night you can try 0.5u.
The idea is that if Garland has a high PS, since R is fast acting, hopefully it will knock the number down by the time thhe Lantus kicks in. Lantus generally kicks in around +2. That way the lantus has an easier time .
Has Garland been keeping her food down today?
If she has and you are prepared (karo, HC gravy, strips) and can stay up for 3-4 hours past Garlands shot time, how about trying it tonight?
You said shot times are 8a/8p. Are you in central time? I'm in eastern time and will be gone tonight from 8pm-11pm eastern. If you are in central that would be until your +2. I'm sure we can find someone to hang out with you for those 2 hours.
by Libby and Lucy » Wed Aug 17, 2011 10:35 pm
I would not give another Lantus shot until *at least* 10 hours after the last one, and that is only if her number is still high. How would you feel about trying the R now?
What you would do is give 0.1 unit of R. Here is a picture of what that looks like - it's just a drop. You might want to practice first to be sure you are actually squirting out some insulin. Then test at +1, +2, and +3 after you give it to see if it is doing anything. If she is still going down at +3, then you would get a +4 to see if she is going up yet. If she is still high at +4 after the R, post for advice. Depending on what time that is, you might want to give more R or you might want to give Lantus instead (or maybe even both).
0.1u might not do anything at all, but R is powerful so it's important to be cautious with your starting dose. Some cats are more sensitive to R than others.
What time zone are you in?
Sandy and Black Kitty said:Hello again Violet,
Here is your checklist for tonight's R trial of 0.25u
- separate syringe for R shot
- 3cc oral syringe pre-loaded with the gravy from high carb canned food
- karo
- plenty of test strips
Give the R shot immediately following the Lantus shot. Then test at +1, +2 and +3
In the event of low numbers, this is what you'll want to do (besides post for help)
- 1. rub karo on the gums
- 2. put HC gravy through the tube
- 3. If the number is rising at this point, follow up with a partial feeding of whatever you have been feeding Garland. If the number still has not risen...lather, rinse and repeat
The above is so that you are prepared. It probably will be a non event, but it will give you valuable data.
As I mentioned earlier, I will be away from about 8pm to about 10:45pm eastern time. I'll check on you when I return. In the mean time don't hesitate to post for some moral support if you need it.
OkaySienne and Gabby said:If you start seeing blue numbers -- around 150, how about posting so we can keep some eyes on your condo?
Thanks Libby!Libby and Lucy said:Hi Violet, just thought I would check on you since I haven't visited in a while. I'm in the middle of moving, but I kept peeking in and seeing that you were in great hands.
I'm glad you'll be trying R again tonight. You're right, 0.1 didn't do anything. We thought it might not, but it's safest to try a tiny dose and work up from there. Some cats are very sensitive to R so it's best to be safe. 0.25 may or may not do anything either, but we need to try that dose before moving to 0.5.
About low numbers, in her case we're not really looking for any specific number to mean "be on guard." We'll be watching for how fast she drops, and if it looks like she is dropping too fast then you can use Karo to slow her down. For most cats we don't worry about karo until they are below 40 or so, but in Garland's case we'll be conservative because feeding her curve is a little more tricky with the feeding tube. We've got your back, though. Just stay close so we can help you stay on top of her numbers.
I fed her a couple hours before PMPS, and then right after I took her +1. I put a food row on my spreadsheet today.Libby and Lucy said:ok, see you at +2.
Did you feed at PMPS, or is this the first feeding since her shot?
Sandy and Black Kitty said:Hi there!
I see you have been in excellent hands! Should be getting close to +2...
Hi!! :smile:Hmmm... not 10, I know that... Probably around 8? Its different everyday based on my day. Sometimes I get in there every 3 hours, others its every 4.Jill & Alex said:hi violet. i'm happy to see the use of R being incorporated into garland's routine. you're getting some great advice!
sienne was calculating the amount of calories garland is getting from the mixture you've been whipping up for her everyday. it appears you're feeding approximately 30 calories per feeding. ideally, we'd like to see a recovering kitty who weighs around 10 pounds getting close to 300 calories per day.
how many feedings have you been able to manage per 24 hour period?
this feeding business is kind of like having a newborn in the house, isn't it? while hectic and wearing, at least there'll be an end in sight... sooner than later!Violet and Garland said:Hmmm... not 10, I know that... Probably around 8? Its different everyday based on my day. Sometimes I get in there every 3 hours, others its every 4.Jill & Alex said:hi violet. i'm happy to see the use of R being incorporated into garland's routine. you're getting some great advice!
sienne was calculating the amount of calories garland is getting from the mixture you've been whipping up for her everyday. it appears you're feeding approximately 30 calories per feeding. ideally, we'd like to see a recovering kitty who weighs around 10 pounds getting close to 300 calories per day.
how many feedings have you been able to manage per 24 hour period?
LOL- This is way more complicated than my newborn babiesJill & Alex said:this feeding business is kind of like having a newborn in the house, isn't it? while hectic and wearing, at least there'll be an end in sight... sooner than later!Violet and Garland said:Hmmm... not 10, I know that... Probably around 8? Its different everyday based on my day. Sometimes I get in there every 3 hours, others its every 4.Jill & Alex said:hi violet. i'm happy to see the use of R being incorporated into garland's routine. you're getting some great advice!
sienne was calculating the amount of calories garland is getting from the mixture you've been whipping up for her everyday. it appears you're feeding approximately 30 calories per feeding. ideally, we'd like to see a recovering kitty who weighs around 10 pounds getting close to 300 calories per day.
how many feedings have you been able to manage per 24 hour period?
you might try to feed her more in one sitting or try to squeeze in extra feedings whenever you can. i know it's really tough. i'm all too familiar with the schedule. the thing is, food is like medicine for the liver. the closer you can get to 300 calories per day, the better. much of the pressure will be off once her liver heals.
Oh yea. Shes been walking around a bit once I got the kids in bed. During the day, she stays in the master closet/bathroom area. So the kids dont get her, and shes easily accessible. But once I get the babies in bed, I bring her out into the rest of the house. She walked around a lot (considering) tonightSandy and Black Kitty said:Ohhhh...poor little sweetie...
How has she been today? did she get up an about at all, like she did yesterday?
thanksSandy and Black Kitty said:I like the food row on your ss!
See you at +3 :smile:
yea, pretty sure. .25 again?Sandy and Black Kitty said:I agree with Libby - grab the +4.
You are doing great!
You think you can manage the same thing with the morning shot tomorrow?