9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+11-69,PMPS-57,+1-60,+2-48,+3-48,+4-72

Status
Not open for further replies.
donaleen and Ozy

donaleen and Ozy

Member Since 2013
Yesterday http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=104239&p=1109474#p1109474

I am still asking for help giving Ozy fluids. Marje sent me a link to a great video on the process but it doesn't cover dealing with a cat who wants none of it.

This is a very clear and well done video. But, the hard part is getting Ozy started. He mostly wants to lie on his side, making between his shoulders harder to access. Also, rather than purring he growled the whole time we did it and was quite jumpy. We've only managed it once and that was several days ago. We only got 50 ml before he was out of there.

I need help with getting him through getting him to cooperate. I spent a long time yesterday trying to get him situated but he caught on and was out of there as soon as I was ready to go with the needle.

I am thinking of trying to making a "hug machine" like Temple Grandin made for herself. Autistic people find them very calming.

This is a very clear and well done video. But, the hard part is getting Ozy started. He mostly wants to lie on his side, making between his shoulders harder to access. Also, rather than purring he growled the whole time we did it and was quite jumpy. I need help with getting him through that part of the process. I spent a long time yesterday trying to get him situated but he caught on and was out of there as soon as I was ready to go with the needle.

I am thinking of trying to making a "hug machine" like Temple Grandin made for herself. Autistic people find them very calming.
This is a very clear and well done ...[url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hug_machine


Has anyone tried that?

His numbers have been in the 300's the last 24 hours and I think some fluids are in order.

Thoughts? Suggestions?
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315 need help with fluids please

Hi Donaleen, I've never done a hug machine, but if its like a kitty burrito, it's worth a shot. Some cats prefer the bundling, some don't - ecid again.

A cat doesn't have to be poked between his shoulders - that's an easy place, but if he's got alot of loose skin, anywhere along the neck will do - but you can reach around & go between his shoulders - do a few practice runs with your finger & then the (capped) needle till you get used to it.

I've given lots of kitties fluids, though, from rollers to lovers. My first cat was a female siamese who growled, hissed, scratched & fought the whole time- it was very stressful, I hated it & never thought I'd be able to do it. I hired a vet tech to come help. Her first recommendation was to put Zoomer in a cardboard kitty carrier ($5 - petco) with the top open - it was narrow & gave her time to stick Zoomer - who"d immediately try to roll & pull the line out. The box helped, amazingly, though a few times we had to shut the top & she'd scream & try to claw her way out. It was so bad she'd be panting afterwards - she'd just exhaust herself. Slowly she began to accept this was going to happen whether she liked it or not. After 6 years, it got to be a placid routine with us, with her sitting on my lap - but it took years to get there, so I definitely understand what you're going through!

The rest of my cats have all been much easier. Most actually enjoyed fluids after the first few times, especially when they get treats / tuna water during or afterwards. I always explain to them ahead of time what I'm going to do & why - they understand every word! :lol:

If Ozy prefers being on his side, I'd definitely try doing it 'his way' at first. You can reach over him, tent him & stick him. I'm assuming you're already warming the fluids to body temperature beforehand. He can lie on his side the whole time & receive fluids - maybe if you do it on a counter with his head going to the left - once he's poked, you can keep the needle steady with your right hand (so it doesn't pull out if her turns a little), & pet / feed treats with your left? Zoomer always got tuna water during her fluids sessions (or after while she was in the box) - she'd growl & drink, drink & growl, but she let us do the fluids. :lol: :lol:

If there are 2 of you, one person can be doing the loving/feeding while the other pokes & steadies the needle. If Ozy is more chillaxed, doing it on a blanket on your lap can also be comforting for them.

Good luck - I hope this helps
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315 need help with fluids please

I don't have advice but I'm going to be trying this soon myself, and I feel for you! Marjes video is great and I hope that Suzannes advice will work for you, I'm going to copy it down for myself in case I need it for my kitty too:)
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315 need help with fluids please

I have a couple ideas but have to leave for the vet in 5 mins so I promise I will post when I get back. Sorry for the delay.
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315 need help with fluids please

50 is pretty good for starters! Kudos to you.

That's all I was able to do, or my cat would tolerate, when I first started giving sub-qs. I also sucked at home testing, but with some practice these things get easier. It took me about 2 weeks of trying until becoming competent with the sub-qs. And some days, River would get up after 50, and I'd just accept that that was how it was going to be for that day.

A friend who would give his cats sub-qs daily told me it made a big difference if you warm the solution to around the cat's body temp. This made a big difference for my cat. I also practiced my needle-sticking technique with an orange until I was able to do it smoothly.

Don't be discouraged; this is one of those new skills we get to learn with FD ;-)
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+3-182,+4-124,+6-60,+6.5-57

i have a couple ideas. First, Gus likes to lay on his side, too, when getting fluids. He always is agreeable to laying flat on his tummy so we can put the needle in but then he wants to be on his side and so we hold the needle in tight and just put him on his side. However, we did learn to insert the needle while he was laying on his side just in case. Suzanne has very good suggestions.....I'd wrap a towel around him with the opening at the back, put him on his side, and learn to tent and insert the needle while he's lying on his side. It will take two people until you can get a routine down. With the kitty I was telling you about (our little girl), I had to be gone for work for three weeks and our neighbor came over and helped Mike get started until he and Teddi got into a routine and then he could do it alone.

The other suggestion I have is the EZ IV Harness. It might help you and Ozy although you still have to get the needle in but if you can distract him long enough to just get the needle in, then he could do whatever he wants.

Great cycle!!
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+3-182,+4-124,+6-60,+6.5-57

Okay, thanks everybody for the suggestions. They are helping and giving me the faith that it WILL get better. I took a box about as long as he is and put in a folded wool blanket to make it a tight fit. We'll see if I can get John motivated to help me with it; he said he would. Doesn't seem as pressing when his numbers are way down and he feels pretty good but I think it is good to work on as much as we can to get him used to it. I do wonder if I should get smaller needles? The ones I have are 18 gauge.

Ozy went to the vet today, just for a recheck (first one since dx). The vet has been great about email and phone support but wanted a look at Ozy. She was pleased with how much he has improved though disturbed by his weight gain. He was 14.5 pounds on July 3rd and 17 pounds today; some of that is because he was dehydrated. But still, he should be a little under 16 lb so we have to work on that. Harder in a multi cat household and when we are also having to feed him when he gets low, give him treats to help him cooperate, etc.

We talked about how he doesn't like to move around much and how we walks; I call it the raccoon walk, where he hunches his back and walks very stiff legged). She suggested WelActin and accupuncture. Any opionions?

http://www.amazon.com/Nutramax-Welactin-Feline-Soft-Caps/dp/B001GBD0SG/?tag=felinediabetesfdmb-20

He is surfing today at about 60. Torn about how much more to test this cycle. Wouldn't want to miss a reduction! Or a too low reading..

Thanks
donaleen
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+3-182,+4-124,+6-60,+6.5-57

Nice numbers for Ozy today. I hope you can find a way that works for you and Ozy to get the fluids done. Have you tried giving him some treats to distract him while you get the needle inserted?
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+3-182,+4-124,+6-60,+6.5-57

About the walk, are you giving him B12?
I hear the injections are best, but I find even giving the methyl B12 helped River get over that.
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+3-182,+4-124,+6-60,+6.5-57

Yes, I am giving him Zobaline B12 daily (oral) and B12 injections weekly. It has helped some but he still doesn't want to move around much. He lies there like a beached whale (sorry Oz).
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+3-182,+4-124,+6-60,+6.5-57

You mean like this?

e40f84010564598be38a830f4649be06.jpeg
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+3-182,+4-124,+6-60,+6.5-57

My vet highly recommends Nordic Naturals for Pets and she's a nutritionist. The thing I like about this product is it is easy to administer. It has a dropper, I withdraw the amount, put it on their plates and they lap it up. I used to use a gel cap I had to prick and squeeze and what a pain!!!

I have used acupuncture in the past for my cats and it works for some, doesn't work for others. Have you tried cosequin, duralactin capsules, or adequan shots? Alot of members have great luck with adequan shots.

Most of us who give subqs call 18g needles "harpoons" and that might be one of the things Ozy doesn't like. I'd go with at least 20g (smaller) and then as you can get him to sit still longer, 21g. It takes me about 7 minutes to get 150 mls of LRS in Gus with a 21g needle.
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+3-182,+4-124,+6-60,+9-58

Well that gave me a laugh.

Ooh. 58 @+9.... He wants to eat. This is not a scheduled eating time (new weight loss rules). Every day seems like a new challenge. Low is scary but healthy. Low is healthy, don't be scared. But here comes PMPS, then what? Still three hours away....
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+3-182,+4-124,+6-60,+9-58

Low gets a heckuva lot less scary, so just coast in those beautiful numbers. Low is healthy, deeply healthy and healing.
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+3-182,+4-124,+6-60,+6.5-57

Marje and Gracie said:
My vet highly recommends Nordic Naturals for Pets and she's a nutritionist. The thing I like about this product is it is easy to administer. It has a dropper, I withdraw the amount, put it on their plates and they lap it up. I used to use a gel cap I had to prick and squeeze and what a pain!!!

Have you tried cosequin, duralactin capsules, or adequan shots? Alot of members have great luck with adequan shots.

Most of us who give subqs call 18g needles "harpoons" and that might be one of the things Ozy doesn't like. I'd go with at least 20g (smaller) and then as you can get him to sit still longer, 21g. It takes me about 7 minutes to get 150 mls of LRS in Gus with a 21g needle.
Click to expand...

Great suggestions and all new information.

I KNOW he hated the needle. Scared me a bit, too.

thanks
donaleen
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+3-182,+4-124,+6-60,+10-61

This could get interesting!

Glad Marje is on board tonight. :mrgreen:
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+3-182,+4-124,+6-60,+10-61

Interesting, huh? Isn't there a Chinese proverb that says "may your life be interesting?"

This feeding, not feeding, dieting, BG numbers juggling is difficult for me...it is so hard NOT to feed him when he wants to eat but he needs to lose a pound.

I wanted to thank you again for hanging out with me the other night. It was nice having some company. Mr Z and Laura shot a low number for them and I think we will be up together. And dear Marje will be there. I am not even scared...YET. But it isn't PMPS yet, either.
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+3-182,+4-124,+6-60,+10-61

Maybe Ozy will get that reduction later?

Marje has a knack.

Didn't someone say you'd be shooting 60's before you know it? :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+4-124,+6-60,+10-61,+11-69

That reduction hangs out there like a carrot, doesn't it? Enticing us ever lower. Is THIS the dance?

Do you guys REALLY shoot this much insulin (3.75) this low? Really? Are you SURE. Laughing at myself.

I went back through a lot of my posts culling out information I'd gotten. I did it to make notes and get it in my brain (or at least in my notes). It was interesting reading what was freaking me out. How I thought things were. What I thought I HAD to know. Somehow reading that, knowing how freaked I was and knowing the freak was not necessary THEN helps me be calmer now.

donaleen
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+4-124,+6-60,+10-61,+11-69

This is a gorgeous surf!!!

I think it is a GREAT idea for every new member to go back and read their first condos after they've been here a couple months. It's amazing how much you learn quickly. I still go back and read ours and go "holy cow!!! Did I ever ask alot of questions!!!". Our condos were always really long. :lol: :lol: :lol:

Guess I should get my coffee and jammies on.....you, Laura, and Lara...PJ party girls!! you can belong to our ICTCPJP (International Coast to Coast PJ Party).

cats-pajamas.jpg
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+4-124,+6-60,+10-61,+11-69

Well that made me laugh. I used to dress my cats in doll clothes and push them around in my doll buggy, poor things. The biggest meanest one, Puddin', was the most amenable to this maneuver.

I am SOOO glad to know you will be there. How is Gracie? I've been reading your condos but somehow not understanding what is going on.

Am I really going to shoot this, she said, WIDE EYED.

donaleen
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+4-124,+6-60,+10-61,+11-69

We have special awards for those shooting low the first time!!!

Gracie's great, thank you. Much better and I just posted a belly shot on her condo :lol: :lol: :lol:

eta: you have supplies (strips), syrup for his LC, beer, chocolate etc?
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+4-124,+6-60,+10-61,+11-69,PMPS-57

PicknickChick, I didn't know it was you! This is going to be a fun party.

My time is here. My pants are already full.
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+4-124,+6-60,+10-61,+11-69,PMPS-57

That's right, Donaleen and Ozy.
Tonight we're gonna party like it's 1999.

tumblr_mi2qao3J2M1rdnvweo1_400.gif
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+4-124,+6-60,+10-61,+11-69,PMPS-57

Ok...it's a dropping number. Only a little...but it is.

How do you feel about it? You can stall a bit if you want but if he drops much more, you will likely have to skip.

You have the supplies, are you rested, are you ready? Are you confidant he will eat?
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+4-124,+6-60,+10-61,+11-69,PMPS-57

I have the supplies. I am rested. He is dying to eat. It's been very hard to get this late without feeding him. I don't want to stall because he will be so hungry. It's time to see if he needs a reduction. I already bounced him twice in the last few days with my 1unit wimp out and my bad shot yesterday.

If you tell me I should follow another strategy, I will.
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+4-124,+6-60,+10-61,+11-69,PMPS-57

Take three huge breaths to anchor you, feed Ozy, and shoot.
It really will be okay.
((hugs!))
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+4-124,+6-60,+10-61,+11-69,PMPS-57

It is done. Fed. Shot. Treated.

Hugs back to you.

And, yes I will test at +1 and I did feed.
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+4-124,+6-60,+10-61,+11-69,PMPS-57

Yeah! Go Ozy and Donaleen.
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+4-124,+6-60,+10-61,+11-69,PMPS-57

Good shooting Donaleen! Who needs TV tonight when there is an ICTCPJP on the board? :lol: :lol:

FWIW: Nancy has given Pepper 25.25 units with a PS of 56. Pepper is an acrocat so needs higher doses (his dose is somewhat lower now) and Nancy very much knows her cat. Sam has given Charms 8.5 units on a 60. Neko thankfully never gave me a green until she went under 2 units. But us high dose kitties play by somewhat different rules,
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+4-124,+6-60,+10-61,+11-69,PMPS-57



GREAT SHOOTING!!

And I soooooo love Prince :lol: :lol:
 

Attachments

  • image.jpg
    image.jpg
    8.3 KB · Views: 2,880
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+4-124,+6-60,+10-61,+11-69,PMPS-57

Laughing out load. You guys all have such funny pictures. I went looking for my doll clothes (yes, I still have doll clothes cuz I am going to take a picture of Ozy in something. Poor guy.
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+4-124,+6-60,+10-61,+11-69,PMPS-57

I need to learn how to upload pictures and videos. What fun. I tried but I kept getting a message that the picture size could not be recognized (or something to that effect). Where's the tutorial on uploading pix/videos?
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+4-124,+6-60,+10-61,+11-69,PMPS-57

Laura, it was probably that the picture was too large. There's a 400 x 600 pixel size limit on posting pictures. If you can crop it or resize it, you should be able to post it.
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+4-124,+6-60,+10-61,+11-69,PMPS-57

Hi Donaleen! I figured Marje might need a break at some time, so I'm condo hopping like she is!

Everything good here?

You mentioned you had a copy of Sticky Fingers. Do you have a large collection of LPs like I do?
Remember when this cover was "risque"?

I still remember my Mom saying "Lenny, put that album in the back of the stack" :lol:
 

Attachments

  • whipped cream and other delights.jpg
    whipped cream and other delights.jpg
    8.6 KB · Views: 2,868
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+4-124,+6-60,+10-61,+11-69,PMPS-57

I have a couple of boxes of LPs.

So many things were risque then.

Recently I joined Spotify and I am having a good time listening to 50's and 60's music.
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+4-124,+6-60,+10-61,+11-69,PMPS-57

I loved that album, but I didn't think the music quite lived up to the cover art.
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+11-69,PMPS-57,+1-60

I had that album and I love the Relax Meditate Sleep station on Spotify.

Ocean sounds....yeah baby!

Nice on the +1 but +2? What do you have up your sleeve Ozy?
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+11-69,PMPS-57,+1-60

I have that album! And along with Sgt Peppers and an LP by Paul Winter called Common Ground,

it's hanging on a wall in the "music room" in those LP 12x12 frames. Album art is amazing! I have somewhere around 500 LPs and I rotate the framed ones once in a while. I also got a digital/USB turntable for Christmas from my DD so I can put all those old LPs on my computer as mp3 files and put them on my IPOD. Nothing beats the sound of an LP.
 

Attachments

  • 308156.jpg
    308156.jpg
    31.4 KB · Views: 2,845
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+11-69,PMPS-57,+1-60

Not only album art, but sometimes LPs would include posters.
Like that amazing Bob Dylan one.
 
Re: 9/12 Ozy AMPS-315,+11-69,PMPS-57,+1-60

Ha, I remember getting yelled at by Mom for poking holes in the freshly painted bedroom walls when I hung up the White Album poster and pics.
Also have a couple of "picture discs" where the album cover is printed on the vinyl.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top