another unsuccessful attempt at testing

[HereKittyKittyKitty]

Thank you. Your cat is so calm thru the whole thing. Envy..... I just tried my cat again and once again it didn't work. I just haven't gotten it down exactly where to poke and I think I am trying so hard not to upset him, it upsets him. If that makes sense. I don't poke the poker In far enough, then end up doing it multiple times. I try to sit him on my lap because it is easier for me in that position, but he is not particularly a lap cat, so that's kinda unnatural too. Just thought of something - I am a lefty, I wonder if that could have anything to do with why it is so awkward. Grasping at straws here I guess. One thing I do know is that his levels are not controlled at this point. The few times I have gotten a reading they were in the 300's. So I guess the blessing in that is that at this point I don't think I have to worry too much about hypo if I don't get a reading. Once I talk to the vet and decide what's the next step, then I will definitely need to rely on the testing.

Stress will cause a cat's blood glucose readings to rise dramatically. My cat is usually in the 70s, but the other day at the veterinarian, the vet's test was over 400 and my test was over 300 (I wanted to see how accurate my meter was). A couple days later and the cat's blood glucose readings are back in the 70s. If I have a bad day testing the cat, his blood glucose reading will be a little higher than usual. When you and your cat get good at this (very soon), the readings will become more stable/accurate... you can do this

 

[HereKittyKittyKitty]

Good question. The entire month of January he was taking 12 units/day and running about 280. For some reason he started to decline on insulin demand.

About March 1st we started him on YAZM and big changes started to occur, I was chasing his tail though reducing dosage to keep him level. Seeing a reading and adjusting.

On the 10th of March I decided that over the last couple of weeks he was using an average of about 6u/day. So I said that lets give him 6 units a day. Never needed that much insulin so worked down from there. I think the decline in BG is because of the new food. I don't want to give him insulin when blood sugar is under a hundred. This morning he was 144 with no insulin for over 24 hours. We are going to check him later today and perhaps will try him on .5BID. Giving him a total of 1 unit for the day.

We are sold on this food.

Hope your cat's new food puts him into remission It sounds like it's possible/likely

Food makes a huge difference. When I took my cat off kibble and put him on the prescription food, the cat's blood glucose declined significantly, but was still way too high. When I switched to 9 Lives low-carb pates (the only canned food on the list I could manage financially), the cat went into remission

 

[Vtambo & Rex]

Stress will cause a cat's blood glucose readings to rise dramatically. My cat is usually in the 70s, but the other day at the veterinarian, the vet's test was over 400 and my test was over 300 (I wanted to see how accurate my meter was). A couple days later and the cat's blood glucose readings are back in the 70s. If I have a bad day testing the cat, his blood glucose reading will be a little higher than usual. When you and your cat get good at this (very soon), the readings will become more stable/accurate... you can do this

Wow, I had no idea the stress could make the numbers go up that much.

 

[Bumpsy & Shady]

I just tried my cat again and once again it didn't work. I just haven't gotten it down exactly where to poke and I think I am trying so hard not to upset him, it upsets him.

I'm in this same boat right now. Today, I again, tried testing, and finally tried using the lancing device instead of free hand, and it worked! Well almost. I just put the device against his ear and hit the button, and got blood! Of course, the meter had already timed out and when I re-inserted the test stripe and collected the blood, I got an error message, so I tried to quickly get a new strip, but the bleeding had almost stopped by then, but I still tried to collect the blood, and then I saw a number (326) and thought I had it. Success!

Only after we left the bathroom and I fed him, I went too look at the meter to review the reading, I realized that 326 wasn't his BG number, it was the date! Maybe tomorrow!

 

[Vtambo & Rex]

Totally get it. I did that as well where I took too long and the meter timed out before I got the blood and then got an error message. Once I forgot that the strip had to be in the meter BEFORE you collected the blood, so got blood that time, but got an error message because I put the strip in AFTER I collected it. Oh the trials and errors. its no wonder we are nervous. I know how I would feel if some giant person was trying to poke me in the ear every time I turned around. hang in there. at least we have these wonderful people on this message board to continue encouraging us. I would have given up a long time ago if not.

 

[Yong & Maury GA]

Here's a process that I still do because once in a while it takes a moment for me to get a good enough drop from Maury's ear.
*Stay calm and breathe* Sing a song, turn on tv, turn on music, etc. Something to distract your own nervousness because kitty will sense it

1) Everything you need within close reach.
2) Partially insert the test strip, so not to turn the meter on.
3) Poke the ear.
4) When you see the blood drop forming (sometimes fast, sometimes you have to work it a little), push the test strip all the way in to turn on meter.
5) Collect sample on test strip.
6) Hold pressure on the ear while waiting for the result. (This can help minimize bruising too )
7) Give reward

To help get an actual blood drop is where a thin layer of Neosporin before poking helps

Hope this might help you guys out!

 

[Sieden]

Thank you. Your cat is so calm thru the whole thing. Envy..... I just tried my cat again and once again it didn't work. I just haven't gotten it down exactly where to poke and I think I am trying so hard not to upset him, it upsets him. If that makes sense. I don't poke the poker In far enough, then end up doing it multiple times. I try to sit him on my lap because it is easier for me in that position, but he is not particularly a lap cat, so that's kinda unnatural too. Just thought of something - I am a lefty, I wonder if that could have anything to do with why it is so awkward. Grasping at straws here I guess. One thing I do know is that his levels are not controlled at this point. The few times I have gotten a reading they were in the 300's. So I guess the blessing in that is that at this point I don't think I have to worry too much about hypo if I don't get a reading. Once I talk to the vet and decide what's the next step, then I will definitely need to rely on the testing.

Peanut wasn't always this calm I don't suppose, but that was a long time ago so maybe he was. I seem to remember my very first time. I actually started out by going to him, wherever he was at. I'm starting to remember this now. I never wanted to disturb him and I thought that it would just be easier if I grabbed everything in my hands and brought it to him. I think it was a full year or two before I set up a "cat testing" area. Peanut is a very special cat though, he lets me hold him like a baby, hold him on my lap like a child, he'll sit on my lap and watch youtube with me but sitting facing forward like a human (he's so strange). He even sleeps with me, facing me with his head on the pillow lol. Sorry that I got sidetracked there but Peanut is just... special.

With that being said, you might want to try my approach and find your kitty when he's comfy so that he doesn't feel "bothered" lol. Now you mentioned that you're a lefty and I 100% think that makes a sh!t ton of difference. Poor Peanut has half the hair on his right ear that he does on his left. I'm even ambidextrous with most things but not with this. I can take a reading sometimes on the left ear but he has to be just right and sitting somewhere else. I normally use my right hand on his right ear on the right outside edge. You need to use your left hand on his left ear on the outside left edge. Another thing that helped me was to take my trusty Mach 3 and shave that entire outside edge of his ear GENTLY. It's like magic trust me. You're also not supposed to aim for the vein but the area between the vein and the outer edge of the ear.

You said that you don't poke the poker in far enough and end up sticking him a bunch of times, why? Are you using a lancing device that you push the button on and it shoots the lancet forward into the ear? If you're not using one of these then you really should try it. If you don't have one then I suggest that you look for one with a CLEAR top on it so that you can see the lancet tip as I showed in the video.

Here is a link to a Freestyle page that has the lancing device that I use... on the page you'll see the Freestyle II which is black, I don't use that one but then you'll see the blue one like you see in the video, it's just called the Freestyle Lancing Device. I wouldn't go through this but it turns out that it's really hard to find one with a stupid clear cap. The page says...


FreeStyle Lancing Device
The FreeStyle Lancing Device, designed for comfortable daily testing, includes 4 custom depth settings to match each user's needs.

For use with FreeStyle Lancets (sold separately)

Also includes an Alternate Site Testing Cap

Well this "Alternate Site Testing Cap" is the clear cap that I'm talking about which makes it easier to see where the needle tip is aiming. I think it's worth it. I think currently the site it down or whatever but you should be able to buy the device right from the site once it's back up. It is an Abbott site and I mean trusted, not some crap site.

https://www.myfreestyle.com/ancillaries

WHOOOOOOOOOO Sorry That Was So Long!

 

[Yong & Maury GA]

I normally use my right hand on his right ear on the right outside edge. You need to use your left hand on his left ear on the outside left edge.

I must be weird, no wait, I know I am weird! I poke his left ear with my right hand and right ear with left hand. Do whatever is more comfortable / controlling for you though!

For some of Maury's mid-cycle tests, I go to him on his condo. Plus, when he's been napping or relaxing, his ears are naturally nice and warm

 

[Sieden]

I must be weird, no wait, I know I am weird! I poke his left ear with my right hand and right ear with left hand. Do whatever is more comfortable / controlling for you though!

For some of Maury's mid-cycle tests, I go to him on his condo. Plus, when he's been napping or relaxing, his ears are naturally nice and warm

I'm sticking to my right hand, right ear lol. I think it's because I can lean across his body with my right arm and it makes him feel like he's getting hugged. I do agree with the kitty condo, I have done this so many times and if you catch them mid nap it seems like they are more willing and those ears are nice and warm.

 

[Vtambo & Rex]

well you will be happy to hear that I have successfully gotten two readings today. Rex has not been feeling well today, so that might be the reason, but I guess I gives me a bit more confidence and maybe him a bit more used to it and that if he cooperates it goes really quickly. the first time was a piece of cake, it was almost like he knew I NEEDED to test him before I could give him his shot because he did not eat and barely drank all night and had a bit of diarrhea and vomiting. the second time midday after he had eaten a bit and drank some more, and seemed to be feeling better, it was still easier than the other times, but he fought me a little bit more than in than AM. I want to try again in an hour or so and try to get four total for the day so I can really get some info. to pass along to the vet and possibly get her to agree to up his dose just a little to see if we can get out of the 300 range.

 

[Sieden]

well you will be happy to hear that I have successfully gotten two readings today. Rex has not been feeling well today, so that might be the reason, but I guess I gives me a bit more confidence and maybe him a bit more used to it and that if he cooperates it goes really quickly. the first time was a piece of cake, it was almost like he knew I NEEDED to test him before I could give him his shot because he did not eat and barely drank all night and had a bit of diarrhea and vomiting. the second time midday after he had eaten a bit and drank some more, and seemed to be feeling better, it was still easier than the other times, but he fought me a little bit more than in than AM. I want to try again in an hour or so and try to get four total for the day so I can really get some info. to pass along to the vet and possibly get her to agree to up his dose just a little to see if we can get out of the 300 range.

I'm glad to hear that you got some readings today and that it was easier for you. I know that there have been a few times that Peanut has tried to get up while I'm testing and I had to learn how to wrap my arm around his butt while I was testing so that he couldn't back up. I've also had to kind of tell him "hey kid, this is happening whether you like it or not" and it seems like after those times, he would be easier for me for awhile. I think our cat kids are smarter than we think lol. Anyway, it should get easier and easier as times goes by.

 

[Vtambo & Rex]

well I got cocky I guess and took advantage of the situation when Rex was not feeling his best yesterday (by the way he is MUCH better today). this AM when I tried the testing I actually got hissed at and clawed. so, question - I went ahead and gave him his shot this AM (his numbers have never been below 300), so do I make another stab (no pun intended) at getting a test now considering he just got his shot and ate and is obviously completely stressed about it right now (won't even come back in the room with me - sitting outside the door), or do I wait until mid cycle and try again then.

managed to get four tests yesterday, the last one freaked me out - it was 440. that is the highest I have EVER gotten so far. yesterday was an extremely stressful day for all of us, and we got an unexpected visitor last night who Rex does not really know, so he spent part of last night hiding, plus I just don't think he was still feeling all that great, and the last test I did I did kind of have to struggle with him, and he had just eaten about 30 -60 minutes prior (I was not going to stop him from eating after the day he/we had), so my guess is the number was a result of all those factors (or I am just trying to rationalize it in my head for my sanity's sake).

do you think that the four readings I got yesterday is enough info to call the vet and see about increasing his Lantus dose? or should I attempt to get a few days worth since he was not his normal self yesterday and/or just for more info? I am nervous about calling there because the situation there has been a bit odd - the vet we normally see has gone down to part time so if she is not there they always seem to stick me with one other vet (who I have actually requested NOT to talk to but I think since she has seen us before they just always revert to her when vet #1 is not there) and vet #2 does NOT believe in nor encourage home testing at all. when I have talked to her about it she actually said she would not even consider those numbers in any way when making her decision on dosing, etc. she relies strictly on the fructosamine test. so I am afraid if I call there vet #1 will be gone and vet #2 will not listen, so that leaves me where??? so the other question I have is - actually 2 - would it be advisable to increase his dose on my own without their permission - just by .25 or .5 units? and can I get syringes without a prescription?? currently we use the lantus pen.

sorry, didn't mean for this to get so long. just want to get this figured out so we can incorporate this into our daily existence and move on. quite stressed the past few days over here. but very thankful Rex is feeling better today (didn't even mind getting woke up in the middle of the night for food...), and also very thankful for all the help and support from this message board.

 

[Mandy & Rex (GA)]

I'm sorry to hear you are having trouble getting your tests in. Do the vet office have just the 2 vets? If not, ask to speak with #3. Since my other cat Tanner was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and the vet on call (not my regular vet) put him on too high of a dose, I have gone my own way with the hyperthyroidism group (similar to this). My regular vet is aware that I do my own research and he has even told me he doesn't know much about hyperthyroidism so he gave me the reins, so to speak. He respected my decision to have Tanner do the radio-iodine therapy, which unfortunately led to hypothyroidism, but he always does what I request when I call for prescriptions. He doesn't tell me where to go get the pills or how much to give.

As soon as Rex was diagnosed, I said I would like to speak with other pet owners who have gone through this so he knows what I'm doing now. I also told him I would do home testing. He prescribed 3 units BID, but I have a feeling he knows I won't do that. I plan to call the vet's office and notify them that I will just do my own glucose curves at home.

I guess to make a long story short, just be blunt and tell your vet what you want to do .. in a respectful way, of course. If you don't like what you hear, you can just take advice you get here as there are so many cats on here, way more than a vet would see in years, then go back and say, Oh, and I decided to do this and have it put in the file.

 

[Loumoo]

I was tense at first, but being diabetic myself I felt a bit easier. Then knowing where to test on their ears, made it easier. Mostly Leela wiggled a bit.
She is very sweet and amenable. Only issue is the strips being awkward and falling out, then her flicking her ear. Blood drips..

Giving her attention and those thirsk treats helps. My Leela likes cheese to right now. I test min 3 time a day.