Kris & Motska (GA)
Member
Hi there,
I've been "lurking" on the PZI board for awhile due to the fact that Motska is using the last of her Vetsulin and we will need to switch insulins soon (I don't want to go to Lantus or Lev, because there are frequently times when I can't shoot on a 12/12 schedule -- it may be 11/13 or more, especially if I'm able to find a second job). I have also finally made the decision to start over with a new vet.
The reason for the vet switch is basically that I keep running into some of the same issues as others who have vets that aren't willing to learn or update their knowledge about FD. He still instists that I shouldn't be hometesting unless I use the expensive glucomter that I must buy from him. And when I kennel Motska there, they just "shoot blind." They do not have any means to test her BG other than by doing a blood draw from a vein in her leg, so even if I was willing to pay $25 x twice per day for them to test her, they would absolutely tear up her veins (and frankly, I think they would just refuse to do it, because of the damage to her veins). Everyone is friendly there and they like Motska (even though she's always grouchy with them), but also show a lack of interest in reading any information I bring them. (I say "they", but it's actually a 1-vet practice with several vet assistants.) Like many of your kitties, Motska would have crossed the bridge a long time ago if it were not for the advice and caring of the folks on this board. I cannot possibly express enough gratitude for the fact that I still have my babygirl.
So after making a few phone calls, I've found a new vet (a feline-only practice) that encourages hometesting, and when you kennel at their facility, they will test before giving a shot! (I have two roommates, both of whom are incredibly irresponsible, so I won't EVER ask them to take care of her, and any of my other friends who would be willing to watch her, have dogs -- hence the need for a place to kennel her.)
I've compiled a list of questions that the new vet's office answered over the phone. So my main question is this: How do I/we know what dosage of Prozinc to use? Motska is currently on just .1 unit of Vetsulin (sometimes .2 if she's a bit higher than usual). Since they're both U-40 insulins, I'm thinking I should start at .1u of ProZinc. Does this sound like a good idea? I'd rather err on the side of caution, since I work outside the home, and if she hypos, I won't be here to catch it during the day, and I'd probably be asleep if it happened at night. I am home on weekends to do a curve as necessary.
Also, I'm 99% sure that Motska will need to have a dental. Should I wait until after the dental to make the switch to ProZinc?
And any other suggestions you may have to offer will be welcome. My appointment isn't until next Saturday.
Thanks!
Kris
I've been "lurking" on the PZI board for awhile due to the fact that Motska is using the last of her Vetsulin and we will need to switch insulins soon (I don't want to go to Lantus or Lev, because there are frequently times when I can't shoot on a 12/12 schedule -- it may be 11/13 or more, especially if I'm able to find a second job). I have also finally made the decision to start over with a new vet.
The reason for the vet switch is basically that I keep running into some of the same issues as others who have vets that aren't willing to learn or update their knowledge about FD. He still instists that I shouldn't be hometesting unless I use the expensive glucomter that I must buy from him. And when I kennel Motska there, they just "shoot blind." They do not have any means to test her BG other than by doing a blood draw from a vein in her leg, so even if I was willing to pay $25 x twice per day for them to test her, they would absolutely tear up her veins (and frankly, I think they would just refuse to do it, because of the damage to her veins). Everyone is friendly there and they like Motska (even though she's always grouchy with them), but also show a lack of interest in reading any information I bring them. (I say "they", but it's actually a 1-vet practice with several vet assistants.) Like many of your kitties, Motska would have crossed the bridge a long time ago if it were not for the advice and caring of the folks on this board. I cannot possibly express enough gratitude for the fact that I still have my babygirl.
So after making a few phone calls, I've found a new vet (a feline-only practice) that encourages hometesting, and when you kennel at their facility, they will test before giving a shot! (I have two roommates, both of whom are incredibly irresponsible, so I won't EVER ask them to take care of her, and any of my other friends who would be willing to watch her, have dogs -- hence the need for a place to kennel her.)
I've compiled a list of questions that the new vet's office answered over the phone. So my main question is this: How do I/we know what dosage of Prozinc to use? Motska is currently on just .1 unit of Vetsulin (sometimes .2 if she's a bit higher than usual). Since they're both U-40 insulins, I'm thinking I should start at .1u of ProZinc. Does this sound like a good idea? I'd rather err on the side of caution, since I work outside the home, and if she hypos, I won't be here to catch it during the day, and I'd probably be asleep if it happened at night. I am home on weekends to do a curve as necessary.
Also, I'm 99% sure that Motska will need to have a dental. Should I wait until after the dental to make the switch to ProZinc?
And any other suggestions you may have to offer will be welcome. My appointment isn't until next Saturday.
Thanks!
Kris
brushing is NOT appealing!!!
