BEAR'S first solo CURVE TODAY FREE- HAND

[Bear's Mama]

Well I started the CURVE this AM, it was a real fight for the first BG PSBG 453 not good.... and I had to fight him for it, stuck him about 3 times, his ear was cold, it's very cold here in Tallahassee. Bear ate ravenously at 1:30 AM woke me up crying and ate a whole bowl of American Journey, then during the night ate more in my bedrm. and in the AM also.

Sorry but he free feeds..only way to live in my household of 6 cats..Will have to dose accordingly.
in a few min., he is getting his 2nd BG. +2 401

I forgot to take his breakfast out of the room. OOPS!! it's gone now.

OK, Bear has escaped the room after BG#2, will hope to get him back before 3:30 PM +4.
what else could go wrong???


I went to the link for the spreadsheet and printed the directions, UNFORTUNATEDLY none of the diagrams printed which pretty much makes the directions useless.

I don't know I how could possible do all this intricate spreadsheet without a printed sheet to read from. How can I be online creating this without directions?

I will continue this thread shortly he is crying from the room I have sequestered him in, but it beats the Vets cage right?

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

This is a link to the helping us to help you post. There's information on how to set up your spreadsheet and what the information means. I'm also tagging @Bandit's Mom who can help you get your spreadsheet set up.

 

[Bear's Mama]

This is a link to the helping us to help you post. There's information on how to set up your spreadsheet and what the information means. I'm also tagging @Bandit's Mom who can help you get your spreadsheet set up.

Thx so much Sienne!!!

 

[Bear's Mama]

Thx so much Sienne!!!

that wasn't much help, and all those initials mean nothing to a newbie BTW....

still no clue on how to do the spreadsheet since you cannot print the diagrams on what the computer looks like to do this thing.

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

that wasn't much help, and all those initials mean nothing to a newbie BTW....

still no clue on how to do the spreadsheet since you cannot print the diagrams on what the computer looks like to do this thing.

About the spreadsheet
AMPS - means AM Pre Shot the first test you take in the AM ,you need to withhold food 2 hours before testing so it's not food influenced

Units is where you would put how much insulin you gave
+1 is one hour after giving insulin if you were to test then that's where you enter his _BG number
+2 two hours after giving insulin. ditto
+3 and so on until you get to PMPS - PM pre shot withhold food 2 hours before testing

+1 same as you do for AM cycle

We don't give times because we are all in different time zones that's why we use the + numbers
I'll give you the link to set it up , if you have trouble just ask and we have a member who will gladly do it for you


You can look at any members spreadsheet to see what it looks like, it's at the end of everyone's signature just tap on it

I'm sure Bhooma will be on later on tonight to contact you to set up your spreadsheet for you
@Bandit's Mom

 

[Bear's Mama]

About the spreadsheet
AMPS - means AM Pre Shot the first test you take in the AM ,you need to withhold food 2 hours before testing so it's not food influenced

Units is where you would put how much insulin you gave
+1 is one hour after giving insulin if you were to test then that's where you enter his _BG number
+2 two hours after giving insulin. ditto
+3 and so on until you get to PMPS - PM pre shot withhold food 2 hours before testing

+1 same as you do for AM cycle

We don't give times because we are all in different time zones that's why we use the + numbers
I'll give you the link to set it up , if you have trouble just ask and we have a member who will gladly do it for you


You can look at any members spreadsheet to see what it looks like, it's at the end of everyone's signature just tap on it

I'm sure Bhooma will be on later on tonight to contact you to set up your spreadsheet for you
@Bandit's Mom

I am aware of those abbrev. have looked at spreads before on here.

this is chinese to me from help you link--

• Dosing: TR or SLGS or Custom (if applicable)
• DKA or other recent health issue (if applicable)
• Acro, IAA, or Cushings (if applicable)

 

[Bear's Mama]

so the final numbers for Bear today are the following.

#1 did not withhold food in AM he was eating ravenously all night (not usual) and all morning then I decided to get this curve done, because I know the vet will increase his dose probably to 4 U. He is definitely out of contro,l as you will see and has been since we started on 12/6 with ProZinc then i wanted to go to Vetsulin for financial reasons.

Again friends, he will eat grazing and my vet is OK with that and I have read many instances online that FD graze. With 5 other healthy cats I cannot do it any other way, they are now on the same food, I took away Bear's WD, vet not happy about that, and found American Journey was better than WD and the other kitties Purina Complete. so that's that. Bear's FF grilled is the only one he will ea,t besides FF Gravy Lovers and it is less carbs--yes, I know 12 carbs. However he will NOT touch Pate of any kind or fish, so again, there we have it. I will have to dose accordingly for Bear. Remember I have only had him 1 yr. from a neighbor, who handed him off to me when I left Jax for Tally.

11AM PSBG-453

11:20 AM Vetsulin 3U

1:30 PM +2 -401

3:30 PM +4 - 341

5:30 PM +6--he was on strike and fighting, when I would catch him he was fighting and my stabs were producing no blood, or he got away before I could collect it, No Vulcan grip here.

hiding and fighting and bleeding all the way to:

8:00 PM +8.5 - 222 starving obviously, with no food since 11 AM

So that's the way it went...sent the #'s to vet, should hear tomorrow to increase dosage.

Thx Mary

 

[Bandit's Mom]

Hi @Bear's Mama, I can help set up a spreadsheet for you. Will send you a private message with the details I need. Look for it in the Inbox at the top right corner of this page.

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

I am aware of those abbrev. have looked at spreads before on here.

this is chinese to me from help you link--

• Dosing: TR or SLGS or Custom (if applicable)
• DKA or other recent health issue (if applicable)
• Acro, IAA, or Cushings (if applicable)

TR or SLGS only pertains to prozinc or lantus they are dosing methods
Vetsulin any time Bears BG drops below 90 you decrease by 0.25 units
This link will tell you what DKA and ACRO etc means

https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/fdmb-glossary.194472/

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

so the final numbers for Bear today are the following.

#1 did not withhold food in AM he was eating ravenously all night (not usual) and all morning then I decided to get this curve done, because I know the vet will increase his dose probably to 4 U. He is definitely out of contro,l as you will see and has been since we started on 12/6 with ProZinc then i wanted to go to Vetsulin for financial reasons.

Again friends, he will eat grazing and my vet is OK with that and I have read many instances online that FD graze. With 5 other healthy cats I cannot do it any other way, they are now on the same food, I took away Bear's WD, vet not happy about that, and found American Journey was better than WD and the other kitties Purina Complete. so that's that. Bear's FF grilled is the only one he will ea,t besides FF Gravy Lovers and it is less carbs--yes, I know 12 carbs. However he will NOT touch Pate of any kind or fish, so again, there we have it. I will have to dose accordingly for Bear. Remember I have only had him 1 yr. from a neighbor, who handed him off to me when I left Jax for Tally.

11AM PSBG-453

11:20 AM Vetsulin 3U

1:30 PM +2 -401

3:30 PM +4 - 341

5:30 PM +6--he was on strike and fighting, when I would catch him he was fighting and my stabs were producing no blood, or he got away before I could collect it, No Vulcan grip here.

hiding and fighting and bleeding all the way to:

8:00 PM +8.5 - 222 starving obviously, with no food since 11 AM

So that's the way it went...sent the #'s to vet, should hear tomorrow to increase dosage.

Thx Mary

I'm going to tag a vetsulin user for you
We don't increase by whole units ,we either increase or decrease by 0.25 units
How many units did the vet start Bear on?
I assume he increased Bears insulin by whole units?
The American Journey Dry Cat food is around 33% carbs way too high

@Suzanne & Darcy

Previous post
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/thr...he-nerve-to-get-a-bg-on-bear-tonightt.275475/

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Bear's FF grilled is the only one he will ea,t besides FF Gravy Lovers and it is less carbs--yes, I know 12 carbs

I don't know which FF Gravy Lovers you are feeding but here are the carbs for them

Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Gourmet Beef Feast in Gravy
20% High Carbs

Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Gourmet Chicken Feast in Gravy 15% Med Carbs

Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Turkey Feast in Gravy 15% Med Carbs

Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Chicken and Beef in Gravy 15% Med Carbs

Between 11% and 17% is medium carbs.

18% and over is high carb.


I read in your intro post he will eat Fancy Feast Grilled in gravy which is about 12 - 15% carbs and Bear doesn't like Pate
Have you tried these
Dr. Lisa's list says:
FANCY FEAST - Roasted/Flaked/Chunky - Chunky Chicken Feast - is 4% carbs

 

[Bear's Mama]

I don't know which FF Gravy Lovers you are feeding but here are the carbs for them

Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Gourmet Beef Feast in Gravy
20% High Carbs

Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Gourmet Chicken Feast in Gravy 15% Med Carbs

Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Turkey Feast in Gravy 15% Med Carbs

Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Chicken and Beef in Gravy 15% Med Carbs

Between 11% and 17% is medium carbs.

18% and over is high carb.


I read in your intro post he will eat Fancy Feast Grilled in gravy which is about 12 - 15% carbs and Bear doesn't like Pate
Have you tried these
Dr. Lisa's list says:
FANCY FEAST - Roasted/Flaked/Chunky - Chunky Chicken Feast - is 4% carbs

I don't think yu read my post correctly Diane.
He is eating ONLY grilled, as I mentioned to you before I have been thru Dr. Lisa's food lists. what Bear is eating, is ALL he will eat and I am working with that. None of those chunky things are wet enuf for him.
the crunchies are what he will eat, with all the others, and I won't repeat what i already wrote about comparisons to other dry food he was eating.

 

[Bear's Mama]

I'm going to tag a vetsulin user for you
We don't increase by whole units ,we either increase or decrease by 0.25 units
How many units did the vet start Bear on?
I assume he increased Bears insulin by whole units?
The American Journey Dry Cat food is around 33% carbs way too high

@Suzanne & Darcy

Previous post
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/thr...he-nerve-to-get-a-bg-on-bear-tonightt.275475/

he started on 2U then went to 3U he has a long way to go to be regulated. Why change only .25 U when he is so high and is eating carbs and will only eat the food I have found for him. After much research. Therefore he is going to be a higher dosed insulin kitty. I don't have a problem with that.


You haven't read my history of having a FD 20 yrs. ago and being on here. at that time I could afford to put all 7 cats on wet food and that kitty Watson, bless his soul, went OTJ.
I am now retired with limited income and cannot afford the cost of wet food in this horrific economy on SS with 6 cats and a dog on arthritis meds which is VERY COSTLY..

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

Asking about food tells us a great deal about the amount of carbohydrates which, in turn, may explain high numbers. For example, we suggest FF Gravy Lovers as a means to raise low numbers because it's particularly high in carbs. You might try a can of Tiki brand food -- it's pretty wet. If none of that works, you could add water to Bear's food so it's wet enough to your cat's liking.

One aspect of the abbreviations is that if you don't know what they mean, you can ask. Of course, it's likely that the terms don't apply to your cat. You should have seen DKA (or ketones) referred to here or from your previous experience here. DKA = diabetic ketoacidosis which can be a life threatening condition that occurs if a cat is in high numbers, isn't consuming enough calories, and has an underlying infection or inflammation. Acro = acromegaly, Cushings = Cushings Disease, IAA= insulin auto-antibodies which indicates the presence of insulin resistance all of which are endocrine conditions. Not to be snarky but in addition to looking at the glossary which is in the health links, you could Google the terms.

The rationale for small, systematic increases in dose is particularly salient with a harsh, fast acting insulin such as Vetsulin. A 1u increase in dose could easily cause Bear to have a symptomatic hypoglycemic episode. If you think food is expensive, think about what it would cost to have your cat hospitalized and on drips, etc. to stabilize hypoglycemia. Frankly, you are the person holding the syringe. You can dose whatever amount you want however frequently you want. I would not be the person who would support such aggressive dosing with an insulin such as Vetsulin. Unfortunately, you don't know if there will be a problem until the problem drops into your lap and most of the experienced people here do not want to be in a position of offering a suggestion or supporting a dosing strategy that could harm your cat. Safety is always a prevailing concern.

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

I don't think yu read my post correctly Diane.
He is eating ONLY grilled, as I mentioned to you before I have been thru Dr. Lisa's food lists. what Bear is eating, is ALL he will eat and I am working with that. None of those chunky things are wet enuf for him.
the crunchies are what he will eat, with all the others, and I won't repeat what i already wrote about comparisons to other dry food he was eating.

I did read what you said above which was
Bear's FF grilled is the only one he will ea,t besides FF Gravy Lovers and it is less carbs--yes, I know 12 carbs.

Good luck with everything

 

[Bear's Mama]

Asking about food tells us a great deal about the amount of carbohydrates which, in turn, may explain high numbers. For example, we suggest FF Gravy Lovers as a means to raise low numbers because it's particularly high in carbs. You might try a can of Tiki brand food -- it's pretty wet. If none of that works, you could add water to Bear's food so it's wet enough to your cat's liking.

One aspect of the abbreviations is that if you don't know what they mean, you can ask. Of course, it's likely that the terms don't apply to your cat. You should have seen DKA (or ketones) referred to here or from your previous experience here. DKA = diabetic ketoacidosis which can be a life threatening condition that occurs if a cat is in high numbers, isn't consuming enough calories, and has an underlying infection or inflammation. Acro = acromegaly, Cushings = Cushings Disease, IAA= insulin auto-antibodies which indicates the presence of insulin resistance all of which are endocrine conditions. Not to be snarky but in addition to looking at the glossary which is in the health links, you could Google the terms.

The rationale for small, systematic increases in dose is particularly salient with a harsh, fast acting insulin such as Vetsulin. A 1u increase in dose could easily cause Bear to have a symptomatic hypoglycemic episode. If you think food is expensive, think about what it would cost to have your cat hospitalized and on drips, etc. to stabilize hypoglycemia. Frankly, you are the person holding the syringe. You can dose whatever amount you want however frequently you want. I would not be the person who would support such aggressive dosing with an insulin such as Vetsulin. Unfortunately, you don't know if there will be a problem until the problem drops into your lap and most of the experienced people here do not want to be in a position of offering a suggestion or supporting a dosing strategy that could harm your cat. Safety is always a prevailing concern.[/QUOT


Looked up Tiki brand and it is outrageously expensive. thx. Understanding your rationale of sm. increments, but again with Bear's food he does not eat gravy lovers anymore.
He eats Grilled, 12 carbs. I took him off WD, I took him off Purina Complete, with the rest of my 6 cats. Put him on American Journey because it was more affordable (still expensive for me) and better than the other 2, and everyone likes it. and he has a long way to go to become Hypo. I have a history 25 yrs. of Healthcare experience and have some knowledge.

Wondering why this website has become so strict since I was on it 20 yrs. ago and you probably were not? What we parents can and cannot do for our babies, knowing that everyone has different circumstances in life..OUR Age, Money, # of other pets. etc. in the family, how you cannot seclude a FD from the rest of the family and must do what you can, the best that you can, for ALL the pet family. Wondering what happened to compassion on FDMB ? Instead saying "WE" only do it this way or that way.....Are the other people on here not seeing a Vet? Are you their Vet? Just asking. Mary

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

You are correct. I've not been here for 20 years. I've been here for 14 and I've been here consistently for 14 yrs. I suspect you started in the days of Jojo and Jill - moderators who could have limited patience. And while we do our best to accommodate individual circumstances, it is also worth noting that new members may read someone else's posts and base their decision making on what they read. Experienced members may question decision making in the public forum so that dangerous situations can be avoided. What may be feasible for someone with experience may not be appropriate for someone with no experience with feline diabetes.

 

[Bear's Mama]

You are correct. I've not been here for 20 years. I've been here for 14 and I've been here consistently for 14 yrs. I suspect you started in the days of Jojo and Jill - moderators who could have limited patience. And while we do our best to accommodate individual circumstances, it is also worth noting that new members may read someone else's posts and base their decision making on what they read. Experienced members may question decision making in the public forum so that dangerous situations can be avoided. What may be feasible for someone with experience may not be appropriate for someone with no experience with feline diabetes.

Actually it was a VERY kind and helpful website and NOT a judgmental website, where it is your way or the highway.
I will continue to feed my cats what I am feeding them.
I will continue to dose Bear according to my Vets advice, having raised his dose by .5 yesterday.

 

[JL and Chip]

I will continue this thread shortly he is crying from the room I have sequestered him in, but it beats the Vets cage right?

Yes, I would agree with that. Even though the drama might cause some stress-induced, perhaps a bit of artificially elevated BGs, I think it’s still significantly more desirable than what you might see at a clinic. And KUDOS for sticking it out and getting those BG numbers. It’s no small feat to test given Bear’s personality. I have a few former ferals and I’m well aware how difficult it would be if they became diabetic. I hope you’ll be able to continue to get BG tests — they really can be a game changer and a huge benefit in helping you help your cat.

Kudos also for taking in Bear in the first place. Far too many end up in shelters or euthanized, even those without medical issues. I sense angst and frustration in your posts and for that I’m sorry.

As for free-feeding… I’ve always done that too. Most of mine, including my past diabetics, are grazers and tended self-regulate their food intake. I also liked the idea that there was always food available if their BG dropped low while I was unavailable or sleeping. Some folks prefer meal feeding. It’s really about learning how your cat reacts to food and insulin and tinkering until you figure out what works best for you both (that’s where BG data can really be valuable). Especially with multiple cats, I know it can be hard. With Charlie, who had serious GI issues and could only eat one food, it really helped that he only would eat that one food and pretty much ignored everything else.

You mentioned you were here 20 years ago and a vet helped you get your cat into remission, perhaps with a sliding scale? I’ve been here a little over 18 years but don’t recall a “resident” vet who gave dosing guidance. What insulin were you using? I’m wondering whether you’re talking about Dr. Hodgkins. If so, then things make a bit more sense as some of her theories and dosing methodologies were notably different than what we use here (she had her own website for while, not sure if it’s still live). The only other vet I know of who posted here is Dr. Lisa Pierson, and her focus was much more on feline nutrition and health (not dosing).

I’m sure you’re aware that Vetsulin tends to be a harsher insulin in cats, meaning more rapid BG drops and rises and not always good duration (think an adult roller coaster with steep climbs and drops vs. a child’s more gentle ride with small hills). Lantus can have some steep rises and drops in some cats as well (especially in the early days of use) but overall it seems to be better suited to a cat’s metabolism. That said, I fully understand financial constraints. I mention all of this for several reasons:
(1) Awareness of current options. Lantus generics/biosimilars are now available and significantly lower cost than brand name Lantus.
(2) Cost calculations. Because Lantus and Vetsulin are different “strengths” (concentrations), you get 2.5 x more units of insulin in a 10ml bottle of Lantus than a 10ml bottle of Vetsulin. So that’s important in calculating per-unit cost (I didn’t pay attention to this initially, just knew that the price of one vial was significantly more expensive than the other).
(3) Safety. Any cat can go hypo from any insulin, but it’s definitely important to have food on board 30 minutes or so before giving Vetsulin or any other faster acting insulin. If you haven’t seen them, I encourage you to refresh your memory by reading the posts marked “Sticky” over on the “Caninsulin/Vetsulin and N/NPH” forum, particularly the “Beginners Guide to Vetsulin” sticky. There’s a lot of valuable info there.

For what it’s worth, some cats avoid the shots if it makes them feel worse, perhaps due to rapid BG change or hypo numbers or whatever. However, many (even spooky or wild-ish) cats will learn to associate the shot and/or BG tests with feeling better and actually learn to come to a testing spot (or at least tolerate the pokes without too much fuss). I hope this becomes true for Bear. The worst days are often the early days. Keep persevering.

Finally, welcome back to the board. I wish you and Bear only the best. I hope you continue posting your progress.

[Added note: the board has grown exponentially in the past 18 years as the Internet has evolved into a “go-to resource” and as more and more cats have been diagnosed with FD. I’ve noticed a difference in the board too, but I believe it’s more about managing the sheer size and volume of requests for help rather than “policing.” There are still just as many folks here who are kind and care as before. Regardless of personalities, I think we need to remind ourselves that it was, and always will be, all about the cats.]

 

[Bear's Mama]

Yes, I would agree with that. Even though the drama might cause some stress-induced, perhaps a bit of artificially elevated BGs, I think it’s still significantly more desirable than what you might see at a clinic. And KUDOS for sticking it out and getting those BG numbers. It’s no small feat to test given Bear’s personality. I have a few former ferals and I’m well aware how difficult it would be if they became diabetic. I hope you’ll be able to continue to get BG tests — they really can be a game changer and a huge benefit in helping you help your cat.

Kudos also for taking in Bear in the first place. Far too many end up in shelters or euthanized, even those without medical issues. I sense angst and frustration in your posts and for that I’m sorry.

As for free-feeding… I’ve always done that too. Most of mine, including my past diabetics, are grazers and tended self-regulate their food intake. I also liked the idea that there was always food available if their BG dropped low while I was unavailable or sleeping. Some folks prefer meal feeding. It’s really about learning how your cat reacts to food and insulin and tinkering until you figure out what works best for you both (that’s where BG data can really be valuable). Especially with multiple cats, I know it can be hard. With Charlie, who had serious GI issues and could only eat one food, it really helped that he only would eat that one food and pretty much ignored everything else.

You mentioned you were here 20 years ago and a vet helped you get your cat into remission, perhaps with a sliding scale? I’ve been here a little over 18 years but don’t recall a “resident” vet who gave dosing guidance. What insulin were you using? I’m wondering whether you’re talking about Dr. Hodgkins. If so, then things make a bit more sense as some of her theories and dosing methodologies were notably different than what we use here (she had her own website for while, not sure if it’s still live). The only other vet I know of who posted here is Dr. Lisa Pierson, and her focus was much more on feline nutrition and health (not dosing).

I’m sure you’re aware that Vetsulin tends to be a harsher insulin in cats, meaning more rapid BG drops and rises and not always good duration (think an adult roller coaster with steep climbs and drops vs. a child’s more gentle ride with small hills). Lantus can have some steep rises and drops in some cats as well (especially in the early days of use) but overall it seems to be better suited to a cat’s metabolism. That said, I fully understand financial constraints. I mention all of this for several reasons:
(1) Awareness of current options. Lantus generics/biosimilars are now available and significantly lower cost than brand name Lantus.
(2) Cost calculations. Because Lantus and Vetsulin are different “strengths” (concentrations), you get 2.5 x more units of insulin in a 10ml bottle of Lantus than a 10ml bottle of Vetsulin. So that’s important in calculating per-unit cost (I didn’t pay attention to this initially, just knew that the price of one vial was significantly more expensive than the other).
(3) Safety. Any cat can go hypo from any insulin, but it’s definitely important to have food on board 30 minutes or so before giving Vetsulin or any other faster acting insulin. If you haven’t seen them, I encourage you to refresh your memory by reading the posts marked “Sticky” over on the “Caninsulin/Vetsulin and N/NPH” forum, particularly the “Beginners Guide to Vetsulin” sticky. There’s a lot of valuable info there.

For what it’s worth, some cats avoid the shots if it makes them feel worse, perhaps due to rapid BG change or hypo numbers or whatever. However, many (even spooky or wild-ish) cats will learn to associate the shot and/or BG tests with feeling better and actually learn to come to a testing spot (or at least tolerate the pokes without too much fuss). I hope this becomes true for Bear. The worst days are often the early days. Keep persevering.

Finally, welcome back to the board. I wish you and Bear only the best. I hope you continue posting your progress.

[Added note: the board has grown exponentially in the past 18 years as the Internet has evolved into a “go-to resource” and as more and more cats have been diagnosed with FD. I’ve noticed a difference in the board too, but I believe it’s more about managing the sheer size and volume of requests for help rather than “policing.” There are still just as many folks here who are kind and care as before. Regardless of personalities, I think we need to remind ourselves that it was, and always will be, all about the cats.]

JL and Chip,
What a kind and wonderful email this is from you, thx so much, I appreciate it greatly.
So I opened up Watson's file (20 yrs. ago file) and YES, it was Elizabeth Hodgkin's DVM with her sliding scale after going to all wet food with 7 cats and my dog at the time. I still have the scale. and in those times people actually emailed me personally, which she did, and many others with tips and tricks. all-about-cats.com was her website. Haven't checked it out this time around. I probably should. AND curefelinediabetes.com . this was 5/24/05.

Hope, Alita Pipe, Lynn Carter, Carol NotermannI even have their phone numbers here in my file the insulin was paid for by Hope, along with all the supplies I needed for home testing, OneTouch, strips, accucheck lancet, the lancets, everything!! I was unemployed at the time. the insulin was $70 and that was 20 yrs. ago and a lot of $$ It came from TX i believe and it was BCP PZI Bovine insulin. I remember being told it was 1 amino acid away from a felines natural insulin. She continued to bless me with everything until Watson was OTJ. Watson had been uncontrollable with his numbers with NPH. Then tried PZI, 4-6 U on both..either starving or not eating, had Ketones frequently which I treated with fluids of course. I just found another email from Dr. Lisa about the dry food and to get rid of it. Unfortunately in these times of recession and my life on SS that is impossible for me.

Anyway looking at my BG notes for 2 mo. he Was in the 400-500 range even on the PZI, I guess till I started the VERY RADICAL "SHOOT THE NUMBER" SCALE OF DR. Hodgkin's. It was not a set # of U it was whatever his BG was shoot for that number to "jump start" his Pancreas and it worked.

Thanks so much again JL I look forward to staying in touch. we just went up .5U 2 days ago. Mary and Bear