Beside myself

[Kris & Teasel]

Thanks for that! As of now, they sent me home with just the urine test strips. I'm really really hoping that this is an accurate enough system they have in place for her.I gave her the first insulin shot while she was eating when I brought her home and it went without any issues. I was so worried about that!

Please give more thought to doing the ear testing. The urine strips are not a great substitute.

 

[Jill & Jade]

Please give more thought to doing the ear testing. The urine strips are not a great substitute.

I have a call into the vets office.

 

[Veronica & Babu-chiri]

Thanks for that! As of now, they sent me home with just the urine test strips. I'm really really hoping that this is an accurate enough system they have in place for her

Urine test strips are not very accurate because he may have been with high numbers for a while and that glucose gets into the urine, they kind of give you an average, no way of knowing how he is right now or at the time of his shoot or if he's going low, also is the fact that you will only have some result if his blood glucose levels are above 180-200 .

Please consider the blood testing once you are shooting insulin it can become dangerous to shoot blind, for some cats even 1 unit is a lot, Babu practially hypoed on his first shoot with 1 unit, it turned out he was a micro dose cat.

 

[alexthecat]

I hope you'll give serious thought to blood testing. I was very resistant to the idea at first. Then, the vet had me increase Cleo's insulin from 1 unit to 1.5, based on the result of a single blood test in their clinic. She did fine for one dose and then became hypoglycemic. It was so scary and I realized that all these "crazy cat people" were right. Testing our cats' blood at home is the only way to keep them safe. There's definitely a learning curve, but the peace of mind is so worth it.

 

[Squeaky and KT (GA)]

just the urine test strips

The urine test strips only tell you that the cat's numbers are over the 'renal threshold' so glucose is spilling into the urine. The renal threshold is usually around 230-250 for most cats.

My vet didn't show me how to test because HE didn't know anything other than using a vein draw which you do not want to do at home. Even when he uses his meter, he pokes a vein inside the cat's ear. Don't get TOO discouraged if they don't offer to teach you. We can help you learn. I showed up here many years ago, scared and confused and knew nothing...my vet was no help on anything. I learned everything right here...

 

[Squeakycats]

My vet didn't initially recommend home blood testing. The vet techs didn't know how to test without aiming for a vein and getting a huge amount of blood, didn't know about syringes with half-unit markings, didn't know about the possibility of getting useful data from a human meter, etc. I learned about all of that stuff here and have shared everything with them. The vet loves the spreadsheet [which needs updating...] and is happy that I can test at home, since my kitty gets super upset and won't eat when he has to spend the day there. My kitty even went into remission for a while, though he's back out of it now; the vet was super-impressed when that happened. I think I have a reputation as a bit of a control freak, but also as a client who really cares about her cats--the "relationship with the vet's office" thing has worked out much better than I first thought it might. (I also cried a ton the first few times I did a blood test, and on occasion again when I was having trouble getting enough blood--but in general, it's completely routine now. My cat often comes and reminds me when it's time for his test and shot, and I can actually test him without waking him up, which makes me feel like some kind of cat care ninja. You will be ok!!!!)

 

[PussCatPrince - GA]

The vet techs didn't know how to test without aiming for a vein and getting a huge amount of blood, didn't know about syringes with half-unit markings, didn't know about the possibility of getting useful data from a human meter, etc.

I had all that too. All the astonished vet and vet nurse eyeballs looking at me and my old Ty, when I popped in a quick ear test and produced a useful BG result.

You can do this @Jill Hollister . It will not turn your your girl into a Jill hating scaredy cat. Both you and her will get used to it in no time at all.

It really is one of the very best things you can do for your pusscat as it gives you control over .

I really do not know why some vets don't empower people to do this for their cat given just how sensible it is , unless it is that they think some of us are a bit thick or utterly incapable.

 

[Dusty Bones]

Hope you're already thinking about or have already switched to wet low carb food. Many borderline cats go into remission with just a diet change to Fancy Feast or Friskies pate style foods. Don't let the vet sell you some high priced dry specialty food, they're mostly high in carbs and won't help your kitty achieve remission.

*** Be advised that if you switch to wet low carb food after you start insulin, his insulin dose may have to be lowered, keep an eye on that ***

What food are you currently feeding?

 

[Jill & Jade]

Hi everyone!! I had to take a step back for a day or two just to absorb all the info. What a long week!! Jade is doing well with the insulin shots! I am using the urine strips ONLY until her levels come down a bit. They are still coming in high. My vet and vet tech did support my decision to use the ear BG monitor when she stabilizes a bit and have been very lovely. I have called often with many many questions and they are always responsive and compassionate to the extent that one of the techs is coming to my home next week to walk me through the Alphatrek step by step. I know that that isn't something that happens often and I am so grateful. I got the rx food (wet)and I'm mixing in a bit of FF chunky chicken so that it's a bit tastier for Jade and takes a bit of the cost down for me. Does anyone have any suggestions on cat food that is the best for her? I'm still incredibly anxious over the thought of the BG tests and pricking her ear, but hopefully it will go smoothly. She's had a few nasty ear infections and is hyper alert when it comes to anything ear related but I've been spending extra time rubbing them lately so she's getting a bit more comfortable. I have two cats and am trying to regulate feeding times as they have both eaten whenever they ask. THAT is torture for me because they both act like they are starving to death all the time. Her shots are at 11:45 am and pm. I do give her a tiny bit of food in between those times, Vet said thats ok.
Many thanks to all that have taken the time to reach out!!!!!
Jill & Jade
.ps...no more dry food for either of them

 

[JanetNJ]

Hi everyone!! I had to take a step back for a day or two just to absorb all the info. What a long week!! Jade is doing well with the insulin shots! I am using the urine strips ONLY until her levels come down a bit. They are still coming in high. My vet and vet tech did support my decision to use the ear BG monitor when she stabilizes a bit and have been very lovely. I have called often with many many questions and they are always responsive and compassionate to the extent that one of the techs is coming to my home next week to walk me through the Alphatrek step by step. I know that that isn't something that happens often and I am so grateful. I got the rx food (wet)and I'm mixing in a bit of FF chunky chicken so that it's a bit tastier for Jade and takes a bit of the cost down for me. Does anyone have any suggestions on cat food that is the best for her? I'm still incredibly anxious over the thought of the BG tests and pricking her ear, but hopefully it will go smoothly. She's had a few nasty ear infections and is hyper alert when it comes to anything ear related but I've been spending extra time rubbing them lately so she's getting a bit more comfortable. I have two cats and am trying to regulate feeding times as they have both eaten whenever they ask. THAT is torture for me because they both act like they are starving to death all the time. Her shots are at 11:45 am and pm. I do give her a tiny bit of food in between those times, Vet said thats ok.
Many thanks to all that have taken the time to reach out!!!!!
Jill & Jade
.ps...no more dry food for either of them

Most of us feed fancy feast classic (chunky is ok too) or Friskies pate foods. No need for perscription food. They can eat anytime except 2 hours prior to the preshot test so the number is not food influenced.

 

[Jill & Jade]

Most of us feed fancy feast classic (chunky is ok too) or Friskies pate foods. No need for perscription food. They can eat anytime except 2 hours prior to the preshot test so the number is not food influenced.

Hi Janet! Ive actually watched your video before! Thank you!

 

[Dyana]

Does she like all meat treats like freeze dried 100% meat or a small piece of cooked chicken breast? A lot of people give a treat after every BG test (whether successful or not), and getting her used to getting a treat for having her ears rubbed now may help.

 

[Nan & Amber (GA)]

Have you tried the paw pad testing suggestion? I haven't tried it myself, so I can't offer tips, but it can be a good alternative to the ears.

 

[Jill & Jade]

The pad testing would not go over well,I'm sure of it. She HATES her paws being touched. I can rub her ears and make it feel good to her, so my plan is to start there and hope for the best. Both my fur babies get the feline greenie treats. They love them. It's funny how quickly they do adapt to certain things. Today she gave me a little meow to lead me into the bedroom for some loving right after she ate. Ive been giving her her shot as she's eating and she knows she gets extra loving right after she's done. Today she was already expecting it which makes me happy!

 

[Nan & Amber (GA)]

The pad testing would not go over well,I'm sure of it.

Yep, I've got one of those, too! Too bad, as I hear good things about the conveniece of paw pad testing. Oh, well.

It's amazing what treat rewards can do!

 

[Jill & Jade]

This is also becoming a ritual. I put on a YouTube bird video and they are transfixed!!

 

[Shiloh & Rhonda (GA)]

The pad testing would not go over well,I'm sure of it. She HATES her paws being touched. I can rub her ears and make it feel good to her, so my plan is to start there and hope for the best. Both my fur babies get the feline greenie treats. They love them. It's funny how quickly they do adapt to certain things. Today she gave me a little meow to lead me into the bedroom for some loving right after she ate. Ive been giving her her shot as she's eating and she knows she gets extra loving right after she's done. Today she was already expecting it which makes me happy!

When I test Shiloh, she starts drooling as soon as she hears the click of the lancet.
I was lucky. When I told the vet I wanted to home test, he said that was fine, and actually looked forward to my weekly spreadsheets. However, he did recommend that I stop insulin before I was comfortable, so I "smile and nodded" and kept doing what I was doing.

 

[Jill & Jade]

Ok... it’s BG test, food, insulin. In that order, correct? I taught myself how to do the BG test!!!! Wooohooooo!!!

 

[Veronica & Babu-chiri]

Ok... it’s BG test, food, insulin. In that order, correct? I taught myself how to do the BG test!!!! Wooohooooo!!!

Congratulations on the BG test !!!!!

And yes that would be the best order

 

[Jill & Jade]

Congratulations on the BG test !!!!!

And yes that would be the best order

Thank you!!!!

 

[Jill & Jade]

I know I’ve mentioned this before, but what’s the best high protein, low carb wet food? I did get a case of Royal Cannine but I think there’s equally safe food out there that’s less costly and easier to get? I’ve been mixing in FF classic with the rx food. I’m paranoid about giving her anything that may make her BG soar ( or drop)
Thank you!!

 

[Idjit's mom]

Jill, congratulations on accomplishing your first test! Please consider creating a signature so that we can see the information on Jade. This particular thread is getting long and it's sometimes hard to go back up and down the posts to remember what has gone on. You can just select your name in the upper right hand corner of this page, and a double columned menu will appear. Select signature (second down, left column). You can enter Jade's name, age, weight, breed, diagnosis date, type of insulin, dosage, type of meter, what kind of food you feed, any other health or medical concerns or issues. This signature can be edited at any time, if anything changes. Then it will appear at the bottom of each of your posts. It's also fine to start a new thread a day, with a new title, if something new is happening and you want some input, or if you just want to let us know how you are doing. I have been following along since you first posted an introduction, and I do want to know how you and Jade are doing. I believe you are no longer beside yourself, I think you are standing strong and tall and taking care of Jade.

 

[Jill & Jade]

Jill, congratulations on accomplishing your first test! Please consider creating a signature so that we can see the information on Jade. This particular thread is getting long and it's sometimes hard to go back up and down the posts to remember what has gone on. You can just select your name in the upper right hand corner of this page, and a double columned menu will appear. Select signature (second down, left column). You can enter Jade's name, age, weight, breed, diagnosis date, type of insulin, dosage, type of meter, what kind of food you feed, any other health or medical concerns or issues. This signature can be edited at any time, if anything changes. Then it will appear at the bottom of each of your posts. It's also fine to start a new thread a day, with a new title, if something new is happening and you want some input, or if you just want to let us know how you are doing. I have been following along since you first posted an introduction, and I do want to know how you and Jade are doing. I believe you are no longer beside yourself, I think you are standing strong and tall and taking care of Jade.

Jill, congratulations on accomplishing your first test! Please consider creating a signature so that we can see the information on Jade. This particular thread is getting long and it's sometimes hard to go back up and down the posts to remember what has gone on. You can just select your name in the upper right hand corner of this page, and a double columned menu will appear. Select signature (second down, left column). You can enter Jade's name, age, weight, breed, diagnosis date, type of insulin, dosage, type of meter, what kind of food you feed, any other health or medical concerns or issues. This signature can be edited at any time, if anything changes. Then it will appear at the bottom of each of your posts. It's also fine to start a new thread a day, with a new title, if something new is happening and you want some input, or if you just want to let us know how you are doing. I have been following along since you first posted an introduction, and I do want to know how you and Jade are doing. I believe you are no longer beside yourself, I think you are standing strong and tall and taking care of Jade.

Yes! I will do that!!! Thank you for being so responsive!!!