Colin and I are moving...

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Sharon14

Sharon14

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Hi all. Colin had his vet appointment today. The vet was very impressed with the spreadsheet, but not with Colin's numbers. :(He has given me a prescription for Levemir. Tomorrow I'll shop around town and see if I can find a pharmacy that will sell me a single pen, as the vial or box of pens may prove to be too expensive. He said his teeth do need cleaning, but saw no bad teeth, so he wants to wait a few weeks until we see how the Levemir works. I've been reading about the use of Levemir and am a bit nervous. :nailbiting: It doesn't sound as forgiving as ProZinc, but if it can help him, I'll give it a shot. We also put off the testing for acromegaly due to cost and the fact that even if he has it, I can't afford to have it fixed. If the Levemir doesn't help him, we may test for it then, just so I'll know. I want to thank all of you who have helped me and made me feel at home. Even though I'll be moving next door, I plan to pop in often and keep an eye on y'all!:bighug:
 
Good luck! It is a bit of a different mind set. Read over and study the sticky posts at the top and review them frequently.
 
Ah, Sharon, we will miss you! But heck, we can still see your post and vice and versa. Plus, we will see you when you post of Health. The best of luck to Colin on Levemir. Fingers and Paw crossed!!
 
We'll miss you and Colin, but I think it's the best plan. If it turns out that he has a high dose condition, Levemir is the best choice. Hope you do come back to visit - we'll want to know about Colin's progress. Best of luck!
 
Thanks everyone. I've been reading Levemir sticky posts and it seems a bit intimidating. I guess once I get started it will make more sense.(at least I hope it will). My vet doesn't have any experience with Levemir, so he won't be much help, though he does seem interested in learning about it. @Squeaky and KT , since you're familiar with it, he wanted me to start with 2u 2x/day. Is that appropriate? I'm so confused-so what's new?!o_O
 
Sharon, how about we discuss the dosing over in L&LL. I suspect that's too high to start, we'll help you get started. Yes it works totally differently but you already have the basics down. Why don't you start a condo over there entitled something like 'Colin - ProZinc to Lev Initial dosing' or such...
 
Starting dose of Lantus with no other insulin use:
How much does Colin weigh?
How much should he weigh?
Take the lower number.
If it is in pounds, convert to kilos (pounds / 2.2)
Multiply that by 0.25
Round down to nearest 0.25,
The result is units per dose.

Now, take what you've been giving, and maybe go with 70-75% of that, which would be around 3-3.5 units.
 
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Sharon - Sure am going to miss you and Colin but I am excited that you are going to try Levemir. Good for you for making that decision and taking that step. You will do just fine. Will read about you and Colin over at LLL.
 
Hi Sharon - I did the switch. Very conservatively at first, then charged full speed ahead as the insulin resistance was tightening it's grip. Check out Grayson's SS (tabs from 2012). We switched at the end of May to Lev.

Lu-Ann
 
Now, take what you've been giving, and maybe go with 70-75% of that, which would be around 3-3.5 units.
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I suspect you'll not want to start that high, that's an awful lot of Lev as a starting dose but several of us experienced people will review your info and help you decide where you want to start. Better to start a little lower to establish a depot and a baseline of numbers then move up from there. Lev will react differently but it's not hard.
 
Thanks everyone. I'll post tomorrow on the L&L forum. Not feeling well now-too many nerves I guess.
 
Best of luck to you and Colin! I know it would be scary switching to a new insulin, I was thinking about it, but decided to stay with Prozinc for one more vial. You will do fine with all the great help on the L&L forum. We will miss you, but we know where to find you! ;)
 
BJM said:
Now, take what you've been giving, and maybe go with 70-75% of that, which would be around 3-3.5 units.
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That only applies if one is switching between Lantus and levemir or vice-versa.

Changing from ProZinc to levemir, I'd shoot a lev dose pretty close to the PZ dose but would give consideration to factors I list below.

He's at 5u of PZ with not much response. If he were my cat, I wouldn't start with less than 4u of lev (I'd actually tend to start closer to 5u) but it depends on your ability to monitor him, if he's eating well and what he's eating (e.g. If he's eating dry, I'd tend to go for the 4u). He's probably already got some glucose toxicity with his numbers and levemir is not good at yanking down high numbers.

I've also put the question out to some other experienced Lantus/lev users so you have different things to consider and to use to make your decision.
 
Just popping in from "next door" with a high dose kitty on Levemir. We've seen a few kitties switch from Prozinc to Lev that didn't do so well with the lower starts. I agree with Marje's thinking, but post over in L&L for more opinions of those who've switched. We have a number of acrocats there and several whose treatment is giving them the insulin they need. That's the most important thing you can do for any kitty, regardless of dose.
 
We'll surely miss you Sharon! I think you are definitely making the right decision though. I don't have any experience with the L insulins, but I've heard from a lot of people that Lev is a good choice for high dose kitties...I think it stings less at higher doses.

There are a LOT of people on that forum...which is good! You'll have plenty of eyes on your SS and plenty of folks to help out. I'd say spend some time reading the stickies, checking out the condos of others who use Lev and ask questions.

Here's hoping his numbers come down soon and that Lev proves to be the answer! Please do come by and visit us...we'll miss "seeing" you!
 
Squeaky and KT said:
I suspect you'll not want to start that high, that's an awful lot of Lev as a starting dose but several of us experienced people will review your info and help you decide where you want to start. Better to start a little lower to establish a depot and a baseline of numbers then move up from there. Lev will react differently but it's not hard.
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Hi Sharon! I revise my thinking above - after reviewing several high-dose kitty's ssheets, I think 4u's is a good starting point for you. I also posted this in your new L&LL condo.
 
Hey Sharon, good luck to you and Colin. I was thinking about switching to Levemir as well, but decided to give it more time on ProZinc. I will be watching Colin's progress.

-Luann
 
Luann and Nicky said:
Hey Sharon, good luck to you and Colin. I was thinking about switching to Levemir as well, but decided to give it more time on ProZinc. I will be watching Colin's progress.

-Luann
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Thanks Luann, I've been home testing Colin since Aug 1, & he's been on ProZinc since March, in that time he's stayed in the pinks with an occasional yellow. We got up to 5u with no progress. I suspect he has acromegaly(hope I'm wrong). If he does, I'm not sure what kind of progress we'll make even on Levemir. If he ends up needing extremely high doses like I've read other acro cats need, I'm not sure if I'll be able to afford it:( For now, I'll hope for the best. He had his 1st Lev shot this AM (at least I hope he did-he moved as I shot again!). From what I understand it may take a few days to see a difference, but it's a bit confusing, still trying to learn the protocol!
 
Sharon14 said:
Thanks Luann, I've been home testing Colin since Aug 1, & he's been on ProZinc since March, in that time he's stayed in the pinks with an occasional yellow. We got up to 5u with no progress. I suspect he has acromegaly(hope I'm wrong). If he does, I'm not sure what kind of progress we'll make even on Levemir. If he ends up needing extremely high doses like I've read other acro cats need, I'm not sure if I'll be able to afford it:( For now, I'll hope for the best. He had his 1st Lev shot this AM (at least I hope he did-he moved as I shot again!). From what I understand it may take a few days to see a difference, but it's a bit confusing, still trying to learn the protocol!
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Good luck, Sharon and hope all of it got into him. Bubba often wiggles on me too. I have a habit now to feel the injection site to see if it is wet and I also sniff to see if I smell any of the insulin. Fingers and Paws crossed that Levemir will be the answer. Don't forget to change you signature to reflect the change of insulin. :bighug:
 
Thanks Bobbie, I feel the injection area too, but with these u100 syringes, 4u is a tiny amount! As for smelling the area, I have a cold right now can't smell a thing...will keep that one in mind though for when I can smell!
 
Yes and yes. I got the syringes from the pharmacy where I got the Lev. They sold me the proper ones for the insulin. (At least they better have!)
 
Oh ok great. Just wanted to make sure that you didn't need a conversion table that some of use if our insulin is U40. Good luck with Levemir.
 
Thanks. You made me think, so I'm going to take a syringe to my vet today to make sure I'm dosing correctly!
 
It's all a bit scary right now, new insulin, different syringe, different insulin....but you will get it and here's hoping it will get Colin well regulated. I will be watching your progress also, might switch next time I am out of Prozinc. Hope you feel better soon and your sniffer is back to normal! :bighug:
 
Hi Bobbie, thanks for asking. Yes I was excited to see a few yellows yesterday too, but that was short lived. Back in the pinks last night and this AM. I'm also concerned that he's acting even more hungry than usual. This AM he woke me up meowing and touching my face with his paw, he hasn't done that since starting on insulin. His numbers are what they usually are, so I don't know why he's so much hungrier than he has been. They said to give this dose a week to settle in, and I started it Fri., so I'll wait and see I guess. I'm also still having some problems with the injections. He has a thick coat and it's hard to see his skin, so I try to feel for it with the needle, not sure if I'm getting it all in him(don't know how you do it with fluffy Bubba!)
 
Sharon14 said:
Hi Bobbie, thanks for asking. Yes I was excited to see a few yellows yesterday too, but that was short lived. Back in the pinks last night and this AM. I'm also concerned that he's acting even more hungry than usual. This AM he woke me up meowing and touching my face with his paw, he hasn't done that since starting on insulin. His numbers are what they usually are, so I don't know why he's so much hungrier than he has been. They said to give this dose a week to settle in, and I started it Fri., so I'll wait and see I guess. I'm also still having some problems with the injections. He has a thick coat and it's hard to see his skin, so I try to feel for it with the needle, not sure if I'm getting it all in him(don't know how you do it with fluffy Bubba!)
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Do you think maybe he was hungrier because he bounced and went back up after those nice yellows? Just a thought. Bubba is long hair but fine hair and easy to part in. With a short hair cat and it being more dense, I can understand your dilemma. Have you though to make a few shaves so that you can see what you are doing and then you will have a couple of sites to alternate the injection. The vet tech did a shave on each side of Bubba's shoulders for me. It has grown back in now but, I am feeling more comfortable giving the injection on him. Here's hoping that Colin settles into the new insulin. The yellows sure were nice and hopeful.
 
I was thinking about trying to shave a spot or two on Colin, doubt he'll be very cooperative though. He was extra hungry yesterday while in yellows too, maybe it's to do with the insulin change. It just breaks my heart to see him run to the kitchen and cry whenever I go in there. He even tries to stand up on his hind legs which is extra sad because of the neuropathy(which is a bit better, but still present). On a good note, we did get another yellow just now at +6!
 
I started giving Bubba a little snack especially after the nadir. He is always hungry too. Just a tbsp. of wet seems to help him.
 
Yes, it's hard to tell how much hunger is dibetes and how much he's just a little pig! After all he used to free feed and weighed 18 lbs...as long as he holds his weight, I'll try to stay strong.
 
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