Folks,
After much, MUCH thought and a long discussion with my DH and my vet, I've come to a conclusion about my treatment of Chester's diabetes and feel that, in light of all the wonderful help, concern, and advice I've received at this site, I need to share...
I was asked about a week ago what my goal for Chester was and I've come to realize that it's not the same as the goal of the FDMB. I need to have Chester in a safe range, below the renal threshold for the vast part of his days and nights, but I also need to be able to function. After another night of complete lost sleep worrying that Chester might drop low after a quick drop from the 400's to the 100's I've had to take off from work again with just being too exhausted and, frankly, sick from it to function. I won't even get into how the stress of this has impacted my relationship with DH, who is super supportive but isn't happy with the stress and lack of sleep I've been under.
My vet and I have discussed this at length and she is, in fact, in agreement with virtually everything that I've shared with her about the protocol except possibly the part about a cat going into remission after a couple of months as a diabetic. Frankly, since I don't know if I have the courage to get Chester to that point anyway, being deadly afraid of those low greens, that part of the protocol isn't something I'm actively hoping for.
She has studied Chester's spreadsheet daily and sees a trend with him that tells her (and me, as well) that on the 1.5 units that we've raised to, he's likely to start getting lower than I am comfortable with soon. Although she agrees that jumping around with doses isn't how this insulin works, she is worried that if I stay on this dose I'll be prompted to intervene with HC again and we'll be high again.... back into the cycle. Chester is not a good grazer. I have to feel comfortable leaving him alone during the day and be able to sleep at night.
So, all that being said, I want you to know that I truly appreciate the time I've spent here. I've learned a lot from reading the stickies, feel that I'm prepared in the event of a hypo, and that is a huge comfort. I'll be checking in to see how others are doing, hopefully still learning things (like the fact that Lactulose is almost all sugar!) but will be suspending active updating on Chester's condo (although I'll still keep his spreadsheet very up-do-date). I feel I'm not being honest to the spirit of this website if I stay and don't actively work toward remission.
I'm aware that many (most) will disagree with this decision, but ask that you respect it.
Thank you for your support,
Jaye and Chester