Discouraged with Insulin shots....

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lmcfrld

lmcfrld

Member Since 2012
I am terrible at giving Misha his insulin shots. I've pricked him painfully too many times and now he gets nervous and squirmy when I start trying to tent his skin for a shot. I've read all the tips and I know how I'm supposed to do it, it's just very difficult now with him so anxious and squirmy. I'm not even sure this morning's shot was successful, I couldn't tell where it went. Should I give another? His shot this morning was at 5:45, I have to leave for work at 8. Should I test him before I leave and if he's still high try to give another dose? I'm trying to stay calm when giving the shot, but now Misha and I are both so nervous that it's just becoming this huge ordeal. I'm so discouraged with having to do this and not doing it very well.


I would love to chat with or visit with someone nearby who might be able to help. I live in Gladstone, OR.
 
No do not give another shot, go ahead and test him that would be a good idea. If he did get his shot and give him another and leave for work he could hypo, better to be safe that sorry. They sense your being nervous so try to take a couple of deep breaths and calm down a little before you give him his shot. It will get easier over time.
Another suggestion would be to shave the area where you are shooting the insulin that way you know you are getting the shot into the skin, some of the others here do that.

Terri
 
Do not give him another shot this morning just in case he did get some insulin. I know all of this can be stressfull try and reward Misha with a treat everytime he gets tested or gets his insulin. Once Boomer associated the whole test, shoot process with food he was waiting for it...if you were a few minutes late he would let you know and it took us lots of pokes at first to get it right but he didn't care because there was food. And give lots of love and snuggles it will help calm both of you down. Hopefully this will get easier for you quickly
 
Would you like to see if there is a member who lives near you and could maybe come give you some help? If so, add your city, state to the topic here (go back up to your original post, choose Edit and add.)

We always gave Oliver his shot while his face was deep into his breakfast and dinner, and he was too busy eating to notice much. Also, what size needle?
 
Looks like you are in Gladstone, OR. Cindy thinks we might have a member in Tigard - is that close? We also have someone in Portland. I'll send some pms to them.
 
I do the test first (which is still traumatic for both me and George but it's getting better) and then give the insulin while he's eating. He doesn't notice the shot at all. George purrs the entire time he eats and there's never a break in the purr!
 
You might practice with a syringe and water on a tented cloth or balloon slightly filled with rice, to literally get a "feel" for it.
 
Thanks everyone for all your encouragement and advice. I know what to do, I'm just not very good at it. I originally was giving Misha his shots while he ate, and he hardly noticed. But then there were a few painful pricks, and then he got antsy when I'd start parting his fur to tent his skin. I just have to be brave and quick and not give him so much time to know what's coming I guess. :)
 
It is surprising true that we communicate our nervousness to the kitty. As someone once told me, put on your big girl pants :mrgreen: , take a deep breath and get it done.

Are you sure using one of the smaller gauge needles? Do you warm the insulin up for a minute or two in your hand before sticking?
 
To help you feel more comfortable giving shots, try using an orange or lemon with a used syringe. Pretend it's your kitty. Then when you give a shot to your kitty, pretend he's an orange or lemon. Also, give him a treat afterward for being such a good boy. And don't forget to take a deep breath to calm yourself before you start the process of giving him his shot. You'll be a pro in no time!
 
Hello Lora! I live in Tigard and would be happy to help you. Please DM me your info (address, etc.), and we can set up a time for me to visit and help you with the insulin shots. My work schedule is a little crazy, but I'm sure we can work something out.
 
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