First attempt at home testing

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Stacym20

Stacym20

Member Since 2014
So I got a test, sort of. Bud was a real trooper and let me poke his ears several times before I finally drew blood. And then the test strip had an error!! Then the next strip did too! And the next! By this time I think Bud could sense my panic and he took off. I noticed the first strip I used had some blood on it so I was able to suck it up on to another strip and I got a reading of 501! It's possible this reading was off though because the strip started to count down before it entirely filled with blood. He ate about an hour ago but nonetheless, I know his number should never be 501! I'm going to try again in the morning before he eats. Just needed to share. It takes a while to become a pro at this right?
 
Good job at your first attempt :-D It all takes time. 2 questions though......what meter/test stripes are you using? And are you warming the ear? Warming it can help with blood flow. Don't feel too discouraged with that 501, Hidey was in the 600's :shock: when he first started out
 
I am using the Reli On Micro and matching strips. Bud loves his ears rubbed so I did rub his ears for at least a minute before I tried lancing. This is just so overwhelming. I just want to get him well! Thanks for the encouragement! My 8 year old daughter is being a great help so that certainly helps and it helps to come here and share with people who have gone through the same thing!
 
Can we get you started using our grid to record your glucose tests? It will help us give you better feedback. Instructions are here.

Understanding the spreadsheet/grid:

The colored headings at the top are the ranges of glucose values. They are color-coded to clue you in as to meaning.

Each day is 1 row. Each column stores different data for the day.

From left to right, you enter
the Date in the first column
the AMPS (morning pre-shot test) in the 2nd column
the Units given (turquoise column)

Then, there are 11 columns labeled +1 through +11
If you test at +5 (5 hours after the shot), you enter the test number in the +5 column
If you test at +7 (7 hours after the shot), you enter the test number in the +7 column
and so on.

Halfway across the page is the column for PMPS (evening pre-shot)
To the right is another turquoise column for Units given at the evening shot.

There is second set of columns labeled +1 through +11
If you snag a before bed test at +3, you enter the test number in the +3 column.

We separate day and night numbers like that because many cats go lower at night.

It is merely a grid for storing the info; no math required.
 
Congrats on a good try! You'll get it. I definitely would warm up his ear. What size lancet are you using? The 30-31 gauge used by humans can be too small for a cat at first. You could try 25-27 gauge for a little bigger hole. Also, if he does bleed and moves away, you can get the drop on your fingernail and test from there.

Maybe try the meter on yourself first and see if you get an error reading. Sometimes, it's that the strip has been in too long, or isn't inserted right. Once you feel confident about using it and are able to get a reading without an error, try it on the kitty again.
 
Well done

I only started testing three weeks ago. In the beginning my hands would shake so much I was surprised I didn't poke him in the eye. I would get so stressed I would resort to using a sterile needle from some syringes I used to use. This bought a lot of blood.

I found the best technique was to follow what was suggested here

Show remi the treats
Heat the ear by using a sock part filled with rice. Don't rush this bit.
Try to poke the ear. Put your fingers each side of the hole you created and squeeze gently to create pressure and bring the blood.
Hold the ear so he can't shake his head and dip the strip into the blood as directed by the machine instructions
Give treat and loving

You will begin to see if there is enough blood, if not don't waste a strip but just repeat the process.

It does get easier.
Best wishes
Sarah
 
It does get easier with practice, and also more capillaries develop in the test area as a result of testing.

I think your little daughter is brilliant for helping! Please send her this from me and Saoirse:

:YMHUG:
 
I got 2 more readings this morning. Before feeding he was 266 and +1 he was 306. We've left to head out of town just for the day so I may try again tonight depending what time we get home. I am using a 26 gauge lancet. I used a rice sock for the 2nd reading and that definitely helped! For the first reading, the first strip worked. On the 2nd reading the first strip had an error. I did the first test by myself and my daughter helped with the 2nd. I'm not fulling inserting the strip until I'm ready to catch blood. Is it possible to handle the strips wrong? Like touching the bar that goes into the meter?

Thanks everyone for the support! It is much needed and appreciated! I am on an iphone so I'll set up the spreadsheet when I return to work Tuesday. I'm thinking these numbers mean he could use a little insulin boost.
 
With the squirmy cat, it may help to have clean hands and catch the blood droplet on a fingernail (hence the reason to make sure they are clean!), then test from there.
 
Hi..sounds like your doing a great job! I have only been testing for about three weeks and believe me it does get easier,for you and your kitty.I was a nervous wreck too the first few times.Just recently I took the advice of the people here and tried the neosporin trick,not the cream.( rubbing a little into the area first) it really helps to get a nice bead of blood instead of it spreading out!I also just switched to the ReliOn Micro brand meter,I think it is a great choice.Hang in their kiddo!My kitty also loves his ears rubbed before hand.Just keep praising him and petting while you are doing it,kissing the top of his head and holding him a little,he will love the extra attention and use a special treat that he only gets at test time.
 
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