Fluffmiester
Member
Since there are so many insulins out there how do you know which one is right? Does anyone think maybe Flufffy should be changed?
Fluffy trpe of insulin
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Sue and Oliver (GA)
Very Active Member
Different cats do well on different insulins and changing can be good, Rose.
But you will have the same issues that need to be cleared out - the infection, the food. Fluffy is not going to do better on another insulin until you get these issues settled.
And the biggest issue would be additional testing. Both Lantus and Levemir rely on nadir testing to determine changes in dose. You have to test more with them because they have a shed that builds up insulin; you have to be on top of the numbers.
I hope the vet will give you guidance on the antibiotic this am. If you decide to feed Evo, the reality is that Fluffy may not get into those low numbers that make remission possible.
We can help with PZI dosing if you get us +6 numbers. Could you do that today?
But you will have the same issues that need to be cleared out - the infection, the food. Fluffy is not going to do better on another insulin until you get these issues settled.
And the biggest issue would be additional testing. Both Lantus and Levemir rely on nadir testing to determine changes in dose. You have to test more with them because they have a shed that builds up insulin; you have to be on top of the numbers.
I hope the vet will give you guidance on the antibiotic this am. If you decide to feed Evo, the reality is that Fluffy may not get into those low numbers that make remission possible.
We can help with PZI dosing if you get us +6 numbers. Could you do that today?
A
Anonymous
Guest
Hi Rose,
You still have alot of hope for improvement with the pzi. As sue mentioned, getting the low carb diet set in stone, the infection treated...and yep, a few more tests. You really cannot even consider useing the L insulins (lantus or levemir) without a few more tests regularly and routinely as the amps and pmps do not suggest the dose but rather the mid cycle numbers.
and fwiw, it is a little harder to learn (wrap your brain around) than pro zinc. at least it was for me. took me a long time and a lot of testing to feel i was doing the right thing shooting a full dose into a number under 100. now i know it is not only safe but the way to keep my tom in blues and greens.
my tom came to lev living in the blacks and reds.
please don't give up on the easier things first.
lori
and tomtom too!
You still have alot of hope for improvement with the pzi. As sue mentioned, getting the low carb diet set in stone, the infection treated...and yep, a few more tests. You really cannot even consider useing the L insulins (lantus or levemir) without a few more tests regularly and routinely as the amps and pmps do not suggest the dose but rather the mid cycle numbers.
and fwiw, it is a little harder to learn (wrap your brain around) than pro zinc. at least it was for me. took me a long time and a lot of testing to feel i was doing the right thing shooting a full dose into a number under 100. now i know it is not only safe but the way to keep my tom in blues and greens.
my tom came to lev living in the blacks and reds.
please don't give up on the easier things first.
lori
and tomtom too!
Kelly & Oscar
Very Active Member
I agree with Sue and Lori. Get the other variables in line first and then see if a change might be needed. With the L's you really have to be able to test mid cycle to know how to change the dose.
Fluffmiester
Member
I feel like I am letting my Fluffy down. I can't stop crying. Nothing seems to be working. I went and got him some EVO and tomorrow I will test him more. I am giving him 2 unit now. Still feed him wet. I also bought some aquarium gravel and will do that tomorrow. Thanks you all
Sue and Oliver (GA)
Very Active Member
You are NOT letting him down. You have done all the things we have suggested. This is incredibly hard to learn, and you and Fluffy have had your share of complications. Just keep posting and asking questions.
The tests will help us help you help Fluffy.
Check your pms, Rose.
The tests will help us help you help Fluffy.
Check your pms, Rose.
A
Anonymous
Guest
Oh No! Rose, please please don't feel that way! I hope I was'nt too blunt or anything. Sometimes I just blah, blah, blah without considering how the person on the other end might feel about what I said. In my opinion your Fluffy is getting the 5 Star Treatment with a mommy who loves him, a family of furries, good food, medication, and warmth and security and joy. What more could any kitty (Or person for that matter want)?
It does'nt have to be perfect Rose, nobodies is. Today I was told I was dosing my kitties too irregularly...I just do what I can, and so do you.
Please know the first and very most important thing is that you love Fluff.
And I know you do.
Not every, Not most, kitties get the kind of treatment our diabetic cats get Rose. Fluff is one of the lucky ones.
((((((Rose))))))
Lori
and tomtom too!
It does'nt have to be perfect Rose, nobodies is. Today I was told I was dosing my kitties too irregularly...I just do what I can, and so do you.
Please know the first and very most important thing is that you love Fluff.
And I know you do.
Not every, Not most, kitties get the kind of treatment our diabetic cats get Rose. Fluff is one of the lucky ones.
((((((Rose))))))
Lori
and tomtom too!
hollyall
Very Active Member
I can totally understand your discouragement. It's so hard when you are doing everything you can and not seeing improvement. Don't give up...please, please! You are doing so much for Fluffy, more than a lot of people would. All you can do is keep on trying. Paws crossed Fluffy has a break through soon!
Joanna & Bix (GA)
Very Active Member
((((Rose)))) You are doing great, far more than many people do to even be home testing and considering changing foods, working out your own insulin doses, etc. It's easy to forget this is an ILLNESS, and if you can give them ANY decent quality of life that is great! We get a little spoiled I think seeing the cats who go OTJ, or get good #s even, and think that if we can't achieve that we must be doing something wrong. But really, I don't think that is true. Some cats go OTJ almost no matter what their beans do, and other times people do everything they possibly can and their cats don't ever get regulated. Remember you didn't cause this illness, and it isn't your responsibility to "fix" it. If you can help them live with it reasonably successfully, that is awesome. The fact that even many (most?) vets don't do a very great job treating diabetes emphasizes it even more - how can you be expected to fix this when your vet can't?!?
So anyway, just know that we've all been where you are, MANY tears have been shed collectively here. Try not to be hard on yourself, and just focus on spending quality time with the Fluffers, and doing the best you can to manage the diabetes.
:YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG:
So pat your self on the back... and then get a mid-cycle spot test or two (when you can) so we can help you figure out that dose! :mrgreen:
Oh, and on the insulin question, there's no right answer. I would say if you still have insulin in the vial keep trying with the one you are on, maybe set a deadline like 6 - 8 weeks and if you don't see significant improvement by then, or if you are the point of deciding on investing in a new vial, then consider switching. Each one is it's own journey though, and it typically takes several weeks to get good results on any insulin, so switching isn't a magic fix or anything. But that said, I would also read up on the different insulins and if there is one that feels right to you and your vet is on board with it, there is no harm in switching if that's what you want to do.
So anyway, just know that we've all been where you are, MANY tears have been shed collectively here. Try not to be hard on yourself, and just focus on spending quality time with the Fluffers, and doing the best you can to manage the diabetes.
:YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG:
So pat your self on the back... and then get a mid-cycle spot test or two (when you can) so we can help you figure out that dose! :mrgreen:
Oh, and on the insulin question, there's no right answer. I would say if you still have insulin in the vial keep trying with the one you are on, maybe set a deadline like 6 - 8 weeks and if you don't see significant improvement by then, or if you are the point of deciding on investing in a new vial, then consider switching. Each one is it's own journey though, and it typically takes several weeks to get good results on any insulin, so switching isn't a magic fix or anything. But that said, I would also read up on the different insulins and if there is one that feels right to you and your vet is on board with it, there is no harm in switching if that's what you want to do.
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