Hello I’m new & I am having difficulties obtaining a bgl

[Catrazina]

Hello Everyone! I am so thankful I found this website! My name is Cathy since that name was already taken I entered Catrazina as my user name it’s Polish for Cathy. I read through the suggested pages along with the newest info on food, oh my gosh my mind was at ease after reading that. I was at the Pet Smart or Pet Co the other day and as I’m sure you all have realized the nutrition info is seriously terribly confusing, no where are carbs listed AAAHHHH!!! That’s how I felt the other night but I did come home with some Tiki Cat After Dark (a few chicken combos plus the velvet mousse. I have 3 cats total and CC my 7 1/2 yr old Siamese was diagnosed diabetic on Feb 15th I live in North Braddock PA and found a new Vet very close to me they are located on Brown Ave/Beulah Rd Churchill Valley Animal Clinic John Artz is the Vet and he’s so very kind all of the staff actually are great!
I had taken CC one day in January as I suspected he was diabetic due to increased water drinking he lost a little weight and he was simply being a slug. Well when we were there his bladder was bone dry they couldn’t get a drop of urine, I was told to bring him back in a few days and he was given Gabapentin liquid to take prior to the visit. Well I currently do not have a car and the ride I see up canceled on me twice for the return visit, money has been tight lately and taking an uber to the Vet and back home was not doable at that time. It took me another 2 weeks to get back to the vet and that’s when CC was diagnosed a diabetic. He was put on 2 units of Lantus BID the Vet said he would prescribe him a “special” food for diabetic cats. They gifted me a 6# bag of Purina Pro Plan DM and I purchased 8 cans of the same brand wet food. I was told to return in a week to check his glucose and I have run into the same darn problem again with a ride I want to cry actually I have cried a lot!
I am a retried RN and figured I can get his glucose reading no sweat! Ha well CC turned me into a liar I haven’t been able to get one reading and I’m getting scared. Initially he was still eating kibble but I changed the wet food to a higher protein or so I thought. I stopped giving all of my cats kibble one day ago CC has been eating up a storm I was so happy he liked the newer wet food! I noticed he is not drinking as much water as he was and it seems like he is urinating less too. For these reasons I know it is critical I get a glucose reading, maybe he will only need 1 unit now maybe none. But I can’t get the blood I’ve tried and tried so many times, so many days it’s to the point where he runs from me when I attempt to get a reading.
Today again after numerous attempts I decided to give him the gabapentin we were initially given in the hope that it would relax him enough so I can get a reading. If anymore has a secret suggestion I would be ever so thankful and grateful. On this site I did read where they suggested to ask if there was another member who lived close and could possibly come and demonstrate how they get their blood glucose, what’s their special trick? Believe me I’ve tried every suggestion given I think my stress is increasing because I know I need to take him back to the Vet and I am afraid to continue giving insulin before I return to the Vet.
I can’t stop crying plus my anxiety is through the roof I have been able to accomplish anything today.
I live very close to Forest Hills in fact I grew up there, I’m currently living at the top of Yost Blvd and at the KFC make a left. I’m 2 minutes from that point in the North Braddock Heights it’s a safe area or else I wouldn’t be here.
I am up for any and every bit of helpful suggestions. I’m so happy I found this group it is just what I was searching for.
Thank you so very much and I hope everyone has a safe evening. We had tornado warnings where I’m at . So far all is good.
Take care and thank you all once again. Cathy

ps: I’m praying this gabapentin does the trick tonight and then tomorrow we will return to the Vet.
Good bye again Cathy

 

[annie coscione]

Hi Cathy! I have a recently diagnosed cat too and tried for days to get a blood sample. Very frustrating and he was afraid of me from poking him so many times. I ended up watching several videos of different techniques. The one that finally worked for me was to draw blood from the back side/edge of the ear with the lancet device and have the glucose monitor ready with the strip in it. I got him when he was relaxing in his bed! Once you do it once or twice you will be confident and it will be easy. Don't stress, you got this!!

 

[Catrazina]

Hi Cathy! I have a recently diagnosed cat too and tried for days to get a blood sample. Very frustrating and he was afraid of me from poking him so many times. I ended up watching several videos of different techniques. The one that finally worked for me was to draw blood from the back side/edge of the ear with the lancet device and have the glucose monitor ready with the strip in it. I got him when he was relaxing in his bed! Once you do it once or twice you will be confident and it will be easy. Don't stress, you got this!!

Hi Annie, thank you so much for replying this is wonderful the members like yourself are kind and helpful! So refreshing.
What I wanted to say is I have been trying to use the Marginal vein in his ear, for 2 1/2 weeks and NADA! lol I feel pitiful I have done all the suggestions except for using rice bag warmed in the microwave because I don’t have a microwave mine broke. Anyway, I’ve sang to him, brushed him, talked, told him stories all while massaging his ear and rubbing a cotton pad against his ear abs I gave him treats after I attempted to stick him in the hopes he would associate this task as a good thing. So far no go but note that I’ve given him the gabapentin from the Vet he’s napping now I’ll try once again. One of my hindrances is my 2 other cats come over to see what I’m doing plus they know I have treats in my hand and they want some. This makes CC anxious and he tries to move away from them, I even took him in the bathroom but that was a bad idea it freaked him out being in a small closed room.
Thank you so much for the positive encouragement and useful ideas. Most of all I appreciate the Faith you have in CC and myself, I need it.
Take care and have a good evening
Cathy
I’ll update you if I have positive results tonight.
Take care, Cathy
PS: I’m sorry to hear about your kitty’s recent diagnosis I sincerely hope it all goes great for your furry family and I pray one day you will not need any insulin for your fur baby

 

[annie coscione]

Yes, I had to sneak it in when the other cat was upstairs. I tried to secure him in a blanket like a burrito yesterday, that was another suggestion. (didn't work for me). I had been trying to lance on the inner ear, but he hated it. The back of the ear seemed to work. The paw pad was another suggestion but that didn't work for me either. You will find his spot!

 

[squeem3]

Testing tips: Hometesting Links and Tips

Have patience and lots of treats for the cat (and for yourself if things get frustrating). Few cats or members get the hang of testing right away, even for those who are / were nurses or other health professional.

Alternatives to the rice sock until you get a new microwave: a very warm coffee mug (warm with hot water for a couple of minutes and then dump the water out), a small empty medicine bottle filled with very warm water, maybe try one of those pocket hand warmers wrapped in a washcloth or sock.

A CGM is an option but is more expensive than manually testing.

@Staci & Ivy lives in PA. Not sure where though.

 

[Catrazina]

Testing tips: Hometesting Links and Tips

Have patience and lots of treats for the cat (and for yourself if things get frustrating). Few cats or members get the hang of testing right away, even for those who are / were nurses or other health professional.

Alternatives to the rice sock until you get a new microwave: a very warm coffee mug (warm with hot water for a couple of minutes and then dump the water out), a small empty medicine bottle filled with very warm water, maybe try one of those pocket hand warmers wrapped in a washcloth or sock.

A CGM is an option but is more expensive than manually testing.

@Staci & Ivy lives in PA. Not sure where though.

Hi squeem3,
Thank you for responding to my question your ideas of what I can use in place of the warmed rice sock sound really helpful I’m going to give them a try tonight. I must update the group that CC allowed me to use the lancet device on the back side of his ear!!! However he quickly changed his attitude and said “I don’t think so Mum” when I tried to milk the site to get a drop of blood. Nothing came out I thought maybe I missed the vein but upon examination it looked like I was right on target. I’m thinking warming of the ear is key, his ear did feel warm though when I was massaging him I guess it wasn’t warm enough. To me that makes sense thinking back to the days I was starting IV’s or drawing blood if a patients hand, arm, foot or wherever was cold that could make for a more difficult stick. With the patients who had received chemo their veins were generally lousy, we in Radiology learned from the RN’s at the cancer center to place rags or towels soaked in warm enough water around the site we wanted to stick and WOW what a game changer! One of their patients brought a heating pad in with her for her chemo she didn’t have a port and her veins were the size of thread. After that they brainstormed and came up with the idea to design gloves of some sort that plugged in to heat up. It’s weird how some things slip our minds once we stop routinely doing them. Right now I’m giving CC a break while I make my dinner, yes I’m a night owl, fingers crossed for a successful attempt before I close my eyes for the day.
Thank you so very much! After receiving yours and the others replies my anxiety has tremendously decreased it feels great to not have my stomach in a knot.
TY Take Care, Cathy

 

[Staci & Ivy]

Testing tips: Hometesting Links and Tips

Have patience and lots of treats for the cat (and for yourself if things get frustrating). Few cats or members get the hang of testing right away, even for those who are / were nurses or other health professional.

Alternatives to the rice sock until you get a new microwave: a very warm coffee mug (warm with hot water for a couple of minutes and then dump the water out), a small empty medicine bottle filled with very warm water, maybe try one of those pocket hand warmers wrapped in a washcloth or sock.

A CGM is an option but is more expensive than manually testing.

@Staci & Ivy lives in PA. Not sure where though.

Hi Cathy, welcome and it sounds like you’re getting on track.
Warming the war is absolutely key to freeing it to bleed. It takes some time and the capillaries have to learn to bleed.
It will get better.

It seems we are on almost opposite sides of the state. I’m an the eastern part of the state, so unfortunately too far for a drop in

Hang in there, with your medical background, it seems it will help you to help CC enormously

 

[Blanche]

Cathy, you cant imagine how much I feel you! Currently at the same shoes. Couldn't draw a single blood two days! You will do it!

 

[lpeddie]

Cathy, I'm right with you. My guy is big and can be cranky. No issues with the shots but getting to stay still to draw blood is not easy. I tried to wrap him in a towel, and that was not a good move he got so stress and tried to bite me. I'm single so have no one to help hold him and when he sees any stranger in the house, he goes under the bed--so a friend trying to help won't work.

I'm trying once a day when he is relaxed. A friend of mine who has a diabetic cat said go slow because you don't want it to be stressful for him (or me).

Thank you to members of this page, it makes me feel so much better that it was difficult for many and they got through it. This helps so much.

 

[Catrazina]

Cathy, I'm right with you. My guy is big and can be cranky. No issues with the shots but getting to stay still to draw blood is not easy. I tried to wrap him in a towel, and that was not a good move he got so stress and tried to bite me. I'm single so have no one to help hold him and when he sees any stranger in the house, he goes under the bed--so a friend trying to help won't work.

I'm trying once a day when he is relaxed. A friend of mine who has a diabetic cat said go slow because you don't want it to be stressful for him (or me).

Thank you to members of this page, it makes me feel so much better that it was difficult for many and they got through it.

Cathy, I'm right with you. My guy is big and can be cranky. No issues with the shots but getting to stay still to draw blood is not easy. I tried to wrap him in a towel, and that was not a good move he got so stress and tried to bite me. I'm single so have no one to help hold him and when he sees any stranger in the house, he goes under the bed--so a friend trying to help won't work.

I'm trying once a day when he is relaxed. A friend of mine who has a diabetic cat said go slow because you don't want it to be stressful for him (or me).

Thank you to members of this page, it makes me feel so much better that it was difficult for many and they got through it. This helps so much.

thank you for replying to my concerns

Cathy, you cant imagine how much I feel you! Currently at the same shoes. Couldn't draw a single blood two days! You will do it!

thank you I honestly feel defeated this morning I’m going to try again today I’m not giving up but my biggest worry is all these days without any reading at all has my brain scared. I wonder if my inability to get this reading is hurting CC in the long run. Since his diagnosis I’ve been giving the insulin 2 times a day, I’ve totally cut out kibble in fact I need to return a bag that cost me $26 I never opened it. I have changed the wet food I give them to higher protein grain free starch free to the best of my ability. I’m thankful for those who have replied to my post I really appreciate all of the help from the bottom of my heart. I hope your fur baby

Cathy, I'm right with you. My guy is big and can be cranky. No issues with the shots but getting to stay still to draw blood is not easy. I tried to wrap him in a towel, and that was not a good move he got so stress and tried to bite me. I'm single so have no one to help hold him and when he sees any stranger in the house, he goes under the bed--so a friend trying to help won't work.

I'm trying once a day when he is relaxed. A friend of mine who has a diabetic cat said go slow because you don't want it to be stressful for him (or me).

Thank you to members of this page, it makes me feel so much better that it was difficult for many and they got through it. This helps so much.

I’m getting ready to give this a go today I did notice a just a few minutes ago when I go to pet him, hug him whatever he is very skeptical of me. Wish me luck
Thanks for your comment at least I am finding I’m not alone in this battle. I hope you are able to get a reading today and that you fur baby is doing good.