help with getting insulin

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diane and luna belle

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Need helping with getting my kitty's insulin. Lantus 1 unit twice a day - Currently unemployed student, working for little cash and really need help with getting a new bottle of Lantus for my kitty! The semester ended and I have really been working hard trying to find a good job but so far have only been able to get enough to pay for gas - am already on foodstamps and she is due for a new bottle! I can verify everything I say... She is in good control on 1/3 cup Purina DM mixed with a bit of the fancy feasts on the list.
Any info will be appreciative!
Thanks-
Diane and Luna Belle
 
You can save lots of money by not buying the prescription food. It's not good quality and actually higher in carb than you really want to use. Feeding her low carb FF is perfectly fine.

I see you just signed on today.

Can you give us more information about yourself and your cat:

Where do you live? City/state is fine.

When was your cat diagnosed?
How much insulin are you using?
Are you home testing?
Does your cat have any other health issues?
How old is she?
Would you fill out a profile?
Can you put together a spreadsheet?
Have you read about the use and handling of lantus?

Here are some links to help you get started:

How to Treat Hypos
Hypo Tool Kit
Transitioning your cat from dry to wet foods
Home Testing Links and Tips
Nutrition and Diet Links
Lantus Forum
How to create a profile
How to Create a spreadsheet
 
Hello Hillary!
I actually was on the old board and haven't visited since the new board went up.
Luna and I live in Lakeside, CA which is a suburb of San Diego.
The answers to your other Q's are below :o)

When was your cat diagnosed?
Luna was diagnosed in 2007 when she lived with my ex-husband. He tried to care for her however I ended up getting her after he realized it was just too much commitment. I was a nurse for over a decade then moved at working at Dexcom (continueous glucose monitor company) - then had an accident and di not work for alomst 3 years. Went back to college in Jan. 2010 - both parents diabetic (1 type 1 one type 2) and have alot of diabetic training - thus the great logical choice for my ex-husband to give me the cat, finally! When I got her back, in June of 2008, is when I signed up on the old board to get some info and guidance.

How much insulin are you using?
Luna gets 1 unit of Lantus every 12 hours

Are you home testing?
yes I do - she runs between 200mg/dl and 250mg/dl daily - I used to do it twice a day but her ears got too worn and bruised - now once a day usually before her pm feeding. Twice a day if she is not acting right or not eating, which is very rare now that I have her on canned mixed with the DM - sometimes its separate sometimes not -it took me over 6 months to get her regulated. I am not looking for advice on her diet.

Does your cat have any other health issues?
No - just had great visit with Sara Ford, DVM, a feline diabetic specialist, in December. My regular vet sees her for checkups and when she hurt her paw last year and is much cheaper than Dr. Ford by far...

How old is she? 12 or 13

Would you fill out a profile?
Sure

Can you put together a spreadsheet?
I know how if that is what you are talking about - I'd like to know what the reasoning behind this is when I already stated she is in good control as well as I am just trying to find some help in getting her insulin right now since I am between jobs and grant money...

Have you read about the use and handling of lantus?
Yes I have read the insert from the bottle and am very aware of how to handle it.

Thanks for any info you can send my way - it is hard going back to college after 16 years gone - now trying to make ends meet in between grants checks is the challenge!
Diane
 
I hesitate to jump in here when things are a tad heated in other areas of FDMB, but.... you're not likely to get as much sympathy or assistance if you are refusing to listen to advice on diet (which could eliminate the need for insulin) or allow us to see her BG numbers in spreadsheet form. Just my opinion....
 
I agree with MJ. If you are not new to this group,then you must know how food plays a vital role in the management of diabetes - be it cat or human.

You say her bgs average 200-250 and you give 1 unit. How long has she been on 1 unit? How frequently do you test her? Do you ever adjust her dose? A cat that hangs in the 200's, in my general opinion probably could use more insulin. However, without knowing if she drops during a cycle, what she is eating that may cause the Bg's to stay at this level, etc. I would be remiss in offering any advice. And yes, you clearly stated that you are not asking for advice.

Without more data and an appearance of cooperation, willingness to listen to the people here, read the proven facts, and information that is readily available, posting on the lantus board, etc. I honestly don't know if anyone will be willing to give you lantus just because you ask for it.

Yes, the people here are very generous. Generous with their knowledge, their time and even sharing of supplies, but it is not a one way street. There must be cooperation and give from the person asking.

The way you answered my questions. I don't feel that you are willing to share. And that is your right and choice. Just don't get angry if you do not receive that which you seek.

You mentioned that your parents are diabetic. Maybe they will share with you.
Good luck to you and your quest.

Edited for typos.
 
Wow. Well, considering I do not know if any of you are trained DVM's, and I am only looking for any kind of references, links or info on anyone that could help me get Luna some insulin and I receive that kind of response, in a public forum; I am very hesitant to move forward and get my profile from the other website, make a new one here as well as make a spreadsheet. I am pretty busy and really just wanted some info. That is alot of work right now that I just really don't want to make time for.
I explained to you that Luna is in pretty good control as well as her diet being fine and the fact that it took me 6 months to get her regulated should tell you I do know what I am doing. I really appreciated all the info and advice I found on the felinediabetes website! It really helped me and the 2 DVM's that were working with me be able to move forward ! I also noted I was not looking for advice on her diet. Nor am I looking for advice on her dosage. I have tried different insulins, different dosages and know what we have now is really great, considering what we all had to go through to get her to the point where she is now.
cat(2)_steam
Also that remark about me being able to share as well as the one about my parents was actually really rude. They are both DEAD.
I guess this will be the last time I visit this board.
Thanks for the UNwelcome!
Diane
 
Ummm...

Really? You are leaving because of the reponses you received? I read them and while a little strong on the advice, I would think someone could choose to take or or leave it.

And you didn't say that your parents are deceased, so where does the rudeness come in?

Sorry you don't like what you found here. If you need help in the future though you are welcome to come back.

Jennifer
 
I am sorry you feel that I was rude.

My suggestion about getting supplies from family members was not rude or inappropriate. And since you did not state earlier that they are deceased, I would have no way of knowing that now would I?

My mother uses insulin and she has kindly shared her extra supplies with me when I've needed it. So, it is not an inappropriate question to ask. It actually is a VERY appropriate question when you come onto this board and state that you are unemployed, on food stamps and looking for a handout from the people here.

Just because you were on the old board and you do not wish to participate on this board, that is your choice and option. Nobody said that you are not welcome here. IF you want to take my post that way again your choice.


Honestly, I found your comments out of line and totally inappropriate. I was trying to point out, how best to solicit what you need from the people here, but you took that as being rude.

I will not post anything further, as I have nothing more to say and no need to have this dicussion continue. Good luck to you and your cat.
 
Hillary:

Yes, your responses to Diane could be considered rude; I felt it just by reading your posts. She was only asking for information, not for you to tell her how to treat her cat.

When I first joined this board two years ago I can’t remember anyone that would have jumped on a new person like that (there may have been a few but as I said I can’t remember right now). When you joined the board and got comfortable with treating your Maui and started posting for other people I would think, wow, she is trying to help other people now and that is so great.

After reading your posts here and on Community the last few days, I can’t help but wonder where or why your postings turned so “militant”.

I thought this board was to be for people looking for information, support, and resources to help their newly diagnosed diabetic cat. Now what I see from a lot of people is “if you don’t do what we say and follow what we say, you are not welcome here”. No, you don’t use those exact words but that is how it comes across most times and I’m not even a newbie.

I joined after the ruckus with the “other” diabetes site, YDC, so I wasn’t around for all of it but from what I read from people on our old board if you didn’t follow what they said you were banned or not welcome also. It seems to me like that is how this board is now going, even if people aren’t doing it on purpose or seemingly aware of it.

I don’t post much in the Health section because I didn’t find this board until a few months before I lost my Cleo and I don’t feel comfortable giving advice. I do try to give support if a new person needs it or asks for it.

We had quite a few discussions on the old board about when giving advice or your experiences that a person needs to be mindful of how they sound with the written word. Maybe this is the way you speak to people in “real life” and that is fine if they are used to it but sometimes I think we (all of us) need to think about what we say first or read it over before sending it out.

I don’t want to start anything new since we’ve had enough going on the last few days but when I was reading what you were posting to Diane I felt I had to say something.

This board means a lot to everyone (or at least it used to) and I come here every day and see the things being said and it just makes me sad.

As I said above, we are supposed to be here to help people, not shove them away.
 
Diane came on here looking for a handout, plain and simple. Not looking for any information like she later backpedaled and claimed to, but a handout. The mention of foodstamps made that very clear (most people genuinely in that situation would NOT throw it out there like that). All that aside, her original post was not rude by any means.

Hillary came on and rightfully asked some questions. Nobody will just give a handout without knowing a bit more about the person and information. And, given that Diane just registered today for that sole purpose, people definitely have the right to ask. You come out of the blue looking for a handout, expect questions. Nothing rude in that post.

Third post: This is where I thought the rudeness began a little.

"I am not looking for advice on her diet."
"I know how if that is what you are talking about - I'd like to know what the reasoning behind this is when I already stated she is in good control as well as I am just trying to find some help in getting her insulin right now since I am between jobs and grant money... "

Although this wasn't outright rude, it was a little snippy. I guess she didn't appreciate Hillary asking her any questions. Just wanted someone to jump up and say "here, take one of my vials!" without any questions at all.

If Diane really is a nurse, then she KNOWS that you don't just give any medication (behind or over-the-counter) without a complete and thorough history and data. The people on here asking for it, are doing their due diligence, just like any health professional should (and they are not the health professionals here). Instead, since she didn't get what she wanted for nothing (nothing being a little effort on her part) she got pissed and left.

In summary, all Diane had to do was read the advice (taking it or leaving it) and make some gesture towards starting a spreadsheet again, and she probably would have gotten her handout. And all that aside, if I lived in her area, sure, I'd meet up with her and bring her a vial, even now. People make mistakes. Not sure how much it costs in the US, but it's $20 for a 3ml cartridge here, so if someone nearby really desperately needs one, just let me know. I'll throw in some other supplies, too.

And now to my impressions of the board here in general, being new. I don't know the political background, but I don't get that "take my advice or go away" vibe. I honestly don't agree with everything everyone has told me yet either, but I listen to the advice without arguing. My cats still have their bowl of DM sitting behind the wet food bowl. I give them wet food whenever one of them asks, but the DM is there for when I'm not around to give them wet food. Since I paid big bucks for that bag, you bet your a** I'm going to use it ;) That said, I don't plan on buying another bag. But yes, sometimes the new ones among us need some convincing, but whether we want the advice or not, we should just graciously listen to it. The intentions are all good.

/end s**t disturber mode ;)
 
Diane,

I'm going to focus on the cat. Can you do that too? Brush off that initial scuffle and any hurt feelings, if you can.

We want to help you help your cat. And several comments make me think that we have advice and information here that really could help you!

Your cat may have good regulation, but perhaps it could be better regulated. Perhaps your cat could go off insulin and be diet controlled! My Danny just did that after 3 years on insulin so please don't pooh-pooh the possibility. Some tips:

- you don't hometest before every shot. We strongly believe in hometesting every, EVERY time. Too many of us, me included, have gotten a totally unexpected low test result. I still get a shiver when I think of the times where, without hometesting, I would have given Danny or Cole a dangerous shot and left the house.

- If your cat's ears are getting "worn and bruised" on twice a day testing, you are doing something wrong. It can really help to cut down on bruising, if after the "poke", you gently apply pressure to the ear for a little while. I saw a tremendous reduction in bruising with that technique. ;-) Also, applying a very warm rice sock for 30-60 seconds makes the blood flow much more easily, so you don't have to poke as hard. You can apply some neosporin with pain relief to the ear, if you think the ear hurts. Personally I didn't like that because on Danny, the blood didn't bead as well with Neosporin on it.

- Dry food will almost always raise BG. But don't take my word for it... feed your cat on wet low-carb only for a day or two, and record the BGs. Then feed some dry DM and check the BG. I'll bet you anything the BG will be elevated. I was pretty skeptical about this (I was feeding Danny with some low carb dry Evo) but finally did the testing, and shock of shocks, removing the "low carb" dry made a world of difference! Just give it a try? Dry DM has crappy ingredients anyway.

- people would like to look at your spreadsheet not to be nosy, but to help your cat. There are some really experienced diabetic caregivers here, and they may spot something you don't. Yes, it will take a little time to set up a spreadsheet, but it could really pay off.

- You said it took you six months to achieve good regulation. Barring other complicating medical issues, that's kind of a long time and yet again that makes me think we have info and skills that can help you.

Look, I'm not taking anything away from what you've accomplished so far. You' obviously love your cat a lot and you've done well. But your cat could almost certainly achieve better regulation with a little more help. We want to provide that help! Are you willing to at least consider what we have to say? I hope so.

laur
 
Thanks for posting Laur, just saw the "famous ears" shot. Even after reading who knows how much, I learned something new again. Thought we were aiming FOR the vein, not between vein and edge... Yep, very easy to do something wrong!
 
just my 2 cents. she came here as an unemployed working for little $ student who see's a specialist vet and gets regular check ups for luna. that all just did'nt sit right.
being in a hurry and not having time to put up a spreadsheet, or a desire to share as much info. as she could....just wanting a quike fix of lantus....well none of sit's right.
if she really was a member i think she may have posted in lantus where perhaps she is known. and if she was a member she might have checked out supply closet.
all that said, nobody comes in day one with a 911 and only wants a vial and expects us to just hand them out.
no, the rude party was not fdmb.
IMHO
FWIW
 
i can't even imagine that going over well in LL where they are famous for BIG welcomes and help.
 
Hope + (((Baby)))GA said:
Excellent post, ML.
Click to expand...

.................
icon_yeahthat.gif
 
i must need a life!!! but this post just got me so i checked the old board and looked up her name....any guesses? never existed.
nuff said.
 
What WE believe

No one is required to complete a profile or a spreadsheet before asking for advice, especially when the advice is not regarding dosing or diet. Yes, it can be helpful. No it is not required.

I think most people hometest regularly but it is NOT an official policy of this site that people should test with a glucometer before every shot. Yes, we encourage testing. But not only is every cat different, every owner is different. We each do what we can.

Too many people on this thread missed the whole point. Please be more welcoming to newcomers. And if you want to respond to a post, please make sure you are responding to the question posed and not using a request for advice to push the "Full Monty" vs. just helping in one area.

Thank you.

_Rebecca
 
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