Home from the vet, and feeling much better.

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phedre

Member Since 2012
I spoke with the vet for about an hour about managing feline diabetes, and then an assistant helped me with my first (saline) injection and glucometer test. Both were super easy to do, Salem didn't even notice!

What I got:

- a run down of treatment
- what to look for in case of low blood sugar
- assurances that I don't have to be perfect
- what to expect in terms of readings, and that I shouldn't worry if the readings are a bit high
- what to do if the levels get too low
- instructions and a demonstration of how to fill a syringe, how to inject, and how to blood test.
- a pack of needles that are a bit higher gauge than my lancets
- two kinds of medication he'll need to take to address bladder infection and pancreas issues
- one case of prescription food, though she did make it clear that this wasn't a requirement for him long term.
- instructions to take him for follow up blood work and blood curve next week (though it's fine if I do the blood curve at home)
- after the initial visit, she's fine with home blood screening and then calling in for an evaluation.
- any wet food is better than any dry food. She'd prefer I feed friskies than dry Purina prescription.
- we're starting him at 1u for now and will make adjustments as we go

I also asked for and received his blood sugar readings for the time he's been in hospital, so I can use those as a base point. I'm attempting to update the spreadsheet now, but finding it a little confusing. I need to look for instructions!

The one thing she did caution me about was not to test his blood sugar too much, and get paranoid about it. She went over how insulin (even his lantus) can have peaks and valleys, so it's not something that can be measured by a single point in time. She did say that she wants blood series done weekly for at least the next three weeks, but is fine with home tests.

Overall, it went as well as I could expect. I feel very relieved after this trip, and I know I can do this. His first injection comes at 6PM, and we'll take it from there.
 
Sounds like you've got a good vet!

While she's right about not getting TOO paranoid about testing all the time, it is good to test as often as you can. In the very least, you want to test before each shot and get one mid cycle (4-6 hrs after the shot) test so you can see how the insulin is working. Before Scooter went OTJ I liked to test 2-3 hours after the shot - a big drop between the preshot and +2 numbers usually meant he was going to have an "active" cycle and needed more monitoring. But you don't need to chain yourself to the couch and never leave the house :lol:
 
the vet is also right that you don't need to purchase prescription food to treat diabetes, low carb friskies, fancy feast, etc. will do just as well and cost a lot less.

If you want to save some money, you can return the prescription food, the vet will refund it.

Sounds like you have a good vet, one that encourages home testing and is fine with you doing the curves at home - which honestly is the best place to do them. As any time spent at the vet's office induce vet stress and can artificially inflate the numbers by as much as 100 points or more and basing a dose on that can be dangerous.

So, the more you can do at home, the better.

If you go the health links forum or the tech forum (I forget which), there are instructions on how to build the spreadsheet.

And we can help you with the definitions.
 
Ok. He's vaccinated, which went fine, and he has food, but he isn't much interested in it which worries me a bit, but it may just be from being at the vet. He was eating fine there earlier.

I tried to do the testing, but after a bunch of pokes at his ears I had to stop before I threw up. I'm feeling lightheaded now! I have a definite aversion to needles and blood, so this is not fun.

Salem on the other hand was a champ - he didn't make a sound! I petted him and gave him some treats (the freeze dried chicken) and he was purring away.

I'm going to try the glucometer again in a couple of hours, but right now it's just not happening.
 
What size lancet are you using? Small ones (like 30 or more) are hard to get blood with. A larger gauge is better. Dont worry, you will get the hang of it, just take your time and it will happen. It took me a good week to do it and freaked the first time (I was so afraid of hurting him). Ears learn to bleed. Remember try to test, feed and shot since food will effect the test. Just try again in a couple of hours.

You are so lucky to have a great vet!! Friskies is a good food, just stick with the pates (there are a couple of others but I think better safe than sorry....lol). I looked at your SS and the numbers are foreign to me since you are in Canada....lol. I know there is way to convert the numbers to something everyone understands but I cant remember the formula (its something like take the reading and multiply it by 18). The world spreadsheet will automatically convert for you ( at least it should). Also start posting on the Lantus board so people here can keep up with how things are going and answer questions if you have any. I think you have taken the hardest step yet and that deciding to do something about the diabetes and making him feel better!
 
They gave me a pack of 8 of the needles they were using on him in the clinic. They're a larger gauge, 26 I think? Definitely bigger than the 29 gauge lancets I have.
 
Salem sounds wonderful!
The first ear stabbings I did were pretty funny, too. I'm a nurse, and I still managed to stab myself more effectively than Puma the first few times. Rubbing and warming the ear definitely helps.
The 2nd glucometer I got doesn't need much to register - 0.3ml, just a tiny drop. Walmart, the Relion Micro.
It sounds as if you're doing all the right things, and your vet sounds very collaborative and understanding!
Jane
 
phedre said:
They gave me a pack of 8 of the needles they were using on him in the clinic. They're a larger gauge, 26 I think? Definitely bigger than the 29 gauge lancets I have.
Click to expand...
Ok there is a difference between lancets and needles (syringes).
Lancets
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Use U-100 3/10cc syringes with half units marked on the barrel for fine dosing.
resource.aspx


If I have misread, I apologize....just a little confused.
 
Yes, the needles they gave me are just tips. They don't bother using lancets for blood samples.
 
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