I'm ready to start home testing

[Bunster]

hi, after a difficult scary night when my kitty started having a seizure, and spending the night in ER and the next day at the vets, I want to monitor her more closely. Is there such a thing as a monitor that doesn't require a prick? Wishful thinking?

 

[Djamila]

Alas, yes, that is wishful thinking. I assure you that if it existed, we would all have it!!!

I'm so sorry to hear that your kitty had a seizure last night! Is s/he back home now? Or staying in hospital for a bit?

Do you have a glucometer yet? You can get an AlphaTrak2 which is a pet meter, or you can use any of the human meters on the market. Most of us use human meters because the test strips are far less expensive, but some prefer the AT2 since it matches the vet's numbers. Our protocols are written for human meters, so either option works just fine. It's just a matter of personal preference.

We have tons of tricks to help you get started, so ask any/all questions you have.

We've all been in that place of anxiety about not wanting to hurt our cats. I promise it's not as bad as it seems at first!

 

[Bunster]

She is home after a night in ER and all day at vets, she eats if i hold the dish to her face and I am using an eye dropper to feed her water. She's sleeping and seems relaxed. i dont have a meter yet but I called my vet and he uses a human one so that's what I will probably want too. I've watched several youtube videos on ear pricking etc. I also have a good friend who had two diabetic cats and she would teach me I am sure...I just don't want this to ever happen again! I'm reading everything I can find so I appreciate any and all suggestions

 

[Yong & Maury GA]

Here's her first post: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/hi-im-new-here-and-my-cat-just-had-a-seizure.176369/
@Djamila Bunster is home and she's a bit worn out. I'm sure they both are. Not sure what insulin she is on. Bunster's mum was having some technical issues with posting last night.
Bunster's human, if you check back in, could you setup your Signature information?
Here are the instructions: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/editing-your-signature-profile-and-preferences.130340/

Here's the Spreadsheet template we use (if you need help setting it up, just ask ):http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/fdmb-spreadsheet-instructions.130337/

And I hope you don't have to go through another Hypo event but Print this out, just in case: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/how-to-treat-hypos-they-can-kill-print-this-out.15887/

A lot of us use a human meter from Walmart, ReliOn Confirm or Micro (Only difference is meter size).
1. Meter ($15)
2. Test strips ($35.88 / 100)
3. 26 or 28 gauge lancets ($4)
4. Neosporin or triple antibiotic ointment ($3)
5. Ketone test strips
6. A treat for yourself

 

[Djamila]

It's so great that your vet uses a a human meter, and that you have a friend who already has some experience with FD! As Yong said, the signature and spreadsheet are super helpful tools, and please don't hesitate to ask if you need any help!