Introductions! Hello from Lou and Lily!

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Mamalou

Mamalou

Member Since 2014
I cannot tell you how happy I am that I found this forum! My Lily (4 year old Maine Coon) was just diagnosed this week with Diabetes I was so lost until I found you! Lily and I were both happy that she can continue to eat her normal Fancy Feast meals (using the list found on this site) and I have tossed her dried food. She will not touch the DM food.

I have learned so much and feel so much better now and I think I am ready for the challenge ahead!

Thank you all so much! :-D
 
Welcome to FDMB!

Please tell us a bit more about you and your kitty. ("Name, rank, and serial number", y'know?)
 
Welcome!!! You've found the best place for diabetes kitties! We're here to help, so ask all the questions you have!
 
Hi Lou and sugarkitty Lily and welcome to the message board.

Yes, many cats either do not like the taste of the liver based DM food or get tired of it and refuse to eat it after a week or two. My cats like the variety of flavors available in the Fancy Feast pate style foods. Some variety to tempt those picky eaters is nice to have too.

How may we help you in this new sugardance you are doing with Lily? Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint. It took time for Lily to become diabetic, it will take time to get her feeling better.
 
Thanks for the warm welcome! My Sugar-Lily is 4 years old and last June weighed almost 14 lbs. (Maine Coon-normal weight for a female) and now weighs 11 lbs! When I noticed that she was emptying her water bowl three times a day and peeing excessively, I called the vet and made an appointment. The vet confirmed this past Tuesday, that she was indeed diabetic. I brought her back to the vet's office for lessons on how to administer the insulin. She was started on one unit and is scheduled for a curve evalutaion on Jan 23rd. I didn't know that I could home test her until I found this site. Anything I have learned about feline diabetes, I have learned from this site. Thinking of changing vet since I don't think I will get the support I will need from my current one.

Anyway, she no longer drinks as much water as she was drinking, and the peeing, of course, is also less. She is taking her shots like a trooper. I have switched her back to her beloved Fancy Feast using the under 8 list and now we are both happy. All dry food has been removed from her diet. I will be picking up the supplies to begin home testing this weekend and see how that goes. I am sure that I will have MANY questions once I start testing. I don't know what her numbers were when she was diagnosed, but I will be calling the vets office to find out today.

Looking forward to a long relationship with all of you!

Lou Ann
 
Home testing is a great way to keep your kitty safe. I was so scared at first but my Gypsy doesn't mind it anymore! When picking up supplies, don't forget some low carb treats like freeze dried chicken to reward Lily and some treats to reward you too!! It's frustrating at first but you quickly learn. Also, you may want larger lancets...26 gauge I believe. They help until your kitty learns to bleed.

What insulin are you on? You're doing great so far!
 
Hi Lou and lilly and Welcome:

I am a newer kid around here to. It won't take you long to learn everything Lilly will need from the folks around here. I have learned when in doubt ask the folks here they have ton's of knowledge, experience and education to help you both.

Linda :smile:
 
Until you get a chance to pick up the testing supplies, you might want to get Lily used to having her ears touched. It will make it easier when you go to test. Touch and rub her ears whenever you get the chance. Think of this as step one in getting her accustomed to the testing process.

Which insulin are you using?
 
She is young to have diabetes. How are her teeth? Does she get steroid shots? Any other signs of infection i.e. ear, UTI?
 
Wendy/Tiggy: I know she is very young to have diabetes, but the vet confirmed that she did. Her teeth are fine and there are no signs of other infection, the vet tested her urnine also.

Deb/Wink: She loves her ears rubbed, so she is use to me touching her there. :smile:

This morning she started vomiting and will not eat, so no insulin injection. Will call the vet later,but I was wondering if any of you might know what might be going on with her.
 
Mamalou said:
Deb/Wink: She loves her ears rubbed, so she is use to me touching her there. :smile:

This morning she started vomiting and will not eat, so no insulin injection. Will call the vet later,but I was wondering if any of you might know what might be going on with her.
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Glad to hear she loves to have her ears rubbed and touched. It will make the home testing much easier, since we poke the ear.

Do you have your home testing kit yet? If you do, you might want to test and see what the BG (blood glucose) level is.

There are too many causes for vomiting to guess at what is going on. Hairballs of course, sudden change in diet, eating a plant that is toxic are just a few of the reasons why cats throw up.

Which insulin are you using?
 
Update: Lily seems more like herself. Her insulin was increased to 2 units since last Tuesday. She is stalking birds outside our windows and wants to play. Her appetite returned and she seems much better. The vet is still testing her to make sure we are at the correct dose. After that, I will be home testing. Just wanted to get her regulated by the Vet first. Off to get my supplies this weekend. She goes in the hospital for another Glucose curve next Thursday, if all goes well, I will be testing after that even though the vet advised that he does not want me to test at home (of course, not he cannot bill me if I test). Getting very expensive!

Hope her weight returns soon, she is still so thin.

Does anyone use the Tidy Cat Breeze litter system? I was wondering if I could remove the pad in the tray and test the urine that goes through the pellets, she runs when I approach the litterbox when she is in there doing her business. Don't think that will ever change. So testing the urine in the tray is my only hope.
 
Remember that being at the vet can raise BG levels a LOT!! I REALLY encourage home testing ASAP. My Gypsy was over 300 one day and the next, was 90. If I shot the 2.5 then she would have gone hypo which can kill. Their BG can vary that much from one day to the next.

What insulin are you using?
 
Certainly ok to test the urine that goes through the litter system you are using. Sounds like that Tidy Cat Breeze system makes it easy to collect a tiny bit of urine for the ketone urine dip sticks.

The vet is still testing her to make sure we are at the correct dose. After that, I will be home testing. Just wanted to get her regulated by the Vet first.
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Um, it can take months to get a cat regulated. Besides your vet not wanting you to home test, are there other reasons for you not wanting to home test yet?

If you could add a few tidbits of information to your user control panel, profile tab, edit signature, we wouldn't have to keep asking the same questions over and over again. Like what insulin you are using. It helps us to help you better, and we would really appreciate being able to quickly see that information in your signature.

Something like this:
Your first name, cats name age and sex
diagnosis date
insulin used, meter used
food fed
any complicating medical conditions.

Would you be wiling to do that for us please?
 
Okay, I think I have the signature down. Working on the Avatar (to follow).

There is no other reason for not starting the home testing I just thought I would leave that to the experts until she was out of the woods. I will give it a try this weekend. I have watched a few videos, so I think I am ready to give it a try.

Hope I get some good readings this weekend...she still looks so thin. nailbite_smile
 
Thanks for putting that information in your signature Lou Ann. It will really help us.

You said that Lily was so thin. Unregulated cats may need up to 50% more food. Without enough insulin, Lily can properly process the food she is eating.

Is she always really hungry? Begging for more food?
 
I'm so glad you're going to home test! It'll save you a ton on vet visits. :mrgreen:

Let us know if you need help.
 
Deb: She seems satisfied with the amount of food I am giving her. Sometimes, she cries for more, but that is rare. She eats one can of Fancy Feast twice a day and cleans her plate, eventually. She is a grazer.

I am a little nervous about testing today...wish me luck! The vet said that the normal range for a diabetic cat is between 100-300, do you all agree?
 
Mamalou said:
...I am a little nervous about testing today...wish me luck! The vet said that the normal range for a diabetic cat is between 100-300, do you all agree?
Click to expand...

That may be normal for a diabetic in a vet's office, as vet stress can raise the glucose 100 to 180 mg/dL.

We consider a diabetic in remission if home testing shows them below 130 mg/dL without insulin for a minumum of 14 days. And well controlled with those numbers on insulin (following a Tight Regulation protocol with frequent testing.)
 
Home testing is scary the first time. Before you know it, though, your kitty reminds you to test so they can get that yummy treat!! They rarely mind it. Gypsy like to watch me test (which was bad since I was behind her!) but the poking didn't really bug her. Let us know how it goes!!
 
OMG! My hands are shaking. Not a good first testing experience! I got her ear to bleed, but apparently there wasn't enough blood on the test strip. Got a E-6 error. Lily was freaking out and there is no way I can repeat that now. She runs away from me the poor thing!

:shock:

Having trouble with the lancing device. I followed the instructions, but when I hit the button, the lancet doesn't clear the saftey cap. What am I doing wrong?
 
It might be your device.

I free hand the lancet so I can see what I'm doing and aim better. I sort of roll my hand with lancet to the ear, then back. Practice on an apple.

If your hands are clean, you can get the blood drop on a fingernail for testing.

Always give a low carb treat after testing, successful or not. Quit after 3 tries until the next time.

While you're working on home testing, check my signature link Secondary Monitoring Tools for additional assessments you may make to monitor health.
 
Still having trouble testing. I am a little calmer now, but I cannot seem to get enough blood into the test strip. It dries up almost immediately. Tried the fingernail trick, but it dries out FAST! Tried twice today. One more time before giving up for the day. Really wanted to get a reading today because she seems extra hungry. Already ate a 6 oz can of food and there is one more meal to go for the day. Frustrated.
 
Have you checked for dehydration? (in Secondary Monitoring Tools)

And if you abolutely must get blood, you can aim directly for the vein. Just be prepared for a possible gusher and be ready to blot firmly to reduce bruising and scabbing!
 
She seems hydrated. Did the skin test, it's okay. I can get blood, but cannot seem to get it to the test strip before it dries. Her little ears are swollen where I have jabbed her today. Giving her a little break. Will try again later.
 
What size lancets are you using? 26 gauge is bigger and often works better til the eats learn to bleed. You can also try two pokes next to each other...had to do that to Gypsy several times. Sometimes one ear works better too...try both ears to see. You'll get it! Don't forget the treat each time whether it works or not. And treats for you too!!
 
Thanks for the encouragement. I am using 26 gauge lancets. I get blood, but cannot get it to the test strip in time.

I got Lily some freeze dried shrimp and chicken. She loves both. The only treat I need after testing is a nice glass of wine! LOL :smile:
 
I put the test strip halfway in the meter before pricking the ear.
I snuggle Gracie under my left arm while she is crouched on a counter, prick the ear, and while the droplet is forming, push the test strip all the way in.
I may massage the ear to make the droplet bigger and to keep her from flicking it off (she splattere me today!)
 
Hi Lou,

I found that using the lancet device with the clear cap so that I could see exactly where the lancet is and if any blood wells up to be very helpful!

Thus, you can do two quick stabs then massage the ear for blood instead of one stab, massage, get a tiny drop that clots, try to line up the lancet again, stab, massage, etc.

Good luck and remember to relax!

Liz

*edited for grammar
 
Mamalou said:
I will try that BJM. Do you put the drop right on the strip or on your fingernail first?
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If she isn't squirming, I test right on the ear.
If she is squirming, I get it on the fingernail and then press the ear between fingers to reduce bruising while I test the droplet on my fingernail.
 
just want to say hi lou and lily.
u posted on my post earlier. sounds like we have a lot in common, with dx date, type of insulin, and meter. how is lily? larry is still going high at night. the 2 times i got a sample...1 was 400, 1 was 451. :( i am really frustrated too, bc i am trying super hard, and dont want my baby to suffer at all.
God help us both :)
 
PS...how does ur cat do with the after treat? i cant use food bc if there is a treat nearby, he freaks out trying to get to it. then there is NO way i can prick him. i just have to brush him, talk, and pet him.

btw...i sure could use that wine, everytime! ha
hoping we both have btr luck soon.
 
Hi Ilovelarry!

Not going so well. Still not able to get enough blood to test. Will try again tomorrow. She seems fine, eating normally, playful, and alert. I think she has gained back some weight. Don't have a baby scale yet (no $$$). She is scheduled to go back to the vet next week for a BG curve, but if I can do it myself before then, I will cancel the appointment.

I keep the treats in a ceramic canister on the torture table I use for testing/shots and she sniffs it while I do my thing. Sometimes she gets a little impatient, so I give her a treat and wait for her to settle down again. Close the canister hoping that she will wait for another treat after I do my thing. Still having trouble getting the blood to the tester. If I do manage to get it to the strip, it is usually not enough and I get an error message, just like you.

We are both new to this, so I am hoping that we will both get the hang of it soon. Will be checking on Larry's progress too. Good Luck my new friend!

Lou Ann
 
Have either of you tried the kitty burrito? Place your cat in the middle of a towel and wrap it around them from both sides. They can't run and you can test. That's what I did at first. Gypsy actually liked it because she loves covers. Made her feel more secure I think. It's an idea at least.

Also, if not enough blood, make sure you're warming the ear first! And honestly, the ears will learn to bleed! I remember thinking it was easy for everyone else to say that since their cats were fine. But over time, they bleed easier!

Try two small pricks right next to each other and then massage a little. I did that a lot too and it always yielded enough blood.

Keep us posted! You'll get there!
 
If you absolutely, positively, must get blood (concern over hypo), aim for the vein.
Just be prepared for a gusher if you do prick it, i.e., have the strip halfway in the meter, clean fingernails to get a good droplet on, and a tissue to blot.
Then its, droplet on fingernail, blot and hold with left hand (if you're right-handed), push test strip in with right hand, wait for meter to say its ready, place end edge of strip to the droplet to sip up the blood for the test.
 
yes, lou and lily...we have quite a bit in common. my boy was overweight, and still big, so he doesnt need to gain. he is right at 14 lbs. now. the weight loss was the only good he got from this happening.
today i finally got a prick and got error 7 msg. forgot what it said that meant, but wasnt the case, whatever it said. i figured the 6 meant not enough blood but it said dirty strip??? weird. it was clean.
i just cant believe how hard this is. his ears r so red now. big red spots from where i have stuck him, and usually i get nowhere. i wanted to know the nadir so badly. was off and on, on the floor with him for over an hr. today, and nothing. he feels good/great after his shot and for at least 8 hrs each day now. after that i think his bg is gettin high and staying there until the next shot.
i sure hope his ears r ok. they look bad. he jumps, jerks and shakes his head every time i prick.
i wish i could have food treats out but he just wont be still as it is.
does ur kitty have the big red spots where u have stuck her? hes so squirmy, trying to aim for such a tiny area is difficult. i wish there was more leeway or he would be still.

on the burrito, i have nvr bn able to get any of my 7, including the dog, wrapped. super hard! i have tried. they r all so strong!
 
Ilovelarry:

Yes her ears were big red spots for a couple of day. I gave her a break for a couple of days until they healed. Probably shouldn't have, but I felt so guilty. She still tries to get away from me when I get near her ears. :cry:

We are going to try again tomorrow. I work so everyday, hourly testing is impossible. I hope it gets easier so I can test her at least twice a day once I get the hang of this.

Burrito: She doesn't try to get away, so the only problem is my lack of experience sadly enough.

Let me know how things go this weekend and i will do the same.

Lou Ann
 
ok. i am no good at it either, yet. tonight i got a big drop, he shook his head and i sliced my finger open! niceeee. i hope its no indication of the pain he feels. its still burning some, and the neosporin pain relief did not help. chk my new post for the rest :)
our babies evn hv the same dx date! wow.
oh, and i thot u said the kitty does try to get away? she runs when u get near her? im confused.
ttyl
 
She doesn't run away when she is on the torture table, but she runs when I try to pet her head any other time. I feel so guilty!
 
So as I was reading I remembered back to last month when I was in your shoes and struggling to get blood drops.

I learned that I was to far in the ear and if I put my glasses on I could see the very edge of the ear much clearer. :lol: I think you guys might be poking to far from the edge. Scooter and I have it down so well now I can poke him when he is sleeping and he doesn't mind.

I felt like I was taking a university course learning all this stuff so quick to save my little old man but I have learned two things Humilin N insulin is hard to stabilize Scooter on and that this is a marathon as others told me.

Glad you are all here!

Linda
 
haha linda.
i am in the right spot...very outer edge. i can, and do, see it in my sleep, with my eyes closed! arghhh problem is hitting that tiny millimeter of a spot, and am a lancet device- person, and trying to master using the device on such a tiny area is hard! once i figure that out, it will be smooth sailing. i tried his foot pads today bc he doesnt mind at all, but couldnt get them to bleed :(
 
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