is it always this diffucult

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beckyandwinston

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Ive posted a few times before with questions but it all seems to be getting on top of me now. Does everyone find it this hard in the beginning? Its been 7 weeks now & he still not right. He's been hospitalised 3 times due to off the scale levels. He was put up to 2.5u twice a day on sat/sun so is it normal for him to still b unsteady? I know he on caninsilin which everyone says is bad & everyone says to home test him but am finding it so overwhelming that i just want to get him stable. Its hard when ur on ur own & hav no one to share all this with. Rather than ranting on my question was does everyone find it hard in the beginning & find it takes time to get their cat adjusted? Is this normal?
 
Yes!!! It is hard in the beginning it is a steep learning curve! But you don't have to do it all at once...baby steps! He didn't get to be diabetic overnight and he isn't going to get well overnight either.

Musette and I have been doing this dance for 7 months now, outwardly she is greatly improved but she has good days and bad days still with her numbers. She is just a hard nut to crack, but we will get there.

Truely learning to test at home will not only keep your baby safe while he is on insulin it will also take a lot of the stress off you as well, because you can know anytime you want how he is doing, if something doesn't seem right you can just pull out your meter and test. It will give you a feeling like you are in some small way in control of this whole pile of spaghetti that is feline diabetes, and it can and does get easier. PROMISE!

if fact it got so easy that even with 11 healthy and happy cats I adopted both Maxwell and Musette as diabetics and we are now waiting to hear when our third little diabetic girl will be arriving..yep we are adopting another one. :-D

Mel, Maxwell, Musette & The Fur Gang
 
Ur right i cant expect him to get better overnight. What do u suggest i use to test him at home? And what do u do about his dosage if his levels are too high?
 
Yes, its very difficult. Ruby was diagnosed at Christmas. I did NOT expect the emotional roller coaster that came with the diagnosis. I'm very fortunate (knock on wood, cross my fingers and antijinx!) that so far the only complication she's had was a nasty bladder infection. Up until 3 weeks ago she was all over the map. We started on PZI and eventually figured out that wasn't working and the vet switched us to Lantus. It seems to have finally kicked in and we're seeing really positive results. This Sunday will be 12th week since her diagnosis.

I do this all on my own, too. Yes, I have a husband who works at home so he can keep and eye on her during the day but he doesn't test, doesn't shoot, doesn't feed, doesn't clean the litter box, doesn't stay up all night when she goes too low. He doesn't read all of the volumes of information available and feel totally lost and confused because none of it makes sense. He doesn't lose sleep, he doesn't burst into tears at random moments, he doesn't fight this fight every single minute of every single day. He supports me in what I do, but he doesn't do the work.

But here you are surrounded by very generous, very knowledgeable people. In the beginning I thought there was no way I'd be able to test her at home. But I learned. And if I didn't, I probably would have lost her about 2 weeks after her diagnosis and a few more times since then. Several members here have stayed up with me all night, holding my hand and walking me thru how to take care of her and for that I will be forever grateful.

It's hard. It's so very, very hard. And its exhausting in ways I never imagined. Just this morning I had a total meltdown and spent a good chunk of time sobbing on the sofa. Then I picked myself back up and got back in the fight. And you know what, I don't doubt for a minute that there will more meltdowns and more sobbing and I'll pick myself back up again.

You can do this. Just remember you're not alone. Everyone is here to help you. Don't feel like you can't ask as many questions as you need to until you have a better understanding of how to take care of Winston.

-Amy & Ruby
 
Yes; I think it's safe to say that we ALL felt the same way at first!

For me, there were two things that really helped me understand the process and feel more comfortable. First was to get online and read everything I could find. I read this board, I read the dosing protocols for insulin (and ultimately want with Lantus, based on both my vet's recommendation and what I learned in my own research. I found the food charts and Dr. Lisa's page and learned about how feeding fits into diabetes management. The more I read, the more I realized that there was a lot I could do to help my cat, even though there's no cure.

The second thing, and what really helped the most WAS hometesting! I didn't find it too difficult to learn and I quickly found that I was a lot LESS stressed once I had enough data to understand how Mikey handles insulin and what his personal patterns were. Not every cat responds to insulin the way the documents say. My cat was one of those, but because I was testing and I knew how it worked with HIM, I felt a lot safer once I could see for myself where he was headed. If I hadn't tested from the start, I'd probably have had a serious hypoglycemic incident as my Mikey is very, very sensitive to insulin. I had many sleepless, terrified nights at first, trying to get him safe, but as I learned how he responds to insulin and how to balance his carbs (because every cat is different!) I felt so much more confident! And if I worry or have questions...I know everyone here will set me right!
 
Home glucose testing is done:
1) before EVERY injection
2) any time you suspect he may have gone too low (because going any lower might kill him)
3) to determine how the insulin is working in your cat by doing a curve where you test every 2 hours from the morning shot to the evening shot

Here is our link for free home testing equipment (shipping cost is nominal).

Our shopping partners link above will send you to vendors that help promote us. The Arkray Glucocard 01 (Walmart ReliOn is branded version) is inexpensive and the strips are some of the least expensive around. It may be obtained through American Diabetes Wholesale, among others. You'll also want to get insulin syringes - U-100 for Lantus, Levemir, and some PZIs - U-40 if ProZinc or some PZI's.
For U-100 insulins (which have 100 units in 1 mL), get 5/16 needle, 30 gauge, 3/10 mL (some call it cc), with half unit markings. These can be used for PZI and ProZinc insulins with a conversion table.

If you don't have any test data, you don't know if he is high or low, or what. So when you are already giving insulin, thats the very next thing on your To Do list - home testing. Its a HUGE SAFETY ISSUE.

It you have an uncomplicated diabetic (no pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, allergies, hepatic lipidosis, etc), getting into a stable and effective dosing pattern with a good long lasting insulin happens with less difficulty.

If you have a cat with comorbid conditions, an erratic shot or dose schedule, or a non-optimal insulin, it is going to take more work on your part.

Caninsulin doesn't last as long in the cat as it does in the dog, because a cat's metabolism is twice as fast. Once you have test data, you can prove that to your vet.

Work arounds, if you want to stay with that vet and can't use another insulin, are to consider TID (dosing smaller dose every 8 hours), always picking up the food 6-8 hours after giving the insulin (when the insulin is wearing off), and very carefully controlling how much and what you feed your cat.
 
Hi Becky and Winston,

It is always this difficult in the beginning. It takes time to create new habits and it definitely can be overwhelming but things will start sorting them selves out with perseverance. My 3 were diagnosed at the same time - 2 have CRF and my young one has diabetes and you will get used to the emotional upheaval you are going through and in time your baby will become regulated for a while - hopefully years!!! Just remember to breathe!!! You will do the very best for your sugar baby because there is no other choice!

I wish you many hugs and much patience!

My Trouble, Mischief, and Scamp know that I will do anything for them like you will do for Winston. Just remember to breathe and give Winston hugs - it will lower your blood pressure!!

Take care and go slow!!
 
arozeboom said:
Yes, its very difficult. Ruby was diagnosed at Christmas. I did NOT expect the emotional roller coaster that came with the diagnosis. I'm very fortunate (knock on wood, cross my fingers and antijinx!) that so far the only complication she's had was a nasty bladder infection. Up until 3 weeks ago she was all over the map. We started on PZI and eventually figured out that wasn't working and the vet switched us to Lantus. It seems to have finally kicked in and we're seeing really positive results. This Sunday will be 12th week since her diagnosis.

I do this all on my own, too. Yes, I have a husband who works at home so he can keep and eye on her during the day but he doesn't test, doesn't shoot, doesn't feed, doesn't clean the litter box, doesn't stay up all night when she goes too low. He doesn't read all of the volumes of information available and feel totally lost and confused because none of it makes sense. He doesn't lose sleep, he doesn't burst into tears at random moments, he doesn't fight this fight every single minute of every single day. He supports me in what I do, but he doesn't do the work.

But here you are surrounded by very generous, very knowledgeable people. In the beginning I thought there was no way I'd be able to test her at home. But I learned. And if I didn't, I probably would have lost her about 2 weeks after her diagnosis and a few more times since then. Several members here have stayed up with me all night, holding my hand and walking me thru how to take care of her and for that I will be forever grateful.

It's hard. It's so very, very hard. And its exhausting in ways I never imagined. Just this morning I had a total meltdown and spent a good chunk of time sobbing on the sofa. Then I picked myself back up and got back in the fight. And you know what, I don't doubt for a minute that there will more meltdowns and more sobbing and I'll pick myself back up again.

You can do this. Just remember you're not alone. Everyone is here to help you. Don't feel like you can't ask as many questions as you need to until you have a better understanding of how to take care of Winston.

-Amy & Ruby
Click to expand...

Beautifully stated, Amy! I think all newbies should read what you typed, and learn that what we all go through, initially, is totally normal. The panic. The stress. The questioning if we can do this. And the support from the wonderful people on these boards to get us through our toughest times.
 
Amy, I hope it gets easier for you. With the help of many people on these boards, it has become a lot easier for me just in the 2 weeks and two days since Pumbaa was diagnosed.

The first time I tested Pumbaa...he was sitting on my lap and my knees were shaking! Now, a week and a half later, it's just a routine, with high-quality food bribes keeping Pumbaa occupied while I test him.

Mel/MommaofMuse is a wonder woman and has been such great moral support for me, as well as a wealth of knowledge. BJM gives impeccable information and advice, in terms that are very easy to understand, as well as great emotional support. Amy was spot-on, you aren't alone...we all went through the same emotional roller coaster ride. (Not intentionally ignoring anyone else...just trying to give some examples.)

The most important things I learned in the last two weeks are:

1) Too little insulin is bad over time, but too much insulin can be deadly, hence the rule -->
2) Go slow and start low;
3) Be patient. I was born without the patience gene and like instant gratification. Someone suggested I wear my "patience pants". I'm still looking for where to order some! ;)
4) Any vet that tells you to NOT home test, or suggests you bring your cat in once a week for testing is full of ****. Find a new vet who encourages daily home testing. You will be able to much better manage care if you are doing the testing in the environment that your cat is the most comfortable in. My vet was thrilled that I would do this for Pumbaa, and she has access to my daily spreadsheet so she can track the results;
5) After a lot of research, including on these boards, I insisted that Pumbaa go on Lantus from day one, as it is a long-lasting insulin and seems to have the best history of having the cat eventually go into remission and not need insulin 2X per day (BID);
6) Do not run up the expense of your vet boarding your cat to run a curve, when you can do this much easier yourself, with less stress to the kitty;
7) Start feeding your cat a high-protein, low-carb diet, and that means no dry food. Since your kitty is already on insulin, if you haven't already done this step, you will have to watch the BG levels closely. I first got Pumbaa off of any dry food before starting the insulin, as that was suggested in Dr. Lisa's website.
8) Rely on the people here, with their wonderful and vast knowledge, to help you through each step. They are in the trenches dealing with their sugar kitties, and have amassed a lot more knowledge about FD than a normal vet would.

(((HUGS))) to you!
 
Thank you all for your words of encouragement and its nice to know that its not just me thats an emotional wreck. Am constantly worried that there's something wrong as he still not back to his normal self and am constantly checking on him, but can usually find him near his water bowl. Even though his drinking has subsided you know when your cat just isn't right, which is why I took him to the vets in the first place; I couldn't say exactly what was wrong but I knew he wasn't right. I know everyone is different and the vets say the same but is it normal to take this long to get him adjusted? I took him in on the 26th February and we still haven't managed to get through 2 weeks without a dash back to the vet because he's 'not right' and being told his levels are off the chart again. The first 2 times he was put on an IV drip as he was dehydrated but last time he wasn't which was the only bit of good news. When he was in last weekend his levels dropped to 9 and then went up to 22, whereas previously he only dropped to 11 and then up to 30. I know I need to home test and being in the UK need advice on what is the best 'kit' to get in order to start this? Am due back at the vets on Wednesday for his fructosamine test, which will be the third one he's had. The first one showed he was 628 and then the second one after being on insulin for a fortnight showed a level of 668, so he'd gotten worse after having insulin for two weeks! Am hoping next week after having his insulin upped again that this will have dropped and we are on the right track. I knew this would be a bumpy road and as Pumbaa is the same she will understand, I wasn't born with patience either and like instant, same with me if I take antibiotics, I take one tablet and expect to be better, so the same with winston he's had one jab so why is he not back to his normal self? He still really unsteady on his back legs as well, not as bad as when I brought him home but still unsteady. Why are they such a worry? Because they are our best friends I guess and we love them to pieces and would do anything for them. If only they could talk. Definately in need of a hug.
 
It is hard at the beginning, but a lot of it is due to you are still overwhelmed and trying to learn.

As you said in your post, you know that we are recommending hometesting and changing insulins. I think once you do these two things and Winston's levels become under control, you will have a great reduction in your stress. You can quickly develop a routine for testing and shooting.

I have 8 cats and at one time this included two diabetics along with a dog that had medical issues. Even with that, I was able to figure out a routine that only added about 10 minutes (if even that) to my normal routine of feeding all of the pets. By testing before every shot, you know whether it is safe to give the insulin. By testing before every shot, you can determine if you need to adjust your dose. Also, you will learn what is normal for Winston and what you should be concerned about. You do not have to take him constantly to the vet just to be checked. Remember, your vet is only seeing a snapshot of what is going on. Vet stress raises the glucose levels. If your vet is dosing by the results of the test in their office, your dose is most likely too high. By testing before every shot, you can bring in your daily readings to your vet and he/she can make an accurate recommendation on the dose. Also, once you are testing, you will find you can stop going to the vet for just testing.

You can do this. I know it seems difficult, but once you learn how to do it, you will wonder why it took you so long. :mrgreen:
 
:YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG:

Where in the UK? We have several members in the UK that could probably give you lots of advice about what is available for you there. Perhaps start a new thread with a title like "Newbie in UK - need advice on testing supplies" that way you will catch the attention of the right eyes that can point you in the right direction, you could also try sending a private message to Simon and Sam, Simon is an incredible guy that I swear knows everyone in the UK with a diabetic cat...lol And is always more than happy to either pop by and help out if you are close to him or to round you up some local help if he isn't close enough to do it himself. He maybe even able to help you out with finding another vet that will give you a better insulin as well.

Mel, Maxwell, Musette & The Fur Gang
 
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