Kitty Friday morning 3/18

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kse

kse

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I just got back from picking Kitty up from the ER. They checked her througout the night and said she came down from Hi to 350, but she stayed around 400 most of the night.

We gave 3 units this morning.

The vet thinks the shot I gave last night did not get absorbed. She indicated that it probably went in the interdermal layer of the skin and wasn't absored well. I know the shot went in Kitty--- but, maybe the vet is right.

The vet asked me not to check any BGs for the next three days. I didn't promise her---but, truly I am about to decide that it is not helping me at the present time.

I cried last night, my stomache is in knots this morning and I am so scared she will never be regulated.

The DKA obviously set her back---I was getting more consistent numbers on once a day before the DKA. BUT, I know she needs twice a day and that the once a day, insufficent insulin dose, contributed a lot to the DKA.

I feel like the vet thinks I am crazy---she thinks I test too much and that I am overboard. I am really down this morning.
 
It is overwhelming at first and feels like a huge responsibility. In my opinion, you will worry more if you don't test. At least with testing you can tell that she is not too high or too low.

Have you ever given us your city and state? If we have someone who lives nearby, would it help to have someone who has been through this newbie phase to talk to?

It is important that you don't wear yourself out with worry. Remember to breathe and know that you are doing more for Kitty than the vast majority of diabetic cat owners ever do. Most people put the cat to sleep or just blindly shoot until one day it is too much or too little. You are working so hard to keep her safe. I know she knows that and we do too! We are so proud of you!
 
I will be visiting my parents in Raleigh next weekend (the 25th - 27th). If you don't have anyone nearby by then, I'd be glad to come by and help you out that weekend!

I see that on 3/16 you dropped back to 2u. Was this vet recommended? Why was the dose cut?

Your kitty is testing negative for ketones, which is a wonderful thing! Now we just need to try to get those numbers under control. If the insulin shot wasn't a fur shot (needle came through the other side), then I don't think it was your shooting style that caused the higher numbers. Sometimes kitties just go high for a cycle for no reason.

You have spent a good amount of time at 3u. Have you thought about raising it at least a quarter unit to 3.25u?

My mom has a great vet for her kitties in North Raleigh. She has always been receptive to suggestions I have given my mom for treatment, and seems very willing to be a partner in treatment. If that is semi close to where you are at, I can ask her for the vet's contact info.

What is your vet's reasoning for not testing the next three days? There are several veterinary journal articles that advocate home testing as a reliable way to keep kitty safe.
 
Just a footnote. Often we get obsessed with the numbers, rather than just collecting them. I forget to remind newbies to look at the whole cat. Does Kitty seem to be feeling better, eating better? Is she more "like herself"? These are all positive signs that are part of the whole picture.
 
Thanks so much Kelly for the offer. I will send you a pm later. I actually am about 30 miles east of Raleigh. I will come where you are to make it easier for you.

The dose was dropped because the numbers were spiking and the vet thought it might be the higher dose of 3 units. Before the crash she was only getting 2 units a day. Now she is getting 6.

As for the reason for not testing the next 3 days--I think the vet can see my fatigue and anxiety and wants to relax me by reducing the stress of the numbers......But-----I didn't listen to the vet--I tested Kitty at +6 and she was 293. I have no idea what she was at the amps--but from the numbers the vet gave me this am it had to be above 400.

Kitty does seem better--she is eating well and acting more like herself. She is laying on the sunroom floor getting some rays this afternoon--it is 83 degrees outside.

I will give her 3 units at 6:45 and go from there.

I am normally not a negative thinking person, but I am just scared that Kitty is not responding properly.

I know it is a marathon not a sprint, but the DKA episode was a lot to handle so early in the race. I think I am just a little overwhelmed at the present time.

Thanks to everyone---it really helps to know you are there.

Kim and Kitty
 
From studying her spreadsheet, it looks like she is responding since she drops 100 pts give or take with each dose. DKA can take a lot out of a kitty and it can take a while for systems to heal. Think about taking up the dose just a smidge, and focus on what someone else suggested - how Kitty is acting, instead of those red/pink numbers. I know from experience how frustrating it is to see others on this board have great numbers and your kitty is either giving you a flat line or spiking no matter how much you give. Give it time, and you will learn to roll with the punches!
 
I sure hope Kitty continues to feel better and that that translates into her BG #'s. Glad to hear that she is testing negative for ketones (yeah!). I would be feeling the same way you are as a newbie trying to learn about feline diabetes and after the recent DKA. Sometimes a vet visit is worth the peace of mind. Like life, diabetes is a balancing act. Keep on truckin'!
 
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