Louie's levels lower then usual

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horselo285

Member Since 2011
Hey everyone,

I tested Louies Bgs this am and the meter read 58. I did a second reading and it read 98.

I am hesitant to give him his insulin without some advice.

I was planning to do a curve on him today, but just got called to do some work that pays well and I just can't say no....so the curve will have to happen tomorrow. I will take readings when I can- but I will probably be out until 4ish.

In the meantime, should I give him any insulin this am?

He has been getting one unit.

Thanks,

Laura
 
I can't recommend shooting. You just do not have enough data to support shooting low. Please, please, please start getting tests during the PM cycle. You have no idea who low Louie went last night to end up with an AMPS that's this low.
 
he's bouncing, laura. that means that he's getting some lows that are causing his liver to release sugars - and that's sending him high.

first tactic is to delay 30 minutes and retest. post where he is in your subject line. you do that by editing the first post of the thread and editing the subject line. also add a new comment so it bumps it up. you're waiting for a high enough number to be able to shoot. if you shoot 30 minutes late, then your shot time tonight is 12 hours later.

another option is to shoot a token dose, like .5units. but i would not shoot a 58, so i'd make sure that 98 was "real" by retesting and seeing what the number is.

third option is to skip entirely.

likely he needs a dose reduction, but you really have to get some mid-cycle tests in. those give the information needed for dosing, but just looking at his ss i can tell he's hitting lows and highs that say bouncing. if you have to work, you absolutely must get some mid-cycle tests in the evening cycle. i can't tell you how important this is - those midcycle tests are everything.
 
Found you.
I agree with what's been said. It looks from the limited data, that Louie is bouncing around. And, mid-cycle (nadir) tests are the only way we can help you with your dosing. I'd either give a token dose, like Julie said, and leave extra food out for him (which I know is hard with a house full of cats) or skip the shot. If you can get an out-the-door test, before you leave. Hope your day goes well :-D .
 
Hey guys,

I really am doing my best- but I can't get more then one evening test in- his shots are at 10:30 and 10:30 (no way to change it- I can't do it many days until 10:30 pm cause of class) and I can't be up all night- I am already running on overload and little sleep between my kids, work and full time school.

I was planning to do a curve today but I need to work, so I will do one tomorrow- during the day. I am juggling a million and one things and taking on Louie's care has been very stressful. I am doing my best.

I need to leave for work soon. I will test him- but I don't know if I will have time to run back and forth to the computer. I need to get to work on time. :-/

I did give him, along with my parents other cats some low card canned food....ill see what that did to his levels. At what level should I go ahead and dose him? And should I give him less then 1 unit?

Thanks
 
When you have a chance, I'd go ahead and record that 58 on his spreadsheet, and then use the color tool to make it green.
Just so those looking at it and quickly see that number, without going to the comments section to find it.
You can write 58/98 in that box, or like I do 58 at+12, 98 at +12.5 or whatever it was. The box will stretch to fit the info.
 
Unless his numbers rise significantly and unless someone can test, I would be very nervous about telling you to shoot. Usually, we don't recommend shooting below 150 with limited data but you do need to be around to monitor.

If there are nights when you get up to use the bathroom (or check on the kids) do you think you could grab a test? Likewise, before you leave in the AM, when you get home if it's not at PMPS, basically any time you can, grab a test. I don't want to suggest shooting and put Louie at risk. Without the spot checks though, there's no good way to have any idea of what his numbers are doing.

Any chance of your parents learning to test?
 
I know you're doing the best you can. :YMHUG: And you're wonderful to be helping your brother's cat.
Hopefully, praying, and all that, someday, we'll get your father to learn to test.
 
Thanks guys,

I will check and see what he is at- its been about 30 mins since he ate food. Im thinking that unless he has juped up a lot, I will avoid dosing him this am as I can't test until I get home later.

Sienne- The other problem with testing at night is that I live in a basement apartment with my boys and the cats are upstairs in my mother and father's part of the house. Its a big house, and finding Louie at night usually requires making a decent amount of noise to wake him up...which I can't do with a house full of sleeping people. It makes it hard to find him at night.

Also- so far I have not been able to talk my parents into testing. My mom is needle phobic and my dad just doesn't care enough to bother. :-/ Im hoping to eventually talk him into it.
 
How about keeping Louie in one room at night time, so you can find him. And always have lovely test treats for him, every time, so he will willing come to you when you search for him? Just some thoughts. We'll help you through this.
I know you're juggling a million things at once, and still not feeling that well, to boot.

More
:YMHUG: for all you do.
Have a good day. And talk to you tonight.
 
Hey guys,

Sorry, I did get a reading when I got home, but had to get right to taking care of my boys and cooking dinner so I didn't get to the computer until now. Louie was at 250 and it was about +7 (but he didnt have any insulin this am)

ABout to get the boys to bed (hopefully). Then I need to do some work and will test Louie again. How much should I give him tonight?

Thanks,

Laura
 
Laura --

If you can consistently get your pre-shot tests and at least one spot check per cycle, we can more comfortably make suggestions about dose. For tonight, shoot your usual 1.0u.

Like Dyana suggested, if there's a way to keep Louie with you at night, that may help. (And, there's nothing better than kitty snuggles!!)
 
I would edit the Subject Line of your first post and add the words Dose Advice for Tonight? or something like that.
It will get more eyes on your condo, that way.
Dosing help maybe a little limited until we see where he is going at midcycle. But that +7 today is a start. Good job :thumbup

Bedtime for me and my gang. Hope you have a nice night.
 
Sienne and Gabby said:
Laura --

If you can consistently get your pre-shot tests and at least one spot check per cycle, we can more comfortably make suggestions about dose. For tonight, shoot your usual 1.0u.

Like Dyana suggested, if there's a way to keep Louie with you at night, that may help. (And, there's nothing better than kitty snuggles!!)
Click to expand...

Hi,

I normally do get at least pre-shot numbers (except when im at work and my dad does the insulin) but its been a tough couple of weeks. Everyone has been sick- my children were both sick- one of them was very sick- between that, school and work- I am really run down. There were a few extra times where I had to ask my dad to do the insulin which means no bgs.

Also, there is no way for Louie to stay with me at night- I live in the basement apt with my two dogs- plus it is carpeted and Louie tends to pee on carpet (especially when he doesn't feel well). I Cannot take that chance. I am trying to find somewhere to lock him for the night- but so far my mom has not come up with a room that will work. It is her house, so I can't just do things like that without her okaying it. :-/

I am planning to get a bunch of readings tomorrow- I only have one place to go later in the day- so it will hopefully all work out. *cross fingers*

Thanks,

Laura
 
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