Major Venting

[LindyNova]

Re: my last post: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/3-1-nova-curve-see-ss-raised-25-on-2-27-good-bad.226435/

It's so hard not to be discouraged and not look back from Dx......so many roadblocks at the beginning at home, and I think I took a wrong turn somewhere in the process, and I am SO second guessing myself............Maybe I should have just listened to my vet and not tested---the numbers ARE driving me crazy!

So much worry, anxiety, and sometimes conflicting or no advice. And then, of course you look over the forum and see all these people getting some fantastic results, and it totally bums me out more.

Where are all the people like me who just can't test 4-6 x/day? What's the reality of this disease for them?

Trying to only look forward, but the road looks long, twisty, turny & bouncy.

Nova is doing well regardless...she seems much better, playing & lovey although her pee amount is a more than I would like to see---- and she is still a little Bee--atch testing in the am & pm...but she is slowly turning the corner and expecting the "poke"

Sorry for the vent and thank you to anyone listening

 

[toomanycats]

I'm so sorry. I totally get the overwhelm. I have been overwhelmed to tears so many times since diagnosis -- the numbers drive me crazy too -- my OCD likes to fixate on numbers, so of course this is like the holy grail for my OCD.
I cry over not being able to sleep. I cry because IDK how we'll manage this once this baby is born bc I'm already struggling to parent my 3-year-old on top of taking care of this cat. I cry over all of the money we've spent. I cry because my cat's ears are losing hair & he has been on 3 antibiotics & now I have to find an expensive food to put him on...and it's SO MUCH. My marriage is getting stressed, I'm beyond stressed...my wallet is empty & I'm overwhelmed most of the time.
Then he comes up and head-boops my face even though I yelled at him earlier for not eating the expensive food I just bought, and I cry because he forgives me.

 

[Si am cat mom]

I work 12 hour shifts overnights, so I can only test during the day, in between naps some days....
Sometimes we get 2-3 test per day.
You do what you can but, after reading through some of the threads and looking at what my cat does, I understand his numbers a bit better. Sometimes, I do have to get off the boards so I stop comparing my pet's numbers to others....

Diabetes is a process- you basically just " manage" it.

 

[LindyNova]

I'm so sorry. I totally get the overwhelm. I have been overwhelmed to tears so many times since diagnosis -- the numbers drive me crazy too -- my OCD likes to fixate on numbers, so of course this is like the holy grail for my OCD.
I cry over not being able to sleep. I cry because IDK how we'll manage this once this baby is born bc I'm already struggling to parent my 3-year-old on top of taking care of this cat. I cry over all of the money we've spent. I cry because my cat's ears are losing hair & he has been on 3 antibiotics & now I have to find an expensive food to put him on...and it's SO MUCH. My marriage is getting stressed, I'm beyond stressed...my wallet is empty & I'm overwhelmed most of the time.
Then he comes up and head-boops my face even though I yelled at him earlier or not eating the expensive food I just bought, and I cry because he forgives me.

The head boops/finger licks/and late night biscuits/face licks get me every time.....I feel ya--thought I 'd have to get a divorce over this---my heart hurts

 

[Briere Fur Mom]

 

[April & Quincy]

Re: my last post: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/3-1-nova-curve-see-ss-raised-25-on-2-27-good-bad.226435/

Where are all the people like me who just can't test 4-6 x/day? What's the reality of this disease for them?

Me! Here! I'm here! I can't test that much either and I feel like such a failure when I read other's posts and see their spreadsheets. I completely feel you.

 

[LindyNova]

I work 12 hour shifts overnights, so I can only test during the day, in between naps some days....
Sometimes we get 2-3 test per day.
You do what you can but, after reading through some of the threads and looking at what my cat does, I understand his numbers a bit better. Sometimes, I do have to get off the boards so I stop comparing my pet's numbers to others....

Diabetes is a process- you basically just " manage" it.

Thank you.

 

[LindyNova]

Thank you....I absolutely LOVE your avatar photo!

 

[LindyNova]

I'm so sorry. I totally get the overwhelm. I have been overwhelmed to tears so many times since diagnosis -- the numbers drive me crazy too -- my OCD likes to fixate on numbers, so of course this is like the holy grail for my OCD.
I cry over not being able to sleep. I cry because IDK how we'll manage this once this baby is born bc I'm already struggling to parent my 3-year-old on top of taking care of this cat. I cry over all of the money we've spent. I cry because my cat's ears are losing hair & he has been on 3 antibiotics & now I have to find an expensive food to put him on...and it's SO MUCH. My marriage is getting stressed, I'm beyond stressed...my wallet is empty & I'm overwhelmed most of the time.
Then he comes up and head-boops my face even though I yelled at him earlier for not eating the expensive food I just bought, and I cry because he forgives me.

Feel free to tag me in a vent--does not have to be cat -related. I remember what its like to be a new Mom with a little in the mix

 

[Adrienne & Molly (GA)]

I have had bad days where I would go in the bedroom and cry. It was or is so stressful at times. I felt so sorry for Molly she has asthma and now diabetes. Her numbers were good and then not so good. I would see other kitties go in remission within a few months. Always prayed that Molly would. I work a full time job so I can only test three to four times a day. I drive home for lunch everyday to test her. On the weekends I try to do a curve day, but alot of the time it's my catch up on everything else. DH doesn't test but will help out in other ways. I have vented on here lots. You have your days that you get so frustrated. But I love my Molly and would do anything for her.

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

I've been here a long time. We all are overwhelmed if not crazed at first. (If you're not, then there's probably something wrong with you!!) The worry -- will numbers be too high or too low -- is pervasive. We make adjustments. (My non-diabetic cat grew up with breakfast aka "shot time" being at 5 AM. He wakes me every single day at 5 AM and he is a BIG cat who can be very persuasive.) The adjustments are to accommodate shot time. There were certainly days when I was sleep deprived. Some days it felt like Gabby had complete charge of my life. And you said it beautifully,

The head boops/finger licks/and late night biscuits/face licks get me every time...

. Take a look at the link to Gabby's Legacy in my signaure (post #7).

Sorry if the advice is conflicting. Sometimes it's a matter of experience or a differing opinion. The "no advice" -- please tag someone or start a conversation via PM. Most of us get an email message if someone starts a conversation. We will post back in your thread. You're doing a good job with testing. If you work, you can't be home. (Well, you might be able to be in 2 places at once if you've perfected astral projection.) Some of us are testaholics. Others -- not so much. Look at more spreadsheets and you'll see the variation in how people test. You do what works for you and what keeps your cat safe.

Gabby never went into remission. I spent 6.5 years watching other members cats' spreadsheets turn from ugly to green. Somedays, it was hard to deal with. That was the down side. The up side was that the process of managing Gabby's diabetes taught me a great deal -- about diabetes, chronic illness, and about being a caregiver. This place will also teach a great deal about extended family and a sense of community.

 

[LindyNova]

I've been here a long time. We all are overwhelmed if not crazed at first. (If you're not, then there's probably something wrong with you!!) The worry -- will numbers be too high or too low -- is pervasive. We make adjustments. (My non-diabetic cat grew up with breakfast aka "shot time" being at 5 AM. He wakes me every single day at 5 AM and he is a BIG cat who can be very persuasive.) The adjustments are to accommodate shot time. There were certainly days when I was sleep deprived. Some days it felt like Gabby had complete charge of my life. And you said it beautifully, . Take a look at the link to Gabby's Legacy in my signaure (post #7).

Sorry if the advice is conflicting. Sometimes it's a matter of experience or a differing opinion. The "no advice" -- please tag someone or start a conversation via PM. Most of us get an email message if someone starts a conversation. We will post back in your thread. You're doing a good job with testing. If you work, you can't be home. (Well, you might be able to be in 2 places at once if you've perfected astral projection.) Some of us are testaholics. Others -- not so much. Look at more spreadsheets and you'll see the variation in how people test. You do what works for you and what keeps your cat safe.

Gabby never went into remission. I spent 6.5 years watching other members cats' spreadsheets turn from ugly to green. Somedays, it was hard to deal with. That was the down side. The up side was that the process of managing Gabby's diabetes taught me a great deal -- about diabetes, chronic illness, and about being a caregiver. This place will also teach a great deal about extended family and a sense of community.

I wish there was a heart button here...Thank you. I think the tears may flow now, relieving some of the stress (and I'm at work for cryin out loud!)

 

[LindyNova]

I wish there was a heart button here...Thank you. I think the tears may flow now, relieving some of the stress (and I'm at work for cryin out loud!)

My first reply to you was for your sweet understanding & words regarding my vent....now I am literally in tears as I sit in front of my computer at work after reading your words in Gabby's legacy. Thank you, thank you, thank you... for the reminder of the "why" we do this for our sweet, sweet babies.

 

[Sue and Luci]

You have to realize that you're doing the best you can for Nova. You have to work, to provide for her...but just because you're not able to test all kinds of times during the work day doesn't make anything better or worse. Many people here work...and many people have been here for a long long time - we're well into our second year of managing Luci's diabetes...I never in a million years thought my life would look like it does now. I work fulltime too...and my days are stressed as all get out - the only saving grace I have is that I work from home so I'm physically present - not so much mentally... Today for instance my boss was calling me on FaceTime and I answered saying 'I'm testing Luci - shhhhhhh'....he says something like 'HEY LUCI' - did I make her jump! Grrrr...so it was one of those days...

We all do the best we can - you're just getting started...try not to be depressed or down on yourself because your SS doesn't look like someone else's. Sometimes it's hard for me to celebrate someone's OTJ victory because I saw them join us...and the numbers just fell right into place...and they had an OTJ party - like being a bridesmaid and never a bride - we're never going to have an OTJ party ... Oh well...I do on the other hand have a happy, healthy (well almost) cat who I love dearly...and I've had her for two years longer than I would have if I'd listened to the first vet who recommended euthanasia...yes, my life would have been nothing like it is now - but I just couldn't do it...

As I sit here now and look at her rolling around in the floor...she was worth every minute...every dollar...every sleepless night and that damn alarm ringing every morning - weekends, holidays, vacation - doesn't matter...evenings are shot because I really can't go anywhere or do anything at '6:30'...just a little sacrifice I'm making for my cat - do people think I'm nuts? Yep, most likely they do. But it's my choice...and I'm doing the best I can...and that's all you can do as well.

Keep looking around at other condo's - look at the SS's - people work, people travel...sometimes it's just not possible to be SuperHuman.

Hang in there and have a good evening!!!

 

[LindyNova]

You have to realize that you're doing the best you can for Nova. You have to work, to provide for her...but just because you're not able to test all kinds of times during the work day doesn't make anything better or worse. Many people here work...and many people have been here for a long long time - we're well into our second year of managing Luci's diabetes...I never in a million years thought my life would look like it does now. I work fulltime too...and my days are stressed as all get out - the only saving grace I have is that I work from home so I'm physically present - not so much mentally... Today for instance my boss was calling me on FaceTime and I answered saying 'I'm testing Luci - shhhhhhh'....he says something like 'HEY LUCI' - did I make her jump! Grrrr...so it was one of those days...

We all do the best we can - you're just getting started...try not to be depressed or down on yourself because your SS doesn't look like someone else's. Sometimes it's hard for me to celebrate someone's OTJ victory because I saw them join us...and the numbers just fell right into place...and they had an OTJ party - like being a bridesmaid and never a bride - we're never going to have an OTJ party ... Oh well...I do on the other hand have a happy, healthy (well almost) cat who I love dearly...and I've had her for two years longer than I would have if I'd listened to the first vet who recommended euthanasia...yes, my life would have been nothing like it is now - but I just couldn't do it...

As I sit here now and look at her rolling around in the floor...she was worth every minute...every dollar...every sleepless night and that damn alarm ringing every morning - weekends, holidays, vacation - doesn't matter...evenings are shot because I really can't go anywhere or do anything at '6:30'...just a little sacrifice I'm making for my cat - do people think I'm nuts? Yep, most likely they do. But it's my choice...and I'm doing the best I can...and that's all you can do as well.

Keep looking around at other condo's - look at the SS's - people work, people travel...sometimes it's just not possible to be SuperHuman.

Hang in there and have a good evening!!!

Thank you so much for your reply, advice & wisdom...Means more to me than you might know.

 

[Marc & Jen]

I am totally with you. It is really hard to not compare your spreadsheet to some of the others on here - I had to stop looking at them as it became too frustrating. That said, this forum has been a lifesaver for us. While I never feel in control of the diabetes, I have at least gained the knowledge to make the best decisions that I can. We only found this forum about 6 months into FA's diabetes diagnosis and I always wonder if we would have made more progress if we found it sooner. Hang in there, managing feline diabetes is a rollercoaster but now it is a part of our normal routine - it doesn't stop us from doing anything, we just need to adjust our schedule a bit to fit things in. In addition to Nova, you need to be sure to also take care of yourself! Some days are more stressful than others for sure but it's all worth it! We love FA so much even though we're not really sure if he loves us back

 

[Adrienne & Molly (GA)]

You have to realize that you're doing the best you can for Nova. You have to work, to provide for her...but just because you're not able to test all kinds of times during the work day doesn't make anything better or worse. Many people here work...and many people have been here for a long long time - we're well into our second year of managing Luci's diabetes...I never in a million years thought my life would look like it does now. I work fulltime too...and my days are stressed as all get out - the only saving grace I have is that I work from home so I'm physically present - not so much mentally... Today for instance my boss was calling me on FaceTime and I answered saying 'I'm testing Luci - shhhhhhh'....he says something like 'HEY LUCI' - did I make her jump! Grrrr...so it was one of those days...

We all do the best we can - you're just getting started...try not to be depressed or down on yourself because your SS doesn't look like someone else's. Sometimes it's hard for me to celebrate someone's OTJ victory because I saw them join us...and the numbers just fell right into place...and they had an OTJ party - like being a bridesmaid and never a bride - we're never going to have an OTJ party ... Oh well...I do on the other hand have a happy, healthy (well almost) cat who I love dearly...and I've had her for two years longer than I would have if I'd listened to the first vet who recommended euthanasia...yes, my life would have been nothing like it is now - but I just couldn't do it...

As I sit here now and look at her rolling around in the floor...she was worth every minute...every dollar...every sleepless night and that damn alarm ringing every morning - weekends, holidays, vacation - doesn't matter...evenings are shot because I really can't go anywhere or do anything at '6:30'...just a little sacrifice I'm making for my cat - do people think I'm nuts? Yep, most likely they do. But it's my choice...and I'm doing the best I can...and that's all you can do as well.

Keep looking around at other condo's - look at the SS's - people work, people travel...sometimes it's just not possible to be SuperHuman.

Hang in there and have a good evening!!!

Exactly how I feel love it nicely put

 

[Sandy and Black Kitty]

I too have been where you are right now. My BK did not see green for the first six months. It lasted about two hours and disappeared for another six weeks or so. And within the Lantus forum (2008-2009) BK became the cat with the highest insulin dose - yet was always swinging in a sea of relentless pinks. It was very hard to take. Up and up the dosing ladder he went.

When the dose went north of 10u we had him tested for acromegaly (a high dose condition). Came back negative. So we had him tested for Cushings disease (another high-dose condition) and that also came back negative. One of the Lantus gurus of our time heard of insulin auto antibodies (IAA) a rare condition where a cats body produces antibodies against insulin. So we had him tested for that. The result was extreme insulin resistance.

He was the first IAA kitty here so there was no one’s sleeve we could tug on. We had to basically feel our way through the whole process. It was hard. But worth it. After 21 months the cat that no one expected would ever get regulated much less go into remission did exactly that. He remained in remission for 6.5 years, which was the rest of his life.

hang in there and hang in here

 

[AnneforMarley]

Here I am! I do not test numerous times a day! !The biggest message is that we do what we can do, and all of us have different levels of time, commitment, finances, motivation, life plans, coping skills, support systems, etc. We are all unique, but devoted to our cats or we would not be on this forum. My vet was like yours- bring him back on day 6 for a blood test, and she was not fixated on home testing.
I do see a lot of anxiety, and stress on the caregivers with all this monitoring. I so realize the importance of it also, but we do what we can do. Self car is important also.
.I was in a rocky place because Marley was diagnosed January, 2020 with a blood sugar of 486 with severe excessive drinking and peeing. But I was leaving for one month of vacation so the automatic feeder was set up with the sudden diet change to Purina dry food til I could return as main food source. His weight remained stable as he had lost 2.5 pounds prior to diagnosis.


I am now 2 weeks into giving insulin twice daily, and also cringed at the cost of the expense. I work 12 or 8 hour shifts as a nurse so challenged and I am the only one to do blood testing although my husband will give the insulin if needed. If I have a social event and am away, like twice this weekend, Marley missed the evening doses. But I am in awe at the sacrifices and dedication and knowledge of many on this forum. My anxiety includes when I go away I think my cat will not be tested at all as I live in a log house in the forest so not close to people to help, unlike city dwellers. My anxiety, like yours, involves the future as I have future travel plans etc.

I wish you peace and an acceptance of what you are able to do to maintain your sanity, mental health, and relationships. You are not alone. Wishing Nova well!

 

[LindyNova]

Here I am! I do not test numerous times a day! !The biggest message is that we do what we can do, and all of us have different levels of time, commitment, finances, motivation, life plans, coping skills, support systems, etc. We are all unique, but devoted to our cats or we would not be on this forum. My vet was like yours- bring him back on day 6 for a blood test, and she was not fixated on home testing.
I do see a lot of anxiety, and stress on the caregivers with all this monitoring. I so realize the importance of it also, but we do what we can do. Self car is important also.
.I was in a rocky place because Marley was diagnosed January, 2020 with a blood sugar of 486 with severe excessive drinking and peeing. But I was leaving for one month of vacation so the automatic feeder was set up with the sudden diet change to Purina dry food til I could return as main food source. His weight remained stable as he had lost 2.5 pounds prior to diagnosis.


I am now 2 weeks into giving insulin twice daily, and also cringed at the cost of the expense. I work 12 or 8 hour shifts as a nurse so challenged and I am the only one to do blood testing although my husband will give the insulin if needed. If I have a social event and am away, like twice this weekend, Marley missed the evening doses. But I am in awe at the sacrifices and dedication and knowledge of many on this forum. My anxiety includes when I go away I think my cat will not be tested at all as I live in a log house in the forest so not close to people to help, unlike city dwellers. My anxiety, like yours, involves the future as I have future travel plans etc.

I wish you peace and an acceptance of what you are able to do to maintain your sanity, mental health, and relationships. You are not alone. Wishing Nova well!

Thank you! & Nova thanks you too. We had a rough morning---heater decided to not work--its 50 in the kitchen!--cold ears, rice sock--got blood but no reading on the meter--twice!

 

[AnneforMarley]

Thank you! & Nova thanks you too. We had a rough morning---heater decided to not work--its 50 in the kitchen!--cold ears, rice sock--got blood but no reading on the meter--twice!

Oh dear! Warm heart of you does not conquer cold ears of Nova.
I hope your heater issue is resolved soon. Have a better day!

 

[SnowKat]

Lindy - YOU ARE NOT ALONE!! I *so* feel you on your frustration, anxiety, and discouragement. I feel exactly the same way, most days. May I join you in your rant? Cuz I've been bottling it all up too. I can't even tell you how many times I have cried in frustration, impatience, resentment, worry, and exhaustion. I never thought my life would be like this. I find it incredibly ironic in my case, as I am child free by choice, and yet here I am, unexpectedly tethered and adjusting every part of my life in order to keep my beloved little fur ball alive and healthy. It really f*cks with my mind and my emotions. It's a daily - hourly - roller coaster as I watch Edward's numbers whipsaw around all over the place. In the beginning, I was so hopeful of an easy remission. Now, not so much. I had plans that I am putting on hold... a lot of travel is now off the table; I was considering moving and changing jobs, but that does not seem feasible now. I drive home form work twice a day to test; I have alarms set during the middle of the night to test; I can't even go out to dinner or a movie because it would mess with shot time. IT SUCKS. Will it get better? Will it get easier? I don't know. It's been only 47 days for me and Ed... feels like 47 months. Sigh. And yet, despite all that, there is no question that I will do whatever it takes to keep my boy as healthy as possible. He's my baby and I love him immensely. I wish I had some sage or enlightening advice to offer you. All I can say is, we have to hold out hope that we will eventually adapt to this "new normal." And don't forget that you are NOT ALONE.

 

[LindyNova]

Lindy - YOU ARE NOT ALONE!! I *so* feel you on your frustration, anxiety, and discouragement. I feel exactly the same way, most days. May I join you in your rant? Cuz I've been bottling it all up too. I can't even tell you how many times I have cried in frustration, impatience, resentment, worry, and exhaustion. I never thought my life would be like this. I find it incredibly ironic in my case, as I am child free by choice, and yet here I am, unexpectedly tethered and adjusting every part of my life in order to keep my beloved little fur ball alive and healthy. It really f*cks with my mind and my emotions. It's a daily - hourly - roller coaster as I watch Edward's numbers whipsaw around all over the place. In the beginning, I was so hopeful of an easy remission. Now, not so much. I had plans that I am putting on hold... a lot of travel is now off the table; I was considering moving and changing jobs, but that does not seem feasible now. I drive home form work twice a day to test; I have alarms set during the middle of the night to test; I can't even go out to dinner or a movie because it would mess with shot time. IT SUCKS. Will it get better? Will it get easier? I don't know. It's been only 47 days for me and Ed... feels like 47 months. Sigh. And yet, despite all that, there is no question that I will do whatever it takes to keep my boy as healthy as possible. He's my baby and I love him immensely. I wish I had some sage or enlightening advice to offer you. All I can say is, we have to hold out hope that we will eventually adapt to this "new normal." And don't forget that you are NOT ALONE.

Rant away!!!!! It's good to know we are not alone with this life-changing disease. The comments and support I've gotten from this post alone have made it so much easier to take. Although it may get easier to adjust, you're right----plans have to change, adjustments to be made in all aspects....and I, for one, have to learn to forgive myself if I don't get all the tests needed. I'm sure I'll need to rant every once in a while...it sure does help.

 

[SnowKat]

@LindyNova you are so right that the support here is AMAZING. I don't know how I would have gotten this far without this invaluable resource. At least we found this place and have experienced voices to help guide us and calm us when the going gets tough. Or inexperienced voices, in my case I truly hope this condo, and all the voices who have chimed in to support you, have helped ease your mind, even just a little. Trust that you are doing the best you can for Nova. She is a lucky cat to have you! <3

 

[Tina Marie (GA) and Jan]

This is a good thread, Lindy. I worry about the health of a lot of the caregivers on this forum. I also feel a little bad that my journey was easier than many others experience. Tina's insulin days were July 3 through the third week in November, 2019. I work part time and am home based, which was a big help.

One thought I have about so much testing, is that I thought the point of testing so much was to learn your cat's response to insulin and the dose. Once that is determined, it shouldn't be necessary to test so often. Of course changing doses messes that statement up a bit. There were MANY times I finally learned to feed at what I could predict (by the ss - why collect all the info if you don't use it to your benefit) was a lower time, instead of feeling I needed to fill that spot in on the SS - I already knew it would be a good number, so I'd back off and just feed (knowing the bg would then go up). I also feel there is too much fear going around when kitty goes below 100 for instance. Fifty (50) shouldn't even be scary since that is really a normal BG reading for a non diabetic cat. BUT is IS a take action number since insulin is on board and it could go lower. (ETA) On the other hand, I see some kitties getting down into the 30s, and literally start tensing up because the caregiver didn't seem to think it was that big of a deal. I know what low BG feels like, and the 30s just make me shiver!

This can be a very rough road. The friendship and comradery here was, and still is, a huge blessing to me. I wouldn't trade it for anything, even though all my lost sleep probably aged me an extra several months or more.

There is SO much to learn here. I've seen exhausted people staying up all night, or getting up and down, when they could have boosted kitty with some MC or even HC food and gotten their own MUCH needed rest. Tina and I are still working toward a healthy partnership! Sometimes I truly need to put myself first. She still wants her 3am snack. She gets fluids on a regular basis, and she is doing well. I still haven't gotten a full night's sleep since sometime in July last year. Balance is about the hardest challenge in life! But don't quit trying

 

[LindyNova]

This is a good thread, Lindy. I worry about the health of a lot of the caregivers on this forum. I also feel a little bad that my journey was easier than many others experience. Tina's insulin days were July 3 through the third week in November, 2019. I work part time and am home based, which was a big help.

One thought I have about so much testing, is that I thought the point of testing so much was to learn your cat's response to insulin and the dose. Once that is determined, it shouldn't be necessary to test so often. Of course changing doses messes that statement up a bit. There were MANY times I finally learned to feed at what I could predict (by the ss - why collect all the info if you don't use it to your benefit) was a lower time, instead of feeling I needed to fill that spot in on the SS - I already knew it would be a good number, so I'd back off and just feed (knowing the bg would then go up). I also feel there is too much fear going around when kitty goes below 100 for instance. Fifty (50) shouldn't even be scary since that is really a normal BG reading for a non diabetic cat. BUT is IS a take action number since insulin is on board and it could go lower. (ETA) On the other hand, I see some kitties getting down into the 30s, and literally start tensing up because the caregiver didn't seem to think it was that big of a deal. I know what low BG feels like, and the 30s just make me shiver!

This can be a very rough road. The friendship and comradery here was, and still is, a huge blessing to me. I wouldn't trade it for anything, even though all my lost sleep probably aged me an extra several months or more.

There is SO much to learn here. I've seen exhausted people staying up all night, or getting up and down, when they could have boosted kitty with some MC or even HC food and gotten their own MUCH needed rest. Tina and I are still working toward a healthy partnership! Sometimes I truly need to put myself first. She still wants her 3am snack. She gets fluids on a regular basis, and she is doing well. I still haven't gotten a full night's sleep since sometime in July last year. Balance is about the hardest challenge in life! But don't quit trying

No quitting for me....my tests haven't really shown much to me except she is still running high and her lowest point has been around +5. I think I missed/was late on an opportunity to reduce and then when I did I freaked out because Nova was way to high for my liking. Back up we went, and then raised a drop. Today looks good so far...3 lemons in a row from +5-7. Yay! It's the little things......

 

[Mimis mom]

Me! Here! I'm here! I can't test that much either and I feel like such a failure when I read other's posts and see their spreadsheets. I completely feel you.

Even getting a +1 or +11 when you can can still make a difference! I know the vets say not to test but that’s because they don’t understand the disease.. it is frustrating and I think we all have a little “caregivers burnout”.. it is worth it when I see them looking content and safe. They know we are doing the best we can for them and they love us unconditionally.