Nervous about first home test...

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AngelaTheGeek

AngelaTheGeek

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Hi everyone!

Bubba went back in this week for a glucose curve, and after two weeks on Humilin, the vet switched him to Lantus because his glucose levels had increased for the second week in a row. We are now at 1 unit/2x per day.

I just got my newbie kit today. First of all I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to Lori & Tom, and everyone who has contributed to the newbie kits... What an amazing service! :thumbup As soon as my finances even back out from Bubba's recent diagnosis, I will definitely be contributing. I received a Contour meter, testing strips, a lancing pen, and plenty of lancets.

I am getting ready to test Bubba for the first time tonight, and needless to say, I am very nervous. I decided to test out the machine on myself to make sure I was doing it right, and to see what the lancet felt like, so I know what he's going to feel. It seems to work great.

I was reading how to get the blood, and I'm not sure I'm confident enough to prick his ear... Do you guys think I should start with his paw first? Or just suck it up and try his ear? It's currently 4:45pm here (CA), and I will be testing pre-shot at about 6:00.

Thank you!!!
 
Hi Angela! I'm new here too and have been attempting the blood test as well. From what I have read the paw isn't the greatest place to prick since it can get infected.. especially because cats go into a catbox etc...I'm sure other much more experienced folks here can tell you what works for them. I'm still working on getting my kitty used to having his ears handled so much.
 
I was nervous too! We all were I think...I started with the ear because it would be my luck I'd stick Bubs' paw and then he'd jump into the litter box. I was afraid of infections that way . BUT Others use that method with no problems.
 
I think I will start with his ear. I didn't even think about the litter box issue! :oops:

I'm thinking about testing sooner because he keeps wanting to eat. I'll post his results when I do...

Thanks everyone!
 
Well, I went ahead and tested him and it was a breeze! He didn't even flinch when I pricked his ear, it bled beautifully, stopped quickly, and the meter worked! Unfortunately, he's at 447... :cry: We are only on day two of Lantus, so I'm still hoping to see some improvement. How soon should I start seeing his numbers go down when we are on the right insulin and dosing?

Thanks again.
 
Yeah! Welcome to the Vampire Club! :RAHCAT :RAHCAT

Would you like to post over on the Lantus support group? They all use your insulin and can help with your dose questions. Now that you can test and have a spreadsheet up, they will be able to help you out. viewforum.php?f=9 Be sure to read the stickies first (because they will ask you if you have :-D ) and put NEWBIE in your subject line so you get noticed. It is a busy forum this time of night.
 
Congrats on your first successful test! And on the first try!!! It took me 3 attempt before getting a reading with my squirmy boy. :lol:

I'm sure other will be more helpful about the dosing and time question, but I think it can take a few days for the insulin to really start making a difference. That's a good insulin though, and a good starting dose.
 
I couldn't believe he let me do it! Something tells me that will change when he's feeling better... Then again, he doesn't react to his insulin shots either, so maybe I'm just lucky to have such a wonderful boy! :-D

I just can't express how grateful I am for this message board... I've shared the web site with my vet office and they were so excited to have a resource to share! Thank you all!!!
 
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