New bewildered member continued

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Merlin’sMama said:
Just realized I didn’t write the results of my meeting with the vet yesterday. Our face to face meeting went really well, way better than emailing. We will be fitting the Libre this morning, without sedation, monitoring his levels without insulin for a few days, and, if he needs it still, which I’m pretty sure he does, she is looking in to ordering Lantus (or Prozinc?) instead of Caninsulin. I told her I have friends dealing with FD and also I have spoken with my previous vet in the US. It was a total turn-around from last week when she emailed me that “googling around different insulins” isn’t enough. I think I found out from Pauline last week that Prozinc is not available in Ireland, but Lantus is…Would Lantus be a better starter than Caninsulin, if Prozinc isn’t an option?
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That's great news Jill, it sounds like your vet is coming around or maybe studied up a little on FD.
Lantus is the better option than Caninsulin as is Prozinc. Lantus works by building up a reservoir in the body whilst Prozinc and Caninsulin are used up throughout the 12 hour period. If Merlin does go onto Lantus there is a Lantus forum detailing everything about it here.
https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/forums/lantus-levemir-biosimilars.9/
How are you getting on with your spreadsheet? as i and others would really like to see how he gets on.
 
Lantus yay! That is fantastic news Jill!!

Personally I think Lantus/insulin glargine is the best insulin for cats but of course I'm biased because that is what has helped Hendrick so much, haha. But it is not just Hendrick, Lantus has helped a lot of cats, but so has ProZinc both are good. This is great news.
 
The vet has put a request in for Lantus! I don’t think she knows much about it, however. Maybe not even that it requires different syringes? It sold her that our previous vet in CO recommended glargine. Merlin has the libre installed and we made a sort of vest with an old pair of tights to put over it. She used super glue to attach it, which is rather shocking, but I couldn’t say anything in the middle of it all. Now we are waiting for the sensor in the app to “warm up”. No idea how long. Meanwhile, I will start the pokie pokie tonight. We all got some practice with the injections, so pokie should be easier…
 
Hi Jill! Wonderful news all around.
When my cat had the Libre, the Vet used super glue as well. It stayed on well after the sensor stopped working:banghead:. We went back to the Vet to have it removed. There was some skin irritation but Cleo didn't seem bothered by it.
It's great that you will use this opportunity to practice the ear pricks:p. I really suggest setting up the spreadsheet. It's a fantastic visual tool to see how kitty's BG reacts to different foods, exercise, etc etc. Let us know if you need anything. So happy to hear all this great progress. You are doing an amazing job. Keep up the good work.
 
yes from what I understand super glue is the usual attachment method

when Hendrick had DKA he had a Libre on him at the vet hospital, and the glue residue stayed on his skin for a few weeks but otherwise it did not cause any sort of issue or irritation, thankfully.
 
Brilliant Jill
I don't know much about the freestyle libre but the super glue thing is normal to keep the sensor in place, also i'm not sure whether you need to prick his ear now as all the BG readings will be sent to your phone.
This thread explains lots of things about the Libre.
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/thr...stration-explanations-tips-discussion.221630/
Also there is a Facebook group called Freestyle Libre for dogs and cats, i'm not on Facebook so i can't see it or say what it's like but i'm sure there will be lots of people on there willing to give you advice as well as on this forum.
https://en-gb.facebook.com/groups/2894089194158745/about/
 
Angela & Cleo said:
Hi Jill! Wonderful news all around.
When my cat had the Libre, the Vet used super glue as well. It stayed on well after the sensor stopped working:banghead:. We went back to the Vet to have it removed. There was some skin irritation but Cleo didn't seem bothered by it.
It's great that you will use this opportunity to practice the ear pricks:p. I really suggest setting up the spreadsheet. It's a fantastic visual tool to see how kitty's BG reacts to different foods, exercise, etc etc. Let us know if you need anything. So happy to hear all this great progress. You are doing an amazing job. Keep up the good work.
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Hi @Angela & Cleo
Will Jill still need to do the ear pricks now the Libre has been installed?
 
Teetee (UK) said:
Hi @Angela & Cleo
Will Jill still need to do the ear pricks now the Libre has been installed?
Click to expand...
I used the opportunity to learn and countercondition Cleo to accepting the ear pricks. She's a spicy kitty.

Being totally honest here...my BIGGEST regret is not learning how to monitor sooner. We lost a lot of time from diagnosis flying blind. Having the Libre proved to me that BG checks are the BEST way to keep kitty safe.
Also, my experience was that the sensor often gave a reading which suggested that a blood drop with a glucometer was needed to verify the scanned reault. It also stopped giving readings after 10 days.
That being said I found the Libre to be excellent help especially at first and would do it again if I can't be around to monitor and admin insulin.
This is just my opinion based on my personal experience.
 
I will be learning to ear prick too. My lancets just arrived in the post and I have 10 sticks to practice with. I have been fondling Merlin’s ears any chance I get. He really doesn’t mind! I am not sure if my spreadsheet got set up yet? Also, is there a place for me to record readings from the Libre, or do I not need to do that?
 
Merlin’sMama said:
I will be learning to ear prick too. My lancets just arrived in the post and I have 10 sticks to practice with. I have been fondling Merlin’s ears any chance I get. He really doesn’t mind! I am not sure if my spreadsheet got set up yet? Also, is there a place for me to record readings from the Libre, or do I not need to do that?
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I can't say about the Libre readings and how to record them, maybe @Angela & Cleo could help you with that.
Is somebody setting up your spreadsheet for you Jill?
 
I just realized maybe I should wait til insulin begins to start a spreadsheet… We are doing a curve before insulin to make sure its what he needs, not just a change in diet. But he is still losing weight, so I’m pretty sure the insulin will start as soon as the vet gets the Lantus in.
 
Merlin’sMama said:
Also, is there a place for me to record readings from the Libre, or do I not need to do that?
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Hi Jill,
I am sorry if my posts are coming across aggressively especially with home monitoring kitty's BG levels. It is not my intention. Your introduction post to this forum reminded me of myself back in January 2022.

FWIW, I made a number of, what I now consider, BIG mistakes in the beginning and if I had a time machine I would have started at this place with all of the kind and considerate people here volunteering to help.

I harp on the spreadsheet because the "data" in it is what helps others help Cleo (and me). I know you are not yet administering insulin, but recording the BG readings in the spreadsheet will help determine what and how food influences adorable little Merlin, for example food bumps, among other things more experienced members will gather by looking at the trends. That information is very helpful if/when you do need to give insulin.

If you need anything, please do not hesitate. :bighug:
 
Merlin’sMama said:
I just realized maybe I should wait til insulin begins to start a spreadsheet… We are doing a curve before insulin to make sure its what he needs, not just a change in diet. But he is still losing weight, so I’m pretty sure the insulin will start as soon as the vet gets the Lantus in.
Click to expand...

Data is data, and what his BG is without insulin is still worthwhile to record on the spreadsheet, in my opinion.
 
Hendrick Cuddleclaw said:
@Bobbi Kraham is using one with Dimi, Bobbi can you confirm how you view the Libre data?
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There are 2 types of Libre sensors - the Freestyle Libre 14 day and the Freestyle Libre 2. I use the 14 day and scan the sensor with my iPhone, using the Librelink app. The libre 2 uses a different app. I access the data through the app. You can also buy a Freestyle Libre reader to scan if you don't have or don't want to use a phone, but you need to connect the reader to your computer and manually upload the data. I find the phone to be easer. All data is stored in the app, and I manually add the readings to Dimi's spreadsheet. I find the libre tends to read low, so when I get a concerning number on the libre, I do an ear prick as a backup. Happy to answer any questions you have. I've been using the libre for 3 months now, and find it a useful tool, especially for overnight scanning.
 
Merlin’sMama said:
She also said that he will need to be sedated to install the Libre. I’m worried that that will raise his numbers, but I don’t really have a choice if I want him treated right away.
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hmmm, that's strange. I have a new libre applied every 7-10 days and the vet tech never needs to sedate my cat. It's a pretty easy and painless process.
 
Merlin’sMama said:
She used super glue to attach it, which is rather shocking, but I couldn’t say anything in the middle of it all.
Click to expand...

Yikes, superglue! Our vet tech used to use skin tac, but now uses a water soluble adhesive to attach the sensor. It has never come off and doesn't irritate Dimi's skin. I'll soon be applying the sensors myself, so just ordered some from Amazon. Here is the link in case you are interested. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0923898JG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 
The libre sensor is giving me troubles. It warms up for an hour, and then it doesn’t work. “Please check your Sensor. If it is loose from your skin, please remove the Sensor and start a new one. If it is applied properly, try starting the Sensor again.” Then I held it up again and it restarted itself, but is warming up for another hour. I fear that it’s not applied right, it is stuck with superglue so wont come off, the vet will have to take another week to order another one, and she will say “see, we should have sedated him.” I’ll try again in an hour.
 
Merlin’sMama said:
The libre sensor is giving me troubles. It warms up for an hour, and then it doesn’t work. “Please check your Sensor. If it is loose from your skin, please remove the Sensor and start a new one. If it is applied properly, try starting the Sensor again.” Then I held it up again and it restarted itself, but is warming up for another hour. I fear that it’s not applied right, it is stuck with superglue so wont come off, the vet will have to take another week to order another one, and she will say “see, we should have sedated him.” I’ll try again in an hour.
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Ugh, sorry to hear. I haven't experienced that one yet, but I do have a love/hate relationship with the libre. Love - you can scan to your heart's content and scanning overnight in your sleep is easy. Hate - In the 3 months I've been using them, they've only once lasted the full 14 days. On average, I'd say they last 10 days, but one stopped working after 4 days. Fortunately, Abbott, the company who makes them has good customer service, and they're open to sending replacement sensors free of charge. If you go that route, just don't mention that the sensor is being used for a pet.
 
Merlin’sMama said:
Just realized I didn’t write the results of my meeting with the vet yesterday. Our face to face meeting went really well, way better than emailing. We will be fitting the Libre this morning, without sedation, monitoring his levels without insulin for a few days, and, if he needs it still, which I’m pretty sure he does, she is looking in to ordering Lantus (or Prozinc?) instead of Caninsulin. I told her I have friends dealing with FD and also I have spoken with my previous vet in the US. It was a total turn-around from last week when she emailed me that “googling around different insulins” isn’t enough. I think I found out from Pauline last week that Prozinc is not available in Ireland, but Lantus is…Would Lantus be a better starter than Caninsulin, if Prozinc isn’t an option?
Click to expand...
Just catching up with all the comments - Prozinc is available as is Lantus. My Frodo started with prozinc and then we switched to Lantus as
He was bit too bouncy on Prozinc.
 
I just tried to do our first bg test. I managed to poke and draw blood from everyone in the family, except the cat. And it’s like a cotton ball factory exploded. After wasting three strips, I got just enough blood to get an error code that it wasn’t enough blood. And now the other cat who was watching the whole fiasco thinks she deserves a treat.
 
Merlin’sMama said:
I just tried to do our first bg test. I managed to poke and draw blood from everyone in the family, except the cat. And it’s like a cotton ball factory exploded. After wasting three strips, I got just enough blood to get an error code that it wasn’t enough blood. And now the other cat who was watching the whole fiasco thinks she deserves a treat.
Click to expand...

lol - sorry, been there. It will get better. I practiced on myself a bunch to see exactly how much blood was needed.
 
Merlin’sMama said:
I just tried to do our first bg test. I managed to poke and draw blood from everyone in the family, except the cat. And it’s like a cotton ball factory exploded. After wasting three strips, I got just enough blood to get an error code that it wasn’t enough blood. And now the other cat who was watching the whole fiasco thinks she deserves a treat.
Click to expand...

sounds very familiar but give yourself some credit, you DID get blood on a strip, just not enough. The "not enough" issue still happens to me on occasion so hang in there. At this point I know how big of a blood drop I need for the strip to not error out but sometimes the drop is flatter than I realize, not as much volume as needed.

For your first attempt, honestly, that is far far better than my wife and I did for our entire first week of attempts. Good job!!
 
Merlin’sMama said:
I just tried to do our first bg test. I managed to poke and draw blood from everyone in the family, except the cat. And it’s like a cotton ball factory exploded. After wasting three strips, I got just enough blood to get an error code that it wasn’t enough blood. And now the other cat who was watching the whole fiasco thinks she deserves a treat.
Click to expand...
That’s great news. Like everyone said here that’s far better try than most of us had on the beginning. Well done! I think with areo u need slightly bigger amount (I had this glucometer in my pregnancy) so next time when u have blood drop already try to lightly squeeze the ear with ur two fingers from inside part toward outside where the drop is like u want to push the blood out of the veins - like when u try to squeeze the rest bit of food out of the pouch:joyful: Anyways - Good job!!! :bighug:
 
Any advice on how to remove a totally useless Libre that was put on with super glue??? I have no source for uni-solve…
 
Merlin’sMama said:
Any advice on how to remove a totally useless Libre that was put on with super glue??? I have no source for uni-solve…
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I'm not sure Jill, but don't try to force it. Maybe warm soapy water might help or you could just leave it and let the vet remove it.
Have you spoken to your vet about the Libre not working.
 
Teetee (UK) said:
I'm not sure Jill, but don't try to force it. Maybe warm soapy water might help or you could just leave it and let the vet remove it.
Have you spoken to your vet about the Libre not working.
Click to expand...
I have. She is ordering a new one. No idea how long that will take.
 
Good job. That’s a 286 in our numbers. Very safe number to get. What hour past shot time is it? Plus what number? We need to get you a spreadsheet!
 
I would be very careful about trying to remove the defunct libre sensor. We recently had a member here whose cat got a wound from where the libre had been. The kitty was okay and healed up, but you don’t want your baby to have a skin tear. Having said that, sometimes the cats remove the sensors themselves.
 
Oh, and about the BG testing- don’t forget that you can “milk” a little bit more blood from the ear and put it on your fingernail and then touch the tip of the test strip to the drop on your fingernail to get a reading.
 
I use the libre 2 here and put the sensors in myself at home. I ordered a small battery charged shaver and shave the area where the sensor is. You want no fur there. clean the area with the alcohol wipes that come with it. I use skin tac (ordered off amazon which is basically a wipe that when dry makes the skin a little more stickier. i then put on the sensor. the first few times I secured with cobain wrap and a shirt. Chance was pulling his fur out so this time I thought I'd try something new and just put two pieces of adhesive tape over it. one vertically and one horizontally. will see how this works. The abott libre 800 number for technical support is phenomenal at providing help and will often replace a sensor that is not working the full 14 days. I've heard of vets using super glue and some even put a couple sutures to keep it in place. superglue is harder to remove and may irritate the skin. you may have to order some uni solve adhesive remover off amazon to help remove the glue. as someone mentioned above, always if you get a funky reading or it doesn't seem right, check it by blood and don't just rely on the libre. They do malfunction at times. It's great technology and does make life easier but nothing is 100% proof.
 
Suzanne & Darcy said:
Good job. That’s a 286 in our numbers. Very safe number to get. What hour past shot time is it? Plus what number? We need to get you a spreadsheet!
Click to expand...
Merlin is still not on insulin. Everything runs at a snail’s pace it seems at our vets here in Ireland. She has at least sourced the Lantus after I told her my old vet in Colorado recommended it. She has a new libre to install. With superglue again, because I can’t find skin adhesive. I also can’t find skin friendly solvent to get the old sensor off. I will keep trying to test today to get some practice in. I don’t know how I’m going to get this down to a routine. It all seems so huge, and I just keep crying from the stress of it all.
 
Suzanne & Darcy said:
I would be very careful about trying to remove the defunct libre sensor. We recently had a member here whose cat got a wound from where the libre had been. The kitty was okay and healed up, but you don’t want your baby to have a skin tear. Having said that, sometimes the cats remove the sensors themselves.
Click to expand...
The sensor is still stuck on halfway. The vet gave me some “methylated spirits” to remove it, which is basically alcohol. It did nothing. I put coconut oil all around it last night. It did nothing too. I wonder if the vet’s plan is to rip it off? She doesn’t have any solvent that I don’t, I guess.
 
Hi Jill,
May I suggest a cotton ball soaked in oil (coconut or baby) and put it a little under the Libre sensor button for about 5-10 minutes. Let it sit there to loosen the adhesive. Do it again every 1-3 hours for 5-10 minutes at a time. The way is to slowly dissolve the adhesive from the outer areas of the device until you get to the center. It also minimizes the possible skin irritation when it's time to "rip it off" which is what my Vet did. He ripped it off Cleo :banghead: and she was very angry.

I read you got an ear prick!!! Wonderful progress!! :bighug: So proud of you. Have you tried again? How long after feeding Merlin was that reading?
 
Merlin’sMama said:
Merlin is still not on insulin. Everything runs at a snail’s pace it seems at our vets here in Ireland. She has at least sourced the Lantus after I told her my old vet in Colorado recommended it. She has a new libre to install. With superglue again, because I can’t find skin adhesive. I also can’t find skin friendly solvent to get the old sensor off. I will keep trying to test today to get some practice in. I don’t know how I’m going to get this down to a routine. It all seems so huge, and I just keep crying from the stress of it all.
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I guess I meant what hour after eating did you get that reading. I hope you have been able to het another successful reading. I cried a lot in the first weeks of learning to test. A Libre sensor was never offered to me and I knew nothing about them at the time. You will get into a routine. Don’t worry. You are doing really well. I’m proud of your persistence and how you have handled the vet difficulties. You have had the added stress of being in a new place with limited access to things that you need for Merlin. Hang in there!

I am concerned about the superglue. Whenever I have had a mishap and got super glue on myself (a few times) the only thing that removes it is nail polish remover that contains acetone! I definitely would not recommend putting that on Merlin’s skin. For the future, has the vet ordered some kind of vet skin bonding product? I know that in human medicine they do use something like super glue as well, and I am sure they must have a special solvent for it.
 
Here is the skin after Badger scratched off the sensor. Thus was after it expired after 14 days (yeh) and I removed the wrap covering it and went to the kitchen to get some olive oil to help removal. I put some provide iodine on the are and all was well.
Skin aftern sensor removed.jpg
 

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