New member, Larissa and Dickens

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LarissaDavis529

Member Since 2012
Hi all,

New to the boards, and new to diabetes. Dickens, 14, Maine Coon cat diagnosed last wednesday. Started Lantus on Thursday. Can someone send me the link to the google spread sheet? I saw it in a post and now cannot find it again.

One quick question...anyone have difficulty getting blood for tests? I was testing on ears, then had to move to paws...I think this poor kitty is in such rough shape that his blood pressure is down making getting blood hard. Often I cannot get enough blood for a test.

Thanks for all the advice offered on the boards, I have been reading a lot and this is an amazing resource.

Larissa
 
Before giving up on the ears, you can get 28 or 26g lancets. I failed miserably with 33s at first, switched to 26 and it was much easier. I also "freehanded" rather than use the device, and found it to be a lot better way to go.
Carl
 
OK, I will go get some 28s and see if that helps. I think I need to let he ears heal, looking at them they are quite bruised right now. I have been doing by hand, and agree that is easier to control. Thanks.
 
Hi Larissa & Dickens,

You can also get some Neosporen to rub on his ears after the poke. If you apply a little pressure to the poke with a tissue or gauze pad for a few seconds, it will help to cut down on the brusing.

Put some raw rice into a clean thin sock and tie up the end, you can heat it up in the microwave and use it to warm the ear, warm ears bleed better.

Welcome to our group.
 
Welcome Larissa (my fingers have trouble spelling it that way... :razz: ) and extra sweet Dickens!

It will become easier to get blood when his ear 'learns' to bleed too - actually grows more capillaries. I don't like the thought of paw testing - paws are exposed to lots of germs in places ears never touch. KT's right ear bleeds well, his left one just as well be a turnip.

BIG HUGS! You landed in a wonderful place for you and fuzzy feetz both!
 
Welcome Larissa & Dickens! Great job in attempting to do hometesting! You're on the right track and I'm sure you'll find a way. Ears seem like a better place than feet. Keep trying - it gets easier! :YMHUG: Don't forget treats for Dickens and YOU TOO!
 
I was terrified with my first week of ear sticks.
The relion (walmart) lacet machine is the quietest I found and has a longer handle. Use the clear tip so you can see the lancet.

This is what we do-
If he is under the blanket I can skip the rice bag as his ears are warm
otherwise- baby sock with rice in it. Heat 20 sec in micro. Put the "foot" in his ear and keep rubbing under his chin and around ears.
When the ear is warm- take 2 squares of Toliet Paper and fold till they are about 2x2. Place the tp behind the ear edge with finger right behind where you want to bleed.
Line up the clear tip of the lancet so it will hit right there. "small click"
check to see if you missed- LOL
some times I have to lightly "pump" under the prick so the bead of blood gets slightly larger.
Sometimes two small pricks make 1 drop.
If you have the strip half in the meter you can push it in with one hand while holding the ear (no flicking the blood away!). Then hold it to the drop.
set down while it does it's thing - you can wrap the tp around the cats ear and lightly pinch for 10-20 seconds to reduce bruising.
Kiss the kitty n the head and give him a treat.

It DOES get easier- I have done it in his sleep and he didn't even wake up.
 
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