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Lola+Cali

Lola+Cali

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My bestie, Cali, a 13.5yo diluted calico manx, had a bad fall and dislocated her hip. The pet sitter didn't notice(?) anything wrong for a week, but when I got home it was to cat pee in the middle of the floor and a cat who could barely stand up. She had emergency FHO surgery the next day, and when they tested her blood they found she was at 27.6 bg! Two days later she was tested again at 19, was put on a Purina dietetic food, and checked again 4 days later. She was still at 19.5. So began the insulin injections. I was given scant instructions by this vet (my usual vet's colleague) and had to do a LOT of research before feeling remotely ready to administer the next dose thay night.

I was anxious about choosing between a human glucometer and a pet specific glucometer. But picked up a Contour Next Gen today. Will be scouring this forum for info on reading the results and what numbers I need to look for. Overwhelmed by the amount of info and new terminology. Worried I will make a mistake and hurt my girl.

There IS still a possibility she could revert and this will be short term. But since I'm told they can revert quite quickly, I believe I must test before each meal that she receives her insulin dose. She is on Prozinc 0.5u x 2/day, 12 hrs apart.

Very overwhelmed and have quite a strong reaction to needles (I tend to pass out when having blood drawn, etc), so this journey is going to be ... something.)

In addition to the diabetes... they also found a mass during surgery and the initial biopsy results show an aggressive cancer. I am absolutely and broken-hearted. So, for now, I am just trying to focus on what I can control and helping her through this diabetes journey as we wait on next steps from the oncologist.

If you read this far, wow, thank you! I am grateful already to the support I have received from the reddit community who directed me to this forum.

Any compassionate advice regarding blood testing with a human glucometer (Contour Next Gen) would be appreciated. I have about 7 hours to research and prepare for the first test.

Thanks everyone.
 
Welcome, you are in the right place we all have felt overwhelmed when told our fue baby has diabetes, is good you are taking the right approach to home test, I did not read you mentioning what insulin you are using, I have tag a very knowledgeable member that can assist you in dosing and some of the concerns you spoke of, please feel free to post all your concerns, we are here for you :cat: :cat:
 
Here at FDMB we are very number oriented, to get to know Cali better, we need more information, below you have 2 links, one to create your signature and the other to create Cali's spreadsheet, if you have the BG numbers you have taken it would be of great help if after setting up the SS, you can insert them in the cells, we refer to AMPS/PMPS as before each shot, we need to know the insulin you are using the dose you are giving right now, this way all the members that plug in to your concerns can see the same information, also download the SS on GOOGLE DRIVE, I am sure that others members will not be long in participating in your concerns :cat: :cat:

Sticky - New? How You Can Help Us Help You!
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/how-to-create-a-spreadsheet.241706/
 
I'm so sorry about the cancer diagnosis. Cats tend to do better with chemotherapy treatment than humans. Are the vets recommending any treatment?

As far as her diabetes, it's certainly possible being in pain while you were away may have contributed to the diabetic blood glucose numbers. Any sort of stress, infection, or inflammation can cause numbers to rise. It's good that your home testing. One thought... You definitely want to test prior to giving insulin. You also want to get a minimum of one additional test around the middle of both the AM and PM insulin cycles. It's important to know how low the dose is taking Cali's numbers.
 
Thanks, please try to create Cali's spreadsheet as soon as you can, in case you need our help, those BG numbers are extremely important, Have a nice weekend
 
Sienne and Gabby (GA) said:
I'm so sorry about the cancer diagnosis. Cats tend to do better with chemotherapy treatment than humans. Are the vets recommending any treatment?

As far as her diabetes, it's certainly possible being in pain while you were away may have contributed to the diabetic blood glucose numbers. Any sort of stress, infection, or inflammation can cause numbers to rise. It's good that your home testing. One thought... You definitely want to test prior to giving insulin. You also want to get a minimum of one additional test around the middle of both the AM and PM insulin cycles. It's important to know how low the dose is taking Cali's numbers.
Click to expand...
Hi, I just got off the phone with the surgeon who told me about the mass and did the biopsy. She clarified that the initial result I received was technically "suspected" cancer, and it is not a formal diagnosis until multiple specialists have their rounds, review and make the diagnosis. She did say it's still most likely cancer, but to wait for the "final" results. If cancer, then onto the oncologist for options.

Home testing has been a struggle. Cali has red patches all around her ears, and I have to do *multiple* jabs just to make it happen. It's been very stressful for both of us, and she is hiding from me b/c of it all. My regular vet called this morning as well, and recommended the same thing you just said! To test a few hours after as well to get a baseline of how much the insulin is affecting her levels. I assume I wouldn't have to do these extra 2 BG tests every day?

(He also said 99% of his diabetes patients don't do hometesting and still manage. So what I am doing now is already ahead of the curve... What?! Crazy.)

I know I am new at this, but I am already considering a Freestyle Libre continuous monitor. Not sure how she will take that, but I think it would be less stressful at this point? Also, the quicker I can understand her levels and regulate her, the better chance she *could* revert.

I've been given tips on getting blood samples from the large pad of her back feet, but she just had FHO surgery, hates being on her back and has always hated having her back legs/feet touched, so I am uncertain how successful that will be. Any tips/advice on less-stressful more-successful blood testing would be amazing!
 
Will do! Cali IS my priority, but I am also juggling a few time-sucking life events right now. Good news: my regular/fave vet just called and loves the idea of the continuous monitor (Freestyle Libre). He offered to put it on Cali early next week. Hope she doesn't hate it, and then I can populate that spreadsheet even better!
 
She won’t feel a thing, you can also replace tge sensor yourself and save on vet bills is very simple, the sensors only last 14 days, so make sure your vet gives you a continuous prescription again save on vet bills and because some times tge sensors only last stops working before tge 14 days yiu should have a replacement at hand, and it does read lower numbers lower than with a human monitor, congrats
 
So a human glucometer tests a little higher than a pet glucometer. But a human continuous monitor tests even lower than a regular human glucometer (finger prick kind)?

He is going to take the FHO sutures out and put the monitor on at the same time. I'll have to do it myself after that (will have to watch some videos as I already feel nervous just thinking about it).

My vet told me to buy one and bring it the appointment. I live in Canada and no prescription is required I think.
 
No, the human glucometer like ReliOn Premier, which most of the members use are quite accurate, but the Libre sensors do read the low 2 digit BGs much much lower, and some sensors tend to stop working before the 14 days, I suggest that the sensor is not glued on Calis skin, this causes a rash and irritation, if placed in the right place the first time it should not come off, just to let you know so you wont panic, is good to double check with a hand monitor if this happens
 
Woah, that's a huge difference! Especially since my cat is sitting between 9-12 (162-216). We can't get the ReliOn on Canada so I have been using a Contour Next Gen.

I just found a group on Facebook that is dedicated to Frestyle Libre monitors for pets.
 
Lola+Cali said:
Woah, that's a huge difference! Especially since my cat is sitting between 9-12 (162-216). We can't get the ReliOn on Canada so I have been using a Contour Next Gen.

I just found a group on Facebook that is dedicated to Frestyle Libre monitors for pets.
Click to expand...
@Sienne and Gabby (GA)
can also give you a member to tag in with you that has a lot of valuable information and links on the Libre
 
Lola+Cali said:
I just found a group on Facebook that is dedicated to Frestyle Libre monitors for pets.
Click to expand...
The Libre For Pets group (assuming that's the one you found) is EXCELLENT and the application instructions most of us use to put them on at home are a variation of what they have on their board. I second Kat and Maria's recommendations to get multiple Libres at a time so you can easily replace them when one fails.

If you do decide to let your vet put the Libre on, please ask them to NOT use surgical/vet glue. It's very damaging to kitty's delicate skin and can also cause the sensor to fail early. We thought we'd have our vet put the first Libre on and they were unsuccessful twice. $200 and one stressed, scabby cat later we decided to try applying at home instead. So much easier, and all 6 of the ones we've applied have lasted the full two weeks. We just make sure to prep the skin really well and have him wear a shirt to cover it up so he can't pull it off.

@Tim & Pookey Did the nice page you made with the intro to CGMs make it back to the OG board? I poked around a bit but couldn't find it, sorry!
 
Kat & Trixie said:
Hi Laura, I'm going to tag one of our members who has been using a Libre for years and can provide loads of valuable knowledge, tips and experience. One tip I do have is to buy 2 Libres at a time. They can come off and sometimes will fail before the 14 days is up so it's always good to have a backup.

@Staci & Ivy
Click to expand...
Hi Laura, you’ve been given excellent information already on using a Libre. I’m so glad you’ve already found the Facebook group, which has excellent information.

All of the recommendations to have multiple Libres on hand is one of the best pieces of advice I can give you (because the Libre’s do fail at the worst possible times).
But if you have several in the house (I usually have at least six in the house, if not more) you are in a good position to just change it anytime of day or night. Believe me I’ve done it at 2 AM.

But, I use them 24/7 and anytime my cat is low (the Libre will read LO) I am able to test my cat with an ear prick. I use a Contour Next human glucometer to double check what her actual BG number is.

Also, Lauren has given you perfect information about not having the vet use glue.

We can’t tell you how many cats have had a Libre placed by a vet with glue and by the time they get home, it’s not working because of the glue 😭

So, since you are set up with the CGM page that Tim linked with all of our combined knowledge of Libres, and you have the Facebook page and hopefully you have joined that group already, you’re set to go with learning all about using a CGM.

If you have any questions, please feel free to tag me and or any of the other Libre users that you will learn anbout and we are all happy to help you in anyway we can.
Wishing you the best of luck with your sweet girl. You two have been through a lot already, sending you lots of good wishes and prayers for her recovery 🥰💞🙏
 
Lauren & Esse said:
The Libre For Pets group (assuming that's the one you found) is EXCELLENT and the application instructions most of us use to put them on at home are a variation of what they have on their board. I second Kat and Maria's recommendations to get multiple Libres at a time so you can easily replace them when one fails.

If you do decide to let your vet put the Libre on, please ask them to NOT use surgical/vet glue. It's very damaging to kitty's delicate skin and can also cause the sensor to fail early. We thought we'd have our vet put the first Libre on and they were unsuccessful twice. $200 and one stressed, scabby cat later we decided to try applying at home instead. So much easier, and all 6 of the ones we've applied have lasted the full two weeks. We just make sure to prep the skin really well and have him wear a shirt to cover it up so he can't pull it off.

@Tim & Pookey Did the nice page you made with the intro to CGMs make it back to the OG board? I poked around a bit but couldn't find it, sorry!
Click to expand...
Agree 100% on the Libre instructions you ask your Vet to give you a PRN (1year prescription) this will save you a lot of money, and YES! Replace them yourself, if you are in US , WALMART pharmacy has the best price, and ALWAYS, ALWAYS have an extra one at home
 
CORKY said:
Agree 100% on the Libre instructions you ask your Vet to give you a PRN (1year prescription) this will save you a lot of money, and YES! Replace them yourself, if you are in US , WALMART pharmacy has the best price, and ALWAYS, ALWAYS have an extra one at home
Click to expand...
The best price I found is at my local grocery store pharmacy. So do check in your area.
And right now the coupon from the manufacturer, which was just linked here today should only cost you $19.99 each which is an excellent price. It’s the best price I have found to date before that I was paying around $37-$38 each.
I also understand if you a member of Costco, they have excellent prices. And you can still shop at Costco pharmacy even if you are not a member, but you will pay a little more.
 
Staci & Ivy said:
Hi Laura, you’ve been given excellent information already on using a Libre. I’m so glad you’ve already found the Facebook group, which has excellent information.

All of the recommendations to have multiple Libres on hand is one of the best pieces of advice I can give you (because the Libre’s do fail at the worst possible times).
But if you have several in the house (I usually have at least six in the house, if not more) you are in a good position to just change it anytime of day or night. Believe me I’ve done it at 2 AM.

But, I use them 24/7 and anytime my cat is low (the Libre will read LO) I am able to test my cat with an ear prick. I use a Contour Next human glucometer to double check what her actual BG number is.

Also, Lauren has given you perfect information about not having the vet use glue.

We can’t tell you how many cats have had a Libre placed by a vet with glue and by the time they get home, it’s not working because of the glue 😭

So, since you are set up with the CGM page that Tim linked with all of our combined knowledge of Libres, and you have the Facebook page and hopefully you have joined that group already, you’re set to go with learning all about using a CGM.

If you have any questions, please feel free to tag me and or any of the other Libre users that you will learn anbout and we are all happy to help you in anyway we can.
Wishing you the best of luck with your sweet girl. You two have been through a lot already, sending you lots of good wishes and prayers for her recovery 🥰💞🙏
Click to expand...
Thank you so much for this response, advice and compassion for my sweet girl's situation!

Do you use and/or recommend a Libre 2 or 3? The three sounds like the better option but wow it's definitely more expensive! I have found a number of people reselling some new boxes of Libre 2 online, which would be more affordable, but I understand the sensor you have to buy to go with them isn't that great. And the phone app with a Libre 2 is also not reliable?

I've almost maxed out my debt capacity on her surgery last week. But I would still pay the extra for a FL3 IF the benefits are there! I think they're about $130cad plus tax.

*I will definitely try the coupon that @squeem3 linked - thank you!! It doesn't say the coupon won't work outside the states.. but all the language is very USA specific. So I'm not sure it will work for me up in Canada.
squeem3 said:
If you haven't seen this already: Freestyle Libre CGM Abbott Coupon $19.99 Each!!! Please Read
Click to expand...
 
Oof, just looked at the app reviews for Libre 3 (1.9/5) and horrible reviews. The Libre 2 app is rated 3.2/5. Yikes. So many issues! Unreliable, buggy, drains phone batteries fadt, super loud alarms that alert at full volume with no option to lower volume etc (as someone with bad tinnitus, this last one alone is worrisome enough as I use ear buds a lot of the time (for audiobooks, music and tinnitus relief therapy).

Not sure why some people have such positive experiences with it, when so many people call it unreliable and buggy.

Not sure whay the question is here, except that I am now wondering if the expense/trouble is worth the try...!?
 
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