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Dearest Tracey -- sorry, sweet Suzie, this is mom talk,

traceyg said:
Do you ever get used to living in the edge of life and death with someone you love? That is were it seems Suzie and I are. I am very sore today so I am sure that has a lot to do with my thinking. . .
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The answer is no; but, could be yes.

My hands used to shake as I put the key in the door after a long day's work wondering if Giz was still alive in the very rough and very tenuous early days after her diagnosis and three days/nights in ICU for DKA.

She was on N back then, and I was incredibly nervous about us doing this dance...

I started testing her pee pretty fast with KetoDiastix so knew she was diabetic (spilling sugar in her pee) and, thankfully, had no ketones; but, was hesitant about home testing. It took me one month and 28 days. And, no, I'm not proud of the fact that it took me that long... But, apparently, that was when I was ready. Giz was certainly surprised!






Here's the deal, Tracey. I stopped walking on eggshells when I started home testing Giz. Yes, I still dropped to my knees every time she greeted me at the door which was often; but, it was from gratitude, not from fear or dread.

And, I found myself putting the key confidently in the door when I came home each night.

There is such a good feeling in your heart when you become proactive. You just smile knowing you're doing the absolute best you can do!




I'm sorry if what I'm about to type out loud seems harsh, because that certainly isn't my intention. And, trust me, Tracey, this is coming from someone who truly feels your emotional and financial pressures, okay? Open the box from Lori and Tom and start home testing. Answer Venita's PM. Start being proactive. Stop walking on eggshells...

You'll not only be saving Suzie, you'll be saving yourself. You'll just find yourself feeling better about a lot of things...

It's a leap of faith. Just leap, dear Tracey. Leap!


Much love and our countless hopeful, healing, and encouraging prayers and hugs continue for you both,
Deb and Nikki -- and, Giz, who taught me to be a better person... And, who then sent me Nikki, just to make sure I hadn't forgotten all her lessons...
 
Open the box from Lori and Tom and start home testing. Answer Venita's PM. >>

I did but I don't know the first thing to do with it and of course I answer Venita PM. No you don't sound harsh at all. I have been trying to get her pee to check with the strips. I believe she probably has the keytones you guys are talking about. The reality sadly thought is right now there is no money and no car. I love suzie with all my heart would give any thing for her but I can't give what I don't have. Ventia will be here Monday hopefully she will be able to help. I do believe right now she is Suzie only chance because my vet isn't worth a hill of beans right now. .

I have someone picking me up for work. It will be a long day for Suzie alone so please keep her in your prayers. Hopefully I will be able to flip a few things today for her. I am in the antique business and we have been hit really hard by the economy as most people have.

I am glad I found this place and your people and that you are all so helpful. You are all suzie's gaurdian angels. Thanks
 
Dearest Tracey, and, of course, you too, precious Suzie,

I hope today goes well for you both. And, I'm glad Venita is visiting tomorrow.

Please know that you and Suzie continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

Much love and countless, hopeful, healing hugs for you both,
Deb and Nikki -- and, Giz...
 
For the ketones. Shred up some newspaper and put it in a clean litter box. Usually they want to christen it right away. You can collect the sample easily then. Compare the wet strip to a clean dry one from the box.

You can wait for Venita or try on your own today. Try the meter out on yourself first so you know how it works. Heat the rice sack and see if she likes her ear heated. If things are going well, make a poke on the outside edge of the ear. If you don't see blood right away, do another quick poke in the same spot.

If it doesn't work, no worries. Venita will help. If it does work, you are on your way.

Be sure to have a treat ready, successful or not.

We are all thinking about you and your sweet kitty and hoping things go well.
 
Hi folks,

I had a most pleasant trip to and visit with Tracey and Suzie. Driving through the rolling low mountains of central PA, an area where I lived for several years, brings a calm happiness to my spirit. I have never been in Tracey's town before. Quite upscale I thought for a small PA city somewhat off the beaten path. Jim and I may have to go there this summer for some Triple A Phillies baseball. (I don't enjoy the crowds and cost of the major league ballpark.)

Tracey and a friend and I spent about 2 hours learning the equipment for hometesting, and then trying it out on Ms. Suzie. Suzie is a beautiful cat who is in much better shape than I expected. She was not an unwilling subject for hometesting, and she got FF chicken appetizer as a testing treat. Tracey tested with a great deal of knowledge and calm.

I expect great things from Tracey and Suzie. Suzie has other health problems, but I don't expect the diabetes to be a huge challenge for either of them, once they can get an appropriate insulin. Once I return from FL at the beginning of next month, Tracey and I will tag-team Suzie to Dr. Fry, and we expect to get a script for Lantus. For now, Suzie remains on N, and Tracey will be asking questions about dosage, I am sure, as she starts to get hometesting results.

I won't be online after Wednesday to check in on how Tracey and Ms. Suzie are doing, but I know she is in the best hands possible here. And Tracey knows it too.
 
Dearest Venita,

Thank you so much for this update! I'm glad your found the scenery calming to your spirit. You have a lot on your plate now...

I'm also glad Tracey had a friend along to learn about home testing. It never hurts to have a watchful back up!

I'm particularly glad to hear sweet Suzie is still a beautiful cat in much better shape than expected...



Dearest Tracey,

I believe in you.

It's been a while since my dealings with N; but, I do have Giz's logbooks and memories. I'd be happy to help if I can. But, do post on the N insulin support group here as well... They're dancing with it as I type...



Much love and color me calmer, as well, kind of hugs for you all,
Deb and Nikki -- and, Giz, forever dancing in my heart...
 
Deb, there is no traffic on the N support group - someone may post once a month or so but get no replies.

Tracey, I would suggest you post here on Health for dose advice. Be sure to put Humulin in your subject line.
 
Well I just posted here but don't see it. Ventia was very helpful. I am so glad she came to help Suzie and I. I know she has a lot of her own stuff going on so that makes it even more special. I am also glad Suzie looks better to her then she expected.

I have been giving Suzie water with a syringe that last few days and that has seemed to help. She still is a very sick kitty but I think with the board and getting the insulin changed there is some hope that she will have a quality life again. If I can get the diabetes under control perhaps we can get the thyroid under control better.

I am going to ask the vet I have now again to change Suzie to the Lantus. I looked forward to getting Suzie to Dr Fry until then we will see what happens. I will have lots of questions and I appreciate you guys holding my hand to get Suzie through all this. I am very grateful. Hopefully we can get some quality back in her life again.
 
Dearest Tracey, and, of course, you too, sweet Suzie,

It sounds like you're breathing again... That's such a good start.

It's been my humble experience that cats are incredibly intuitive creatures; and, as such, tend to feel our emotions and angst pretty much while we're emoting and angsting... They also feel our hope.

I remember seeing my hope reflected in Gizzie's eyes... Then again, maybe I felt her hope reflected in my heart...









Today is my third anniversary dancing with Nikki! I choose to share this most happy event with you and Suzie, dearest Tracey.

Much love and our countless hopeful, healing hugs continue for you and your precious Suzie,
Deb and Nikki -- and, Giz, forever dancing in my heart, and who sent me Nikki...

PS: We celebrated with some deli turkey...
 
Today is my third anniversary dancing with Nikki! I choose to share this most happy event with you and Suzie, dearest Tracey.>>

Well HAPPY ANNIVERSARY. Thanks is so wonderful. You and nikki will have to do something special.

Thank you for sharing I am so glad you did. that makes me feel much better about Suzie chances on getting some more quality life. She does seem to be doing better with getting the extra water with the syrgine.

Ventia thank you room temp. was the trick for the water and a little less then I was giving her. She seems to be feeling better since we have been doing that the last few days.

This morning instead of rushing off to do all the important things of the day suzie and I just laid in bed for a few minutes well I gave her a good head rub. She loves to have her head rubbed. Thank you again for walking us through. I am sure we will have more question Suzie and I.

You all are wonderful.
 
Dearest Tracey, and, of course, you too, sweet Suzie,

Thank you!

There's nothing like snuggling in bed with a cat, is there?

I'm glad she seems to be doing better. You sound like you're doing better, too...

Much love and our countless hopeful, healing hugs and prayers continue for you both,
Deb and Nikki (Suzie, deli turkey is yummy!) -- and, Giz, forever celebrating in my heart...
 
How's the testing going? What sort of #s are you getting?>>
Went to test her yesterday and she got away ran under the king size bed and I tried to get her out. Did something to my already injured back couldn't move for a while. Actually it was kind of nice to see some fight in Suzie. We are going to try it again today after I go pick up the truck. Since my back was so sore I figure I would leave Suzie won that battle for the day and start again today.

She had an air of attitude all day like hmm got you. It was kind of cute. I knew though if I pushed it yesterday that she was never going to make it easy for me. She usually is a easy cat. She isn't usually like that. As you saw she is a very sweet and workable cat. I guess she just decided that she had enough for a little while. I get days like that I understand.

I was able to pick her up some treats yesterday that might make it easier. Talked to Dr fry and she is more then willing to see Suzie. I am going to call today for an appointment for the 7th.

I believe the shorter needles you gave me are making a differance. I still do at te scruff of the neck and I think perhaps the longer needles were going through the other side. I see a differance in her.

I am so glad you guys are here. I will start posting her numbers as soon as we get them.
 
I know you will be able to test her; just a matter of time. Glad she is showing spunk.

I do worry about her getting 5U of N without being tested. Especially if you think she wasn't always getting the shot or the full shot. Please be sure to watch her for hypo symptoms. You might also want to pull that dose down some until you start getting BG numbers. That dose was set based on vet curves, and most cats have higher BG levels at the vet due to stress than they do at home.

I am looking forward to the 7th!!
 
I posted earlier but don't see it so I will try again.

I am in Reading. A few hours away.

I tried to test Suzie. I managed to get some blood but it didn't go easy. Poor thing. The meter though wouldn't read it keep getting a flashing e then a 3 switch the strip and got a flashing e and a 4. I am using contour. Does anyone have a clue what I am doing wrong. Thanks
 
I figured you might be further south ..I'm going to be north of Scranton for a bit so I thought I'd check.

I'm not sure what that error means but they should have info on their website or you can call them.
 
The error codes start on p.34 of your user guide, Tracey.

E3 = The meter is sending a used test strip.

E4 = Test strip not inserted correctly.

I posted earlier but don't see it so I will try again.
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You are now on p.2 of your thread, Tracey. I believe your post with your location is on page 1.
 
Well we tried and failed.She tried to get away and I tried to hold her. I did get some blood but I got another era reading. If I keep poking her and hurting her she isn't going to let me do anything with her. She is already getting pills a few times a day and two insulin shots. Not sure what to do but I am not poking her again today. She isn't going to come near me anymore.
 
Dearest Tracey, and, of course, you too, spunky Suzie,

Ahhh, don't you just love cat-titude? Go, Suzie!

traceyg said:
I tried to test Suzie. I managed to get some blood but it didn't go easy. Poor thing. The meter though wouldn't read it keep getting a flashing e then a 3 switch the strip and got a flashing e and a 4. I am using contour. Does anyone have a clue what I am doing wrong. Thanks
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Have you tested yourself? That's what I did because I wanted to make sure I knew how to use the meter without the stress of having Cujo -- I'm sure I meant to say Gizmo! -- in between my knees on the first attempt... After a quick lesson in timing the prick and sticking it in the meter, was good to go. Also learned that night to wear jeans, not jammies...

I see dearest Venita has responded to your Contour meter error messages. I do believe she knows the error message page for just about every meter ever made. ;-) (I have a different meter and had to spend some time with page 14 to get it to read in American English...)

Hope your back is feeling better soon, Tracey. It sounds like you're going to have to be in top physical form to catch your precious Suzie! There is another way to catch them, though... It's called the power of treats! Giz taught me volumes about the power of treats...

Much love and our countless hopeful, healing hugs continue for you both,
Deb and Nikki -- and, Giz, still yelling, treats! Mommy, treats! forever in my heart...

PS: You could also try storing boxes, etc. under the bed to either block her from getting under there; or, to make the distance more arm's length friendly...
 
Next time you get blood, scrape it onto the top of a fingernail. Then you can test from there, and not keep her waiting for the meter to get into position.

(((Tracey))) It does get easier. You may need to let her teach you how she wants to be held to be tested.
 
Next time you get blood, scrape it onto the top of a fingernail. >>

That is a very good tip. We are going to try again tomorrow. I tried it in myself 3 times and the meter worked fine. We are going to try it again tomorrow and I will try the finger nail thing. Very good idea. It dries to fast in the ear. Is there a way to get it so it doens't hurt her?


You could also try storing boxes, etc. under the bed to either block her from getting under there; or, to make the distance more arm's length friendly...>>

Yes that is one thing we I did I blocked off the bed so she couldn't get under it.
 
Dearest Tracey -- mom talk, sweet Suzie,

traceyg said:
Yes that is one thing we I did I blocked off the bed so she couldn't get under it.
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Good move! Although I hope that isn't how you hurt your back...



traceyg said:
Is there a way to get it so it doens't hurt her?
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With Giz, I tended to poke in pretty much the same spot every time, so after a while, she developed a little callous on her ear. And, that's where I'd aim. Nikki's a bit more skittish, so I haven't been able to hit same spot consistently. Speed helps, although there's still some flinching. Usually her biting me makes her feel better...

I can't wait till you get your first successful test... You'll be so excited! Please keep us posted, okay, Tracey?

Much love and our countless hopeful, healing hugs for you both,
Deb and Nikki -- and, Giz, the furry poster child for treats forever in my heart...
 
Tracy I use the contour and I think when you either don't get enough blood in their or it goes in too slowly to be read the meter will stick on a number and give ERROR. I'm sure Venita should you how to 'sip' the blood up.
As for the ritual of testing. Before long your baby will be loving it, maybe purring thru it. It takes a little time. It's your job to make it a lovely experience full of sweet encouraging words for kitty and a great treat too!
You might try practicing the 'ritual' every so often without actually poking her. Just go to the spot with her and go thru the motions of loving on her and giving her treats. Make sure your testing spot is a spot she really likes too.
Tom and most kitties here grow rather fond of the pokie pokie dance.
I sing, or talk to him, I rub his shoulders, I really think he believes it is our 'special time' together.
HUGS
Lori and Tom
 
Well We got it this morning. It wasn't easy thought and it can't keep being a battle. I took it right before I gave her the insulin. I was concerned still am a little because she threw up a little this morning before the insulin. It was the thick liquid stuff. That usually is a sign of start of renal failure. I have been through a few cats with that. I gave her 1/4 of the pepcid that Ventia left here. She seemed better. Then gave her the insulin and have been keeping on eye on her. It is 4 Am so that was about an hour ago. Before I gave her the Insulin her numbers were 323. Later on today I will try to test her again.

With the high protein diets you have here do you all notice an increase in the rate of Diabetic cats with Renal failure?
 
Dearest Tracey, and, of course, you too, sweet Suzie,

Welcome to the Vampire Club! Bet you never thought you'd hear those words, did you?

What dose did you give her?

traceyg said:
With the high protein diets you have here do you all notice an increase in the rate of Diabetic cats with Renal failure?
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That's a good question and I'm reasonably sure someone here will have the answer. Giz wasn't officially diagnosed CRF, now called CKD (chronic kidney disease) until towards the end of our 4-year dance. It could have had more to do with being 18 than her diet. I'll be curious to read the responses you get...

As for testing being a battle, it won't always be. Once you become less tense and more confident (and speedier!), Suzie will pick up on that. She'll also come to realize that you're helping her feel better. Speaking of which, I hope her tummy calms down.

I'm really proud of you both!

Much love and our countless hopeful, tummy healing, and encouraging hugs continue,
Deb and Nikki -- and, Giz, forever dancing in my heart...

PS: It's encouraged to test, feed, and then shoot maybe 15-20 minutes after feeding. The reason for this order is that you don't want Suzie to decide to toss her cookies after getting insulin, particularly N. You want food on board and staying in her tummy, and then give her the shot. Make sense?
 
traceyg said:
With the high protein diets you have here do you all notice an increase in the rate of Diabetic cats with Renal failure?
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Tracey, a cat's natural diet is high protein. It doesn't contribute to renal failure. Diabetes itself, however, in all animals, is hard on the kidneys. And with cats, their kidneys are their most vulnerable organ. Going with a "Catkins" diet is probably the best way to ensure that all cats live a healthy, long life.

By the way, would you consider starting a new thread for you and Suzie? This one has gotten a bit long and info is going to be missed. Thanks!

And welcome to Club Vampyre! :-D
 
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