Newbie - Chicago

[Travis]

Good Morning All,

I posted in the intro, but figured I would post her since I am using the Prozinc Insulin with my trouble some kitty child. His name is TJ, 1/2 domestic, 1/2 manx, approx 9 years old and have had him since he was 2 months old.

Recently found out he has DM, about 2 weeks ago, started home testing and insulin this past friday (4/1); he also has a collapsed disc in his back and arthritis in his hips. He receives gabapentin for long term pain relief 2x a day, as well as the insulin 2x a day.

He is being a pain with these sugar checks, the morning seem to be rougher than the evening. He is being rewarded with a small amount of DM kibble as a treat. Like I said, our trials are up and down. Some days is easier than others to get his sugar checked. Current sugar checks are ranging from 380-500's. He was down to 380's for like 2 checks then back up to 500 last evening and this morning. He freaked major this morning i was trying to do his check and with his ongoing pain issues, I feel his sugars are going to range a little.

Positive's - He hasn't been drinking near as much water since putting on FF classic only diet w/insulin, urination is still inceased amount, but less than before, and urine no longer having super sweet smell to it.

I know there is going to be a learning curve for both of us, him more than myself as I am an RN by profession, but this morning he was just not having it. Finally got his sugar checked - 511.

I pet him, kiss him, give him treats.. he does not like it so i do have to sandwhich him with my arm to keep him still. Just wondering if anyone has any other suggestions as to what I can try. Again this will be day 5 of checks, so we are still adjusting.

thanks
-travis

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

Welcome Travis! You are already doing so many things right! Good food choice, great that you are getting the tests in

I'd suggest putting together a spreadsheet so you and your vet and we can see his history at a glance. The directions are here:

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/fdmb-spreadsheet-instructions.130337/


The pain meds can raise the levels as pain in general can. You might find another treat - even a few pieces of DM is high carb. Pure bites and bonito flakes are popular at my house

Lots of people just sit on the floor with the cat between your legs. We used the kitty burrito at first - wrap him in a towel with just his head showing. You need to find the best position and see whether he needs treats as you poke or will wait till the poke is over.

Till you get a regime going, it'd be wise to get ketone tests too, while he is running high

 

[Carol & Murphy (GA)]

Hi Travis
welcome to the Prozinc forum - we are a small but friendly forum and a little short staffed at present
I am also in Chicago
If you click on Murphy's spreadsheet under my signature, and go back to the 2015 tab, you can see how he was all over the place at first, so don't get discouraged. It can sometimes take a while to get the right insulin dose, as their bodies get used to the exogenous insulin
home testing here are some tips:http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/hometesting-links-and-tips.287/ It took a while for Murphy to get used to it; and I had trouble for the first few months, but it will come together. Most important, especially on these cold Chicago spring days, is making sure his ear is warm. What kind of meter are you using? Sue put together a protocol for prozinc - it is under her signature in the above message
It would be helpful to put together a signature where you can tell us a little about TJ (see the grey writing in my signature to get an idea) Here are the instructions (copied from BJM)
Editing your Signature
In the upper right corner of the screen, within the dark blue bar, you will see ID, Inbox, and Alerts
Click on your ID.
On the left, under Settings, Click on Signature.
This is where you will put information that helps us give you feedback. You are limited to 2 hard returns, so separate pieces by | or -.
This is where you pasted the link for your spreadsheet.
Add any other text, such as your name | cat's name | date of Dx (diagnosis) | insulin | meter general location (city and state/province) any other pertinent issues like if there are any food issues, history of DKA, hepatic lipidosis, pancreatitis, allergies, IBD, etc.
Click the Save Changes button at the bottom.
Always click the Save Changes button at the bottom when you have changed anything.

It's overwhelming at first, but it comes together sooner than you realize. Nice to have another Chicagoan on the forum!!

 

[Travis]

Thanks,

I figured the combo of pain + pain meds would result in a higher result. His vet is aware of all his conditions. I have an excel spreadsheet I am using to send the Vet, as well as, using the journal that came with the meter I purchased.

His vet recommended the DM kibble for treat and he does not get enough to warrant concern. He was on a previously dry only diet, so the minor carb 2x a day should cause no issues.

I have not tried treats while poking, that might work. I will also try various positions as well.

thanks

 

[Bobbie And Bubba]

Hey Travis ~ welcome to the best place you never wanted to be. Sue and Carol have all ready given you some good advice. The only thing I would add would be to us our Spread sheet and link it to your signature ( see the instructions on Carol's post) that way when you need advice on dosing the peeps helping will be able to guide you better by looking at his numbers.

As far as the kibble, you'd be surprised what a few pieces can do the to the BG. Look at Bubba's SS linked to my signature for yesterday's cycle when he jumped onto my counter and got a few bites of canine kibble Wrecked havoc on his nice level Lantus run.