Newly Dignosed With Diabetes- Lucky Ducky

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Lucky'sMom

Lucky'sMom

Member Since 2016
Hello all,
I am trying to get my big guy feeling like himself again. He is not eating wet food much anymore. I switched him to FF the same day after his DX on 02-27-16. We are on disability (unexpected) so I am having a hard time trying to figure out how to pay for his care ( I will make a way!) He has not been treated as of yet because the insulin the vet prescribed was over 130 a bottle. I am reading every thread I can today now that I found this wonderful blog. I am worried, he is not going to die right away is he? I feel so terrible! He got his rabies shot in November 2015 and was ok and a healthy 16 lbs. I know I am rambling but this is a sick family member. I know everyone can relate. Thanks for letting me vent :)
 
Hi extra sweet lucky and family! Welcome!!

I know you're worried sick right now - we've all been right there so understand. Couple of questions:

* What kind of insulin is vet prescribing? Maybe we can help you find a solution....

* What glucose numbers does he show?

The BEST tool you can get right now is a human test meter and let's get you testing so you'll know what you're dealing with. Many of us use the 'Relion' brand either 'Confirm' or 'Micro' model. You'll need the test kit (about $15), a box of 50 test strips for the meter (about $20), a box of lancets (28-29 gauge-aobut $6) - it's a good thing to pick up a box of 'ketone test strips' right now too (about $7).

Looking forward to your answers! HUGS and welcome again!
 
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The meter I use is the Relion Prime. The meter itself is on rollback for $9 and a box of 100 strips costs me $19ish with tax. I can't afford the other models because of the cost of the strips. The only drawback with the Prime is that it requires a "larger" amount of blood on the strip...which is still only a fraction of a half of a drop. First time testers seem to prefer the other models that take the least amount of blood when they're first learning how to poke their cats ear, but I'm on a massive budget and just rolled with the cheaper model.
 
ja9390 said:
The meter I use is the Relion Prime. The meter itself is on rollback for $9 and a box of 100 strips costs me $19ish with tax. I can't afford the other models because of the cost of the strips. The only drawback with the Prime is that it requires a "larger" amount of blood on the strip...which is still only a fraction of a half of a drop. First time testers seem to prefer the other models that take the least amount of blood when they're first learning how to poke their cats ear, but I'm on a massive budget and just rolled with the cheaper model.
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I use the Relion Confirm; it uses less blood, yes, but the test strips are more expensive than the Prime. If you are on a tight budget, the Prime is the way to go! :)
 
For "new" ears, if there's any way you can afford it, go with the Relion Confirm or Micro from WalMart...yes, the strips are a little higher than the Prime, but the tiny sample size is well worth it (the strips are $35.88 for 100)

Later, after his ears "learn to bleed", you can always change and go to the Prime to save on strips.

As for insulin, yes, it's high, but if your vet will give you a script for Lantus (a very good insulin for cats) you can buy it where most of us are...From Canada! Instead of being around $500 for a 5 pack of Lantus Solostar pens, it's only about $170 including shipping. That's enough insulin to last most cats about 2 years, so it breaks down to about $7/month

Here's all the info on buying insulin from Marks Marine in Canada

If you can't swing $170, they will sell an individual pen for about $70....that's 300 units of insulin and enough to last most cats about 100 days
 
Unfortunately, a lot of us that tried the savings card weren't able to get it to work because our scripts were written by a vet, but it's well worth the try!
 
Chris & China said:
Unfortunately, a lot of us that tried the savings card weren't able to get it to work because our scripts were written by a vet, but it's well worth the try!
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I've used it for years now. The rx is written by Gobbles' vet and his name "gobbles" is on the rx. I even told the pharmacy it is for my cat. There is no place on the savings card that says "human only" or "rx written by human doctor only". I currently use it at CVS (and they send me a text when rx is available for a refill) and I've also used it at 2 local pharmacies. The first time I used it at CVS, I got the Lantus pen FREE. If it were me, I would have challenged the pharmacist to call the company. Whoever is denying you is wrong. The first time I went to use it, I was worried the pharmacy would not honor it; Gobbles' vet told me to have the pharmacy call him if there was a problem. I know a LOT of people on this board have used it with SUCCESS. Too bad for those who don't know that they could be using it. The trick is to find a pharmacy that is willing to sell a single pen. I know some Walmarts will honor it. If they tell you they won't honor it because it was written by a vet, either have them call the company, call your vet or pay the full price, which in my area is about $55.
 
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Larry and Kitties said:
The issue seems to be is the the pharmisist is supposed to enter the NPI number for the doctor prescribing the drug and vets do not have a NPI number, only human doctors have them. For a short period of time vets could obtain a NPI number
http://www.aahanet.org/blog/NewStat...s-are-not-eligible-to-obtain-NPI-numbers.aspx
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Hi Larry, have you any idea when vets were no longer able to obtain a NPI mumber, and also, for the vets who were able to get them--do they still have them? I hope I'm making sense.
 
From;
http://atwork.avma.org/2013/08/06/new-federal-guidance-npi-numbers-not-for-veterinarians/

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has implemented new guidance on National Provider Identifier (NPI) numbers. In 2007, NPI numbers were put into place for health care providers who bill for Medicare services. Due to incorporation of “veterinarian” into the taxonomy in the NPI application form, and continued requests for these identifier numbers by individual pharmacies, it was believed that NPI numbers were a possible way to satisfy individual pharmacy requests for an identifier number from prescribing veterinarians. However, thenew DHHS guidance says specifically that “NPI numbers are not eligible for veterinarians because they do not meet the regulatory definition of ‘health care provider’ as defined at 45 CFR 160.103.” For veterinarians who previously procured an NPI number, DHHS advises that NPI numbers can be deactivated. Although there are “Other Entity Identifier” numbers available to certain practitioners, AVMA staff are currently seeking additional clarification on exactly what national identifier numbers are in fact eligible for veterinarians to attain.
 
WOW! This has been a lot of good information. My head was spinning when I got his numbers so I will check with the vet in the am. Can I get a paper script like with humans? They wanted to call it in and since I am on disability, with my scripts I take it wherever I can use good Rx and get 70% off my meds.
 
Lucky'sMom said:
WOW! This has been a lot of good information. My head was spinning when I got his numbers so I will check with the vet in the am. Can I get a paper script like with humans? They wanted to call it in and since I am on disability, with my scripts I take it wherever I can use good Rx and get 70% off my meds.
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Tell them that and they'll write you a prescription on paper. I told my vet that I'm ordering his lantus from Canada and the pharmacy requires an image of the prescription uploaded and attached to the order, and he sent me home with a physical paper prescription.
 
Lucky'sMom said:
Can I get a paper script like with humans?
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Yes, they should give you one if you ask for it. Just tell them you are going to need to do some shopping around for the best price. Don't tell them up front you're buying from Canada....a lot of vets are under the mistaken impression that they're somehow "counterfeit" or substandard, but when it comes to using Marks Marine for Lantus/Levemir, it's exactly the same drug as you'd get at your local pharmacy
 
Chris & China said:
Don't tell them up front you're buying from Canada....a lot of vets are under the mistaken impression that they're somehow "counterfeit" or substandard
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Or they could be like my vet who asked for the name of the pharmacy to relay to his clients who have a difficult time affording good insulin. That's how I knew I had a good vet with good intentions who wasn't misinformed in the first place. Not a good idea to stay with a vet you think you have to tiptoe around. They should at least have enough confidence in you to trust that you know what you're doing.
 
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ja9390 said:
Not a good idea to stay with a vet you think you have to tiptoe around.
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I absolutely agree with you....In a perfect world, all our vets would be open to both learning new ways of doing things and doing everything they can to make this whole journey easier on new caretakers instead of harder

Unfortunately, we've heard from so many members here that they mentioned wanting a written script so they could buy from Canada and their vet staunchly refused to write it....that leaves them with the choice of paying the awful price here in the states or trying to find a new vet and starting over.

With my own vet, I just called and said "I need a script for China's insulin faxed to 1-800-xxx-xxxx". Marks Marine called them back to verify the script and they were shocked to hear they were selling it that cheaply too!! ...but she'd also seen the cat before for her first dental so it wasn't like we were brand new to the diagnosis
 
Chris & China said:
and their vet staunchly refused to write it
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This is 100% believable. Most owners are not nearly as involved in their pets care and well-being as I am with Diego--how all of us here are. Most vets probably aren't used to clients knowing alternative methods of buying insulin. As most of you know, I have had enough foolishness from Diego's very first doctor to last me the rest of my life. I guess I have high and ridiculous standards. The way I see things now is, if you are going to think of me as some type of idiot who is at risk of harming my own baby, then you aren't somebody I want to give my hard earned money to. I live in a very big city and there are plenty of vets who will work with me. When I met with the new vet for the first time, I made sure he knew exactly how I planned to manage my own d@#$ cat's diabetes. He went with it! Sometimes you just have to let people know that you're crazy.
 
ja9390 said:
This is 100% believable. Most owners are not nearly as involved in their pets care and well-being as I am with Diego--how all of us here are. Most vets probably aren't used to clients knowing alternative methods of buying insulin. As most of you know, I have had enough foolishness from Diego's very first doctor to last me the rest of my life. I guess I have high and ridiculous standards. The way I see things now is, if you are going to think of me as some type of idiot who is at risk of harming my own baby, then you aren't somebody I want to give my hard earned money to. I live in a very big city and there are plenty of vets who will work with me. When I met with the new vet for the first time, I made sure he knew exactly how I planned to manage my own d@#$ cat's diabetes. He went with it! Sometimes you just have to let people know that you're crazy.
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One of the ER vets ripped the script right out of my hand when I told her that I wasn't going to fill it right away. I mentioned that I wanted to continue on ProZinc until I could find Lantus cheaper and mentioned getting it in Canada.
 
Nervous Pervis and Terri said:
One of the ER vets ripped the script right out of my hand when I told her that I wasn't going to fill it right away. I mentioned that I wanted to continue on ProZinc until I could find Lantus cheaper and mentioned getting it in Canada.
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She's lucky I wasn't the client because I would have blasted her on every form of social media known to mankind.
 
Wow, that is how I am feeling now. I called to get Lucky's glucose and was advised it is 342. She said she prescribed Glargine-Lantus or I could use ProZinc. Now I at least have a leg to stand on to getting him some help today. I didn't choose this vet by the way. They said it would be 60.00 for me to come in and see how to inject him with insulin! I have done animal rescue in the past and would never just turn a struggling fur-baby without at least some sort of referral to someone who could help. Thank goodness for this site! I am off to Walmart to see if I can get the meter and strips for him. Wish me luck folks!
 
I'm filling out the online form for the Lantus Savings Card right now. Did you all fill it out with your own name or with your cat's name?
 
I used my pet's name - I read somewhere that you need to make sure you put in a date that makes the registrant over 18. The card you print does not have a name on it.
 
I found myself in a similar situation. I found DCIN (diabetic cats in need), which gives insistence in getting the appropriate supplies needed to give your baby the best care. The internet address is www.FDMB-CIN.Blogspot.com. There is plenty of info to get you through the process. They have been a true blessing for me and my baby. Good luck from Jane ans Stewey.
 
Hello, I just wanted to post what I'm running into. The local Target CVS is the only place that I've found willing to sell single Lantus Solostar Pens that cost $80. When they try to enter in any of the coupon info they get stuck at the NPI screen and wont accept the coupons.
Also reading the fine print of the Lantus Sanofi RX savings program it says maximum savings with a commercial insurance plan is $500 per box of pens (which would be free since they currently go for $430 ish dollars) or $100 per box without insurance ($20 savings per pen since theres 5 pens per box.)

I purchased a Solostar Pen the first week of Dec 2016 and just finished it today April 12, 2017, so 4 months! I kept it in a coffee cup insulin side down in the bottom of the fridge as the above poster suggested. My cat gets .5 U every 12hrs which is like a small drop, so no need to warm it up. I never pushed air or unused insulin back into the pen. I bet I can get 5 months out of this next pen. And Ill be ordering pens from Marks going forward.
 
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