OMG, so darn proud and meter recommendation

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pat121

pat121

Member Since 2016
First, I tested my perfectbaby tonite for the very first time all by myself, and I think I did better than the Vet techs. They tried testing the paw and it took a few pricks. I did it with the testing gizmo (could not just jab him with lancet); got enough blood; he did not squirm one little bit.

Now we had tried using my own meter (I'm also diabetic) on the ear, and just needed way too much blood. Recommendations on here with the ReliOn from walmart, and the best money I've ever spent. I use the Micro, and just the tiniest little bit of blood is necessary. I found on my cat, laying in my lap and getting the paw done was easier ON HIM than putting him on counter. And, again, for me, pricking that ear was just something I could not handle.

No insulin how for two days. His sugars were at 134 tonite and I believe 150 or so last nite. At any rate, Vet tech was here both times, and said to skip insulin. So hoping that those numbers stay low and his other numbers to i the direction they are supposed to go.

Now a celebratory beer and food.
 
Congratulations on the successful test!! Isn't that Relion meter the best? (Both the Confirm and the Micro take that teeny tiny sample!)

Welcome to the Vampire Club!!
vampire smiley.jpg
 
Well, she got excited TOO soon, but it will work. Maybe I didn't press hard enough with the tester. Maybe I just did not squeeze enough. I had major confidence this morning, but got NO blood from either paw and stopped. I hate to skip a dose, but since his sugars were low last nite, I just may. Then again, he did not have a dose last nite because of the low sugar, so I might. Need more coffee to decide on this one.

I did find a little piece of "black" in his basket this morning, and then a larger clump beside it. I have two cats, so either one could have left the gift, and it has happened thru the years. Don't think it was intentional.

I will continue trying to test. I will just make sure I "prime" the little paw better tonite before his test. I'm just not into pricking 5-6 times. I know I will get the hang eventually and although it's very early on in the game, I am hoping the low blood signs mean remission.
 
I'm too embarrassed to share the screw-ups I made when learning to test but now it's second nature to Saoirse and myself. You and Beau will get there, too. And so quickly I think you'll surprise yourself! Actually you're way ahead of the game compared to many guardians of diabetic animals who never learn to test at all. Keep the faith! :)


Mogs
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I have skipped doses and survived and he will too.

My dosing him was not at 12 hour intervals for a few days. I was getting 2 hours of sleep a night (if that), and making sure he ate every 2 hours for that fatty liver disease, and that probably did him no good with the diabetes.

Now that twice at night his sugars have been too low to dose, I just won't dose him without testing and have him go into a coma. Ideally, it would have worked this morning. I might have pressed harder on the pad last night. I will keep up and if necessary, just keep pricking him until I get blood, or if by tomorrow I can't get any, maybe a quick trip to the Vet to see if they can test. Not ideal, but he's improving and I don't want him to go backwards here.

And I guess since it took the experience Vet tech 4 times to get blood from the paw, it's just part of what happens.
 
I think you should always err on the side of caution! :)

Remember, you have to take care of yourself, too, or you won't be able to take care of Beau! :bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
I'm NOT a morning person, but I know at times, getting blood is hard. This was "early" morning, and he had had water, etc. all day yesterday

Trying not to be angry, but the "other cat" has decided to destroy a doll to get my attention. He has gotten it all right. It's JUST a doll, and he is jealous, I know. I do give him some of the FF when I feed Beau, but he prefers the dry. He's not eating much today, so I think he's likely gotten some of that ribbon in his belly. The other day when I caught him the first time, he had thrown some up. I hope it will work its way out, because, honestly, I cannot afford two sick cats or surgery if it's stuck and has to be removed. I put up a barrier (that worked well) yesterday so it would fall off a trash can I put beside the little rocker where the doll was sitting, and it's still in place. I guess he just climbed on his b ack paws to reach it. I have removed the doll, ut no clue if he has tossed up that ribbon.

Any way, I will test tonite and see, and if not, we will visit the Vet tomorrow and a tech there will test for me (already called to make sure).
 
I've a cat with pica, so I understand about the ribbon! My vet had me use lactulose when it seemed like he was coughing again due to built up plastic in his stomach.

When you have a moment, could you add a few tidbits to your signature? It will help us give you feedback.

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I will try, BJM. I haven't figured out the spread sheet yet, and with all the other, just have not tried. The "good", I guess, is that I can smell vomit. I can't don't see anything. My bet is that he barfed up that little piece of ribbon and I will find it.

Strange, but Beau vomitted in the hall on a rub after one entire day of fluids. I wiped and scrubbed, but apparently there was "fragrance" left behind, and Patches (the ribbon eater) was smelling and rubbing around on it. And he tries to eat Beau's food when he has an entire bowl of the same thing beside it. He has now taken over Beau's fave chair, and Beau just merely waltzes back to the home office into his fave basket, which has now also become Patches' fave place to be.

Any way, I will try to add all those goodies. Going shortly to get a new cell phone so the Vet will be able to contact me when I'm away from home. It died last nite.
 
Sounds like Patches needs a little extra attention, so he doesn't feel left out. It's hard, when you have a sick kitty, to make sure the other(s) don't feel like they have been pushed aside. I have four, I know what you're going thru!
 
Lactulose is an osmotic laxative. It works by drawing moisture into the bowel, to soften up the feces so they can move more readily.
An x-ray may determine if some things are stuck anywhere in the GI tract.
 
William Rufo said:
I'm so scared to start home testing but I think my cat needs it since his numbers change so frequently
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We were all a bit nervous at first, but in time it becomes second nature. Just take a deep breath and remember you're doing it for the good of your kitty. If you have any questions on testing technique, please ask.
 
I went out for a few hours to visit brother and SIL and stayed longer than the two hour feeding. Maybe 3 hours. Now he doesn't want to eat again, so it's syringe feeding shortly if he won't eat voluntarily. Yes, I need to test also, BUT if I have to syringe feed him, I guess I really don't want to try doing the testing at the same time. We had this staggered so I could test HOURS before the insulin is due, and he could keep that on schedule.

I guess he and I will make a trip to the Vet afternoon (thank got for Vets open on Sunday) to get them to test him, and then he gets blood tests on Monday.

I do hate this, but it is what it is tonite. When he and I are both out of sorts, it just doesn't work, and we are both tht way after a syringe feeding.
 
No insulin since Friday nite when his BS was at about 130. He just lays there so lovingly, but after 3 tries, I'm done. So, we take a trip to the Vet when it opens today so they can test him. I know he needs insulin, and I know it will get easier, but I think I just might need that "helping hand" on occasion to maybe show me what I did wrong this time. At any rate no test = no insulin.
 
I know it will come. It was so easy Friday nite, but today nothing. I have just ordered some magnifying glasses to clip on mine and they will be here Tuesday. Maybe it is that tiny little speck that is there, but I am just not seeing it. At any rate, I know it's a PITA for them, but it's worth the money to me if I can't get any until I get experienced with this.
 
pat121 said:
I know it will come. It was so easy Friday nite, but today nothing. I have just ordered some magnifying glasses to clip on mine and they will be here Tuesday. Maybe it is that tiny little speck that is there, but I am just not seeing it. At any rate, I know it's a PITA for them, but it's worth the money to me if I can't get any until I get experienced with this.
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It does get easier. I've not been doing this for long and Nervous Pervis and I have it all figured out, but it was very frustrating at first. I had to put more bulbs in my 1970's Hollywood-style bath lighting and I have to put on magnifying glasses to see the blood.
 
Black kitty ears are tough....Have you tried putting a little Vaseline on his ear/paw first @pat121

Just a very thin film will help get the blood to "bead up" instead of wicking into the fur (or pawpad)....think "oil and water"
 
He really fought not to eat tonite. Maybe fluids in the morning? He hid under a chair from me and would not eat on his own. Syringe fed all day today. I k ept telling him I didn't want him to be "ready", and it will get better.

I am preparing myself for the evitability that he really does need to leave us, but just want that food and maybe fluids to perk him up again.
 
No. Just Mom's love.

We are going to Vet shortly to donate blood, but I think I'm going to try to get appt. instead. He was doing so good with eating, but pretty lethargic this morning. I am going to call shortly (when they open) to get an appt. The "worse" is that nothing is documented. I really do keep close tabs on the "every two hours", but twice at "feeding time" yesterday, there is no notation. I am not sure whether I fed him or not in tht span

Would like his usual Vet, but when I call, I will tell them he's just not perky this morning at all, and if nothing else, drop him off and let the doctor check him out at his convenience, and maybe run fluids today It's been a week since fluids, and he was doing well, and then kinda went down Saturday some. I hate dumping him there, but I do like it when they monitor him day.
 
I suggest asking your vets about anti-nausea and appetite stimulant meds and whether they could help Beau to eat better (and possibly without as much need for assist feeding). If you could get him to eat better he would then be taking in more fluids with the extra food.

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I just dropped him off. He did begin cleaning himself before we left so that's good. I hope he hasn't given up, but it almost feels like it. However, when you feel bad, you don't really care, and yesterday, he was just not feeling good.

I told the Vet tech all of it, and that I was having to force him to eat. The Vet usually calls me after lunch, but after they've checked him out a bit, they should have some clues, and if appetite stimulant is not suggested, I will suggest it. Thanks.
 
Critter Mom said:
I suggest asking your vets about anti-nausea and appetite stimulant meds and whether they could help Beau to eat better (and possibly without as much need for assist feeding). If you could get him to eat better he would then be taking in more fluids with the extra food.

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@Critter Mom Mogs, I have a friend in the UK who wants to try pumpkin for her cat w/diarrhea. Can she use pumpkin (or squash) that she has cooked and mashed herself? I know getting canned pumpkin is a problem in the UK.

Pat, please forgive me for hijacking your thread, I sincerely apologize for my lack of manners and proper etiquette!
 
Hijacking is NO problem.

Making a hard decision right now. Beau's numbers went horribly wrong. Not sure whether I am going to try to get family to take me 2 hours from here and do another transfusion and ultra sound. Sounds like something is really horribly wrong, like a tumor. Just not ready to let him go, but I am thinking he might be ready to go. Hiding last nite and feeling horrible might just be anemia, but we don't know wht is causing it. Not happy, but I think I may be coming to a decision here,
 
pat121 said:
Hijacking is NO problem.

Making a hard decision right now. Beau's numbers went horribly wrong. Not sure whether I am going to try to get family to take me 2 hours from here and do another transfusion and ultra sound. Sounds like something is really horribly wrong, like a tumor. Just not ready to let him go, but I am thinking he might be ready to go. Hiding last nite and feeling horrible might just be anemia, but we don't know wht is causing it. Not happy, but I think I may be coming to a decision here,
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Oh Pat, I am so sorry to hear this. What does your vet think is going on? I hope it turns out to be something easily dealt with! I am sending prayers and healing vibes for Beau, and hugs for you. Please keep us posted! :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
My brother is taking me to the emergency vet. i TOLD him I just need to know before I euthanize him. He h as so many things wrong with him, and Vet said it's possible with the low numbers that he might not even make it thru the night. I convinced the brother that, even if he goes on the way to this hospital (2 hour drive), that I will NEVER be able to deal with it if I don't do all I can, and $500 is not major.

His anemia numbers are WAY down/up. Not sure why. Vet h ere says a transfusion might solve the problem, but he needs to be tested for blood type, and they don't do that here. Transfusion could resolve it, but if not, and this is recurring, then we know the decision we have to make.

The anemia could be caused by tumor (repeat?), so we just need to see. The fatty liver thing has his skin and everything much more yellow, so he's just a really sick little guy right now.

At least we will be trying. If it doesn't work, then at least I tried. And also trying NOT to blame myself for not noticing all of this sooner.
 
pat121 said:
My brother is taking me to the emergency vet. i TOLD him I just need to know before I euthanize him. He h as so many things wrong with him, and Vet said it's possible with the low numbers that he might not even make it thru the night. I convinced the brother that, even if he goes on the way to this hospital (2 hour drive), that I will NEVER be able to deal with it if I don't do all I can, and $500 is not major.

His anemia numbers are WAY down/up. Not sure why. Vet h ere says a transfusion might solve the problem, but he needs to be tested for blood type, and they don't do that here. Transfusion could resolve it, but if not, and this is recurring, then we know the decision we have to make.

The anemia could be caused by tumor (repeat?), so we just need to see. The fatty liver thing has his skin and everything much more yellow, so he's just a really sick little guy right now.

At least we will be trying. If it doesn't work, then at least I tried. And also trying NOT to blame myself for not noticing all of this sooner.
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Have they done a bone marrow biopsy/aspirate yet to determine the cause of the anemia? Bandit was severely anemic (almost to the point of needing a transfusion) and it turned out to be an autoimmune disease, not cancer like we thought. He also had concurrant pancreatitis, which was confirmed with an ultrasound. Inflammation can make the anemia worse in these cases, as it did with Bandit.
 
I think you are absolutely doing the right thing in going to the emergency vet and getting more information before making any decisions. And pleases don't blame yourself! Our kitties are masters at hiding health problems from us, it's not in any way your fault!!! You are a wonderful kitty Mom, and you take great care of Beau! :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Squalliesmom said:
I think you are absolutely doing the right thing in going to the emergency vet and getting more information before making any decisions. And pleases don't blame yourself! Our kitties are masters at hiding health problems from us, it's not in any way your fault!!! You are a wonderful kitty Mom, and you take great care of Beau! :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
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I feel bad for fussing at him when he kept getting under my feet. I just thought he wanted more food and I didn't want to get off computer. However, according to the Vet, just so many things. Not sure how it all happened (and neither are they), but tonite will be special. I just need to eat something since I havent eaten all day, and then prepare a place for me beside his basket. I can't save him, but he will cross the bridge knowing his Mom loved him to pieces.
 
Oh Pat, my heart is truly breaking for you. I am so, so sorry. It's good that you will be there with him; he know you love him and your presence will make him feel safe and give him peace. My prayers go out for both of you. (((Hugs)))

Lucy :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Taking a break from the floor. Been rubbing him and talking on phone. Yes, he knows how much I love him and always will. Wish he liked being held, but he never has. And I think maybe his little basket is softer than the mattress on my bed, so this is where we will be tonite.
 
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