Recently diagnosed

Status
Not open for further replies.
Good morning! What a lovely amps Lucian gave you. You sound so much more in control, Debbie and prepared to handle this whole sugar dance, one step at a time. Amazing how having a few numbers to consider can help. I think you have a good plan (particularly the going back to sleep part) Why don't you start a new thread next time - this one is getting long.

And you might consider posting in the Lantus forum. They all use your insulin and can give you dose advice now that you have the shots, a spreadsheet and testing down. Be sure to explain that you are waiting on strips and planning to do only a few tests until they arrive. Lantus dosing is based on that midcycle number so they will be anxious to see nadirs also, as soon as you get your strips.

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewforum.php?f=9
 
Here is a link to low carb healthy treats:

http://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=9172

In addition, I buy PureBites, freeze dried chicken, the largest bag they sell:

http://www.kingwholesale.com/Shopping/i ... fm?id=5994

This is what I buy: http://www.kingwholesale.com/Shopping/P ... Item=22465

You can also use people food - such as baked or boiled chicken - I sometimes get the rotisserie at the store and will give them the chicken that doesn't have the spices on it, usually the bits closest to the bones.

Some deli meats and cheeses are ok, just check the ingredients to make sure it doesn't have spices and stuff.

You can even open a can of tuna and use that as a treat. If you have an Asian market or an Asian section in your supermarket, you can look there to see what freeze dried fish products they sell (again, no added spices or anything).

You just need to become creative with the treats. And save the temptations and pounce to put in the hypo kit in case you need.

As for dose, I do agree that 3 units is way too high a starting dose. Given that you have changed food as well, I see nothing wrong with you starting over and giving 1 unit or even 1/2 unit. It is up to you. Remember you can always adjust the dose as needed. Better off starting safe and following the motto - start low, go slow.
 
Welcome!

Now that you've got some things in place, my signature link on Secondary monitoring tools has some ways to assess your cat's health. Urine ketone testing is the most important. Water and food consumption will give you some inexpensive clues to see how he is doing, and the 5 Ps are what we call the "Whole Cat Report"
 
Hey, Debbie -

Sounds like you're off to a great start. Just wanted to confirm that we don't need a prescription to buy syringes. I order mine from ADW, along with the test strips and lancets.

Again, please, don't hesitate to PM me if I can help, even just extra support, as I think we may be the closest FDMB folks to you.

Have a great day -

Libby (& Hershey, too!)
 
nckitties3 said:
...I think he'll bolt before I can get the sample, since he doesn't want to sit with me any more. I don't want to have to hold him down or wrap him in a towel, it's traumatizing to both of us. But, the towel will work if he won't cooperate. ... I love the video with the cat that just sits there, I can dream!
Click to expand...

Grayson was not cooperative at first, but due to my back issues, we had to find a testing spot that was ergonomic for me. He sits on the table in front of me. Initially I wrapped him in a beach towel. He didn't like it, but he got over that. It didn't take too many treats for him to just come and "assume the position". He lays facing my right, and I poke his right ear. My L arm is over his back, if I need to hold him down, or scruff him (no longer necessary); his R ear wrapped around my L thumb, while lancet (free-handed) is in my R hand. Meter is already set and just to my right. He likes to lick my hand, so I usually let him do that before I poke. This is our testing position and it works well for him. You'll find a comfortable position that works for you. Good lighting is also important.
 
nckitties3 said:
... at least until I can get the vet to write me a script for syringes.
Click to expand...

You don't need a script for syringes in NC. Walmart carries them - you can buy a 10 pack for about $2 or a box of 100 for $12.80. The ones I use have half-unit increments which would be helpful. You do have to go to the pharmacy counter and ask for them. I use the ReliOn 3/10 mL (doses up to 30 units), 30 gauge, 8mm (5/16) short needle. White box w/ purple label.
 
Good Afternoon,

My name is Kim and I had a Diabetic Cat, Kitty that I treated for a year and half with the help of the wonderful people here. She passed away a year and a half later at age 16.5 (not due to diabetes). I now have a diet controlled diabetic Cat, Chewy, that was a DCIN rescue from the Wake County shelter. I won't even tell you about my dog, Sally, that has decided that she wants to be diabetic!

I live in NC--not too far east of you.

I have never used lantus, but I am familiar with feline diabetes as a whole and I can tell you --- You have come to the RIGHT place for help! This is a wonderful site and there are many people here that can help you.

I have some extra U100 syringes and an extra Accu Chek meter if you are interested. I order strips from ebay-- much cheaper than the pharmacy. I pay a third of the price and normally recieve them within 7 days of purchasing.

I will be glad to offer you any assistance- including a home visit to help with testing techniques.

Feel free to PM if I can be of help!

Good Luck and continue to ask questions of the members here--- They are Great!

Kim
 
Thank you Kim! I'm sure I will need syringes soon, I want to be able to properly dose Lucian and I know that full units aren't always correct and using the pen the way it is, it's full units. I'm a little scared of doing it manually, would be a great help to have someone that is used to it, show me how. I was looking online at various syringes and saw the ultra short and I think that's a good idea huh? I'm afraid I'll go too far with it. I'm considering trying to free hand the lancet, too, cause the device is a pain, hard to see what you're doing, but again, I'm worried about doing it and would help a lot, I think, if I could see it done. Of course, there was no mention of checking BG by the vet, I found that out when I came here, along with other things. Vet said to pinch the skin up into a tent and shoot him in the tent! Had I not seen the pictures here, I would have had no idea! I got next to no direction with this, until I found this site and God bless you all!
 
Hey, Debbie -

These are the syringes we use. http://www.americandiabeteswholesal...e-insulin-syringes_3364.htm?source=SiteSearch. They also sell them 100/$13.99.

Wished I had had your phone number. Ended up coming to Wake Forest tonight and could've brought you some syringes.

The lancet device was hard for me to get at first, but it does get easier. I've read about people free-handing, so it's certainly an option worth trying.

Hope you're having a great evening -

Libby (& Hershey, too!)
 
Thank you for the thought! I PM'd you my number. Hopefully we can meet up soon, maybe somewhere midway even...
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top