Renee&Lacy&Wasabi-San

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Renee&Lacy&Wasabi-San

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We would like to introduce ourselves: We (Renee & Lacy) and our youngest cat (Wasabi-San, 2 yrs). We have a knack for collecting homeless/abused animals and caring for them--we just can't seem to say no. Sabi was a homeless kitten that someone in Illinois (where we used to live) had; they decided he wasn't quite what they wanted and were going to take him to a shelter. Lacy cried and we ended up driving home with him. In the past few days, we found out Wasabi-San has diabetes. We took him to Dr. Burch (in Phelan) but he got so sick we thought he would die. We didn't want Sabi to know how sad we were, so we kept saying , "Stay calm and carry on," and tried not to cry in front of him. He resembled a thin, fur rope. We gave him every ounce of love we had, even taking him to work to monitor/love/hold/pet him. And he responded. Just last night (late last night) he finally ate a dab of food on his own and put his chin in his water bowl. He was so proud! He kept trying, all night, just a little here and a little there, and today a little bit more. He loves the praise! We know he has liver damage to contend with, so he's still got a battle ahead of him. But he's happy, rolling over and talking (mews and coos) and even playing just a little. We owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Burch, and to Gail, who shared LOTS of VERY helpful advice with us on so many topics (sugar levels, how to do the glucose testing, diet, etc., etc.). She has really been there for us. Gail also introduced us to the Feline Diabetes Forum. Sabi has kept us so overwhelmed (we run what we jokingly call our own "non-for-profit animal shelter", and have also been nursing two sick rabbits and caring for our other pets), so this is our first attempt to properly introduce ourselves. We're having financial problems, as many people are right now, losing our house, etc., & had to take out a new credit card (auugh!) for Sabi. We do have trouble w/his glucose testing, keep getting error messages, running through strips FAST (not to mention it hurts him; his ears are all spotty.) We are SO GLAD a support group like this exists, and so thankful to Gail for her kindness, being so available to help us.
 
Welcome to the board, so sorry to hear what a hard time you are having. It does seem like everything seems to happen at once. I know right when my cat got sick with diabetes my elderly mother also became very ill as well so I do know what its like.
I am new here too. There are many good and kind, helpful people here on this board. Do not hesitate to ask questions. What a good vet you must have who is aware of this board and suggested you come here.
What kind of meter are you using? People here can help with that too. Maybe they use the same meter and can tell you why you are getting error messages. Anyhow welcome.

Terri
 
Hi Renee, Lacy and Wasabi-San,

Welcome to FDMB. You certainly have your hands full and hopefully we can give you some advice that will help make things easier.

You are off to a great start. I hope my suggestions can help you keep some of your costs down.

1) Hometesting. I am not sure what meter you are using, but you can also use store brand meters such as Walmart Relion brand meters. The strips for store brand meters are a lot less expensive than the brand name meters and work just as well. If you decide on the Relion meter, I recommend using either the Confirm or Micro meter since they require a very small blood to test and this may make it easier for you and have less errors.

Also for testing, if you are using the lancet device and having problems, try using the lancet freehand. Many of us find you have better control. Also if you are having problems getting the ears to bleed, you can warm the ear with a warm washcloth or rice sack or massage them. Also try using larger lancet. The higher the number for the guage of the lancet, the thinner it is. Try finding lancets with a lower number such as 28 or 29. It may make it easier.

2) Food. Gail probably already told you about Janet & Binky's food list http://binkyspage.tripod.com/canfood.html. Look for foods with less than 10 in the carbs column and a high number in the protein column. Many of us feed our cats Fancy Feast, Friskies, or Special Kitty.

If you have any questions, please ask. We are here to help.
 
Welcome. These furries get in our hearts don't they. Sounds like you are on the right path. Sending hugs and best wishes for your little one. I have just ended up with my 4th diabetic. It does get to be easier.... Don't hesitate to post. Wishing you well.
 
Hi, It's Renee and Lacy and Wasabi-San again. We want to thank everyone so much. Sabi is doing so much better! He's eating great and, as of yesterday, started drinking water on his own! (we were having to force water down him and do subcutaneous fluids twice a day.) We are so happy, and he is, too. He's regaining weight, walking without wobbling, and getting some of his old spunk back. We appreciated the kind and helpful reply posts from terri1962, Sue and Oliver (GA), Lisa and Witn (GA), and Cindy and Patches (GA). We will be doing a glucose curve on Wasabi soon, and were REALLY glad to learn about the benefits of lower lancet numbers from Lisa and Witn (GA); also information about food options! We were encouraged by Cindy and Patches and Gail, assuring us it gets easier with time and practice. Our hearts went out to Sue and Oliver because of their loss of precious Oliver, and to terri1962, who had to deal with the illness of her mother and cat at the same time. It's nice to know that there are others out there who truly love and value animals, as well as reach out to their fellowman. You are all wonderful! (On a parting note for today, Wasabi-San would like us to add his photo to our posts, but wants us to wait just a little bit longer--he says he's still a bit too thin for photos)(something a lot of us would love to say!)
 
What a wonderful post to read!

sending an open-armed welcome to you, Lacy, and Wasabi-san...
and a pat on the back to Gail for getting the ball rolling.

there are truly angels among us, and Wasabi-san has found his!

celi & binks
 
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