spoke with vet

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Karen & Rudy

Karen & Rudy

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I emailed my spreadsheet to my vet asking if we should start increasing a bit and she said she wanted me to bring him in for a fructosamine before she can determine that. She couldn't explain to me what that test would tell her that my spreadsheet didn't- or maybe I'm just not understanding? Anyway, she also sold me another bottle of insulin, but said that I wouldn't be able to get more with out an appointment. She said he is supposed to be seen every month until he is regulated and then every 2-3 months after that. That seems crazy as far as time and money goes! Not sure what to do at this point.....

Does this seem reasonable? What would you do with dosing and future medicine/testing?
 
Hi Karen,

I guess I would start with the fructosamine test. Ask her the rationale for it. It will give her an average blood glucose level for the past couple of weeks. She can easily get that information from your spreadsheet. It does seem unreasonable and the uncharitable thought would be that she wants the money it will cost you to have it done.... I can see why she might want to see him before prescribing more insulin, but not an expensive test.

You could try to reason with her, starting with the premise that you are the customer. Tell her you are happy to share your spreadsheet and give her the average bg level, if that is what she is looking for. Ask why she wants to see him every month. Again, you are happy to share your test results and you keep track of and can share his eating habits, but you don't want the expense and stress of a vet visit that often.

If she won't treat him the way you want, you can try finding another vet. If she is the only one available, then maybe it's time to be a little passive aggressive and just be unavailable for appointments. When the latest vial of insulin runs out, you can revisit the situation. It might depend on where you live and what kind of access you have to other vets?

I'm sorry you are having to deal with an unreasonable vet. It makes this whole sugar dance even more difficult.

As far as Rudy's numbers, he is dropping but has more room to lower. What do you think about trying 3.25 for a few cycles and see how the numbers look?
 
Sue- we are definitely thinking about increasing a little. Thank you for looking at his chart, we will probably start doing that this weekend (we are home more to monitor and test him then). I may have to start looking for another vet- just in case. This vet also just increased prices on everything including insulin and that also makes it harder. Thx for your help! :-)

BJM- I will print that off for when I start some phone interviews here shortly :-) thanks!
 
My Rebel needs a new vial of insulin every 22 days now (which is obviously very expensive)...if my vet wouldn't order them without an appointment I would be forced to look for a new vet. I hope yours wises up before they lose a patient for good. Good luck!!
 
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