Still overwhelmed!

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helpforhunter

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My name is Susan. I posted on Saturday, the day I found out my Hunter has diabetes. I am going to see the vet about the start of treatment. I want to keep him healthy and will do what I need to do. My issues the last couple days is that I have told co-workers and friends about what I am doing with him. All except one tells me that I should put him down. They tell me that vets are businessmen and want only the money the care will give. I suppose in some regard that is correct. It is my fault for telling them about this but it is helpful to discus this with someone. I guess why I am here is to get support for my decision to help Hunter and not kill him.........
 
I think most of us consider our kitties part of our family, and we wouldn't put any of the other members of our family to sleep if they developed a treatable disease.....There are cat people and then there are other people. We're cat people. We all have experienced the special bond that develops between a diabetic cat and its mom or dad. The kitties seem to know we are helping them feel better and even the most difficult cats eventually jump up to be tested, waiting for their treat.

I just wouldn't tell your co workers or friends your plan for your sweet Hunter. If you need help or support and just someone to talk to, there is often someone here day or night. We are from all around the world and we will be glad to be here for you and your kitty.
 
my cat Squeak has been insulin free since March 2003 after diagnosed in early December 2002. If I had euthanized him, I would have missed all these years with him. Your co-workers are cruel. pets are our responsibility, whether well or sick, and if the illness is treatable then we owe it to them to look after them.
 
Only cat people will understand just how far we go for our cats. Many of us have not only treated our own diabetics but have gone on and adopted other diabetics that needed homes. We're all fine......it's the rest of the people that are screwed up. Don't even count on family to understand because they may disappoint you. You love Hunter and you will take care of him and forget about all the rest. He will return that love many times over because a much stronger bond is created when treating them. Even my old B.K. that showed up a few years ago now knows the fluids make her feel better and is good as gold for me to give them to her. Five years ago she wouldn't even let us see her outside. Cats know, they just know, and are so worth it. Just go up to Members at the top right and click on any letter and see how many people have joined here to learn. You can do it and all the help you need, including support, is here on FDMB.
 
Thank you! I just needed to hear that I am making the correct decision. I know the answer is not to tell others. I do appreciate this site and after my vet visit tomorrow I am sure I will get more answers here.
 
my cat was only diagnosed the first of December, and it's been a steep learning curve for me. It's been expensive and stressful but I would do it again in a heartbeat. I am a person who would euthanise a pet who wasn't going to get better, but this is a treatable disease. Part of being a pet owner is taking care of your pet's medical needs.

I've also learned that cats who get treated for diabetes quickly (within 6 months) of getting diagnosed often get off of insulin when their pancreas heals. There are a lot of people on here whose cats have gone off. That's encouraging to me.

In fact, the study done by Roomp & Rand indicated that of 30 cats who were put on Lantus insulin within the first month, they had a 100% remission rate during the study.

Don't give up on your kitty yet. He needs you to be his advocate. I'll find the link for that study and post it here for you to take to your vet. One thing i'm learning is that a lot of vets don't seem to have a ton of experience with feline diabetes - so you will need to educate yourself (it's all here somewhere on this site) so you can advocate for Hunter!

This is a tedious read, but print it out and try to muddle through it and then take it to your vet. Really, it's very optimistic.
http://www.uq.edu.au/ccah/docs/diabetesinfo/link4.pdf
 
so glad to hear it! my willie is somewhere around 15, and after going on insulin 3 months ago, he now has the energy he had when he was much, much younger! he is happy, healthy, and now spends much of the day engaged in play. he also has an autoimmune disease that we're treating, but you'd never know it looking at him. in fact, you'd never even guess he was almost 15!

it hasn't been all easy, but given the chance, I'd do it all again in a heartbeat. on paper, he may be "old" and "sick," but he apparently didn't get the memo! :lol:

looking forward to learning more about you & hunter!
 
You have come ot the right place for support. I found this board when we were diagnosed and after 2 months we were off insulin. Bear has had one relapse since then but it only lasted for a month before he was back to being diet controlled.
I read as much as I possibly could in the beginning about FD and diet to the point of exhaustion. Just take a deep breath and know its going to be ok. Educate yourself but don't over stress. There's a learning curve and we have all been there. FD is treatable and if you are willing to put the time in (it sounds like you are) then you can be happy with yourself for taking such great care of your kitty.
*Hugs*

Rachel and Bear
 
Feline diabetes is not a death sentence. It is easily managable through diet, hometesting and insulin. Caring for a diabetic cat only adds a few minutes to your day and also can be done for economically.

I have had 4 diabetic cats, two of which I adopted knowing they were diabetic. Three have gone ahead due to non-diabetic issues (2 old age - 17 & 19, and one from cancer). All of my cats' health actually improved after they were diagnosed and/or adopted and if you did not know it, you would have never suspected they were diabetic.

I have never considered feline diabetes a burden and would easily consider adopting another diabetic in the future.
 
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