Terrified of testing

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Julie mueller

Julie mueller

Member Since 2019
I am going to Walmart today to get a glucose meter . I am looking between alpha track and the Relion . Are one of them easier to use ??
Also I am terrified to do the testing on my cat . Does it hurt? What part of the ear do I do it ?
And should i test now or wait until i start insulin on monday?
 
Get the Re-Lion. Walmart does not carry the other one pet meter. Start when you have insulin to shoot. It is very scary but we all learn how to do it. The Vet will show you how it's done.
 
I suggest you begin testing now to become more at ease with it. The Alphatrak is a pet meter, works very well and vets love it BUT the test strips are very pricey. Like a printer for your computer the big cost in glucose testing isn't the meter, it's the test strips. Find a human meter that works with only a very tiny blood drop and has inexpensive test strips. The pharmacist should be able to help you.

Here's some good info: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/hometesting-links-and-tips.287/
 
Walmart - human meter - get the 'ReliOn' brand, 'Prime' model. Also get a box of test strips for that meter - 50 strips for $9. You'll need a box of lancets, the lowest number you can find. 28 gauge if possible but 30 gauge if they don't have 28's. You will also need a lancet 'pen' or 'device' to hold those lancets to poke for tests.

You CAN do this! I was SO terrified at first, I shook so bad I was afraid my rings were going to go flying. I paced, I cried, I said I couldn't do it - all while KT just sat there looking at me like I'd lost my marbles. I tested that ear, I gave that shot - he then looked at me like 'Hey Mama! What's the big deal?'. Altho' we lost KT nearing 5 years ago, we adopted Dakota, already diabetic and are still dancing.
 
Well I tried testing . I did it while he was eating and it didnt even phase him . However i tried 6 times and couldn't get blood
 
Julie mueller said:
However i tried 6 times and couldn't get blood
Click to expand...

That's OK! That puts you that much closer to blood drop each time! Each time you poke, the body grows small capillaries to the area to send 'healing' blood circulation. It's those capillaries that will give you that blood drop. It takes about 2 weeks or so for it to happen almost every time. Just keep doing!!!! WOOHOO!!!!
 
Did you try warming the ear first? The blood flows better with a warm ear. Put some rice in the toe of the sock and pop in microwave for 10 seconds. Test it isn’t too hot then hold against the ear for a minute before testing. You can also try ‘milking’ the ear towards the pinprick.
Are you pricking near the edge of the ear?
You will get there. We all started like you.
Don’t give up. It will be old hat soon.
 
Julie mueller said:
Well I tried testing . I did it while he was eating and it didnt even phase him . However i tried 6 times and couldn't get blood
Click to expand...
I know just how you feel. I'm going through the same thing with my Sophie. She isn't calm at all and she fights every time. It took my husband and me 4 attempts in two sessions to get a sample this evening.
 
Massaging the ear towards the tip before you test also helps. If you can get the blood on your fingernail you can test from there. Sometimes that is easier when you start testing.
 
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