Using ReliOn lancets & lancing device

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Teresa & KitKat

Teresa & KitKat

Member Since 2017
I am new to this, and new to having a cat with diabetes. My cat Buddy has diabetes, he was hospitalized on 12/26, 12/27, 28, and came home on the 29th. Buddy was a really sick little boy. I was posting an introduction that I started last night, and my computer lost it. Since I have down loaded windows 10, I lose things I am trying to type all the time. We need a lot of help with a lot of things, but this is the 1st. I bought a ReliOn meter that has 33 gauge micro thin lancets, and the lancing device with it. My problem is the lancets are so small I can't get any blood. The doctor told me they were getting blood from the inside of his ear, but when I tried I had no luck. Does anyone know of an easier place to draw blood, and what size lancets should I be using. Maybe I just do not know how to use this equipment. The vet did not want me to test, but I am afraid to leave the house. I am afraid his blood sugar will get low. I have missed church twice because I do not want to leave Buddy. Any advice would be appreciated.
 
I use 28 gauge lancets. They are typically advertised as being used for human alternate site (other than finger tips) testing.
Also start with setting the depth to its deepest setting.
A few caretakers get blood from the paw pads.
 
Agreed on getting the 28 gauge lancets that are marked for 'alternate site testing'. You can still use the ReliOn lancing device with those lancets. And if you do use the device rather than doing it free hand, be sure to use the clear cap that comes with it.
 
The larger lancets will help. Warming the ear also helps a lot. Many of us use a rice sock - ie., an old sock with about half a cup of rice in the toe, tied off and heated in the microwave until it's quite hot but tolerable on your skin.
 
Critter Mom said:
How are things going with the testing? How is Buddy doing?


Mogs
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I finally used the needle by its self, and then I got a reading. Nothing is ever as easy as it looks, and especially at first. I do think I should have the larger needle. His reading was 290, which was down from the high 400's when he was hospitalized. Thank you for asking.
 
Yay! Glad to hear you've managed to start testing - and very glad to hear that Buddy's BG levels are improving. I hope he's also feeling much, much better now. (((Buddy)))

I can really relate to your fear of leaving Buddy unattended without knowing for certain he's in safe numbers. When Saoirse was first diagnosed I got no support from the vet treating her at the time for my desire to home test BG. I ended up having to dose Saoirse 'blind' for several weeks and it was one of the most terrifying periods of my life. We moved to another vet practice shortly after and our new vet showed me how to test Saoirse. The relief was enormous! I sincerely hope that you will find treating Buddy much less stressful now that you're able to check he's safe; the peace of mind home testing brings is priceless.

As you keep testing things will get easier. Every time you do a poke (even an unsuccessful one) it encourages more capillaries to form at the test sites and you'll start having more successful tests. Also, as you practice you'll develop a technique that is the right one for you and Buddy. The 28/29 gauge lancets can make a difference to success rates.

Here is the technique I use; perhaps there might be a tip or two you might find helpful. (Note: I take the cap off the lancet device and 'freehand' the actual poke.)

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Before warming the ear, remember to smear a thin film of Vaseline or neosporin (ointment, not cream) over the test area.

1. Put a 1" strip of kitchen paper around your index finger.

2. Curl the ear around the index finger so the kitchen paper provides a supportive cushion.

3. Hold the ear gently but firmly in place using your thumb and forefinger, stretching the ear slightly to make the skin taut. (Also helps reduce head movements.)

4. Make sure the bevel of the lancet is facing you. (Twist it under a good light to see the flat surface.)

5. With the lancet at an angle of about 45 degrees, prick the sweet spot as though you were trying to pop a balloon.

6. If kitty is a bit wriggly catch the blood droplet on your nail and test it from there.

7. After the test fold the paper strip or a cotton pad over the edge of the ear you have just tested and apply firm but gentle pressure for about 15-20 seconds (helps prevent bruising).


Mogs
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I really appreciate every bodies help, I really need it. On Friday I managed to get 1 reading, but after that it was a no go. On Saturday nothing went right, I could not do anything right. I think I at least gave Bud 2 partial hair shot, I lost about 6 test strips before I got a reading. Today I looked on line for ProZinc, and I do not know how I can afford it. When I picked Buddy up at the vet she did not give me an option on food, I had no idea he could eat FF classic. She sent him home on RoyalCanine, hope I will be able to change him. A few more questions, my meter only came with 1 cap and it was not clear. Critter Mom when you say kitchen paper I am not sure what you mean, and I want to follow your instructions
 
wolfey said:
when you say kitchen paper I am not sure what you mean, and I want to follow your instructions
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The stuff you use for mopping up kitchen spills, etc.

iu


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wolfey said:
I really appreciate every bodies help, I really need it. On Friday I managed to get 1 reading, but after that it was a no go. On Saturday nothing went right, I could not do anything right. I think I at least gave Bud 2 partial hair shot, I lost about 6 test strips before I got a reading.
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Many of us here understand these feelings so well and we've all had teething problems. It's all very new at the moment but things will get better - and we're here to help and support you along the way.

:bighug::bighug::bighug:

wolfey said:
Today I looked on line for ProZinc, and I do not know how I can afford it.
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Which insulin is Buddy on at the moment?

FYI there's someone offering some Prozinc in the FDMB Supply Closet at the moment (don't know where you're located but worth a look). Here's a link to the post:

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/free-open-prozinc-in-so-cal.170632/

Members here will have lots of suggestions on where to get supplies at better prices so be sure to post for any help you need with where to purchase.

wolfey said:
When I picked Buddy up at the vet she did not give me an option on food, I had no idea he could eat FF classic. She sent him home on RoyalCanine, hope I will be able to change him.
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When changing to a new food insulin dose may need to be adjusted so it's vital to be able to monitor BG levels throughout the changeover. I recommend you stick with the food Buddy's eating at the moment until you get the home testing sorted out so that his carb load stays the same for the time being.

BTW even if you don't get a sample every time you try to test there is no such thing as a 'wasted poke'; each time you do a poke it encourages more capillaries to form at the test sites and gradually it will get much easier and quicker to get a blood sample for testing.


Mogs
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Hi Wolfey,

Just checking in to ask how yourself and Buddy are doing today and to ask whether you've had any more joy with the testing.


Mogs
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Critter Mom said:
Hi Wolfey,

Just checking in to ask how yourself and Buddy are doing today and to ask whether you've had any more joy with the testing.


Mogs
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Sorry it took me so long to reply, I took Buddy in today for glucose testing. They kept him over night. The receptionist called me and said the vet did not have time to call but they were keeping him because his numbers were high. I have been crying most of the evening, I am so worried about him. I had decided to wait and see what happened today, and then start back with testing. Hopefully this time they can get things where they need to be.
 
(((Wolfey)))

Fingers and paws crossed that they'll be able to sort out dosing for Buddy overnight. I know when you're so worried it's difficult to settle but while they are watching over Buddy I hope you'll be able to get some rest for yourself; you'll be refreshed a little after some sleep and ready to look after Buddy when he comes back home.

Maybe one of the vet techs could give you a little tuition in BG testing from the ear when you go to see Buddy tomorrow? It might give you a little bit of confidence. (Our main vet showed me how to do the basics and I felt better for the bit of real-world hand holding.)

Will check in with you tomorrow to get an update. Hang in there.

:bighug::bighug::bighug:


Mogs
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Critter Mom said:
(((Wolfey)))

Fingers and paws crossed that they'll be able to sort out dosing for Buddy overnight. I know when you're so worried it's difficult to settle but while they are watching over Buddy I hope you'll be able to get some rest for yourself; you'll be refreshed a little after some sleep and ready to look after Buddy when he comes back home.

Maybe one of the vet techs could give you a little tuition in BG testing from the ear when you go to see Buddy tomorrow? It might give you a little bit of confidence. (Our main vet showed me how to do the basics and I felt better for the bit of real-world hand holding.)vet

Will check in with you tomorrow to get an update. Hang in there.

:bighug::bighug::bighug:


Mogs
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Mogs.

Glad you asked. Buddy is going to stay another night. I called because I had not heard anything, and I knew the vet left at noon. The receptionist talked to the vet tech, and she said he was going to be released tomorrow. His last reading was 285 and the one before was 305, which is much better. I do not know if his dose was changed, I guess it must have been. How can you tell by taking a reading if your cat may crash, is it if the reading is lower than normal, then you do not give the insulin. I would like to go to church this Sunday, but I will probably be afraid to leave him. I have been poking myself to get used to using the lanceting device & the lancets. Hope I can use this on Buddy to keep track of his blood sugars. Pray that I have enough nerve to be able to use this correctly. I have 4 other cats, but I miss Buddy.
 
(((Wolfey)))

I'm glad to hear that the vet has been helping to get Buddy's BG levels to a better level and that he will be coming home to you tomorrow.

The prospect of home testing your kitty can be quite overwhelming at first and sometimes there may be a few initial teething problems but you'll find a system that works for you and Buddy. I'm sure that you'll get the hang of it with a little practice - even on yourself! :) To tell the truth I burst into tears after I did my first home test for Saoirse: As well as being really nervous about how to do the test I was very upset that I now needed to make her little ear bleed. :( However, after having lived through weeks of sheer terror as a result of having to dose Saoirse 'blind' and having no way of knowing if she was in low numbers - her vet at the time being unbelievably hostile to the idea of home testing - the overwhelming relief that I would now be able to keep my girl safe on insulin completely overtook my initial trepidation. Indeed, as I became more at peace with the testing Saoirse became much more relaxed, too.

With your meter you'll be able to track Buddy's insulin doses and how they affect his blood glucose levels. Recording his BG tests in a spreadsheet will give you an even better picture of his day to day response and, with these tools to help you, it will give you much, much more peace of mind. And we'll all be here to support you both along the way. :)


Mogs
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Critter Mom said:
(((Wolfey)))

I'm glad to hear that the vet has been helping to get Buddy's BG levels to a better level and that he will be coming home to you tomorrow.

The prospect of home testing your kitty can be quite overwhelming at first and sometimes there may be a few initial teething problems but you'll find a system that works for you and Buddy. I'm sure that you'll get the hang of it with a little practice - even on yourself! :) To tell the truth I burst into tears after I did my first home test for Saoirse: As well as being really nervous about how to do the test I was very upset that I now needed to make her little ear bleed. :( However, after having lived through weeks of sheer terror as a result of having to dose Saoirse 'blind' and having no way of knowing if she was in low numbers - her vet at the time being unbelievably hostile to the idea of home testing - the overwhelming relief that I would now be able to keep my girl safe on insulin completely overtook my initial trepidation. Indeed, as I became more at peace with the testing Saoirse became much more relaxed, too.

With your meter you'll be able to track Buddy's insulin doses and how they affect his blood glucose levels. Recording his BG tests in a spreadsheet will give you an even better picture of his day to day response and, with these tools to help you, it will give you much, much more peace of mind. And we'll all be here to support you both along the way. :)


Mogs
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Mogs,
I so appreciate every ones input, I am so nervous about this. Diabetes is serious business, I am afraid of doing something wrong, or maybe he might crash and I might not be at home. A little while ago I went out and bought more test strips, just to be on the safe side. I have other cats that have health problems but they are under control. I did not post this on Thursday as I should have and it is Friday @4:22 p.m. Buddy is home and on 5 units of insulin, does anyone else have a kitty on that much insulin. He is to go back in 2 weeks for testing.

Teresa for Buddy and the other 4 fur babies
 
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