We're Getting The Hang Of This

[Jackie & Ms. Soleil]

Evening all!

So this week I'm trying to get on a regular schedule with Soleil for her testing and shots. I wasn't happy with her test this morning, but it only took me two tries to get enough blood out of her ear so I'm getting more confident.

Today at lunch I went to Target and picked up a bag of Freshpet. I remembered I used to get a bag for them every month and gave both Flash and Soleil a tbsp each for good behavior or if I'd been away for an extended period of time. It's the closest thing to wet food I could think of, and I figured it wouldn't hurt to see if she'd dive in when I got home.

Sure enough, after pouring a few of the nuggets in the bowl, she chowed down. It's the most I've seen her eat since her diagnosis. So it looks like I've found what I can transition her over to in order to get away from dry food. It's just a shame they don't sell bags larger than 1lb:

Crude Protein (min): 18%
Crude Fat (min): 10%
Crude Fiber (max): 2%
Moisture (max): 65%
Taurine (min): .05%

This morning her number was high so she got her full 2 units of insulin. I wasn't able to test throughout the day because I work until the early evening. After she got her fill of the new food, I took another test and she was a little higher than she was this morning (I've updated the spreadsheet to reflect this). So after she ate some more food, and I gave her 5 - 10 minutes for the food to digest, she got her second round of insulin for the night. After about 2hrs, I checked her number again and it came down a little bit. If she's not soundly resting, I'll attempt to take another reading before I go to bed this evening.

 

[Veronica & Babu-chiri]

How good that you found a wet food they like and from Dr. Lisa's list it appears most of Freshpet is low carb !!

And also congratulations on your successful testing

 

[Idjit's mom]

So good to hear that things are going better. And it's great that you have found something she wants to eat! When it becomes possible, you may want to explore an insulin that has longer lasting effects, possibly a depot insulin like Lantus or Levemir. Prozinc is a mild long lasting insulin.
I saw this in a thread of another member that is also looking at affordable insulin for her cat:
Vetsulin is about $50-$55 and lasts about 4-5 months. A years supply of Lantus is about $170 from Canada. Novolin is not ideal but it’s only about $35 and would be ok until you got something else. Prozinc is a good insulin. $106 and could last you a good 5-6 months.
So there are some options out there for a more mild, longer lasting insulin that might be more helpful in regulation and bringing those high BGs down.
Diabetic Cats In Need (DCIN) is an organization that helps low income parents of diabetic cats, and if you qualified, that might be an option as well.
You are doing really well, and keep on keeping on!

 

[Jackie & Ms. Soleil]

@Idjit's mom You know, the vet didn't break down how long the more expensive insulin lasts. I was just under the assumption it'd be $50 - $106 per month depending on which higher grade insulin I went along with. I'm sure that's something I can maintain with her once I have to take her back to get checked for her numbers.

Yesterday I applied for the one-time assistance through DCIN because I don't think I have low enough income for the yearly assistance. If approved for the one time assistance, that will give me some time to save up for her new appointment to decide if she needs a different insulin vs a higher dosage of the Novolin. I should receive an answer in a few weeks; apparently the application list is very long.

Thank you for the kudos. Now just to get these numbers under control. Slow and steady!

 

[Idjit's mom]

@Idjit's mom You know, the vet didn't break down how long the more expensive insulin lasts. I was just under the assumption it'd be $50 - $106 per month depending on which higher grade insulin I went along with. I'm sure that's something I can maintain with her once I have to take her back to get checked for her numbers.

Yesterday I applied for the one-time assistance through DCIN because I don't think I have low enough income for the yearly assistance. If approved for the one time assistance, that will give me some time to save up for her new appointment to decide if she needs a different insulin vs a higher dosage of the Novolin. I should receive an answer in a few weeks; apparently the application list is very long.

Thank you for the kudos. Now just to get these numbers under control. Slow and steady!

Just FYI, the Lantus pens would be the choice when ordering from Marks Marine pharmacy in Canada. They do last longer because you can use the insulin all up and you can fine dose by using syringes. The vials contain 100 units, and it might be harder to use up before it loses effect (about 6 months). I am not quite sure of the procedure for ordering, but there are many Lantus users here who get their insulin that way and would surely help out. You would need to check the current prices when/if you go that route.
I hope you do qualify for assistance, getting sweet Soleil on a longer lasting insulin might be just what she needs. And you are so right, slow and steady. You are doing everything you can, you are a very good momma bean.