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-   Sick & Injured / Emergencies Talk (https://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sick-injured-emergencies-talk/)
-   -   Meika~Diabetes (https://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sick-injured-emergencies-talk/272351-meika-diabetes.html)

MauiGirl 02-01-2014 11:41 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by wemple2 (Post 4384650)
When Winston had his first seizure, I rushed him to my vet which is literally 2 blocks away, they rushed him in and checked him over...his glucose was low @ 22. The vet thought maybe the hypoglycemia was the cause of his seizure or the seizure was the cause of the low blood sugar. So she wanted me to check his glucose at the first sign of another seizure, showed me how...but I just could not get a single drop of blood out of him, in hopes of finding out which came first. Never have figured it out, but his glucose has been low on numerous occasions. That is why I'm so interested in how others are able to get the blood sample to test. He's fine now, fat and sassy...
The vet tech said there is a vein that runs around the outer edge of the ear, and she massages it between her fingers a while to warm it and bring the blood to the surface before pricking it. Just a tiny dot is all that is needed. I don't like the thought of doing that 8 times in a day, but I swear I will do whatever I need to to get her under control. She is only 5 and this is going to be a lifetime commitment, just as with your husband's management.

Patti 02-02-2014 07:16 AM
I can imagine how stressful this is for you both. I will keep you both in my prayers.

ladyjane 02-02-2014 07:57 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by MauiGirl (Post 4384653)
The vet tech said there is a vein that runs around the outer edge of the ear, and she massages it between her fingers a while to warm it and bring the blood to the surface before pricking it. Just a tiny dot is all that is needed. I don't like the thought of doing that 8 times in a day, but I swear I will do whatever I need to to get her under control. She is only 5 and this is going to be a lifetime commitment, just as with your husband's management.
It will get better Sandy. When Gabby was first paralyzed in her rear, I was so overwhelmed caring for her; but in time it just became something I normally did. After she passed, I would have given anything to have her back to care for. She was a love. I think that new things are just scary...I am sure you will settle into a routine and your Meika will do very well. :) She is so lucky to have you!

MauiGirl 02-02-2014 09:20 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by ladyjane (Post 4384733)
It will get better Sandy. When Gabby was first paralyzed in her rear, I was so overwhelmed caring for her; but in time it just became something I normally did. After she passed, I would have given anything to have her back to care for. She was a love. I think that new things are just scary...I am sure you will settle into a routine and your Meika will do very well. :) She is so lucky to have you!
I know it will become more routine, but I was disappointed that there wasn't more improvement in the first week. I have to be patient and it's hard.

I'm also a little overwhelmed with this and some other family health issues, and hate to whine about weather, but it has been pouring rain for weeks and we are unable to be outside much. It's a muddy mess. But I keep telling myself this all will pass, and we do have it better than so many.

Maximo 02-02-2014 09:50 AM
I admire you Sandy for handling all of this so well. Meika is blessed to be in your care. I know how hard it is for humans to learn how to do the testing and give the shots, so I can only begin to imagine the difficulty in doing it with a pet.

Continuing to pray for Meika and you, and sending more hugs.

lisaly 02-02-2014 10:21 AM
You are committed to Meika's care, and you love her so. It's just so difficult to bear when our loved ones are ill, but it will get better. You are both so lucky to have each other.

Wylie's Mom 02-02-2014 11:08 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by MauiGirl (Post 4384653)
The vet tech said there is a vein that runs around the outer edge of the ear, and she massages it between her fingers a while to warm it and bring the blood to the surface before pricking it. Just a tiny dot is all that is needed. I don't like the thought of doing that 8 times in a day, but I swear I will do whatever I need to to get her under control. She is only 5 and this is going to be a lifetime commitment, just as with your husband's management.
You must be so overwhelmed...and it's no wonder. It's a lot to adjust to, for you both. I'm sure I too would feel very apprehensive having to do this 8x a day. It's a lot to take on. Heck, doing ANYthing 8x a day is a lot! It will take time to settle into some sort of new routine, but you will get there...be kind and patient to yourself in the meantime :love:. Thinking of you both and hoping for smooth sailing (and less rain!).

ladyjane 02-02-2014 12:57 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by MauiGirl (Post 4384791)
I know it will become more routine, but I was disappointed that there wasn't more improvement in the first week. I have to be patient and it's hard.

I'm also a little overwhelmed with this and some other family health issues, and hate to whine about weather, but it has been pouring rain for weeks and we are unable to be outside much. It's a muddy mess. But I keep telling myself this all will pass, and we do have it better than so many.
Yeah, you have been really slammed of late. Praying for better times...and weather for yoU! :)

mimimomo 02-02-2014 01:42 PM
Hang in there Sandy, when it rains it pours! But there's a rainbow after the rain...you & your vet are working closely together & it will get better!:hug:

wemple2 02-03-2014 07:26 PM
I agree with all the others, it seems devastating at first, but once you have a better grasp on the proper insulin dose, it will become second nature. I know how disappointing it is not to see the numbers within normal range, but they are coming down...you even said her symptoms don't seem as pronounced. I have faith in you and your loving care of Meika...you and she have got this...you will control it and she will live a long happy life...prayers continue.

MauiGirl 02-03-2014 09:40 PM
Thanks for the encouragement. I have read more online, and have heard stories of how it can take over a week for the body to adjust to the insulin dose, that's why they increase so slowly. Sometimes the glucose numbers don't come down until the second week, so I just have to be patient. Saturday will be the next curve test over 12 hrs., and I sure hope it's better.

She loves her new food, and so do the other 3, so I've transitioned her faster into it than I normally would because I'm not seeing any adverse effects.

We had half a day of sun today, and all the fur girls laid out on the patio enjoying it. Unfortunately it is raining hard again tonight, and expected to continue for a week.

Lisa and Pic 02-04-2014 02:33 AM
I'm just seeing this Sandy. Hugs to you and support from KY. Glad you had a little bit of sun and Meika likes the new food. Hope things continue to get better and better.

theporkieyorkie 02-04-2014 08:18 AM
Just wanted to check in to see how Meika was doing!!

Did your vet also tell you that you can use their inner lip instead of their ear to get a drop of blood?

When we were thinking Princeton was diabetic, the vet told me I could do either, but she thought the lip would be easier for me to get. I wanted to learn both so I had alternate areas to switch to.

Also, my mom told me she got insulin for her cat at Walmart. She said that was the cheapest in her area. I don't know if you have a Walmart, or if it's even cheaper than Costco, but it may be worth checking if there is one close to you. I know I checked at my local grocery store and it was $200 for a bottle.

MauiGirl 02-04-2014 09:15 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lisa and Pic (Post 4385621)
I'm just seeing this Sandy. Hugs to you and support from KY. Glad you had a little bit of sun and Meika likes the new food. Hope things continue to get better and better.
Thanks Lisa, hope all is well with you too, and that this winter hasn't been to tough on you.

Meika seems to be doing ok, now I'm hoping that soon the blood tests will confirm that. I really want to get this under control asap before it affects her eyes because cataracts and blindness happen very rapidly. Certainly a learning experience for me.

MauiGirl 02-04-2014 09:20 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by theporkieyorkie (Post 4385689)
Just wanted to check in to see how Meika was doing!!

Did your vet also tell you that you can use their inner lip instead of their ear to get a drop of blood?

When we were thinking Princeton was diabetic, the vet told me I could do either, but she thought the lip would be easier for me to get. I wanted to learn both so I had alternate areas to switch to.

Also, my mom told me she got insulin for her cat at Walmart. She said that was the cheapest in her area. I don't know if you have a Walmart, or if it's even cheaper than Costco, but it may be worth checking if there is one close to you. I know I checked at my local grocery store and it was $200 for a bottle.
Thanks for thinking of Meika. Yes, I'm aware of testing in the lip. I'll know on Saturday how it goes with the ear and will consider other sites if it doesn't work out. She doesn't like her mouth fussed with much, I haven't been able to brush her teeth, so don't know if that would work. I give her shots while she is eating and she doesn't seem to notice.

Wylie's Mom 02-06-2014 06:27 AM
Just lettin' ya know I'm thinking of you both :love:.

wemple2 02-06-2014 10:46 AM
Me too!!! Meika's lucky to have you...

horsnaround 02-06-2014 11:27 AM
Hope it nothing but great news on Saturday

ladyjane 02-06-2014 11:28 AM
Me too....Sandy, you and your Meika are in my thoughts and prayers.

MauiGirl 02-06-2014 04:56 PM
Thank you all for your support. I almost cry when I come on here and see all of you thinking of Meika and me... you truly touch my heart.

This certainly isn't the worst thing that can happen, but it does knock me down a bunch thinking one of my fur kids has a disease..... an incurable one at that. I'm just anxious to get this under control.

I have company until the 17th, and that is a nice diversion plus an extra pair of hands to do our home glucose curve testing either Saturday or Sunday. The rain has stopped for a few days, and so have the tears.

Meika just keeps on smiling, being her happy little self, lovin some extra lovin. We all should be more like her I guess; life would be sweeter I think.

Keeping our fingers crossed that the next curve test will show improvement after 2 weeks of insulin, plus being more relaxed at home and lower carb food.

Hugs to you all.

yorkiefan_ 02-06-2014 08:48 PM
Oh no, I'm sorry to hear about Meika's glucose levels. Meika is one of the most beautiful pups on this site, and I'm so glad she has you, MauiGirl. Awesome to hear your girl is so happy right now, and I hope the next round of tests goes better. Meika was maybe the second or third pup here who I fell in love with looking at the pics when I lost Minnie and registered here (Paris the Wonder Dog was the first).

Patti 02-07-2014 08:48 AM
It is very difficult to deal with the news that one of our babies has an incurable disease. I know with your love and care Meika will live a happy full life.

Island Girl 02-07-2014 05:15 PM
I will be thinking of you both and hope all goes well tomorrow!

wemple2 02-07-2014 08:31 PM
Fingers crossed, prayers being said...but again don't fret if the numbers are still not within normal limits...it's trial and error. You'll find the right dose for her and even then it will change...at times...it's just an ongoing thing that becomes second nature. Keep us all posted, we care.

Lisa and Pic 02-08-2014 04:19 AM
I'm thinking about you and Meika this morning Sandy. Hope all goes well an glad you have an extra set of hands to help. Hugs too.

MauiGirl 02-08-2014 11:11 AM
All I can say so far today is glucose testing is very hard. It is much more difficult to prick and get that tiny dot of blood than to give her an injection. I'm so tense I feel sick; even with help holding I had to poke about 4-5 times just to get one drop from her ear, and Meika jumps and flips her head each time.

I've watched the video, plus some YouTube videos, and they make it look easy. Not my experience so far.

So far the numbers aren't good either, 353 before breakfast & insulin, and 313 an hour after. Praying we will see numbers around 100, but I don't see it coming yet. Will be testing every 2 hrs. for the next 10 hrs.

Thanks for support, and everybody keep thinking of Meika and send energy to send her glucose numbers down to 100.

mimimomo 02-08-2014 11:27 AM
Ohhh so sorry to hear that you're having difficulty...just wondering if putting ice on Meika's ears will help, if she'll tolerate it? Kind of numb it, it will reduce the pain...but will that keep the blood from coming out? I hope it gets easier for both of you!

MauiGirl 02-08-2014 01:03 PM
getting worse not better
 
Geez, 3rd test and glucose went up to 395 instead of down. I know stress can boost the numbers, and we are all stressed.

I have to massage the ear for a while before, to warm up the vein, so can't use ice. It is such a tiny poke, but in a sensitive area. I saw a hint to put a flashlight up to the outside of the ear to see where the vein is, and that helps. Still with a jumpy girl with furry ears, it is hard. I don't feel like trying the other sites, like lips, or under foot pads; just have to stick to it and get through this day. :(:(

I\'d never make a vet tech, I feel like I could throw up right now.

yorkiefan_ 02-08-2014 01:09 PM
That\'s disappointing to hear, MauiGirl. :(

Was hoping for better.

mimimomo 02-08-2014 01:18 PM
Oh boy, that\'s hard...wish I can help in some way...hope you & Meika can get through this.


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