Sandy, you're doing better then I did with the glucose monitoring. I never was able to get that dang drop of blood...so carry on. As I said before do not worry about the numbers, just keep track of them. The Vet will adjust her insulin dose according to these numbers. She's still on a small insulin dose...wish there was an easier way to do this, but really there's not. The Vet will continue to add units of insulin until she's pleased with the results. So keep doing what you're doing for Meika...hugs to you...

I have to say this was one of the hardest days ever. I had a consult with the vet by phone half way through the day, and he said not to worry, that things were moving in a positive direction, so don't be discouraged with readings in the upper 300-400's. He told me to continue and report by email, and if she didn't dip below 250 to up the dose one more unit to 5 units 2x/day.

Poor lil Meika's ears were so sore she was fighting me and flipping around so much, even with BF trying to hold her and help, I could not do the last 2 tests. Each test ended up with multiple pricks to get that drop of blood, (the first took 5 pricks), so her last and best test was 363. She was so hungry and stressed, and I was in tears, and I said that's enough for today..... fed her dinner and we all tried to relax. The vet said over time, the more we do this, her ears will get tougher and it won't be so painful. It all just makes me sad. I hate it, but we will all have to toughen up and get through this.

We have to repeat this in 10 days. He said some dogs take several months to get the dose regulated, so he is happy with the progress so far. Once she is regulated I will only have to do this once a month.

I just want to cuddle her and hope she forgives me for this awful day.

See? I knew the vet would say everything is progressing. Just wonder if the glucose readings could be decreased...like maybe just before each insulin dose. The sliding scale depending on readings gives the maximum control. Is Meika a good eater? The problem with too tight of control, trying to get her sugars consistently within normal limits, is the risk of low blood sugars if she doesn't eat. Go snuggle with her, she really is very lucky to have you...and it will all pay off in the end.

Sandy, I am sorry you have to do this Meika. Although the process is terribly unpleasant and she resists, I'm sure she knows that you are doing something intended to help her.

I am keeping both of you in my prayers.

Aw hon...I'm so sorry for all that you and Meika are having to go through. I can tell you're just heartsick over having to prick her little ears; I can't imagine how tough this must be. Keep fighting the fight to get her well, and you will get there. Maintain that faith that Meika will be less sensitive over time and that it will get easier. Lotsa hugs and love to you both :love:.

My heart broke reading your post, and I'm so sorry that you and Meika are going through this. I have faith in you, Sandy. You are a compassionate and loving mother and person, and you will find a way to make this as painless as possible for your little girl. The numbers will come down; I'm counting on it.

Oh, Sandy, I am so sorry you are going through this. I am sure it will get easier. Wish I had a way to wave a magic wand and make it all go away for you and for Meika.

I know it won't make it better, but just want to say that Meika is so lucky to have you as her mom .. and NO she will not hold this against you. They know so much more than we think they do...I swear it. I have seen so many pups go through some horrible times and they never turned on people. She knows you are helping her.

You gals always lift me up when I'm down, and thank you once again. That was a stressful day.... but it was yesterday, and today we are moving on.

Meika is once again smiling, and I have to get back to normal too. I feel guilty getting so stressed out over stuff, yeh it hurts her, but must be done to establish the best dose to ultimately extend her life.

Geez, when I think of those poor recent rescue girls you have Linda, with broken pelvis & bones, it puts things in perspective for me. Meika's ears are sore for a day, and those poor girls (and you) are dealing with so much more.

Sorry I'm such a wimp. And forever, thanks for understanding and supporting my mothering concerns. Better days are coming.

Sandy, you are not a wimp. As to what I deal with...trust me it is nothing like what you are dealing with. I don't have to stick needles in ears....I too would be very upset to be causing pain like that even though I knew it would be ok in the long run.

Yes, better days are coming!! :)

I agree, Sandy you are not a wimp. This is no small or easy task you are doing.

Besides, you probably already know too that Linda is wonderfully supportive and sympathetic no matter how big or small the problem is.

I am very happy to hear Meika is smiling, and I hope you will feel better soon. There are brighter days ahead.

Sandy, I for one am very proud of you. This is not easy to do, I know I've tried. You are doing it all for the love of Meika and giving her the chance to live a happy, healthy long life. I love it when you say she is "smiling"... this warms my heart. She loves you as much as you love her. You have every reason in the world to do what you can for her health and well being. Keep your chin up, keep smiling, you're doing a wonderful job.

Things feel almost normal today, just have to feed her at the appropriate times, give a shot 2x/day (which is sooo easy compared to the ear prick for testing), watch for any signs of hypoglycemia due to increased dose..... and get on with life. No treats are allowed, except some green beans and lettuce, which she gratefully accepts.

Just for now that all is well. In 10 days I hope the testing goes much better. Her poor little ears look red and a swollen from all the pricks, but she does allow me to look at them, and handle and massage them.

I can see why many people just leave them at the vet's for a day and pay the $200 for glucose curve, but I know it is a part of her lifetime maintenance and I really need to master this. Even the vet tech said she did jugular draws, as it was faster than the ear prick. I don't imagine doing it in the lip or under paw pad would be much easier.

Thanks for all your well wishes. We are going to enjoy the 10 days of "normal".

Glad things are feeling better today and you will be getting 10 days of love and doggie kisses. I have a feeling you will master the tough stuff soon. More hugs from Kentucky, Sandy.

Enjoy your 10 days of normal, my friend - you deserve it :love:!

I hate that you and Meika have to go through this. Praying you get her diabetes under control and things get easier.

Celebrating (kind of)
 

I am happy to report that I am getting MUCH better at the glucose testing. I just completed a 10 hour series of tests, and although the numbers aren't where we want them, they are slowly moving in the right direction. Today's range was from low of 272 to high of 364. That is better than the original 563, and I'm waiting for word from Dr C to know if we will increase the insulin.

The best part is that "I CAN DO THIS TESTING". You can't imagine how happy I am because my Meika's life depends on this. After all the frustration of the first test, pricking her little ears and hurting her repeatedly, me in tears..... well, I did lots of research.

I watched many YouTube videos of people testing other sites, and decided to try on the back, just forward from the base of her tail. Other hints I utilized were to shave the area and coat with vaseline to help make the blood form a bead, and to warm the area with a little bag of rice (warmed in microwave). I added the trick to have a treat waiting just out of reach, and my little foodie girl could hardly think of anything else, and didn't even flinch. I had to free lance the poke cause the lancing device doesn't work, but happy to say that I only poked myself 2 times which is an improvement. Oh my, all that just to get that little perfect little blood sample.

What a relief!!!!!! Ok, repeating myself here, sorry. I'm celebrating and had a wonderful mango margarita, and since I'm not much of a drinker I'm probably rambling. But, I just had to share my "good news" with my YT family, cause you "get it". This is important, and the rest of my friends don't really get it. Now I know that I can do this and dial in the proper insulin dose, and help Meika live to be a little old lady, haha. Cheers All:cheers:

Yayy I'm so happy for you & Meika! You are a wonderful mommy to Meika, the best mommy, sending hugs & that drink sounds yummy!

Good news! Happy to hear things are moving in the right direction!

:woof: Happy Dance from Sachi!

That is awesome. So happy to hear Meika's levels are improving.

I admire you
 

Congratulations
People like you make doggy life all worthwhile.....think how much better your making her FEEL. :)

Thank you all for sharing in my celebration. I have tears tonight, but they are tears of joy. We will do this! Meika is only 5 and I want to help her have a good life for another 10 or more years, til her expiration date and beyond.

Thank God for the internet and people sharing their experiences. I never could have done it without all those hints, and would have spent about $400-$600 a month with a vet for less accurate testing.

My precious Meika is still smiling as always, but tonight I am smiling too.:D:D:D

Sandy I am so proud of you!!! I do know how hard this is...I had tried just above Winston's tail as well...not even a drop of blood. Tried the ear first...the foot pad and the lip/gum. It's very hard to do. Thank goodness his life doesn't depend on me doing this successfully...it was just to see if his glucose was low at the first signs of a seizure. Guess we'll never know. My vet isn't sure either. Luckily it doesn't happen often...so no meds. Back to you and Meika...I'm sure she knows how fortunate she is to have such a caring mom...keep up the fantastic work with her. I'm thinking soon, your vet will have you checking her glucose daily and adjusting the insulin according to the readings. Not sure I fully understand the need to do so many test once a week...instead of fewer test on a daily basis. But your vet knows best. High five to you and loving Meika enough to care.

Awesome news!! I am SO happy things are becoming easier!! :)

I am overjoyed. Meika is pretty happy too as I gave her treats of a few bites of filet mignon and lots of green beans. She doesn't seem to know why I can't stop hugging and kissing her, but she is lapping it up. She has the sweetest disposition.

I have literally been depressed since Feb 8th, thinking I could not do this and torture her again. I tried again on the 18th and failed, but today was such a relief.

Congrats!!!
I'm happy that things are going right direction for you & your baby~

And cheers to you Sandy! So glad you figured this out after doing research on the internet. I have to say I'm proud of you and I'll be thinking of you both with a smile today. :)

What wonderful news. So happy for you and her It is amazing what help you can find on the internet. :)

I am overjoyed after reading your post. Your love and devotion to Meika is so heartwarming. This just shows how your love for Meika is even more powerful than your fears. You are a great mom!

Wonderful news! I am very happy for Meika and you! *happy dances* I can feel your sense of relief and joy. Congratulations!!

Continuing to pray for more good news and for the numbers to keep going in the right direction.

Sandy I just saw this thread and wanted to add my and Buster's love and support to you and Meika. I started crying with a mixture of sadness and joy as you figured out all the challenges of testing and giving her her shots. You love and devotion to Meika shows in your determination to do what is best even when overwhelmed with the responsibility. I admire how you have risen to the occasion. One of the things I love about YT is the people here that are amazingly loving and strong as they strive to be the best guardians of our sweet little yorkies. Sending prayers and best wishes.