Meika~Diabetes

[MauiGirl]

Originally Posted by wemple2

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]

I can imagine how stressful this is for you both. I will keep you both in my prayers.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by MauiGirl

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]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

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]

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]

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]

Originally Posted by MauiGirl

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 . Thinking of you both and hoping for smooth sailing (and less rain!).

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by MauiGirl

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]

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!

[wemple2]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Originally Posted by Lisa and Pic

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]

Originally Posted by theporkieyorkie

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.