Meika~Diabetes

[wemple2]

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...

[MauiGirl]

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.

[wemple2]

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.

[Maximo]

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.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by MauiGirl

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.

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 .

[lisaly]

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.

[ladyjane]

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.

[MauiGirl]

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.

[ladyjane]

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!!

[Maximo]

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.

[wemple2]

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.

[MauiGirl]

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".

[Lisa and Pic]

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.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by MauiGirl

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".

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

[Patti]

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