Meika~Diabetes

[Zoey Zendaya]

Well said

[Patti]

That's wonderful news. I can't imagine how difficult this has been for you. Meika has a long life ahead of her with such a great mom.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by MauiGirl

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

SO GREAT to see you like this ! Congrats on finding out how to make this work better for you and Meika!

[MauiGirl]

Thank you all for your support and encouragement. Dr C has increased the insulin to 6 units 2x a day, and I will repeat testing in 10 days. As we get up there in dose, it is more critical to fine tune it and not send Meika into hypoglycemic shock. So a full 12 hour glucose curve series, which means 7-8 blood samples in one day, and I am so relieved to know I can do it now.

The nightmare of that first awful testing day is behind me. Funny thing is that the other 3 pupsters are envious of all the extra attention Meika is getting lately. I put her on the kitchen counter to do the testing, and for shots, and give her lots of lovin and treats. Now Tiki and Kayla stand at my feet, and back up toward me wanting to be lifted up on the counter for their little love fest & treat. Of course I have to indulge, just to keep balance. Karlee keeps her distance though, and observes from across the room.

I do put a towel on the counter which doubles as my vet exam/treatment table, but sometimes think my dinner guests would be mortified at that thought. But I feel very comfortable sharing that with my YT friends as most of you would completely understand.

[wemple2]

lol...I totally understand your use of the kitchen counter. I couldn't really do that safely with Winston...as he was having seizures at the time. I'd just sit on the kitchen floor with him in my lap. Funny that the other pups are lining up for a love fest. Too cute...

[wemple2]

How's Meika doing? Thinking about you two.

[MauiGirl]

You must have gotten our vibes. Tomorrow I have to do the 12 hour glucose curve testing again. The last 2 days she has had excessive urination and thirst again, which is what happened when I first took her to the vet and found out about her diabetes. She hasn't had those symptoms since starting insulin in January. Makes me worry because now she is on double the insulin that we started with, 6 units 2x/day. I threw out the remainder of the other bottle of insulin and opened a new one, in case the other was ineffective (does that ever happen?).

So, wish us luck tomorrow. I sure hope her levels are getting closer to normal. And I really hope that the testing goes easier.

Other than that, all is well. Thanks for asking.

[lisaly]

Sandy, my thoughts, prayers, and my heart are with you and Meika. I am really hoping her results are good from the glucose testing and that the insulin is working effectively for Meika. I know that you will find a way to help your beautiful girl. I pray the testing is painless and stress free for both of you.

[Lisa and Pic]

Originally Posted by MauiGirl

You must have gotten our vibes. Tomorrow I have to do the 12 hour glucose curve testing again. The last 2 days she has had excessive urination and thirst again, which is what happened when I first took her to the vet and found out about her diabetes. She hasn't had those symptoms since starting insulin in January. Makes me worry because now she is on double the insulin that we started with, 6 units 2x/day. I threw out the remainder of the other bottle of insulin and opened a new one, in case the other was ineffective (does that ever happen?).

So, wish us luck tomorrow. I sure hope her levels are getting closer to normal. And I really hope that the testing goes easier.

Other than that, all is well. Thanks for asking.

She is in my thoughts and prayers today!

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by MauiGirl

You must have gotten our vibes. Tomorrow I have to do the 12 hour glucose curve testing again. The last 2 days she has had excessive urination and thirst again, which is what happened when I first took her to the vet and found out about her diabetes. She hasn't had those symptoms since starting insulin in January. Makes me worry because now she is on double the insulin that we started with, 6 units 2x/day. I threw out the remainder of the other bottle of insulin and opened a new one, in case the other was ineffective (does that ever happen?).

So, wish us luck tomorrow. I sure hope her levels are getting closer to normal. And I really hope that the testing goes easier.

Other than that, all is well. Thanks for asking.

Wishing you best of luck for today...hoping for good test results and more answers for what's going on .

[Maximo]

Praying for Meika and you that tomorrow brings good news.

You probably already googled about how long insulin lasts, but I looked at one of the human diabetes forums, and the general consensus is that once a bottle is opened, it lasts 28 - 30 days. A couple of people said they had to replace a bottle after 2 weeks, but didn't indicate how they knew it was bad.

[yorkiefan_]

Originally Posted by MauiGirl

You must have gotten our vibes. Tomorrow I have to do the 12 hour glucose curve testing again. The last 2 days she has had excessive urination and thirst again, which is what happened when I first took her to the vet and found out about her diabetes. She hasn't had those symptoms since starting insulin in January. Makes me worry because now she is on double the insulin that we started with, 6 units 2x/day. I threw out the remainder of the other bottle of insulin and opened a new one, in case the other was ineffective (does that ever happen?).

So, wish us luck tomorrow. I sure hope her levels are getting closer to normal. And I really hope that the testing goes easier.

Other than that, all is well. Thanks for asking.

Hoping for good results tomorrow.

[MauiGirl]

Thank you all for the good vibes..... you are the best cheering squad ever.

The first test before her breakfast and insulin this morning was 281, and that is another step in the right direction. So I'll be testing every 2 hrs all day til 7pm tonight. I guess a good "curve" would be nothing higher than 200 nor lower than 100.... at that level we will call her diabetes under control.

My newly implemented method of testing on her back near base of tail is going so much better. I put her treat in a ziplock bag on the counter, and she is so focused on that, she doesn't even flinch when I prick her and squeeze the little blood drop out.

[wemple2]

I'm praying for ease in testing, and favorable results...but again, do not stress over the numbers. Just keep track of them, that's the only way the doctor will know where to go with the insulin dose next. I know it seems like a long drawn out process, we all want instant gratification, but this is how it works, this is how to get her blood sugar under control and to give her the best possible chance for a long, healthy life. Hugs Sandy, you are doing a fantastic job!!!

[Island Girl]

Hoping the results you are getting today are favorable! We are keeping your ohana in our thoughts!