The Reeves Clan

Archive for July, 2005

I could not use the pen… It drove Margherita nuts because of the noise.

I just put her on the floor and stradle her gently between my legs. Then I put a warm sock filled with rice on her ear for a few minutes. Then I move the sock to the inside of the ear, and use the lancet to prick the edge of the ear. (You can see the veins running through, if you hold the ear to the light.)

I put the test strip in the meter right before I prick her, so that I can just grab it and put it up to the ear… and Voila! We have a sample.

FYI, I just started doing this a couple weeks ago, myself… piece of cake, once you get the hang of it.

I went to Osco, and got 100 of their “Ultra Comfort” syringes for $14.99. I did not need a prescription, nor did I fill out any log.

I found that the best prices, for insulin was Wal-Mart, though. Osco charged me $35 for the Humulin L, but when I priced it at Wal-Mart, it was $27.

I have not decided what to do with the used syringes, yet… I have held on to them. I think I will ask a few of the stores, like Wal-Mart, Osco & Walgreens about a sharps container. If it turns out that I have to buy one, then I think I will just use one of those laundry detergent plastic jugs instead.

I spent most of the night on the 4th of July with Margherita at the animal hospital. It seems that she had a UTI that was brought on by the fact that she was diabetic.

I test her blood glucose and urine every day, and inject her with insulin twice a day. Margherita seems to have more energy, and is a bit more alert the last couple of weeks than she has been in a long time.

In addition, I have joined a wonderful online support group for Feline Diabetes where I found this great letter…

Read the rest of this entry »

I just received my One Touch UltraSmart blood glucose meter in the mail today, and tried to test Margherita tonight on the ear. I got bit, and the click pen is not worth a darn.

So, I have given up for the night, as I am already on Augmentin 875mg from another cat bite from a few days ago. She is also getting really weird with me about the regular insulin injections, and growling every time now. Dunno what to do.

I have decided to get the One Touch UltraSmart Blood Glucose Meter, after reading all of the pros and cons through various sources. I have ordered one through Diabetic Express since they seem to have the best prices… The July special is $29.99 plus additional rebates. I also got a great deal on the testing strips on eBay.

Unfortunately, I will have to wait a few days to receive my orders, which leaves some doubt time for Margherita’s home numbers. However, I will be home enough to check up on her this week. I have also had to work late the last couple of nights, and she has missed her PM dose which worries me a bit. The vet said that it should be no problem, though. I certainly hope so.

BID (2 times a day) dosing is getting the best of me too… I just started last week and it has been difficult to get the schedule down. I work several jobs, and at odd hours, as well. However, I have noticed that Margherita’s disposition has improved dramatically in the last week… So, I will make it work.