Calloway's eating!! update 12/2

[Medusa]

We'll definitely keep fingers and paws crossed here for Calloway that he doesn't need insulin, Jenn.

[Taz_Zoee]

Any news on Mr Cal yet??

[jennielynn1970]

Back from the vet with some not so happy news for Calloway. His fasting glucose this AM was 412. Higher than it was last time. Dr. Hess is doing more bloodwork, to check everything on him to make sure there isn't anything else going on.

He has been more lethargic and not eating much at all the past few days. I was actually taking his little bowl of crunchies up to my bed for him because he was sleeping there most of the time. This is NOT typical Calloway behavior.

While he lost 2lbs, it's too much, too quickly. I was doing the scheduled feedings gradually with him, because they said they didn't want him to loose too much too fast, but it seems he did any way.

So, tomorrow we go back to the vet. He gets dropped off in the AM, and I pick him up after 7pm. He is going to be started on insulin, and I have to learn how to administer it.

Let's just say that I'm not good with needles. I told my parents before, I would never be a drug addict that injects because I'd pass out before I did anything and another druggie would steal my stash, lol. I'm a wimp when it comes to needles and blood. Ugh.

I will learn to do this for Calloway, because he is just a wonderful boy, and has just stolen my heart in the time he has been here.

Please say some prayers for my special guy, in hopes that we can get his diabetes under control and then maybe he won't have to stay on the insulin. I can always hope, can't I?

[lvpets2002]

Oh No Jenn & Calloway.. Now lets think really positive.. However I am like you Jen = is I cant handle needles && trying to give shots.. Hey if thats what we need to do then I know you can do it for Calloway.. Calloway we are all sending lots of Positive Vibes & Prayers that we get this diabetes under control with insulin.. Also sending lots of Whisker Kissess & Huggss..

[krazyaboutkatz]

Jenn, I'm sorry to hear that Calloway's glucose level was so high and that he hasn't been eating well lately. I hope that the insulin will be able to get his diabetes under control. I'll keep him in my thoughts and prayers.

[Medusa]

Oh darn it anyhow! I was hoping for better news but we'll deal w/what is. You'll learn how to do the injections w/out a hitch, Jen. If you can handle school kids, you can handle a silly needle. (I wouldn't be able to handle the school kids.) I never thought I'd be able to administer subQ treatments to Puddy either but after a while it became second nature to me. If it's any consolation, my mother was on insulin and later was able to go off the injections entirely. I don't know if the same thing can apply to cats but, as you say, we can hope, can't we? Hang in there and know that you and Calloway are never far from my thoughts and are always in my prayers. Keep the faythe.

[Moesha]

When Morgan was diagnosed with diabetes I thought my heart would stop, especially since this came only a couple of months after losing my dear Simone to congestive heart failure. Diabetes is a very treatable condition though. The insulin shots are not bad at all! I promise and I hate needles too. And there is NO BLOOD! The needles are so small that neither cat I've given shots to has acted like they even cared they got the shot. It is just given in the back of the neck. You don't have to find a vein or anything difficult like that. It is really not bad at all. It sounds much worse than it is. I think Morgan's highest reading was 380something when he was started on the insulin and diet change. It took awhile but the numbers slowly came down. I hope all turns out well for Calloway.

[GILL]

Well it's not hard to give the insulin. I am deathly afriad of needles, but giving a shot to someone else NO PROBLEM. The love of my life PATCHES had to have her shot every morning my wife or I did this for almost 16 years. Right now I am trying to control myself with diet, so I don't need the shots.
So I hope it all works out for you & Calloway.

[Medusa]

Yes, that's right; I forgot to mention that the needles are of such thin gauge that Calloway probably won't even notice. They're not at all like the heavy gauge needles that I had to use for Puddy's subQ's. We're w/ya, Jenn.

[Reachoutrescue]

Oh, Jenn, I am so sorry to hear this. You and Calloway will be in our prayers. Get better fellow...we are all pulling for you.

[Catlady711]

Sorry to hear Calloway's glucose went up. Hopefully they'll get the dose of insulin he needs narrowed down quickly and he'll be feeling better soon.

It's not that hard to give insulin shots. We've had MANY a client come in terrified of needles or giving shots, and a week or two later and they're old pro's at it and say it's not as big of a deal as they thought. You'll get the hang of it quickly, and get over your nervousness after a few times. Usually the vet will have you come in and give the shot there a couple times to make sure you can do it correctly and help if you have any questions.

[Emeraldgreen]

Oh gosh Jenn, I'm sorry to hear about Calloway's glucose level still being so high. Barney got the same results with his blood test today and was started on insulin too. The vet gave him his first dose in front of me and I swear, he didn't even blink. The needle is so short and skinny. She showed me how to tent the skin between his shoulders and then gently slide the needle in. I'm not a needle person either but we can do this! LOL

I'm hoping that Calloway and maybe even Barney can be weaned off the insulin as Moesha's cat was. That gives me hope.

I hope he starts eating more soon. Maybe he will once his blood sugar evens out? Prayers and hugs for big beautiful Calloway.

[gini]

Jenn, all I can add is that I will say prayers for you and Calloway. I am just so sorry that you are going through this with all that you do for your fur family.

[Catty1]

Jenn - I may be incorrect with this, but I THINK Moesha's Morgan either had his insulin reduced or is off it due to diet.

Calloway may yet improve as he continues to slim down...and if he gets some more energy, he'll move around a bit more.

From what folks say here, the needles are tiny...and Calloway may not always need the insulin.

Prayers for that lovely boy! And for you!

[Moesha]

You are correct Catty1. Morgan's insulin went from 5 units twice a day and was gradually reduced over a period of time to where his diabetes is controlled by diet, Purina DM. The vet told me that some cats do get to come off of the insulin. It has been a couple years now so I don't remember the exact percentage that he told me, but I think it was around 30% give or take a little.