5/6 Binx AMPS 83

Briana + Binx

Briana + Binx

Member
Ah!! We're back. Thanks for the incredible work @Tim & Pookey - I don't know how you did it, but you did, and we're also so appreciative.

Binx has been doing well overall. We were supposed to have a dental for him this week, but I decided to postpone it to give him some time in good numbers, but also because the previous vet has heard a murmur and we want an appointment with a cardiologist before putting him under. Looking to book at appointment in mind-May.

Another update, we’re testing out the Libre 2 on him right now (no newer versions in Canada)… that’s why the SS looks a bit weird right now with two sets of numbers. It was a stressful experience applying it myself for the first time and my first attempt didn’t actually stick :( Luckily, second attempt worked. It’s really given me peace of mind while at work, but the numbers are really throwing me off. As I’ve heard and now experienced, the numbers are higher than my handheld (closer to the AT3) and if I were to switch completely to the Libre, I’d actually have to increase his dose… so I may just stick with the handheld and use the Libre occasionally for spot checks.

So great to see everyone returning here and getting updates!! Love to be able to say it again - safe surfing everyone 😸
 
Helen + Noogi said:
Love the profile pic Briana. Slinky Binx looks very comfy on the bed there :)

The discrepancy between the Lite and the Libre readings are kind of wild. Not sure how you are making any sense of them!
Overall he is doing great though! He's made so much progress in the last two months. 😻
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Thanks, Helen! He loves all things fluffy and especially fresh laundry 😅

Not making much sense of them still so that's why I'm thinking to stick with the handheld at this point.
Hoping he holds the progress we've made!
 
Hi Briana and Binx!
Thanks for the update with him. Good luck with the Libre and with the cardiologist appointment.
Nestle's dental is approaching soon as well. He will go for bloodwork on the 15th and we will ask to have his heart examined as well.
I'm getting nervous about this entire ordeal but am hopeful all goes well and it improves his numbers.
Happy Tuesday 😻 😻
 
Karolina & Nestle said:
Hi Briana and Binx!
Thanks for the update with him. Good luck with the Libre and with the cardiologist appointment.
Nestle's dental is approaching soon as well. He will go for bloodwork on the 15th and we will ask to have his heart examined as well.
I'm getting nervous about this entire ordeal but am hopeful all goes well and it improves his numbers.
Happy Tuesday 😻 😻
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Happy Tuesday, Karolina and Nestle!! 🤗
So many dentals happening! Hope the bloodwork, heart examine and the dental go well. Would be great to see it tip the scales for Nestle... his numbers are so good at the 1 unit, I wonder what it could do.
 
Hi Briana! So glad Binx has been doing well!

The first applications are definitely a bit difficult, but they do get better! I'm sure the numbers will take getting used to too.

Best of luck at the cardiologist, and hopefully he's all set to go under and get his dental. :)
 
Briana + Binx said:
Another update, we’re testing out the Libre 2 on him right now (no newer versions in Canada)… that’s why the SS looks a bit weird right now with two sets of numbers. It was a stressful experience applying it myself for the first time and my first attempt didn’t actually stick :( Luckily, second attempt worked. It’s really given me peace of mind while at work, but the numbers are really throwing me off. As I’ve heard and now experienced, the numbers are higher than my handheld (closer to the AT3) and if I were to switch completely to the Libre, I’d actually have to increase his dose… so I may just stick with the handheld and use the Libre occasionally for spot checks.
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Oh, gosh! The discrepancy in the numbers is kind of wild.
 
Helen + Noogi said:
Love the profile pic Briana. Slinky Binx looks very comfy on the bed there :)

The discrepancy between the Lite and the Libre readings are kind of wild. Not sure how you are making any sense of them!
Overall he is doing great though! He's made so much progress in the last two months. 😻
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Slinky Binx! Love that.

Glad to hear Binx is doing well, Briana. Good luck with the cardiologist appointment and of course, good luck with the dental!

Safe surfing!
 
Hi Briana, sooo happy to see you and Binx here 💖
Good luck with the Libre, and if I can help at all just let me know.

Love the gorgeous new Binx pic, too 💖
Wishing you both tons of good luck with getting all the dental and associated stuff in order. You’re doing a great job with Binx 💕

Have a safe and calm night! 💖🐈‍⬛💖🐈‍⬛
 
Brianna & Xander said:
Hi Briana! So glad Binx has been doing well!

The first applications are definitely a bit difficult, but they do get better! I'm sure the numbers will take getting used to too.

Best of luck at the cardiologist, and hopefully he's all set to go under and get his dental. :)
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Thanks, Brianna :) Great to see you and Xander here!!

Good to know it gets better! Now I’m just waiting for the moment it falls off or dies…
 
Staci & Ivy said:
Hi Briana, sooo happy to see you and Binx here 💖
Good luck with the Libre, and if I can help at all just let me know.

Love the gorgeous new Binx pic, too 💖
Wishing you both tons of good luck with getting all the dental and associated stuff in order. You’re doing a great job with Binx 💕

Have a safe and calm night! 💖🐈‍⬛💖🐈‍⬛
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Thanks, Staci!! 😸 Always so great to have your knowledge and support - will probably have some follow-up Libre questions at some point.

Appreciate the kind words and good luck wishes! Hope you and Ivy have a calm night after today’s vet visit 🥰
 
Briana + Binx said:
Thanks, Brianna :) Great to see you and Xander here!!

Good to know it gets better! Now I’m just waiting for the moment it falls off or dies…
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The falling off and dying are also misery. 😩 Did you happen to use Skin Tac? That plus the elastic bandage we put over Xander's has been like the only thing that's worked. There's still one here or there that fails early, but for the most part we're keeping them on for the full 2 weeks now.
 
Brianna & Xander said:
The falling off and dying are also misery. 😩 Did you happen to use Skin Tac? That plus the elastic bandage we put over Xander's has been like the only thing that's worked. There's still one here or there that fails early, but for the most part we're keeping them on for the full 2 weeks now.
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I didn't want to get the skin tac in case I don't move forward with using the Libre, but it definitely seems helpful! Is the elastic bandage you use the coban wrap? Was thinking of getting my hands on some to try securing it further. For now we just have a tighter t-shirt on him.

Also, do you use adhesive remover spray? The one I've seen online is the brava, but it's harder to get your hands on in Canada, so I'm looking for an alternative.
 
Briana + Binx said:
I didn't want to get the skin tac in case I don't move forward with using the Libre, but it definitely seems helpful! Is the elastic bandage you use the coban wrap? Was thinking of getting my hands on some to try securing it further. For now we just have a tighter t-shirt on him.

Also, do you use adhesive remover spray? The one I've seen online is the brava, but it's harder to get your hands on in Canada, so I'm looking for an alternative.
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If you can’t get Brava, I use a cotton swab dunked and covered in organic coconut oil (solid, which just melts as you use it) and some baby oil. And gently and slowly just go round the outer edges of sensor as it slowly lifts off.

As long as you don’t use any tape of glue (highly recommended NOT to use glue) it should easily lift off.

I use no glue, ever.
Ivy pulled a sensor off last week and had there been glue, she could have done damage to her skin (it’s rare she does this, but it can happen)

I do use skin tac. It’s a moisture barrier (not a glue of any kind) and supposed to help sensor stay on and protect the skin. Seems to work well for me.
Hope this helps! @Briana + Binx
 
Staci & Ivy said:
If you can’t get Brava, I use a cotton swab dunked and covered in organic coconut oil (solid, which just melts as you use it) and some baby oil. And gently and slowly just go round the outer edges of sensor as it slowly lifts off.

As long as you don’t use any tape of glue (highly recommended NOT to use glue) it should easily lift off.

I use no glue, ever.
Ivy pulled a sensor off last week and had there been glue, she could have done damage to her skin (it’s rare she does this, but it can happen)

I do use skin tac. It’s a moisture barrier (not a glue of any kind) and supposed to help sensor stay on and protect the skin. Seems to work well for me.
Hope this helps! @Briana + Binx
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This is very helpful!! Thanks, Staci :)

I have coconut oil and baby oil on hand - I will try those when the time comes! Do you use anything after to get the oily residue off? I'm thinking about in 2 weeks time when I would switch back to that side and wouldn't want it to impact the sensor - I guess the skin tac would help with that too.

My vet used to use glue (before I knew you shouldn't) and it left poor Binx's skin in such bad condition :( Definitely none of that here.
Can't believe she pulled the whole sensor off last week! Oh, Ivy 😅
 
Briana + Binx said:
This is very helpful!! Thanks, Staci :)

I have coconut oil and baby oil on hand - I will try those when the time comes! Do you use anything after to get the oily residue off? I'm thinking about in 2 weeks time when I would switch back to that side and wouldn't want it to impact the sensor - I guess the skin tac would help with that too.

My vet used to use glue (before I knew you shouldn't) and it left poor Binx's skin in such bad condition :( Definitely none of that here.
Can't believe she pulled the whole sensor off last week! Oh, Ivy 😅
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So first have you joined the Facebook group Freestyle Libre for Dogs and Cats?
If not, I suggest you do it ASAP. There is so much valuable information on there about using one of these sensors. That’s where I’ve learned everything.

Secondly, I generally just use a little bit of coconut oil on the spot that I’ve removed a sensor from just because I feel like it’s healing and can only help the skin. Again since I use no glue, Ivy skin is really perfect when I remove a sensor. No redness, no tenderness just the hair has grown in massively in two weeks.

And before I go back to a spot two weeks later, you always want to clean the area after you’ve shaved it, with gentle soap and water. Then I wipe it with a cotton swab with plain warm water, then I use two alcohol wipes which remove oils from the skin, dry area completely, Then I apply the skin tac then apply the sensor. Cover with a tegaderm, and put her top on.
Then I tell her to please do not remove the sensor. Sometimes she listens.🤷‍♀️

Make sense?
 
Staci & Ivy said:
So first have you joined the Facebook group Freestyle Libre for Dogs and Cats?
If not, I suggest you do it ASAP. There is so much valuable information on there about using one of these sensors. That’s where I’ve learned everything.

Secondly, I generally just use a little bit of coconut oil on the spot that I’ve removed a sensor from just because I feel like it’s healing and can only help the skin. Again since I use no glue, Ivy skin is really perfect when I remove a sensor. No redness, no tenderness just the hair has grown in massively in two weeks.

And before I go back to a spot two weeks later, you always want to clean the area after you’ve shaved it, with gentle soap and water. Then I wipe it with a cotton swab with plain warm water, then I use two alcohol wipes which remove oils from the skin, dry area completely, Then I apply the skin tac then apply the sensor. Cover with a tegaderm, and put her top on.
Then I tell her to please do not remove the sensor. Sometimes she listens.🤷‍♀️

Make sense?
Click to expand...
Yes!! I joined the Facebook group at the same time as joining the FDMB one - worked out pretty well 😅 I’ve been combing through all the videos and guides and posts to get more information. So many useful resources there, but always nice to hear it confirmed by someone else that you know. Thanks for running through all of your steps - makes sense! I’m putting together a list of all the new items I’d need, hoping to find somewhere local to get everything.

The scariest part was the application - something I imagine comes with practice. The videos on the Facebook group look so easy - I positioned, pressed (not too aggressively) and didn’t hold the pressure and the sensor still got stuck the first time. Came right off when I pulled up. An expensive mistake but I’ll get the hang of it.

Staci & Ivy said:
Then I tell her to please do not remove the sensor. Sometimes she listens.🤷‍♀️
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This is too funny 😂
 
Briana + Binx said:
Yes!! I joined the Facebook group at the same time as joining the FDMB one - worked out pretty well 😅 I’ve been combing through all the videos and guides and posts to get more information. So many useful resources there, but always nice to hear it confirmed by someone else that you know. Thanks for running through all of your steps - makes sense! I’m putting together a list of all the new items I’d need, hoping to find somewhere local to get everything.

The scariest part was the application - something I imagine comes with practice. The videos on the Facebook group look so easy - I positioned, pressed (not too aggressively) and didn’t hold the pressure and the sensor still got stuck the first time. Came right off when I pulled up. An expensive mistake but I’ll get the hang of it.


This is too funny 😂
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Sounds like you’ve done your homework!! 😻

It does get easier with practice and you get a feel for how to get the sensor to release from the housing.
I do think the 2 is a little more finicky than the Libre 3, which I know you can’t get.
But you’ll get a feel for it the more you do it and of course, the more practice the better you get

If you are going to use them on a continual basis, I really recommend having several extras at home.
They can fail at the most inopportune times. I’ve had it happen in the middle of the night when I’ve had to replace a sensor and luckily, I had several back ups ready to go.
There was one night where I blew through two until I got one to stick properly.
I think I was just so exhausted and stressed. I just messed them up completely… operator error.
If they do fail early, you can contact Abbott and they will send you a replacement. Just never say it’s for a cat.
 
Staci & Ivy said:
Sounds like you’ve done your homework!! 😻

It does get easier with practice and you get a feel for how to get the sensor to release from the housing.
I do think the 2 is a little more finicky than the Libre 3, which I know you can’t get.
But you’ll get a feel for it the more you do it and of course, the more practice the better you get

If you are going to use them on a continual basis, I really recommend having several extras at home.
They can fail at the most inopportune times. I’ve had it happen in the middle of the night when I’ve had to replace a sensor and luckily, I had several back ups ready to go.
There was one night where I blew through two until I got one to stick properly.
I think I was just so exhausted and stressed. I just messed them up completely… operator error.
If they do fail early, you can contact Abbott and they will send you a replacement. Just never say it’s for a cat.
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And I saw how much smaller the 3 is, wow! I wish we had them in Canada - maybe sometime soon.

Definitely a good idea to have the multiple like you said - I even stockpile some test strips and have an extra reader on hand just in case 😅 In the middle of the night sounds like the absolute worst - how you managed to even get one applied is amazing. I already struggle with early morning shots haha.

Have you ever returned one to Abbott? So far I've told them "oops, don't have the sensor anymore" but they always asked for it back... just learned from the Facebook group you can take off the paper (no fur) and send it like that, but still suspicious that they'll know it was on a cat. Maybe I'm just paranoid.
 
Briana + Binx said:
I didn't want to get the skin tac in case I don't move forward with using the Libre, but it definitely seems helpful! Is the elastic bandage you use the coban wrap? Was thinking of getting my hands on some to try securing it further. For now we just have a tighter t-shirt on him.

Also, do you use adhesive remover spray? The one I've seen online is the brava, but it's harder to get your hands on in Canada, so I'm looking for an alternative.
Click to expand...

Ah, understood! That makes sense. It is very helpful if you do decide to get some, though. The elastic bandage we use is literally just the Walmart brand self-adhesive wraps. I think any drugstore equivalent would probably be fine! It has to be fairly snug (and obviously it needs to adhere to itself well), but I mean we're using Walmart brand and it works, so most stuff would probably be good enough.

You already got an answer for the Brava alternative, but yes, FWIW, I do use the Brava spray! It works incredibly well, so it's unfortunate that it's harder to find in Canada!
Staci & Ivy said:
If you are going to use them on a continual basis, I really recommend having several extras at home.
They can fail at the most inopportune times. I’ve had it happen in the middle of the night when I’ve had to replace a sensor and luckily, I had several back ups ready to go.
Click to expand...

Also want to reiterate this! They're definitely not cheap but I've been starting to get them in packs of 6 (3 months' worth). Then there's always a backup on hand. Like Staci said, they can fail at horrible times. Especially since once in a while they'll fail after hours of low numbers (right when you need it most)!

I rarely have any fail on their own anymore and he can't bite them anymore, so the main issue is if it doesn't deploy correctly. Two weeks ago I had one that just wouldn't come off the applicator for some reason and it was wasted. So annoying. Abbott did send me a new one and I'm sending that one back. That's the first time I've had to send one back though. I got one other replacement and they didn't even ask if it was available to send back. I think you might be able to just tell them you threw it away (but they may not want that answer over and over). Seconding what Staci also said about not telling them it's for a cat though! I've seen people say they tell them they're a caretaker for a minor so that they don't ask to speak with them.
 
Brianna & Xander said:
Ah, understood! That makes sense. It is very helpful if you do decide to get some, though. The elastic bandage we use is literally just the Walmart brand self-adhesive wraps. I think any drugstore equivalent would probably be fine! It has to be fairly snug (and obviously it needs to adhere to itself well), but I mean we're using Walmart brand and it works, so most stuff would probably be good enough.

You already got an answer for the Brava alternative, but yes, FWIW, I do use the Brava spray! It works incredibly well, so it's unfortunate that it's harder to find in Canada!


Also want to reiterate this! They're definitely not cheap but I've been starting to get them in packs of 6 (3 months' worth). Then there's always a backup on hand. Like Staci said, they can fail at horrible times. Especially since once in a while they'll fail after hours of low numbers (right when you need it most)!

I rarely have any fail on their own anymore and he can't bite them anymore, so the main issue is if it doesn't deploy correctly. Two weeks ago I had one that just wouldn't come off the applicator for some reason and it was wasted. So annoying. Abbott did send me a new one and I'm sending that one back. That's the first time I've had to send one back though. I got one other replacement and they didn't even ask if it was available to send back. I think you might be able to just tell them you threw it away (but they may not want that answer over and over). Seconding what Staci also said about not telling them it's for a cat though! I've seen people say they tell them they're a caretaker for a minor so that they don't ask to speak with them.
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Ah! So helpful, thank you Brianna!! :)

Okay - yes, those were the bandages I was thinking of. Will try them out - they look like they’re do a great job once I figure out exactly how to use them.

And good to hear you stockpile too! It’s a big upfront cost, but assuming they last the full time, it’s not like you’re spending that amount constantly. And if they fail, the replacement option is nice (just need to wait a bit). Interesting to hear they even replace one that doesn’t deploy well! I wonder if I could get one for the sensor that came right off - even if it might’ve been my error 👀
 
Briana + Binx said:
Ah! So helpful, thank you Brianna!! :)

Okay - yes, those were the bandages I was thinking of. Will try them out - they look like they’re do a great job once I figure out exactly how to use them.

And good to hear you stockpile too! It’s a big upfront cost, but assuming they last the full time, it’s not like you’re spending that amount constantly. And if they fail, the replacement option is nice (just need to wait a bit). Interesting to hear they even replace one that doesn’t deploy well! I wonder if I could get one for the sensor that came right off - even if it might’ve been my error 👀
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To be fair, they didn't ask about it. I just said in their form that it didn't last the 14 days and fell off same day (which is technically true). I haven't brought the package to FedEx yet but I did put a note in it explaining that that's what happened so when they open it they'll know.
 
Briana + Binx said:
Ah! So helpful, thank you Brianna!! :)

Okay - yes, those were the bandages I was thinking of. Will try them out - they look like they’re do a great job once I figure out exactly how to use them.

And good to hear you stockpile too! It’s a big upfront cost, but assuming they last the full time, it’s not like you’re spending that amount constantly. And if they fail, the replacement option is nice (just need to wait a bit). Interesting to hear they even replace one that doesn’t deploy well! I wonder if I could get one for the sensor that came right off - even if it might’ve been my error 👀
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I would just say it didn’t come out of the housing. It was stuck, which is true.
It happens. Probably more than we even know. And to humans applying it to themselves.

And yes, I have returned many and gotten many replaced in fact so many that they cut me off last year and told me they wouldn’t replace anymore for me and told me I should start using another product that my doctor should prescribe for me 😳

I was not happy with that conversation, but nothing I can do. I just suck it up if one fails and move on with my life.
Since I’m paying somewhere around $37 apiece, I’m trying not to get you been out of shape about it because it’s an incredibly helpful tool for Ivy.
Since I don’t have a choice if I want to have some clue of what her glucose is doing.
 
Staci & Ivy said:
I would just say it didn’t come out of the housing. It was stuck, which is true.
It happens. Probably more than we even know. And to humans applying it to themselves.

And yes, I have returned many and gotten many replaced in fact so many that they cut me off last year and told me they wouldn’t replace anymore for me and told me I should start using another product that my doctor should prescribe for me 😳

I was not happy with that conversation, but nothing I can do. I just suck it up if one fails and move on with my life.
Since I’m paying somewhere around $37 apiece, I’m trying not to get you been out of shape about it because it’s an incredibly helpful tool for Ivy.
Since I don’t have a choice if I want to have some clue of what her glucose is doing.
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Oh wow!! So there potentially is a limit to the replacement option. I'm sorry you had to deal with that - they're the ones guaranteeing the product and for all they know, you're using it as directed and on a human. That's too bad.

Definitely a wonderful tool for harder to poke cats - I'm lucky Binx tolerates it so well, although I don't understand why. Sadly they're about $67 USD at the cheapest in Canada ($95 CAD).. but honestly, for the peace of mind it's brought me this week (especially while at work), it's seeming more and more worth it. When this sensor eventually ends, I'll make the call.

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer all of my questions, it really is so helpful 🥰😸
 
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