911 Saoirse - PRAYERS PLEASE: UPDATED MONDAY GMT 21:00 - Steady Progress

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Bobbie And Bubba said:
Mogs, Bubba's ketone occurred some time after the surgery which I understand now a surgery can bring them on. Good thing you got a ketone meter. ( I believe I read that in one of your threads) I did not have one until much later so I was very remiss testing his urine with the strips. Bubba threw moderate ketones while he was in the 200's and he was eating. But looking back now here were some signs that I missed. He started peeing oceans again and the urine looked sticky. Also he was losing weight despite eating.

Test frequently and keep in mind that with the meter the numbers are geared for humans. Ketones show up with cats on the meter at 2.4. I had to use the Novolin R insulin in adjunct to the lantus to pull his numbers down and get rid of the ketones. Hopefully it won't be an issue for you but I think it's good that you are thinking ahead but try to rest yourself so that you can get better. You and Saiorse were constantly on my mind last night in my fitful sleep. You must know how much you are loved in this forum as your threads almost blew up the board! Hugs :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
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<Kleenex>

:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
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Critter Mom said:
It's tough being alone in the world in these situations. No matter how much your family members may drive you nuts at times, be thankful they're there. ;)


Mogs
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We are your family Mogs. I have family and they don't understand what I am doing for Bubba and right now I can't even talk to my one sister because of her negative opinions of what I should do. Hang tight and when you get Saiorse home, I think you will be surprised at how well she will do. Getting her to eat is paramount right now. :bighug:
 
Critter Mom said:
As many of you know I always recommend that caregivers whose cats have appetite issues should always keep a stock of important meds at home. This is a prime example of the importance of having squirrel stock.
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Some of the best advice, EVER! Being the bean of a diabetic, anorexic kitty who is also on cypro, I totally agree!

I'm also in agreement that it might be best to let Saoirse stay at the hospital just a little longer. Going home sounds good in a less traumatic situation, but they are equipped to handle anything that might be necessary ASAP. Another weekend like the past would not do either one of you any favors. As others have said, her current eating issue is likely because she's still recovering from surgery and the anesthetic, but if she continues on that path, they will know exactly what to do and will pursue it without delay. If I recall correctly, you mentioned in one of your previous posts that she was eating prior to the surgery, so it's likely she will continue to do so once she starts to rally. Either way, you are close by and will be able to offer feeding assistance, if need be.

I know it was somewhat of a shock to see her looking a little rough following her surgery, but that's to be expected, too. Still, it does rattle one's soul, a bit. Her fur will grow back, Mogs, but it will take a little time to do so. Our GA kitty, Daisy, had fur shaved multiple times for assorted reasons. She looked quite sad, too. It seemed to take forever to grow back in, but when it did grow back, it looked better than ever. So don't be fretting about that. It's just a cosmetic issue and Saoirse will get past it. On a positive note, she likely doesn't look in the mirror much, so it won't bother her one bit.

I'm continuing to send huge hugs and powerful prayers to you, Saoirse, and her medical specialists. I know this is very difficult for you... it would be the same for any of us, here. Personally, I'd be a basket case and would not be doing as well as you are. You have great strength, even though you are struggling. Please get to feeling better, yourself, okay? God bless.
 
Bobbie And Bubba said:
I have family and they don't understand what I am doing for Bubba and right now I can't even talk to my one sister because of her negative opinions of what I should do.
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@Bobbie And Bubba, we have experienced this same type of thing with our family... and even with some friends. They think it's silly that we leave get-togethers early because we have to get home to test Hannah and give insulin. They just don't "get" it. And ya know, what? I just don't "get" them, either.
 
I think you are making the right decision having Saoirse stay in hospital where they can deal with the appetite issues more aggressively if the need should arise. Once the anaesthesia effects wear off and she recovers a bit more, Saoirse will rally. In the meantime, you need to get some rest and look after yourself so when Saoirse is ready to come home, you are in good shape to look after her. You are nearby and can visit at mealtimes to help her along, so use the time between visits to pamper yourself a bit. You've stayed so strong through all of this but it takes it's toll on a body so now you need to recharge your batteries! I'm sending some of Menace's ravenous "vibes" to Saoirse and big hugs to you! :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug: All fingers and paws crossed here that Saoirse's appy returns today and that Momma Bean starts feeling a little better real soon!
 
Mogs

Sending many healing vines for you both. I hope you can start to feel better soon and get your strength back p. Please be sure to take care of you so you can take care of sweet Saoirse when you get her home.

I will jump on the bandwagon of support for her staying in hospital for now under the circumstances and especially with you not feeling well.

Insofar as your questions about DKA, if you don't have them at home in your supplies, ask the vet about subq fluids (I'm certain you've said you have them) and be stocked on needles and lines. I am pretty certain that you've syringe fed her but be sure your syringes are large enough and you have plenty of low carb, high calorie food.

DKA can occur if there is infection plus not enough food, water, insulin so you can always come here if you need dosing suggestions to be sure she has enough insulin, you can syringe feed her calories if she doesn't eat at home on her own (hopefully by then she will), and you can supplement her water in her food or, if necessary, start subqs but I'd check the subq part out with the specialist before you take her from the hospital.

More hugs coming across the pond and warm sunshine from Arizona!
 
Blamethecats and Hannah said:
@Bobbie And Bubba, we have experienced this same type of thing with our family... and even with some friends. They think it's silly that we leave get-togethers early because we have to get home to test Hannah and give insulin. They just don't "get" it. And ya know, what? I just don't "get" them, either.
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I'm with you Hannah! I said some really strong things to my sister and hung up on her. It is what it is.....
 
((((Mogs)))) I'm sorry Saoirse is feeling cranky and doesn't want to eat. It may be partly the after effects of the anesthesia. My 2 can go off their food for a day or so after sedation or anesthesia depending on what type is used - it's the one time they drink a lot unprompted, but they don't always feel like eating anything much. And Rosa is always cranky at the vet, with or without any form of sedation - twice I've been asked to bring her home where most cats would have been kept overnight because the vet at the time just couldn't handle her, which was making her even more bad-tempered. And it can only get better from here - Saoirse is through the anesthesia and starting to heal, although that will of course take time.

I'm glad the vet is taking your concerns about ketones seriously and that they're letting you see her outside of their usual visiting hours - I'm sure with your help, Saoirse will start eating again very quickly. I completely agree with having them keep Saoirse a little longer so that you can rest and start feeling better too - I know once you have her home you're going to be very vigilant with her so having a couple of days to rest, heal from your own infection and start feeling stronger will leave you much better placed to do that. Saoirse will understand - the two of you are so close that she will know the only reason she's there is because you're certain it's the best place for her to be for a few days. :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug:
 
I am so glad Saoirse is getting such excellent care at the hospital Also very nice to have vets work with you and recognize your expertise in certain areas pertaining to your kitty!

Mogs, I am terribly worried about your health at this point. I know you are not getting enough sleep and are barely eating, and now, with this bad chest infection, I'm afraid for your well-being. Please, please, please take care of yourself, as well as Saoirse. Among other things, you need to be healthy to bring her home and nurse her there. I hope you are taking antibiotics for the infection, and while I know it's difficult for you right now, please think of yourself a bit and try for some serious rest and nutrition. I think I can safely speak for all here and say that we care very much about you and Saoirse, and don't want to see either of you unwell!

More prayers and hugs coming your way! :bighug::bighug::bighug: Tiny Cat.jpg 'The doctor will see you now." :)
 
Somehow I missed this and your other condo but I have just caught up. What a wonderful kitty mom you are! I am so glad Saoirse is doing well after the surgery and is getting wonderful care at the kitty hospital! Please don't forget to take care of yourself, though!
Sending many hugs and vines for both you and Saoirse!!
 
{{{Mogs}}}

I'm sorry, I haven't been online since last night, so missed the two times you tagged me. :(:(

Cinco has always had an excellent appetite, and I don't recall any issues with his eating after surgery, except the mechanics of it - With the cone on, and no eyesight, he had trouble getting to the food! I have a cabinet full of different shaped dishes that I bought to try to accommodate that cone. I finally settled on this, but I had to put a shallower dish in it. The idea is to have a sturdy dish that is raised off the ground, small enough that the cone will fit over it, and not so deep that the kitty can't reach the food.

I didn't see anywhere in your post where you mentioned if they were giving Saoirse anti-nausea meds? Anesthesia can cause nausea (I know it does for me), so I would hope that they are giving her something for that. That would be a reason why she's not eating. They sound spectacular, though, so I'm sure they've thought of that.

As for what to expect, it's been awhile and my memory is really poor. Saoirse has vision in her remaining eye, correct? This will make it easier for her than it was for Cinco. I expect they will tell you to keep the e-collar on her for at least two weeks, possibly longer. It's very important that she not be able to reach that eye, and that she not bump it on anything (so they will no doubt use the rigid plastic collar). If you do get her eating but can't come up with a bowl she can reach, you'll have to hold the dish for her, inside the cone. I don't recommend removing it for meals, as you could bump the incision while removing or replacing it.

Despite being diabetic, Cinco healed up fairly quickly, and we were lucky that he had no complications. I think you will find that, once she is feeling better, Saoirse will adapt to her new circumstances. She may have a little trouble getting around, as her field of vision is now different and that might throw her off, but cats are amazingly resilient. If she's never worn an e-collar before, it'll take her some time to adapt to that, too. Normal things like getting in and out of the litter box become a bit of a challenge, but she'll probably figure it out. Be prepared for a few accidents, though, as she becomes accustomed.

They'll tell you at that wonderful hospital all about watching for signs of infection, etc., so I don't need to mention that. When you take her home, you might ask about a number you can call with any concerns or questions, if they don't offer you one.

Have you been able to check with a local pharmacy for ketone test strips, since they didn't send them with the meter?

I can't think of anything else right now, but ask any questions you have and I'll try to help. I'm just not usually online in the morning (I live in California, so Pacific Standard Time).

Most important of all, as others have said: TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!!! You can't help your baby if you're too ill to do anything!

Sending vines and prayers and :bighug:s.
 
Tricia & Cinco & Harvey said:
Have you been able to check with a local pharmacy for ketone test strips, since they didn't send them with the meter?
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I did, and I got some! (Another prayer answered.) They're ordering in plenty more for me so I won't run out (will be in tomorrow).

Thank you for all the information about home nursing, Tricia; it's really helpful - especially the tips on feeding. I must admit I'm quite nervous: I don't want to get anything wrong. It is very reassuring to have your offer of help. I appreciate it so much.

Thank your the vines, prayers and hugs. Moggie needs the hugs.
:bighug:


Mogs
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Mogs what ketone meter did you get. I use the Precision Xtra. Let me know if that is the one you use and I can direct you to a Canadian Pharmacy where they were much cheaper!! I paid 10 bucks a strip at the local pharmacy when I ran out once. Don't won't to do that again. How is our little patient doing?
 
(((Mogs))) I am just now catching up and saw this thread. I'm so so sorry you've had to go through this but it sounds like Saoirse is in the best hands imaginable. I don't have any wisdom to offer, just :bighug::bighug::bighug:. I know it's hard but please try to take care of yourself. We don't want your infection to turn into something worse. You have enough on your plate.
Critter Mom said:
just putting one foot in front of the other
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Yup, that's how to do it. I used to tell Marshmallow, one step at a time, one paw at a time.
 
THURSDAY: PM Update GMT 23:30
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Saoirse was cranky again but after a little while she started sniffing the food on my fingers. Some chicken sprinkes and a side of mama's love later (read hand feeding) she ate the lot! After she had some grub she started to purr and she enjoyed some scritches! :D She was still hacked off at being in hospital. BTW, forgot to mention that the hospital has a cat-only ward which makes a huge difference. They managed to get a urine sample this afternoon. Saoirse was negative for ketones but the sample did have a trace of blood in it which they think is due to stress.

Sorry if this is a repeat of an earlier update but there is no 24/7 taxi service where I live but ... my regular cabbie has told me that if Saoirse should need to get back to the hospital any time I can call him and he will get us there. This is a major break for us. I can't thank him enough for offering to do this for my girl.

Right now I'm sitting looking at my baby sporting her Cone of Shame in her resting cage. In the middle of our living room.

OK so mama bean has to keep going a bit longer. Can't win 'em all, I guess. Saoirse does not need a UTI on top of trying to recover. It would have been great to have had the bit of respite while the staff at the hospital could look after Saoirse overnight, but it is better for her to be here and she comes first. I will try to grab naps between her feeds over the next few days but I'm worried about not being able to give Saoirse quite enough insulin, especially tonight because there is no way I will be able to stay awake to monitor; my body just wants to take the legs out from under me and it's not going to take 'no' for an answer. I'm really very anxious about the situation. My girl needs me.

Thank you to everybody for all your continuing prayers, healing thoughts, suggestions, information and support. (I'd also like to thank whoever or whatever is answering them and would they please continue to do so!) I appreciate every single one of you for being here to help us. I am nervous and I'm very glad I'm not trying to do this all alone. Where would my baby and me be with you all.

:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:

And welcome home, Saoirse. I love you, my beautiful, brave girl. I am so happy that you are here.


Mogs
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Welcome home Saoirse! :D :D :D

Exhausted, stressed and not feeling well as you are, it must still be a great relief that the hospital felt she's well enough to be home with you. And Hurrah for no ketones!

Your taxi driver sounds like one in a million - what a kind-hearted person he is to offer to drive you any time you need him to. That really is great news for you - now you know you have local backup both from him and the hospital if you have any concerns about your baby.

You can do this - in the same way that people with very young children get through it - sleep when Saoirse sleeps, rest as much as you can while still being able to keep an eye on her the rest of the time, eat as healthily as you can to support your own immune system. And remember, we're all still here for moral support. Saoirse is going to do fine - you have to sleep and she doesn't have ketones so sleep as much as you can in between her meal and test times. You have to rest and get well so you can help Saoirse continue her recovery. :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug:
 
I am worried about the insulin & food situation for tonight. Saoirse hasn't had any insulin for 21.75 hours. I cannot stay conscious to monitor her should she go low. It's not an option.
manxcat419 said:
You can do this - in the same way that people with very young children get through it - sleep when Saoirse sleeps, rest as much as you can while still being able to keep an eye on her the rest of the time
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Compared to the state I'm in right now, April, what you describe above is a lovely dream. I'm really not good.

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That's just the best news possible! :joyful:Knowing bases are covered if needed, you made the right choice to bring her home. I think it will be much easier on both of you and you will both heal better being together in your familiar environment. Hopefully now that you can check her at will, you'll get some more restorative rest even if it is only for short periods. I know you are worried about her insulin/food, but you need to do what you are comfortable with and can manage tonight. Saoirse will be fine and you can get back on track tomorrow. Love conquers all and you two have that in spades! Continuing to send healing vines, appy vibes and big big hugs! :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
How high have her numbers been, Mogs? High enough for you to feel comfortable giving even a drop of insulin when you can't monitor? Or if she's under the renal threshold, would it be better to skip tonight's shot altogether...if she's under threshold and doesn't have ketones, she might be just fine until tomorrow morning.

Critter Mom said:
Compared to the state I'm in right now, April, what you describe above is a lovely dream. I'm really not good.
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:bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: I really wish I lived closer so I could be there and monitor her for you overnight while you rest. You've done so, so well but you really need to make sure you take care of yourself now as well as Saoirse.
 
Mogs so happy to hear that Saoirse is finally eating and is well enough to finish recuperating at home. I am sure both of you are feeling much better about being at home, but you still need to take care of yourself and get better. As much as everyone here is worried about Saoirse, we are also worried about you.

The two of you have fought some horrible battles lately and are on the winning side. It sounds like you have a great support system available to you....a wonderful capable hospital and an angel of a taxi driver. Prayers that everything continues going smoothly in the healing process. Please do take care of yourself. Everyone wants both of you back up to snuff!!

:bighug: :bighug:
 
PS:

Saoirse is much calmer. The growling stopped before we left the hospital. Now she's home she might grumble a bit when I need to move her around in her resting cage but other than that she's purry (and high on bupe) but also showing interest in her surroundings. Her body has lost that awful tension, thank goodness, and we are still a growl-free zone. When she was in the hospital she had an IV in all the time and she kept trying to shake the bandage off. One of the receptionists (absolutely lovely lady) told me that the IV can sting. I am wondering how much that had to do with her crankiness during her stay.

I'm thinking of ringing the hospital to ask if they could readmit her for the day tomorrow so that I could get some sleep and then bring her home again tomorrow night. I've got to sort something out. If she hasn't got the IV line in, she might be a bit better. They can check her BG throughout the day.

I really have run out of road.
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Welcome home Saoirse! It's only onward and upward from here.

And high five to that awesome cabbie. It's nice to know there are such good people in the world.
 
Critter Mom said:
I'm thinking of ringing the hospital to ask if they could readmit her for the day tomorrow so that I could get some sleep and then bring her home again tomorrow night.
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I think that's an excellent idea. You have to do something - now she's well enough to have come home, hopefully a day where you don't need to watch her and worry about her all day will let you get a really good sleep. I don't think another few days like the week you've just had is an option for you at this point. If it was the IV making her cranky and she no longer needs it, she'll be able to cope with being in the hospital just for the day. She knows the staff there now and I'm sure they'd be happy to have her there for a day so you can rest. :bighug:
 
Just rang them. They should be able to take her in for the day and I'll take her home again tomorrow night. I've checked the hotel and they have rooms available. I told them she seems much better without the IV and that without some rest I won't be able to nurse her properly. Saoirse needs me to feed her by hand (can't manage with the collar) and also she needs her BG monitored. The receptionist considers it a reasonable request. The duty nurse is to call me at 8am in the morning.

I hurt all over; back injury playing up big time and muscles and joints are aching.

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I'm glad they think your request is reasonable and that they're going to help you. You need all the on-hand help you can get right now from people like the hospital who know exactly how to monitor Saoirse so you can rest easy for a day.

I'll be about for a few hours yet - it's only late afternoon here. :)
 
Thank you, April. I really appreciate your help. :bighug:

I can't get Saoirse to eat the food with her antibiotic in it, and for obvious reasons I can't pill her at the moment. Getting fretty here. Going to take some painkillers ...

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Take some painkillers, give yourself and Saoirse a little break and then try again. An hour on an antibiotic dose isn't going to make any difference to it working. Maybe if you spoon-feed it to her? Rosa will often eat that way if she's being picky about eating off her plate.
 
Yay! So glad Saoirse is home! I hope she has a quick recovery. :cat:

As for taking care of yourself, have you been able to eat much yet? Would soup or broth be easier to eat?

Sending lots of healing thoughts your way. :bighug:
 
Breathe, Mogs, breathe. :bighug: She'll eat when she's hungry. Just keep trying her with tiny little bites - on your finger if necessary. Even if you have to alternate a little food with the antibiotic in it with a little food without to keep her interested. She's probably going to be cranky on and off for a few days - it takes time to shake off anesthesia fully. And you do have your taxi driver to fall back on if you really can't get the meds into her and have to have the hospital get her to take them. You've got this - if you can stay as calm and patient with her as you can, she'll come around to the idea of eating. :bighug: :bighug: :bighug:
 
I'll be up for another 2-3 hours too, so we'll keep you company. Stay calm Mogs so Saoirse doesn't pick up your stress over her not eating. It's been an exciting day for Saoirse. Wait for a bit and try again. She just needs a little more time to settle. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
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