Very afraid

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If I am repeating, apologies. I am going to have Vet techs come next week and I WILL learn to test. I'm not happy with not testing, even tho' his sugars are so very high right now. I may need help with all that's happening with the syringe feeding and giving fluids, so big girl panties will go on next week and I will have them teach me and allow me to do it.
 
You know what?o_O There's an old saying..."Can't help...Can't hurt."..If you are ambivalent about testing...it can't hurt to do it, and I think you will find it's going to help you get a better handle on your kitty. Doctors and vets are frequently pi**y about someone questioning them, and will frequently cite their diplomas as evidence that they are godlike, and getting into a pi**ing contest with them is counterproductive, since they have trained themselves to Tune You Out.

But possessing a diploma doesn't automatically confer on anyone, the gift of plain old, Common Sense. I have known professionals who can dance rings around me with all their 'book learning'...but in real life, they founder when it comes to thinking logically about mundane matters. Their personal lives are in tatters because they didn't excercise good judgement.

Test.
 
Last nite, when we got home (think this isn't a repeat), we ran again for water, the litter box, water and another rug to puke on. I now have a matching set of pukey rugs. lol He wanted to be left alone, and so I did just that. I checked on him off and on, but he was in his fave basket, purring and sleeping, and I thought best to just leave him alone.

This morning Patches woke me at 5:45 (ready to kill him!!) and Beau wasn't far behind. For the first time in months and months, he wanted under the covers with me, curled up at my feet. Patches decided to make us an oreo cookie, and curled up on the other side. I ws late with feeding/insulin, but I made the executive decision to just stay there until 7:30 or so An hour late, but I think an hour well spent.

He is NOT great about the feeding, but I think I wasn't getting food out (just my second try at this), and maybe just air and that nipple thing. When I rubbed him more, and instead of saying "no, no, no", I said "good boy; I love you", our attitudes both changed. I tried to get rid of the frustration. He got curled up in my lap on the floor, hugged and squeezed and kissed and rubbed, and then we tried again. The antibiotic was NOT a success, so I think that might come at the end of the feeding. I got the required "4" down him, and when done, he decided taht was a good spot to remain, and didn't run. He looks perkier, but still wo't eat on his own. He smells the FF in his bowl, but no go. The syringe, though, after I finally got it figured out how best to do it, was a breeze. I am going to watch more videos today and see how others do it. I also like their hints for success.

So today, I think we are beginning our success story. I hope.
 
Baby steps and she still grabs at straws. Beau barfed on a second rug last nite, and I have not shampooed either yet. He wants to lay on them, so when I take them up to shampoo, then he has bare floor. I digress.

He just got out from under this bed and was laying on his rug from last nite's barf. I put down some nice warm FF, but no thanks. I got a placemat from the table, put that down and then his plate. YES. He ate on his own (just a little, but I take anything). I will still syringe feet until he goes to how bowl and cleans it out, or at least eats a little more aggressively, but this is the first time in a few days taht we've been able to get him to volunteer to eat. Grateful
 
You're doing great, Pat :p Careful or you'll turn your day/night hours upside down, and become a vampire, like me. Without the fangs and black cape, of course.:nailbiting: No, I DO NOT WANT to drink your blood, just stick a drop in my glucometer, :cool:Mmwhahahaha!
 
Yah!!! I was too late for His Highness this morning. I took a potty break and he was sitting there waiting to lead me to the kitchen, which is our routine. He has to show me the way so he can be fed!!! I heated up FF for the other can, and Beau, so we would be left alone while I ws feeding him. Nope, to slow, so he began eating the FF left for the other cat while I was mixing up his. Success! No, we are not "there" yet, but at least moving in that direction. I still syringe fed him, but insulin was about 11 min. late because I was sitting there praising him for eating the FF, but I think time well spent. I need to make sure he's going to the potty. I can't tell who went during the night, but there was something in there. I notice that he stands outside the litter box looking at it quite a lot, so need to make sure he's eliminating. Not sure if it matters, but a nice clean litter box later today with fresh litter. Just need to make a run to the store for a huge box to fill it up.
 
For the second time today, His Highness has come for his warmed FF and eaten it on his own. I was on my way to dump litter box and bring in new, clean one, and he heard me. He used to check every time I ws messing with HIS box, but not since he has been not feeling good. He came out and noticed two in the hall, and one that was empty. He decided on the one going out the door, and left me a little present. He's not eating enough that I worry about him gaining quickly, but enough that I feel relieved that he's eating without a syringe Syringe feeding will continue until Vet said to stop. Tomorrow, a day at the "spa" with fluid treatment again.
 
He is!! I am so darn happy. I know he's not out of the woods, and we have a long struggle, but this is the third time he's come for food today. I don't give him much, and he eats only about a teaspoonful, but it's encouraging. Can't wait to see wht the Vet thinks tomorrow
 
His Highness was up at 12:30am and I may have heard him potty, but I woke up. He was hungry. He ate a little, and then a little more, and then a little more, and then some Greenies. He seems to like to lay at his water bowl these days, so I left him there, calling him to come to bed with me, but he prefers his favorite little basket, all to himself, quiet and dark. Took him to the Vet a little while ago and his girlfriend was ecstatic taht he was eating on his own. Now Mom just needs to learn how to test him, and we're going to be just fine. She says.
 
pat121 said:
His Highness was up at 12:30am and I may have heard him potty, but I woke up. He was hungry. He ate a little, and then a little more, and then a little more, and then some Greenies. He seems to like to lay at his water bowl these days, so I left him there, calling him to come to bed with me, but he prefers his favorite little basket, all to himself, quiet and dark. Took him to the Vet a little while ago and his girlfriend was ecstatic taht he was eating on his own. Now Mom just needs to learn how to test him, and we're going to be just fine. She says.
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That is wonderful news! :D Hooray for Beauregard!!! And don't worry, Mom, you will do just fine learning to home test! :):):)
 
I just about splilt open when he went to his bowl to eat because I ws not fast enugh. That gives me hope (and not typing today wel)

Yep, I think when he and I sit here, and we get that little tiny speck of blood, it will be wonderful. Then, I guess, he can have a little to recover from that before h is meds come. Hopefully at that point, he will be totally eating on his own.
 
Not sure how to check urine. I am getting his girls back this week to check BS. His sugars were close to 400 yesterday, and with all the food he's getting right now, I have a feeling he won't go but so low. He is eating on his own (thank you God) pretty much all the time, but I'm feeding him every two hours. The fatty liver disease and hemoplasma possible exposue thing (FLP?) is our main concern right now. Antibiotics for that possible exposure 10 years or so ago, and his anemia and the fatty liver have kinda bumped the diabetes into the "not as concerned" area, but I really am concerned about it all. BUT, going without much sleep and trying to get him to eat on his own, but getting food into his little body to save his life, I'm just not sure much else can go into my head.

I will, however, get these gals to come in nightly, check his BS, attempt to show me how to do it.
 
Hey Pat, just when we think our head is FULL, magic happens and another tiny space opens up for more! Lol. I haven't been around much as I've had a lot of family stuff going on, so I haven't read all of the posts regarding Beau, but it sounds like you have your hands full. Try to get some rest and find some comfort in knowing that you're doing all you can. :bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Hi, Tammy. I'm new here. About 2 weeks ago, he was diagnosed with diabetes. He was on a diet to reduce (so as to avoid all of these issues), and he was reducing. I just moved, and had not driven in 2 years, so I ws a little afraid/worried about venturing out in a new city. AND, I really thought it was good that he was reducing, until one day I just realized h is little body was WAY small (2 lb. in a month weight loss) and off we went. The fatty liver did not show up the first time, but I guess he was't eating (I have another cat, 22 lb. and he apparetly was eating all of Beau' s food (sorry, typig off today).

I am now syringe feeding him every few hours if he won't eat on his own. His anemia seems to be improving. His sugars are still around 400 and I am not testing (have not learned how yet and frankly, just overwhelmed with it all).

Took a break to check on him, and no clue what I was about to say, to time to stop typing.
 
I understand, virtually everyone on this board had felt the way you feel right now! We've all been there, so you're in good company. ;) The diabetes is hard enough, but when you add in other health issues, it's much harder. But, if you have a good vet and aren't afraid to do what needs to be done, you've got half the battle taken care of. I know the cost is also a factor, but the people here have lots of money saving tips!

If I were you, I'd make it a point to learn home testing ASAP! First, the money saving will be huge. Second, and even more importantly, you'll feel SO MUCH more confident about the whole thing. It'll give you a sense of confidence that you're going to need to survive this. The first time you test successfully on your own, you'll be amazed at how strong you feel.

For syringe feeding, you might try the canned Hills a/d from the vet. It's packed with calories and being mostly organ meat, will help with anemia. Also, I don't think the carbs are too bad. I mixed it with a little fairly warm water to make it easier to feed thru a syringe. I had a couple of fatso's too, since stopping the free feeding, they've both trimmed down nicely. :cat:
 
I forgot to get food yesterday. I have one can left of the Vet food. It mixes with water VERY well (once it's cold) for the syringe, but he won't eat it by himself. I guess he associates that with unpleasantness, so off this morning for more FF, which he will eat on his own. I am going to begin his Vet techs coming again (like tomorrow. I REALLY REALLY need a day with no drama or people). I do know testing is important for him, and I don't give myself insulin without testing (except when I've gone a few days without it, and know I need it).

I do know I'm not alone. Questions answered and advice freely given here. AND just comfort in numbers. lol And while family/friends say that it's no big deal, THEY haven't had to deal with testing a cat, or syringe feeding one that wants to sleep, or try to keep another one away. And give both (all) love, and remain sane, and still take in more and more information and try to remember it all. And, yes, I write down every little thing the Vet tells me.
 
pat121 said:
I think it will be his paw. We will figure it out.
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Ear testing didn't go so well for Goof and I, but the paw pads were much easier for/on both of us. I snuggle him a little when I pick him up, then gently Lay him on his side. I poke and then do a few gentle "pumps" and the blood comes easily. When the meter beeps, he stands up, gets a good snuggle while I wait for the number, then it's time to eat.
 
I think it will be the pads, and mostly because of my eyesight. If I'm close enough to him to cuddle much, the ear is out of focus. If I'm far enough away to see it good, I'm unable to hold him (in my lap). And I really don't like him on my kitchen counter. Too high up and if he gets away, he will get hurt. Yes, I'm also a worrier.

Gals coming back tomorrow night and I will begin learning the paw pads. Right now, it's feeding him every two hours for this fatty liver disease, and that is our priority. After the first day, he is mostly a volunteer, but some nights/days he just want to sleep, so it's the syringe. And for me, taht means I'm totally awake, and have difficulty getting back to sleep, so I'm a total zombie. Almost $1500 spent in this last week or so, but he's so worth it. Family thinks I'm NUTS, and we still could lose him, but I just have to give him that chance. I'd never forgive myself if I saved $2000 or whatever so I could do something pleasurable, and he wasn't around. And, I do ramble.

At any rate, we go back Monday for tests. I am praying his numbers will be going in a favorable direction. He looks brighter, but still a little lethargic. If I don't respond to anyone, just know I'm likely reading on the iPad, but have not figured out how to get on here from there. He has passwords all save in some goodie on my desktop, and it makes them up and they are quite secure, BUT I haven't figured out how to actually get the passwords from that goodie. It rememgbers them on this desktop so I don't have to remember them, but it also creates them and keeps them all safe and secure (and from me!!!), so if I'm on iPad trying to get into site with a password, it won't allow it. And that "goodie" is not on the iPad yet. lol
 
Vet tech reminded me last nite that I could still lose him. Just something I refuse to accept without a battle, and I do grasp at straws.

Beau ate this morning (5am, 8am, 10am, 10:30am and maybe 10:45a) NOT huge amounts, but he came to eat, and also ate a little of the dry food sitting there for the other cat. I take taht as at least a sign that he wants to live and is fighting. And hopefully no more syringe feeding, because he gets upset when I do that.

I get so excited with anything, and I know those I send epistles in the email about it are getting fed up (good people just not attahced at the hip to a sweet little fur baby) hearing about every little thing, so I share on here. I know everyone here has had ups and downs, and when there's an "up", they are just jumping for joy. His waiting for me to come home (with 20 cans of FF) and getting his treat and another and another just make me so happy. Yes, I am "prepared" as one could be that in 5-6 weeks his numbers show that he won't improve, but for now, I prefer saying my prayers and watching him improve daily. And it will continue.

Ramble over.
 
pat121 said:
Vet tech reminded me last nite that I could still lose him. Just something I refuse to accept without a battle, and I do grasp at straws.

Beau ate this morning (5am, 8am, 10am, 10:30am and maybe 10:45a) NOT huge amounts, but he came to eat, and also ate a little of the dry food sitting there for the other cat. I take taht as at least a sign that he wants to live and is fighting. And hopefully no more syringe feeding, because he gets upset when I do that.

I get so excited with anything, and I know those I send epistles in the email about it are getting fed up (good people just not attahced at the hip to a sweet little fur baby) hearing about every little thing, so I share on here. I know everyone here has had ups and downs, and when there's an "up", they are just jumping for joy. His waiting for me to come home (with 20 cans of FF) and getting his treat and another and another just make me so happy. Yes, I am "prepared" as one could be that in 5-6 weeks his numbers show that he won't improve, but for now, I prefer saying my prayers and watching him improve daily. And it will continue.

Ramble over.
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Hugs and prayers for you and scritches and healing/eating vines for Beau.

We all understand how rough the battle can be, especially when there are other concerns besides the diabetes, and we all rejoice with the "small" victories. No where else would people be saying WTG!!! when a kitty eats or poops, but to us those are just the greatest thing in the world.

Take each day with its good times and savour each minute. None of us have any sort of guarantee how much time we have with our furbabies, so we need to embrace each day, especially the good ones and revel in the minute.

Sending lots of positive vibes that you and Beau have lots and lots of great days and continued improvements.

:bighug: :bighug:
 
Thanks Mary Ann. I am aware that this has shortened his life span (and probably mine), but we don't know. I do enjoy as much time with him as I can (he does need some sleep), and I will never actually be ready to lose him, and have always said the pain would be so much, I hope I go first I tend to be Pollyanna (I was with both parents). I know there are no guarantees, and I guess the Vet tech was trying to warn me not to get hopes up, but I do treasure the improvements, even the tiny little ones. It's a bread crumb and a blessing and it makes all of this worthwhile.
 
pat121 said:
Vet tech reminded me last nite that I could still lose him.
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If my experience is anything to go by, sometimes veterinary professionals badly underestimate cats' capacity to make astounding recoveries - especially when they have a life that is well worth living and the loving care of a dedicated Person. (Same can hold true for humans.)

Is Beau getting any anti-nausea and appetite stimulation meds?


Mogs
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pat121 said:
Thanks Mary Ann. I am aware that this has shortened his life span (and probably mine), but we don't know. I do enjoy as much time with him as I can (he does need some sleep), and I will never actually be ready to lose him, and have always said the pain would be so much, I hope I go first I tend to be Pollyanna (I was with both parents). I know there are no guarantees, and I guess the Vet tech was trying to warn me not to get hopes up, but I do treasure the improvements, even the tiny little ones. It's a bread crumb and a blessing and it makes all of this worthwhile.
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My guy also has other health issues that will shorten his life long before the diabetes, but I live day to day. On the really good days I literally drink in the feeling of happiness and on the bad days I just tend to business. None of us is ever prepared to lose our furbabies, so as much as I am aware of it, I don't dwell on it. Keep on getting excited about improvements, even little ones. Positive thinking is so much healthier than negative thinking,

:bighug: :bighug:
 
Critter Mom said:
If my experience is anything to go by, sometimes veterinary professionals badly underestimate cats' capacity to make astounding recoveries - especially when they have a life that is well worth living and the loving care of a dedicated Person. (Same can hold true for humans.)

Is Beau getting any anti-nausea and appetite stimulation meds?


Mogs
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Mogs, I'm not sure what's in that antibiotic. I think it's just in case he was exposed to FLP(?) and that virus/bacteria has come to life. Doxycilin (sp) I believe is what it is (in the kitchen, but my brain has gone to sleep again) . Right now, I think the appetite stimulation might just be me. He is getting loved, and stroken and talked to and held. i feel so bad, because he has been following me every step I took for weeks, and I fussed at him to go away, and even made a horrible comment about how I wish I could just give him away right now. He was driving me nuts. I SO WISH I had taken hi to the Vet right then, but didn't even think about it. So very ashamed of myself.

But he is responding to whatever, and tht's good.
 
I do believe in miracles. And positive energy. I try NOT to cry in front of him. He picks up on that. Instead I get excited when he eats, and kiss him, and just talk to him in that way that says "i love you so". And like I said, the Vet tech (who's been at my home dealig with him) said he looked so much better, and was so excited, so I'm holding on to that.

Going to retrieve some bird houses and clean those out; watch my soap; see if I can get him to eat a little more. His dreaded meds come soon,
Critter Mom said:
Me three.


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I think that's what I love most about this board. We're all there, and we understand. Others think we are nuts. I hear "i wouldn't worry now" or other things, and since he's still in jeopardy of not making it, I worry. After we get his fatty liver under control, he's still diabetic. And, he's getting older. And he's got a lot on his plate. And I'm single and he's my perfect child (always has been), and I adore him. And when any any any little thing happens that's good, I rejoice.

So glad to have all of you inmy life.
 
Cathie and Shaak Ti said:
The day you joined I began adding Beau's name to the Novena I have begun praying for our kitties each day. Will continue to do so.

:bighug:
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Thank you. I think the meds, food and prayers are working, she says. He looks so much better, and is laying by his food bowl every two hour to be fed. It's just a matter of Mom getting up during the night without someone waking her. His body is learning; now mine.
 
It is good to read such an encouraging update about Beau. Sending more healing and appetite-stimulating vibes for your boy.

:bighug:


Mogs
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