Sam - Month 12

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Djamila said:
I definitely failed at the poker face. I think I laughed. I promised her I would increase (since I'm supposed to be doing that anyway), but maybe a little slower than that. o_O

And vet expenses are crazy $$$. I think I'll stick with my local vet for the dental care - still expensive, but not that bad. I went ahead and took the June appointment just in case though.

I'm doing okay. I was hoping for something a little more promising, but I think this is just how it's going to be for now. I'll keep researching and trying things - and of course do the ultrasound to make sure everything else is okay - but from everything I've been learning, there isn't a magic wand that makes pancreatitis go away.

Mogs - yes, his activity has been lower since he's been sick much of the time, but since his calorie intake has been too, a full pound in three months seems like a lot to gain. I'm also not sure what to do about it since I don't really want to restrict his calories more than hes already doing on his own, and it's been hard to get him to play very much since he doesn't feel well. I'm trying not to let myself think that there is a tumor growing in there causing the weight gain - because of course my mind goes to the worst possible option. :rolleyes: Plus, the vet did a pretty thorough physical exam and I would imagine a one pound tumor would be big enough that she would have noticed it. So enough crazy for one morning! :stop:
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This is so, so hard Djamila, especially when there are no clear cut answers. :( I think the ultrasound is a good idea and I agree with you that a one pound tumour should be palpable by the vet. o_O Yes, vet expenses can get very high and at some point we have to make a choice between Rolls Royce and Honda levels of care. I see no problem with getting a good Honda level dental done by your vet. :bighug:
 
Dang. I was hoping the vet visit would yield better results...I think you're right though, there's just no magic wand. I wish there was!
 
How much is the ultrasound?

I think it's easy to let our mind wander and think of the worst case scenario when we are in this kind of situation.

You are doing all of the right things. Don't be hard on yourself. :bighug:
 
What are his thyroid levels like, Djamila? (Euthyroid sick syndrome is often seen in cats with pancreatitis and other issues.)

Djamila said:
from everything I've been learning, there isn't a magic wand that makes pancreatitis go away.
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If only ... (*sigh*)


Mogs
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:(Sorry there were no clear cut answers. Has Sam been regularly going #2? The inactivity and perhaps a little back up could add up to a few extra ounces. This was your first time to this vet so different scale, no? My IM vet recommended I weigh Ming once a week. Its a good way to keep an eye on things. When we see our kitties day in and day out we don't necessarily notice weight changes. Just like people I can never tell if DH put on a few pounds or dropped a few because I see him every day. I would weigh Sam at home once a week and see what happens. I got a baby scale on Amazon (what don't they sell?:rolleyes:) and weigh Ming weekly. I'm having trouble getting on Amazon to give you the link so its a Beurer Digital Baby Scale, it did cost $50 but its easy. I slide it under my bed and pull it out on Saturday's and for whatever reason Ming is intrigued and just sits on it for me:smuggrin:. Or you can weigh yourself, then weight yourself and Sam and do the math.

:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Beenie said:
I got a baby scale on Amazon
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Ditto. Makes weight management and monitoring of calorie intake so much more straightforward. (With logging of amount of food and water offered/consumed the baby scale can also give a rough guide to changes in hydration levels in poorly kitties, too.)


Mogs
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I'm waiting to hear back from the imaging place about the cost of the ultrasound.

I drive a Hyundai and I'm just fine with that. :cool:

I do feel like I'm going 'round the bend a little on wanting to fix this for Sam though. Hovering more than is helpful to him or to me. I just got back from a long walk to the garden store and at least for a few minutes feel like I'm regaining some perspective. You know the good thing about walking to the garden store? I can't buy anything! :smuggrin:
 
Haha I totally get that Djamila! I'm in the same boat with Tigress's cystitis. I'm trying to regain my perspective and remind myself that hovering and following her to the LB won't help...trying to not constantly check on her. I've started taking an hour long walk daily and it has REALLY helped me...gets me out of the house on days that I'm not working and allows me to find some peace and quiet. Also gets me out in the sunshine which is good. I'm not doing great at not hovering (it's hard when the illness is so bloody CONSTANT) but I am doing the best I can, and I know you are too. We'll both get through this! I just wish we could both find something to help at least reduce the flares. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Djamila said:
I'm waiting to hear back from the imaging place about the cost of the ultrasound.

I drive a Hyundai and I'm just fine with that. :cool:

I do feel like I'm going 'round the bend a little on wanting to fix this for Sam though. Hovering more than is helpful to him or to me. I just got back from a long walk to the garden store and at least for a few minutes feel like I'm regaining some perspective. You know the good thing about walking to the garden store? I can't buy anything! :smuggrin:
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I almost bought a Hyundai.

Sometimes it's nice jut to get away from the environment. I'm sure you worry about it more when you are in eye distance of Sam, or do you feel like its worse when you are away at work?

Walking/ exercising is supposed to release those feel good hormones endorphins--that feel good chemical in he brain.
 
I have noticed that on the days when I'm more active - doing things around the house, having friends over, working on photography - anything that Sam finds interesting - his BG is lower. On the days when I sit quietly in front of the computer and barely move - his BG is higher. I think our kitties do better when we are doing better!
 
I used to worry more when I left the house, but then I got a security camera in the condo and now I can spy on the kitties. That has helped a ton to relieve some of the stress of leaving them. Not that I could do anything for them when I'm at work, but it makes me feel better to be able to see them.

And yes so much to the benefits of walking! I swim and run for exercise, but walking is meditative and calming in a different way.
 
Djamila said:
I have noticed that on the days when I'm more active - doing things around the house, having friends over, working on photography - anything that Sam finds interesting - his BG is lower. On the days when I sit quietly in front of the computer and barely move - his BG is higher. I think our kitties do better when we are doing better!
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Totally agree! We send out our stress in waves they seem to pick up on.
 
Something worth investing--if it gives you comfort. Not in my budget right now. I think something like that can be provided through my internet service. They offer a few different services.

My friend has an owlet monitor for her baby. I believe it tracks O2, heartheart and other little things. Can we get one for our felines?
 
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