Shmee's Pituitary Gland Removal Surgery

Hugs to you too Sarah, thank you so much. It means a lot and I do feel a little better. I didn't know the catheter wasn't as big of a deal. I feel like I should have asked for a procedure breakdown from the very beginning... How could I just be finding this out? But I guess it is a minimal part of the procedure as a whole... so there was no need to mention it before. I'm not going to want to leave him there... I know a few of you have already felt this feeling. I am going to be such a mess. I am kind of regretting getting the cheaper airbnb now because I do not really have privacy. I have my own room but its a loft with no door, and there are two other rooms available that people will be staying in. He did say there is a roof with a view of Manhattan, so I am hoping I can be alone up there sometimes if there are people in the house. I will be facetiming DH regularly. I wish he could have came, but it was a lot of time off from work.

@JeffJ thank you for making me laugh!!
 
We have to be strong for our kitties. :bighug: They can read our emotions so well. If you are nervous and fearful at the hospital, he may pick up on it. Try to think of the end goal and how much you love Shmee and how much better he will be afterwards. Trust the vets and their staff, they will surely be very companionate and knowledgeable people. When I had to leave Neko in critical care for a couple nights, I tried to tamp down my emotions, except for the love. I fell apart in the car later.

Take your walking shoes with you. I had to exercise and get out to distract myself when Neko was at CSU.
 
Amanda & Shmee said:
I feel like every new I hear I just feel worse and worse. I want him to get better but I do not want to traumatize him. He is such a scardy cat already, hates the vet, going to be there a week, and now he has to have a catheter?! I assume because he will be too medicated to use the litterbox.... oh my poor guy. All I have been doing is crying today.
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Aww, I’m so sorry you’re feeling this way! But I definitely understand . It’s scary bc it’s unknown. (I’m worried about Frosty getting general anesthesia for a freaking ultrasound over here... :rolleyes:) I would totally feel the same way if it were me. (And maybe i will be in the same boat soon, who knows!)

BUT as a bystander and also a health professional who assists in surgery all the time - I am sure they know what they are doing, and they have experience treating all types of different cats - most of which are scaredy cats! Most cats hate change and the vet, and I KNOW they have ways of keeping them calm and comfortable.

And as i said - they will be giving him pain medication - it’s relaxing, sedating, and will make him very comfortable. I think the catheter he’s talking about is similar to an IV, and they will probably do that once he’s asleep. I am SURE they will keep him calm and comfy throughout his stay. They have 24/7 intensivists on site, and they will keep close tabs on him in the ICU.

Cats are really tough creatures as I am learning through Frosty. I think this will be more tough on you than him! :bighug:
 
At CSU we had different hotel options. I decided to stay in a "budget" hotel. Well, at least it didn't have bugs. And I spent some time at CSU. Mostly I was near to Leo almost the whole trip. After the procedures were all over I had a sense of accomplishment and relief. It was great.

NYC is a good place to walk. You will have plenty of company.
 
Oh, I think I understand what the misunderstanding is - he won’t have a catheter in the bladder like a human would - he will have a “catheter” (an IV catheter) in his vein. It will help them continuously monitor his blood sugar. He will be able to use the litter box normally. I think it’s the terminology that’s confusing.
 
Ana & Frosty said:
Oh, I think I understand what the misunderstanding is - he won’t have a catheter in the bladder like a human would - he will have a “catheter” (an IV catheter) in his vein. It will help them continuously monitor his blood sugar. He will be able to use the litter box normally. I think it’s the terminology that’s confusing.
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Interesting... I hope I am able to hold him while I'm there with tubes attached to him... I thought it was odd how the doctor worded it, I think you are right. I will be sure to let you know what his response is.
 
You were right Ana, just checked my email:
he will have a catheter called a sampling catheter in place while he is here. this catheter allows us to sample his blood without having to poke him. He can move around and be held with this catheter in place. We use this catheter to monitor blood sugar.

We do have the Libre Freestyle continuous glucose monitor system. (the circular device I asked about the RVC uses)This could be something to consider for him in the future but for our needs while his in the hospital it is not necessary.
 
Amanda & Shmee said:
You were right Ana, just checked my email:
he will have a catheter called a sampling catheter in place while he is here. this catheter allows us to sample his blood without having to poke him. He can move around and be held with this catheter in place. We use this catheter to monitor blood sugar.

We do have the Libre Freestyle continuous glucose monitor system. (the circular device I asked about the RVC uses)This could be something to consider for him in the future but for our needs while his in the hospital it is not necessary.
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Yep, it’s just one of the ways we call it. IV, catheter, or “line.” Medical terminology isn’t too far behind the English language with different ways you can say the same thing. :joyful:

I’m glad you will be able to hold him! My cats hate being held :( Frosty tolerates it sometimes, but sometimes he bites me. He lets Dan hold him though. It makes me sad. Probably bc I’m always poking and prodding and he doesn’t like being restrained for it.

He does sleep on my side of the bed though... :cat:
 
Ana & Frosty said:
Yep, it’s just one of the ways we call it. IV, catheter, or “line.” Medical terminology isn’t too far behind the English language with different ways you can say the same thing. :joyful:

I’m glad you will be able to hold him! My cats hate being held :( Frosty tolerates it sometimes, but sometimes he bites me. He lets Dan hold him though. It makes me sad. Probably bc I’m always poking and prodding and he doesn’t like being restrained for it.

He does sleep on my side of the bed though... :cat:
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Awh I am sorry they won't you hold them! They are independent kitties! Shmee is a big baby. Haha. Sleeping on your side of the bed is special though :)
 
We had Scoobs for almost 8 years. He was not feral, but he was wild in the neighborhood. He never lost some of that, and he did not like being held at all. Possibly many wild / feral kittehs have the same trait.
 
JeffJ said:
We had Scoobs for almost 8 years. He was not feral, but he was wild in the neighborhood. He never lost some of that, and he did not like being held at all. Possibly many wild / feral kittehs have the same trait.
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Actually, frosty is a lot more open to being held han my other 2 kitties whom I’ve had since they were kittens. I think they associating being picked up with being put in a crate or getting their nails trimmed. :(
 
Dear Amanda We are so impressed by all the good planning you are doing. And thanks so much for sharing, we are copying your ideas. We have bought a crate in case we have to go by ferry, but hope to go by light aircraft. We are also worrying that if the pituitary gland is removed, the insulin requirement might suddenly drop to zero. So we won't be doing a "jab" on the morning of the surgery unless we are told to the contrary. But if we go in for a consultation the day before, we guess they will take over all that. We think you are very brave, driving in to NYC. We've never even visited, and although we have done some driving in Florida and on the west coast, the thought of driving in NYC.....on Jersey there is a speed limit of 40 mph, and no big roads, so we don't have the skill. You appear to us to be very competent. Of course it makes sense to set off at the earliest possible time; you can adjust your rest stops as you get closer to the destination to stay on schedule. If you get behind schedule, it's much more difficult to adapt.
Titan is a free range cat; as I write he has gone out into the dark to wander around the heathland; I just wish he would realise the seriousness of the situation and stay at home! The RVC have just told us that if we arrive a day earlier because of weather conditions, they can put him up for the night (at a cost no doubt) so that is a comfort. At this time of year the season of "mists and mellow fruitfulness" kicks in and it's not unknown for the airport to be closed for days at a time.
Not long to go now.. Know that we have great faith in and admiration for you..we are keeping everything crossed for a favourable outcome for Shmee. :otj:!!
 
John Irene and TITAN said:
Dear Amanda We are so impressed by all the good planning you are doing. And thanks so much for sharing, we are copying your ideas. We have bought a crate in case we have to go by ferry, but hope to go by light aircraft. We are also worrying that if the pituitary gland is removed, the insulin requirement might suddenly drop to zero. So we won't be doing a "jab" on the morning of the surgery unless we are told to the contrary. But if we go in for a consultation the day before, we guess they will take over all that. We think you are very brave, driving in to NYC. We've never even visited, and although we have done some driving in Florida and on the west coast, the thought of driving in NYC.....on Jersey there is a speed limit of 40 mph, and no big roads, so we don't have the skill. You appear to us to be very competent. Of course it makes sense to set off at the earliest possible time; you can adjust your rest stops as you get closer to the destination to stay on schedule. If you get behind schedule, it's much more difficult to adapt.
Titan is a free range cat; as I write he has gone out into the dark to wander around the heathland; I just wish he would realise the seriousness of the situation and stay at home! The RVC have just told us that if we arrive a day earlier because of weather conditions, they can put him up for the night (at a cost no doubt) so that is a comfort. At this time of year the season of "mists and mellow fruitfulness" kicks in and it's not unknown for the airport to be closed for days at a time.
Not long to go now.. Know that we have great faith in and admiration for you..we are keeping everything crossed for a favourable outcome for Shmee. :otj:!!
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Thank you so much for the encouragement John and Irene, that means a lot :) I don't know how I am going to do NYC traffic either!! Haha.. I already cannot wait for the drive to be over. I am also scared about a possible hypo. From what I have seen though, it usually takes a few weeks to go off insulin but just be sure to talk to the doctor about your concerns. I am reducing his insulin use a few days before my trip per Wendy's suggestion, so the depot can drain (this is because he is on Lantus - not sure what insulin Titan is on). I think I will do no shot the morning of the MRI too but I am not quite sure yet. The doctor suggested a half shot. When is your Titans surgery? I wish you all the luck in the world :bighug:
 
Amanda, please just breathe. Take a few moments today before and during your journey to just sit and destress. It will make both you and Shmee more relaxed and be able to deal with everything. Everyone here who has posted and many who haven't will have you in their hearts throughout the whole process. Hugs!
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sbluhrs said:
Amanda, please just breathe. Take a few moments today before and during your journey to just sit and destress. It will make both you and Shmee more relaxed and be able to deal with everything. Everyone here who has posted and many who haven't will have you in their hearts throughout the whole process. Hugs!
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Thanks Susan I will try my best, I appreciate the good advice. :bighug: It feels good to know so many have us in their thoughts and hearts.
 
Thank you Sue!

We made it. Shmee meowed pretty much the entire ride... I felt so terrible for him. He was very distracted by what was happening around him that its like he didnt even have the Gabapentin. He is never out of the house except to a short trip to the vet, so this was all very new to him. We stopped often, he liked to get out of the crate and walk around the car. He used the litterbox twice so that was good. He was SO good driving through the middle of Manhattan this morning. It was busy, but not nearly as busy as I thought it was going to be, so the traffic wasnt too bad overall.

I don't know why, but this whole time I keep thinking "I cant believe he is going to be there a whole week"..... but I have not actually thought about him sleeping there on his own overnight... that is all I am doing now. Thinking of him all alone in a cage all night, when he has never even slept away from home more than one night, and that was many years ago. I hope the medication he is on is helping him to go to sleep and not be as scared.... god this is just the worst feeling in the world. I know many of you have experienced it too, ugh I cannot wait for me to have him back. I am NOT going to want to leave him Wednesday.

Dr. McCue called me after his MRI, and he actually got a cat scan too (he said the price will still not exceed $3,000). He said the tumor is very small, so perfect candidate for the surgery. Tomorrow he will be in the operating room by 10am, and it will last 2.5 - 4 hours. He also texted me photos of him.... I can barely look at the shaved head photo..... I am crying now just thinking of it. He looks like a completely different cat. his whiskers are gone too. He said they would take a few months to grow back. I will post the photos tomorrow.

For records / if anyone is interested - this was my last Lantus forum thread.

You all have been amazing. I am trying very hard to keep it together. I cannot wait until we are back home. After a night with no sleep last night, I am finally going to bed!!! I will let you all know what the doctor says tomorrow.
 
Thanks for the update Amanda. Great news that the tumour is small and he is a good surgery candidate. Did you by any chance get a measurement? (tumour size geek here :oops:)

Get plenty of rest, you will need it. Tons of great surgery vines headed out on the express plane to New York tonight. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
He will be healed and on the road to recovery in very short time.

Leo hyperventilated half the 2 days up to Ft Collins and half the way back. Enough oxygen to last him for 2 years. Our sweet kittehs. I'm glad your AirBNB and the parking worked out.
 
So glad you've gone to bed. Thank you for the updates. Great news on that tumor size! I lit a candle and said some extra prayers for Shmee and you. The medicine they give I am sure will help keep him calm and a little loopy for a while. Did you give them something with your smell for him? I must have missed that entry if you did. Big hugs!!! He will be back in your arms before you know it. Sleep well.
 
Get some rest, although I know it will be hard!

We are ALL thinking about you and Shmee tonight! He will be done and better and healing before you know it. :bighug::bighug::bighug: And the great thing about surgery is that when its over and you are on the way home... That Acro will be in the past! Yay!

I am so proud of you and all that you have accomplished for your boy. I want you to think about that. Just stop and look at all the mountains you have moved in the past short months. Now, understand that You. Got. This. Period. And Shmee could not be in better hands!

Sleep well! We have all the well wishes and healing vibes sending your way! :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Thank you all :bighug::bighug:

Wendy&Neko said:
Great news that the tumour is small and he is a good surgery candidate. Did you by any chance get a measurement? (tumour size geek here :oops:)
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I did not - I knew that question was coming though and I totally forgot to ask! I just wrote it down so I can remember to ask Dr. McCue when he calls me later.

JeffJ said:
Leo hyperventilated half the 2 days up to Ft Collins and half the way back. Enough oxygen to last him for 2 years. Our sweet kittehs.
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Wow that is so scary :( Poor kitty. I am glad you all got through it and I'm glad Leo is doing well now.

Phoebes said:
I lit a candle and said some extra prayers for Shmee and you.
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This is so nice. Thank you so much Angela.

LuvinThisPig said:
I am so proud of you and all that you have accomplished for your boy. I want you to think about that. Just stop and look at all the mountains you have moved in the past short months. Now, understand that You. Got. This. Period. And Shmee could not be in better hands!
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In tears again, thank you for this. :bighug: I am very attached to him. I am so grateful to have you all as friends because I know you have been through very similar situations and all care of your kitties as much as I care about mine.

John Irene and TITAN said:
Glad to hear you made it, and managed the traffic. It must have been hard to drive with Shmee calling all the time. You have done so well...wishing all luck for tomorrow .
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Yes surprisingly the traffic was not as bad as I had pictured in my mind. I was thinking "parking lot" for a Monday morning. But it really wasn't all too bad, just busy and crazy drivers... haha. Shmee really shined Monday morning. The entire night he meowed, but in the morning driving through one of the busiest cities in the country, he did not meow and watched all the traffic and big buildings out the front window with me through the mesh. I was so impressed.
 
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That is good news that the pituitary was resolveable.

Leo's pituitary was 4 times in volume, as a normal pituitary. So his pituitary was also obvious. I guess that is kinda lucky if one knows there is an issue there.
 
Thank you everyone :bighug::bighug::bighug:

The doctor said I am able to visit him today at 4pm :) It is going to be really hard. The doctor texted me photos and they are so sad... his whole face is shaved. I will try my best to stay strong.

Some other details - Shmee is on a short acting insulin right now, and his blood sugar is doing well. The doctor doesnt know yet what his insulin use will have to be after this - I assume / kind of hope that he will give me or have me buy the short acting insulin so I dont have to worry about Lantus's depot effect. We will see.
 
Look inside Shmee - he is going to be so glad to see you. :kiss: Fur grows back. :bighug::bighug: I remember seeing Neko in ICU in an oxygen tent and we spend ages just making eye kisses at each other.

It'd be interesting to hear what insulin the doctor is using specifically. I'm sure the picture will be clearer once the week is over and he's ready to come home. He's got inflammation/stress from surgery that are probably messing with his numbers too. The vet's idea of "good numbers" may not be up to your standards.
 
Wendy&Neko said:
Look inside Shmee - he is going to be so glad to see you. :kiss: Fur grows back. :bighug::bighug: I remember seeing Neko in ICU in an oxygen tent and we spend ages just making eye kisses at each other.

It'd be interesting to hear what insulin the doctor is using specifically. I'm sure the picture will be clearer once the week is over and he's ready to come home. He's got inflammation/stress from surgery that are probably messing with his numbers too. The vet's idea of "good numbers" may not be up to your standards.
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I agree with you, Wendy. I'd like to know, too, about the insulin the doctor is using as my Soph will go through the same thing in 4 weeks.

No one looks good after major surgery, be they human, fur or otherwise. Hugs, Amanda!
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sbluhrs said:
No one looks good after major surgery, be they human, fur or otherwise. Hugs, Amanda!
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Very good point! When my (human) patients come to our office for a follow up after surgery, I never recognize them. They look totally different than after surgery and in their hospital gowns. I’m sure once he is home he will start looking and feeling like his old self!! :)
 
It was a long day back and forth from Brooklyn and REALLY hot o_O
He didn't act happy to see me really.. I felt so terrible for him. He was out of it, still on morphine I believe. And he was attached to two different lines that bothered him. One for the blood sugar and one for fluids. He didnt even really want to look at me.. I loved him and brushed him for about an hour. I hate thinking about him back in the ICU... the doctor said it is very busy back there.

@Wendy&Neko I had that question about which insulin it is written down! And of course I did not even pull out my notebook. I couldn't keep my hands off him. Tomorrow I need to ask.

The doctor said he will stay on Lantus when we get home which makes me nervous but he said it should be safe on a low dose that we are going to try. He isn't sure yet what dose we are going to try, but he said he will be working with me week by week to see how much we should go up or down... which TR immediately pops in my head but I know the situation is different so I should take his advice and adjust myself if I / we really think it's necessary. Tomorrow I am going around the same time to visit him.
 
At least on morphine, he won't be too aware of his surroundings if they are noisy. Pass on some scritches from me the next time you see Shmee. :bighug::bighug::bighug:

After SRT, Neko came tumbling down the dosing scale. I more or less followed TR, but used higher reduction points, took back to back reductions, and sometimes was aggressive on size of reduction. It is doable, but let's see what the vet suggests first. I wonder if any of the kitties he's done so far were on TR.
 
Agreed, tomorrow will be better. And also agree with Wendy that the pain killers are probably keeping Shmee out of the loop for now.

Cats are adaptable. Sure the lack of facial fur will probably bug him for a few days. But then he will just adapt and get used to it. As his whiskers grow back in, he will think he is evolving to a super cat. And you know what? He will be right.
 
So glad you spent quite a bit of time with him. Besides the morphine don't forget the hormones are all messed up. This is just a short blib in life for him.

Get some rest and be careful with the heat. Keep your water bottle full and close by.
 
Amanda & Shmee said:
It was a long day back and forth from Brooklyn and REALLY hot o_O
He didn't act happy to see me really.. I felt so terrible for him. He was out of it, still on morphine I believe. And he was attached to two different lines that bothered him. One for the blood sugar and one for fluids. He didn't even really want to look at me.. I loved him and brushed him for about an hour. I hate thinking about him back in the ICU... the doctor said it is very busy back there.
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Not surprised he was grumpy as could be. He feels like crap. Give him time. He will be back to his loving self soon enough. Hugs.
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