May 7 Felix AMPS=234, +7=364, PMPS=313, +6.5=187

[Susan&Felix(GA)]

I suspected at least a partial fur shot this morning, and that +7 confirms it.

My last thread was last month's full moon party, which was emotional because I was wondering if it was going to be his last party. He was apparently going into heart failure again; I was able to email a cardiologist but they're not available for appointments. They said to take him to the ER if he's really struggling for breath, and I was imagining him being euthanized there and my not being able to be with him. So Felix was throwing the full moon party while I was researching the current protocols of the euthanize-at-home vets.

But Felix is here for tonight's full moon party, and he's so excited to see his friends again! His respiratory rate has finally come down with more meds, although it's still higher than it had been. I'm uneasy that he's not being monitored since something obviously changed, but he's stable and seems content so I'm trying to focus on that.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

How scary for you Susan. Good to hear Felix is still planning his parties. I can’t believe it’s been a year since his diagnosis, you are doing a great job of juggling. What do you hunk of Levemir so far?

 

[carfurby (GA)]

I'm sorry you had to go through that. I'm glad Felix is still with you. I hope you have lots of time left with him. Sending prayers.

 

[Susan&Felix(GA)]

How scary for you Susan. Good to hear Felix is still planning his parties. I can’t believe it’s been a year since his diagnosis, you are doing a great job of juggling. What do you hunk of Levemir so far?

Thank you, Wendy. I've been so fortunate that Felix's kidneys are quite good for his age and have been withstanding his diabetes and his heart meds better than would be expected. I hope that's continuing to be true.

As for Levemir, of course the main thing was that I had hoped it would help level out Felix's long-term bounciness, but he's still so bouncy! He usually clears his bounces quickly, which he often did on Lantus too but does more reliably on Levemir. I love that he's on a considerably lower dose of Levemir than he was on Lantus.

But I hate the later nadir, which I have to be watching for between +5 and +9 every night, and most nights I feel like I've failed him because I don't check him when I intend to (or on other nights I feel bad for poking him too much). I'm so tired. I keep moving his shot time around trying to find something that works, but there isn't really an answer to being awake at shot times and from +5 through +9.

If it weren't for his heart disease--if I thought we might have five more years of this--I would probably go back to Lantus. I need to order more insulin soon and was considering Lantus, but the lower Lev dose will probably win out. Plus he just had a whole week of PMPS's below 300 (but then I had to go and give him a fur shot this morning!). I've read that it can take six months to fully see what a particular insulin can do, but I can't really think of Felix's time in six-month increments.

I'm writing like I'm tired and discouraged, which I am, but mostly I try not to think about all that too much. I savor his purrs, he savors his cat food, and we both savor our cuddles.

BTW Wendy, I've seen references to your dad on the board but haven't seen the source post(s). Sending purrayers and vines.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Felix does seem to like his green nights, no wonder you are tired. Keep on cuddling.

 

[Sonia & Leo]

Susan, Felix is the sweetest little trooper. I can imagine how concerned you are about him and I feel so bad for what you're going through.
Sending tons of health vines for his little heart and a huge bunch of hugs to you.