GA 8/4 Henry WC. AMPS 350 +6 74 +7 34 +11 45 +13 54 Henry's passing right now, how can I help him?

John & Henry

John & Henry

Member Since 2022
previous: https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/posts/2985099/

Just got back from the vet and getting his libre changed. The vet said she's not sure how much longer he's going to be able to make it. She said he's continued to lose a significant amount of weight since he was last there 2 weeks ago. She said at this point the only thing she could think to do was to start chemo in case we're dealing with SCL. She said we could do another ultrasound, but didn't think it would be very helpful since they've already done 3 and have had the same findings every time. She mentioned that maybe prednisolone would work better than budesonide, but that then we'd have the BG/ketone problem. She won't be back in the office til Tuesday but said we can see how he does over the weekend and then consider options next week. I asked about switching him back to FF from the novel proteins because he'll eat more and she said that would probably be a good idea but I'm really on the fence about this. What would everyone else do? His last BG reading was 350 (i forgot to scan him before we went in to get the sensor changed) but when we got home the libre was reading 57! 76 on the nova. The only reason I can think this occurred was because they gave him some insulin, but never told me. She wants me up his Lantus to 2.5 units because he's been so high lately and I've needed to use so much regular insulin to keep his numbers down.

He seems so weak, he has a really hard time pulling himself up the 2 1/2 feet on to the bed or over the seat in the car. He hasn't really been sleeping with me the last couple months so it was kinda strange when he did last night. I kept watching him, thinking he was stopping breathing periodically.

I'm so emotionally and physically drained. Care taker fatigue has set in and it's so frustrating because I've been trying so hard
 
Wendy&Neko said:
The treatment is NOT the same, hence the need to know what you are dealing with. One part of the treatment can be a steroid for both, but whether it's used at all or for how long can vary between the two. Also, there are additional parts to the treatment which vary between the two conditions.

Budesonide isn't going to reduce the inflammation all at once, it's a gradual process. But you should see gradual improvements.
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Well it certainly would be nice to know exactly what we're dealing with but we unfortunately don't have that luxury since he can't undergo anesthesia for a biopsy. I do hope the budesonide will start working in time to keep him alive. I don't know what else I can do at this point. If anyone knows I'd love some advice.
 
John & Henry said:
previous: https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/posts/2985099/

Just got back from the vet and getting his libre changed. The vet said she's not sure how much longer he's going to be able to make it. She said he's continued to lose a significant amount of weight since he was last there 2 weeks ago. She said at this point the only thing she could think to do was to start chemo in case we're dealing with SCL. She said we could do another ultrasound, but didn't think it would be very helpful since they've already done 3 and have had the same findings every time. She mentioned that maybe prednisolone would work better than budesonide, but that then we'd have the BG/ketone problem. She won't be back in the office til Tuesday but said we can see how he does over the weekend and then consider options next week. I asked about switching him back to FF from the novel proteins because he'll eat more and she said that would probably be a good idea but I'm really on the fence about this. What would everyone else do? His last BG reading was 350 (i forgot to scan him before we went in to get the sensor changed) but when we got home the libre was reading 57! 76 on the nova. The only reason I can think this occurred was because they gave him some insulin, but never told me. She wants me up his Lantus to 2.5 units because he's been so high lately and I've needed to use so much regular insulin to keep his numbers down.

He seems so weak, he has a really hard time pulling himself up the 2 1/2 feet on to the bed or over the seat in the car. He hasn't really been sleeping with me the last couple months so it was kinda strange when he did last night. I kept watching him, thinking he was stopping breathing periodically.

I'm so emotionally and physically drained. Care taker fatigue has set in and it's so frustrating because I've been trying so hard
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John you have been a total super hero during all this! I am not surprised you are having fatigue and frustration. I too am worried that he doesnt seem to be gaining weight. I read all the threads but dont want to muck it up with just a hey I see you I'm sending love and hugs to you!

But I feel tonight its warranted! Hey john I see you and I see you struggling and doing literally everything you can do! I'm sending love hugs positive vibes prayers good energy all of good things I can muster coming you and Henry's way!!:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:

If it was me I would go back to the ff and you can use more lantus at this point he has to gain weight. The vet wants you at a higher dose anyway. You've done everything else. It's just my opinion and I've never dealt with all the things you are so definitely weigh all the other thoughts and decide what you need to do for Henry.

<3 <3 <3
 
If it's SCL, the type of food you feed him doesn't matter. Another of those differences with IBD. Unless he's actively vomiting the FF, maybe you should try feeding it to him. How many calories a day do you think he's getting now?

You could colour that 76 on the spreadsheet green instead of pink. ;) And given you have the Libre on him, I think you could easily go up to 2.0 units Lantus. Other than that blip today, he seems to have otherwise lost his touch for greens.
 
Rainbow Conti said:
John you have been a total super hero during all this! I am not surprised you are having fatigue and frustration. I too am worried that he doesnt seem to be gaining weight. I read all the threads but dont want to muck it up with just a hey I see you I'm sending love and hugs to you!

But I feel tonight its warranted! Hey john I see you and I see you struggling and doing literally everything you can do! I'm sending love hugs positive vibes prayers good energy all of good things I can muster coming you and Henry's way!!:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:

If it was me I would go back to the ff and you can use more lantus at this point he has to gain weight. The vet wants you at a higher dose anyway. You've done everything else. It's just my opinion and I've never dealt with all the things you are so definitely weigh all the other thoughts and decide what you need to do for Henry.

<3 <3 <3
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Thank you. Your words mean a lot. It's been very touching how compassionate and supportive this community has been. I've donated to help keep the servers here running, but I wish there was something more I could give back to all the people that have been so helpful.
 
John & Henry said:
Thank you. Your words mean a lot. It's been very touching how compassionate and supportive this community has been. I've donated to help keep the servers here running, but I wish there was something more I could give back to all the people that have been so helpful.
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Sometime in the future someone may need help and you'll be the one giving the advice. That is how you give back to this board. Everyone here comes in green and needing advice. We all have our stories our cats have this or that condition. How or what we feed etc. This is the advice someone will need from you one day
 
Wendy&Neko said:
How many calories a day do you think he's getting now?
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It's hard to say exactly. He's going through about 4 cans per day ranging from 138 kcal per can to 400 kcal per can. With the amount he leaves behind I'd say he's probably consuming somewhere between 350-500 kcals per day. The FF is 99 kcal/can and he eats most of 6 to 8 cans per day so 600-800 kcal.
 
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Libre just went off again for hypo. Nova is reading 34. Just gave him 1ml of Karo and half a can of 22%.
 
I just noticed a interesting trend on the SS. It seems every time he comes home from the vet he's either in or soon will be in the limes. Seems like they should be telling me if they're giving him insulin but I can't explain why he'd go in in the 300 and 400's and come out in the limes. As I understand it cats BG usually goes UP at the vet, but Henry's a pretty chill cat, he probably doesn't get very rattled by going to the vet.
 
Still in hypo and PMPS is in 30 min. The vet obviously did this... AGAIN. He hasn't eaten much in the last 4 or 5 hours. I tried to syringe feed him some, but it was kinda tough. I may have gotten 10ml in him. I feel awful doing it, and the mess it makes of his fur is just awful and hard to clean. I also gave some subQ fluids. His weight before the fluids was 4lbs 13oz. I now see why the vet was so concerned. He's lost 6oz in just a couple days. I gave him a little bup in case he's in pain or uncomfortable. He's currently sleeping in my lap for the first time in a long while. I hope the fluids help his appetite tomorrow like they have in the past.
 
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John I don't know what to say except sending you and Henry lots of love, prayers and positive vibes . I'd give him the FF also. Hearing that he's lost more weight just upsets me and makes me very sad. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
He's passing right now. Is there anything I can do to help him? It's been going on for 45 minutes now. He's barely breathing and he's vocalized a few times. How long does this take?
 
I will just tell you my experience. When my cat Maverick finally passed away at home (he had SCL that got out of control finally) he took quite a while to die. I did make the decision on my own, to give him some Buprenorphine because I thought it might make him feel better. It took quite a while for him to pass ... probably over an hour, I would say. His breathing became very shallow and periodically, he would stop breathing. I would cry out his name and he would start breathing again (probably not the right thing to do). He was trying to stay here for me. I would just say to hold Henry or put him in a comfortable place and keep him warm and speak to him in a soothing manner telling him everything is going to be okay and that you love him. I am more sorry that I can tell you. Crying my eyes out right now.
 
John & Henry said:
Oh God this is not pretty. He's gasping for air now
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Did you give the Bupe. I would put a little on his gums if you can. It won't hurt him. You have my sympathy. Watching my Maverick die is one of the hardest things I've ever done. Just love on him. I'm so sorry.
 
Hi John, I have nothing to add but just wanted to say I cannot imagine how difficult this is. I hope he crosses the rainbow bridge soon and flies free from pain.
:bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Take several deep breaths and try to let calmness wash over you (cats pick up on our energy), then close your eyes and focus on Henry. Tell him you love him, remind him of that wonderful day he had when he “caught” the mouse, thank him for being such a wonderful friend, and most importantly, tell him it is OK to go. They hang on for us sometimes. Tell him it is ok to go.
 
Feeling for you both so sorry…:bighug::bighug::bighug: don’t have more words than thinking of you & hope your Bubb runs pain free if it is time for him to go :rb_icon::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
That's a personal decision. I personally would not put him in a car and take him to the vet. He may die on the way there. But there is no right or wrong answer here, John. You love Henry more than anyone and you are responsible for his care. Are his eyes open? Is he responsive? Does he hear you or seem to "see" you (look at anything?)
 
Suzanne & Darcy said:
That's a personal decision. I personally would not put him in a car and take him to the vet. He may die on the way there. But there is no right or wrong answer here, John. You love Henry more than anyone and you are responsible for his care. Are his eyes open? Is he responsive? Does he hear you or seem to "see" you (look at anything?)
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Not really. His eyes are moving a little bit but they aren't looking at anything
 
Well, as I said. No right or wrong here... just your love for Henry. If he's quiet and you want to, you could take him to the vet -- call first -- and since you said he's a calm kitty -- and he's not that aware of what's going on. You can decide whether you want to move him or not. Where is he now?
 
I doubt if he's in pain. Do you think so? Believe me, I KNOW how hard this is. It's interminable. What is best for Henry?
 
Suzanne & Darcy said:
Well, as I said. No right or wrong here... just your love for Henry. If he's quiet and you want to, you could take him to the vet -- call first -- and since you said he's a calm kitty -- and he's not that aware of what's going on. You can decide whether you want to move him or not. Where is he now?
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I'm lying next to him on the living room floor. I don't think he has much idea of his surroundings. I'm hoping the bup my have calmed him some
 
Is there any way you can speak with an actual veterinarian (not a tech or receptionist) to tell them what's going on? I know you said your vet is out of town. It's not absolutely necessary, but just if you think you want to ask them anything.
 
Suzanne & Darcy said:
Is there any way you can speak with an actual veterinarian (not a tech or receptionist) to tell them what's going on? I know you said your vet is out of town. It's not absolutely necessary, but just if you think you want to ask them anything.
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Yeah that would probably be a good idea
 
John, if you are still around... have you by any chance checked Henry's BG lately? He probably won't be aware if you do it. You don't have a stethoscope at home do you, to check his heart rate? Breaths per minute?
 
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