1/21 Ivy Amps 264, +3 97, +6 244, +9 243, Pmps 246, +3 126 Libre

[Staci & Ivy]

1/20/25
Amps 264 Libre

Ivy had an active cycle in the morning yesterday and then she bounced up into yellow territory for the rest of the day and the evening on her Libre.

hoping today she comes back down into better numbers again.

I heard back from the vet last night about her lab results and unfortunately, her T4 result was worse, not better.
She increased from 4.4 in November up to 5.2
He suggested increasing her a.m. dose up to 5 mg and leaving the PM dose at 2.5 mg.
We will retest again in another month. The rest of her labs seemed relatively stable, but he’s concerned that if the T4 is off, it’s going to affect everything else and he would like to try to get some better control of that. I sure hope this helps.

Very disappointed and sad. I was certainly hoping for better news not worse

Have a calm day everyone

 

[Tim & Pookey]

Ugh, I’m sorry Staci. Hopefully there is something you can do to help with that? That stinks about another vet visit in a month but she is doing so well with it all.

 

[cecile & bella]

Oh, I am sorry about those results, Staci.
But I thought it was so great that she jumped on your bed this weekend. I am glad she feels good, and I hope the right thyroid dose will be found very soon.
Stay warm today (school cancelled here, very rare in minnesota... I think the last time that happened because of the cold was in 2014! It's -18 with -30 windchills today. Brrr.), and give lots of kisses to Ivy if she lets you

 

[Mikanmama (Mikan GA)]

Oh Staci, what a bummer.
Let's hope this increase in the AM dose will do the magic.
Hope she cruises safely today. Stay warm! We started at 9! Right now, 13F. Crazy cold!

 

[Staci & Ivy]

Ugh, I’m sorry Staci. Hopefully there is something you can do to help with that? That stinks about another vet visit in a month but she is doing so well with it all.

Thanks, Tim. We increased her meds so we will see if that helps in a month.
It sucks but nothing I can do but give the increase.
They do feel that the thyroid, if not controlled keeps the diabetes from being controlled as well so it’s all interrelated

 

[Staci & Ivy]

Oh, I am sorry about those results, Staci.
But I thought it was so great that she jumped on your bed this weekend. I am glad she feels good, and I hope the right thyroid dose will be found very soon.
Stay warm today (school cancelled here, very rare in minnesota... I think the last time that happened because of the cold was in 2014! It's -18 with -30 windchills today. Brrr.), and give lots of kisses to Ivy if she lets you

Hi Cecile, I’m glad she seems to feel ok too. She seems to act like herself. but as we know, cats are good at hiding symptoms so that makes me nervous, of course.

Sorry to hear it’s so cold where you are as well. Can’t believe they canceled school, but that sounds probably wise. I’m sure it has something to do with the roads and getting the kids safely to and from school if everything is icy that becomes dangerous.
I opened my front door and couldn’t believe how cold it was. It was around 9 degrees this morning.
I do have to go out a little later and not so thrilled about it but at least I’m just getting in and out of my car, so thankful for that.

Stay warm and stay safe

 

[Staci & Ivy]

Oh Staci, what a bummer.
Let's hope this increase in the AM dose will do the magic.
Hope she cruises safely today. Stay warm! We started at 9! Right now, 13F. Crazy cold!

Hi Kit, paws crossed that this is the magic dose. But I feel like we’ve been saying that since her diagnosis last March. It’s been quite a year as you know. I keep hoping we’re gonna get this under control and to date, not yet

Seems like you and I have pretty much the same exact weather pattern and same temperatures. Brrr. I hope you can be in the house today. It’s definitely not a good day to be out. Stay warm.

 

[cecile & bella]

Hi Cecile, I’m glad she seems to feel ok too. She seems to act like herself. but as we know, cats are good at hiding symptoms so that makes me nervous, of course.

Sorry to hear it’s so cold where you are as well. Can’t believe they canceled school, but that sounds probably wise. I’m sure it has something to do with the roads and getting the kids safely to and from school if everything is icy that becomes dangerous.
I opened my front door and couldn’t believe how cold it was. It was around 9 degrees this morning.
I do have to go out a little later and not so thrilled about it but at least I’m just getting in and out of my car, so thankful for that.

Stay warm and stay safe

The windchills were dangerous for the kids waiting for buses. Not too much ice, it's very dry at these temperatures.
I'm hoping for a very good calm day for you and Ivy

 

[Karen and Chispa (GA)]

Staci, I'm so sorry to hear that her T4 results were disappointing, and I hope tweaking the dose will help. Chispa had the I-131 therapy in late 2019, and though it just about killed me to leave her at the hospital until her radiation level came down, they had a camera set up in the recovery room and I could see that she sailed right through the ordeal. It's pricey but a permanent fix. Let's hope Ivy will decide the new dosage is just the ticket and you won't even need to think about that.

 

[carfurby (GA)]

 

[Staci & Ivy]

Staci, I'm so sorry to hear that her T4 results were disappointing, and I hope tweaking the dose will help. Chispa had the I-131 therapy in late 2019, and though it just about killed me to leave her at the hospital until her radiation level came down, they had a camera set up in the recovery room and I could see that she sailed right through the ordeal. It's pricey but a permanent fix. Let's hope Ivy will decide the new dosage is just the ticket and you won't even need to think about that.

Hi Karen, thanks for letting me know about Chispa’s experience, and yours, too.
I’m sure it was possibly more difficult for you than it was for her.
Part of me would love to have the I 131 treatment done for her, but given that she needs insulin, already has some kidney issues (that were not exactly sure what the status is because of the thyroid, which I believe is masking the true condition of her kidneys), and I just don’t know that she would eat on her own if left in a facility.
I have to encourage her to eat her breakfast and dinner and sometimes her snacks, so that could be a problem. Plus, of course, there’s her feisty personality, which doesn’t help.

The one facility near me that does the procedure and is familiar with Ivy told me she’s not a good candidate and they didn’t want to do the procedure on her.
My guess is most especially because they know how feisty she is.
So part of my concern is if she were to dive low due to the diabetes while on insulin, they don’t want to have to intervene or handle the cats.

It’s just not a great situation, so that’s why we’re trying to manage it with the medication, which of course is not a cure

I know there can also be complications and they can become hypothyroid after treatment (I assume Chispa didn’t have that issue?)

Of course the whole thing keeps me up at night more than I can tell you.
How long was Chispa’s stay at the hospital?
I appreciate your reaching out.
I’m thinking of you and sending lots of hugs your way

 

[Heike & BInie]

Hi Staci,
I am so sorry, the results are still not how they should be. Every time Ivy has another bloodwork I am sure: This time the t4 is perfect, now you have the right dose. But seems Ivy wants to test your patience. Look how far you came with her bg! You proved that you have patience. And you will do that with her thyroid too, I am sure. I send you many, many hugs. Please snuggle Queen Ivy from me!

 

[Staci & Ivy]

Hi Staci,
I am so sorry, the results are still not how they should be. Every time Ivy has another bloodwork I am sure: This time the t4 is perfect, now you have the right dose. But seems Ivy wants to test your patience. Look how far you came with her bg! You proved that you have patience. And you will do that with her thyroid too, I am sure. I send you many, many hugs. Please snuggle Queen Ivy from me!

Thanks, Heike. We both appreciate your unwavering support.
It’s so disappointing and scary that we can’t seem to improve this situation.
I hope you all right that one of these times we will get it right and it will put things in a better place for her
We are sending you and Binie lots of hugs a good wishes. I hope things are going well with both of you.
I hope you sleep well with lots of blue skies and numbers

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

@Staci & Ivy

Hi Staci I'm so sorry the T4 results were not better . Hopefully the different doses the vet want to give will work. I know you are said but hopefully these new doses will do the trick

One thing I noticed on your SS in the remarks section you have
. Methimazole 5 mg am/2.5 mg pm. AM

But your last sentence in the remarks section you have
Methimazole am to 5 mg, 2.5 mg am. T4=5.2
Did you mean to put 2.5 mg pm also ?


Fed lamb diet 6% AM/PM& All snacks (+1,2,3 Fed 1.5 tbsp). Supps same as prev, +Rhemannia8 1 tab BID, Vet RX D3 (4 drops BID), 1/4 tsp egg yolk pdr BID, 1 tab SP PAROTID PMG BID, 1 tab APR Nourishing Formula BID, 1/2 tab Happy Wanderer BID. Feed 107g/cycle. Inj Roll method. Methimazole 5 mg am/2.5 mg pm. AM: meal ate well move bowl: & add 2 tsp zucchini. Snacks: +1, +2, +3. PM: meal ate well move bowl : /2 tsp BROCCOLI. PM Snacks: Feeder +1, +2, +3. Feeder +8.25: 2 tsp 6%. Fur pull puke (sml) 6 am. Inc Methimazole am to 5 mg, 2.5 mg am. T4=5.2

 

[Seth&Bell]

I’m sorry Staci . The juggling of multiple issues is the hardest for me. If I can just focus on one thing I feel much saner and less stressed. When these things start to compound I really really struggle. I’ll be thinking of you and Ivy.

PS, whenever anyone says “spicy” in relation to a cat, I now immediately conjure up your avatar of Ivy and it makes me smile

 

[Maddie & Kai]

Hey Staci, I'm sorry about the T4 test results. I know that is very disappointing and frustrating. At least the rest of her labs were fairly stable and maybe you caught the other issue in time to keep it from messing with everything else. I hope this dose tweak will help her out. Kai and I are sending you and Ivy good vibes and positive energy.

 

[Staci & Ivy]

@Staci & Ivy

Hi Staci I'm so sorry the T4 results were not better . Hopefully the different doses the vet want to give will work. I know you are said but hopefully these new doses will do the trick

One thing I noticed on your SS in the remarks section you have
. Methimazole 5 mg am/2.5 mg pm. AM

But your last sentence in the remarks section you have
Methimazole am to 5 mg, 2.5 mg am. T4=5.2
Did you mean to put 2.5 mg pm also ?


Fed lamb diet 6% AM/PM& All snacks (+1,2,3 Fed 1.5 tbsp). Supps same as prev, +Rhemannia8 1 tab BID, Vet RX D3 (4 drops BID), 1/4 tsp egg yolk pdr BID, 1 tab SP PAROTID PMG BID, 1 tab APR Nourishing Formula BID, 1/2 tab Happy Wanderer BID. Feed 107g/cycle. Inj Roll method. Methimazole 5 mg am/2.5 mg pm. AM: meal ate well move bowl: & add 2 tsp zucchini. Snacks: +1, +2, +3. PM: meal ate well move bowl : /2 tsp BROCCOLI. PM Snacks: Feeder +1, +2, +3. Feeder +8.25: 2 tsp 6%. Fur pull puke (sml) 6 am. Inc Methimazole am to 5 mg, 2.5 mg am. T4=5.2

Hi Diane, awesome catch as always my eagle eye friend. Thanks for catching my slip up on the dosing in my notes. I must’ve been exhausted when I wrote it. I’m so glad you saw that so I’ve corrected it. Thank you again. Appreciate the good wishes and we will keep everything crossed once again for better numbers. What else can we do right??

 

[Staci & Ivy]

I’m sorry Staci . The juggling of multiple issues is the hardest for me. If I can just focus on one thing I feel much saner and less stressed. When these things start to compound I really really struggle. I’ll be thinking of you and Ivy.

PS, whenever anyone says “spicy” in relation to a cat, I now immediately conjure up your avatar of Ivy and it makes me smile

Thank you so much, Seth. I appreciate your sweet comments and thanks for making me laugh on the spicy comment. I’m used to Ivy being called spicy, but Bell, I’m still shocked.
I just can’t see her being referred to that way. But I’m glad it made you think of Ivy.

 

[Staci & Ivy]

Hey Staci, I'm sorry about the T4 test results. I know that is very disappointing and frustrating. At least the rest of her labs were fairly stable and maybe you caught the other issue in time to keep it from messing with everything else. I hope this dose tweak will help her out. Kai and I are sending you and Ivy good vibes and positive energy.

Awww, thank you Maddie and Kai
I appreciate your sweet comments and your support. It means a lot to us

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Hi Diane, awesome catch as always my eagle eye friend. Thanks for catching my slip up on the dosing in my notes. I must’ve been exhausted when I wrote it. I’m so glad you saw that so I’ve corrected it. Thank you again. Appreciate the good wishes and we will keep everything crossed once again for better numbers. What else can we do right??

No problem at all my friend. How could you not have been exhausted. I'm such a snoop

 

[Ailish’s Brother]

1/20/25
Amps 264 Libre

Ivy had an active cycle in the morning yesterday and then she bounced up into yellow territory for the rest of the day and the evening on her Libre.

hoping today she comes back down into better numbers again.

I heard back from the vet last night about her lab results and unfortunately, her T4 result was worse, not better.
She increased from 4.4 in November up to 5.2
He suggested increasing her a.m. dose up to 5 mg and leaving the PM dose at 2.5 mg.
We will retest again in another month. The rest of her labs seemed relatively stable, but he’s concerned that if the T4 is off, it’s going to affect everything else and he would like to try to get some better control of that. I sure hope this helps.

Very disappointed and sad. I was certainly hoping for better news not worse

Have a calm day everyone

I’m sorry her numbers took a turn for the worse but hope the new dose brings them in the right direction, hope you and Ms Ivy had a good day and restful night!

 

[Karen and Chispa (GA)]

Hi Karen, thanks for letting me know about Chispa’s experience, and yours, too.
I’m sure it was possibly more difficult for you than it was for her.
Part of me would love to have the I 131 treatment done for her, but given that she needs insulin, already has some kidney issues (that were not exactly sure what the status is because of the thyroid, which I believe is masking the true condition of her kidneys), and I just don’t know that she would eat on her own if left in a facility.
I have to encourage her to eat her breakfast and dinner and sometimes her snacks, so that could be a problem. Plus, of course, there’s her feisty personality, which doesn’t help.

The one facility near me that does the procedure and is familiar with Ivy told me she’s not a good candidate and they didn’t want to do the procedure on her.
My guess is most especially because they know how feisty she is.
So part of my concern is if she were to dive low due to the diabetes while on insulin, they don’t want to have to intervene or handle the cats.

It’s just not a great situation, so that’s why we’re trying to manage it with the medication, which of course is not a cure

I know there can also be complications and they can become hypothyroid after treatment (I assume Chispa didn’t have that issue?)

Of course the whole thing keeps me up at night more than I can tell you.
How long was Chispa’s stay at the hospital?
I appreciate your reaching out.
I’m thinking of you and sending lots of hugs your way

I'm sorry to hear that I-131 is not the way to go in Ivy's case, but it makes sense with all you've said. I should also tell you that sometime after Chispa's treatment, I met a new friend whose cat had been on methimazole for a number of years already -- I wish I could remember how many, but it was enough that I wondered if maybe I should have gone that route with Chispa after all. That cat kept on ticking until age 19 or 20! (uncertain because he was a rescue)

Chispa's stay at the hospital was 3 nights/4 days in the end (they had estimated 2), which of course felt like an eternity. They recommended isolating her in a playpen of sorts for a week after returning home and spending only 30 minutes per day in contact with her, including not holding her on my lap, so ... I did my best. I put two of those old-school wooden baby gates, one on top of the other, across the bedroom doorway so she could at least see me at night. Early the next morning I was awakened by a small "thunk" as she landed inside the room. She had climbed the plastic diamond lattice of Mt. Everest just to be with me! I let her bask in her triumph for a few minutes before gently ushering her out of the room and reinforcing the obstacle.

She did not become hypothyroid after treatment -- and the internist who saw her for the last 1.5 years continued to test her T4 levels when certain conditions seemed to warrant it because he said that sometimes they can go back to being HYPERthyroid even after I-131! That was news to me.

Sending you prayers and vines for all of this to go Ivy's way. Thank you for the hugs -- I'll take all I can get (and right back to you)

 

[Staci & Ivy]

I'm sorry to hear that I-131 is not the way to go in Ivy's case, but it makes sense with all you've said. I should also tell you that sometime after Chispa's treatment, I met a new friend whose cat had been on methimazole for a number of years already -- I wish I could remember how many, but it was enough that I wondered if maybe I should have gone that route with Chispa after all. That cat kept on ticking until age 19 or 20! (uncertain because he was a rescue)

Chispa's stay at the hospital was 3 nights/4 days in the end (they had estimated 2), which of course felt like an eternity. They recommended isolating her in a playpen of sorts for a week after returning home and spending only 30 minutes per day in contact with her, including not holding her on my lap, so ... I did my best. I put two of those old-school wooden baby gates, one on top of the other, across the bedroom doorway so she could at least see me at night. Early the next morning I was awakened by a small "thunk" as she landed inside the room. She had climbed the plastic diamond lattice of Mt. Everest just to be with me! I let her bask in her triumph for a few minutes before gently ushering her out of the room and reinforcing the obstacle.

She did not become hypothyroid after treatment -- and the internist who saw her for the last 1.5 years continued to test her T4 levels when certain conditions seemed to warrant it because he said that sometimes they can go back to being HYPERthyroid even after I-131! That was news to me.

Sending you prayers and vines for all of this to go Ivy's way. Thank you for the hugs -- I'll take all I can get (and right back to you)

Hi Karen, Thanks for letting me know about your experience with Chispa.
I continue to try to gather information and talk to other parents who have done the treatment and make myself crazy to figure out what’s the right course for her.
I wish it weren’t so complex with Ivy and more cut and dry.

I’m so glad it worked out well for Chispa and it was one less thing that you had to deal with for her.

I’m glad to hear that your friend kitty did well with the medication and that certainly was a good vote for the medication.

Obviously, I wish Ivy didn’t have all of the multiple diagnoses that she does which complicates everything, plus her personality is an issue. But it always has been from the time she was little.

Thanks for getting back to me. Sending you lots of love and hugs