03/03/10 Alex AMPS HI,+6~187/PMPS~354

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Caryl & Sebastian & Alex (GA)

Caryl & Sebastian & Alex (GA)

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WCR:It was bound to happen. Alex was very lethargic this morning. BUT, for the FIRST time in five months , rolled on his back and purred while I rubbed his belly(which I consider to be major because that was his very favorite thing and he has not wanted any part of it for so long).
Then he was acting mopey, and while I was washing my face I heard the "mournful howl" which means "I'm going to vomit"..so I ran out to the living room and caught him in time to move him off the carpet (Phew) where he proceeded to pukus and then eat it (ewwwww) another habit he has developed since being dx'd with diabetes but more likely associated with his thyroid. :-|

Alex is feeling better now and we're off to the vet soon for blood work. He doing his AM search of the kitchen to see if I REALLY haven't left him more food someplace!(It's good to have hope). I am very disappointed in the ugly RED again but I knew it could happen and probably would..so what now? :lol:

Carolyn: I did tell Alex you said :"good boy" last night but was too exhausted to write it at that point

and another point for anyone who believes in jinxes(here!!!!)
I once went to a Yankee game and was sitting behind the dugout. We were playing the Baltimore Orioles. It was the top of the eighth and Ron Guidry was pitching a no-hitter. Eddie Murray got up to bat and next thing I knew, like I was watching someone else, the words "Guidry is pitching a no-hitter came out of my mouth" and there was dead silence behind the dug-out and bam...Murray hit a three run homer. I wasn't very popular that night. :cry:

Point being.......and although I would have loved nothing more than to believe that Alex could have a breakthrough in 2 cycles, he's a tough nut and he will need quite a few more than that me thinks! ....with Alex I think a breakthrough will be a lot like baseball....."It aint over till it's over"-Yogi Berra

Morning Everyone :-D

yesterday
 
Re: 03/03/10 Alex AMPS HI

Yeah this doesn't surprise me at all. 2 very nice cycles-- was bound to break at some point. It's ok, at least this is the blood draw cycle. Woulda been a shame to burn a blue cycle with a vet visit right? ;-)

Wow it must be nice to get a vomit warning. I never do LOL Nice to hear he wanted a belly rub!
 
Re: 03/03/10 Alex AMPS HI

Carolyn and Spot said:
Yeah this doesn't surprise me at all. 2 very nice cycles-- was bound to break at some point. It's ok, at least this is the blood draw cycle. Woulda been a shame to burn a blue cycle with a vet visit right? ;-)

Wow it must be nice to get a vomit warning. I never do LOL Nice to hear he wanted a belly rub!
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Yeah that would have been a real shame.
So, we just got back and Alex has maintained his weight and gained 2 ounces. Had a checkup. Heart murmur is status quo and I asked if Jaime thought he had could have any further heart issues and he said without an US he can't be 100% positive but he has no signs of it. (breathing or coughing issues). Squeezed a little urine out to check ketones and blood(which of course can produce some blood) and ketones were negative :-D , sugar off the charts(we knew that), and blood in urine and lots of epithelial cells and medium amt of leukocites(sp).(Jackson has the same thing). THIS is one of our ongoing problems because we don't know what all of this is due to. Jaime has xrayed him(and Jackson) and they both have what appear to be small kidney stones(one each). He would like me to have them on Royal Canin Urinary S/O to see if that will break up the stone if that's what's causing the bleeding. I know that kind of food isn't generally approved of but it's low carb so I have tried it and when I did it raised Alex's bg. I stopped , it went down(the 4th ingredient is corn flour). But Jaime doesn't really know if the cells and blood are from the stone or IC and he can't treat it with AI because of diabetes and he doesn't want to just start giving him NSAI's either because of the diabetes because he doesn't really know what's causing it??? (not today but last time I brought urine in it was pinkish). Since he doesn't know if it's cystitis, he has been hesitant about giving Alex painkillers because he doesn't see any signs of pain, but he has seen a little stone which of course he isn't going to recommend major surgery for either of my cats for.
I asked him about fluids and he said that he doesn't think Alex needs them for dehydration. He said He snaps then slides a little bit but that's age and weight loss. He shouldn't have a problem with them if he needs them(75-100ml at a time) but on a daily basis not a great idea.

any feedback,esp on the stone.IC issue?

and that is how the visit went. blood should be back tomorrow.

Funny that Alex has the vomit warning thing...and it is LOUD, because I did that as a child as well(no, I'm not thinking we're REALLY blood relatives)
:lol:
 
Re: 03/03/10 Alex AMPS HI

That was a very nice blue cycle yesterday :-D Sorry to see the red stuff today, even though you knew it would happen.
 
Re: 03/03/10 Alex AMPS HI

Deb & Spot said:
That was a very nice blue cycle yesterday :-D Sorry to see the red stuff today, even though you knew it would happen.
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Thanks Deb me too but I woulda been really shocked if he didn't bounce from those cycles. That just would have been too easy :lol:
 
Re: 03/03/10 Alex AMPS HI

Please do not feed that food again.. *shudder* Good call on stopping it! :-D

Dr Lisa has so much more info than I could ever give you:
http://catinfo.org/#Common_Feline_Health_Problems_and_Their_Ties_to_Diet_ Scroll down to Cystitis (bladder inflammation), Bladder/Kidney Stones, Urethral Blockage
http://catinfo.org/feline_urinary_tract_health.htm Scroll past intro and quick links to get to the article.

When you say squeezed urine out.. was this manual? All urine testing should be done via cystocentesis (needle thru the abdominal wall) -- it's not bad for kitty and probably a lot less uncomfortable, and it's the only possible uncontaminated clean catch. It can narrow down where the blood is coming from too in case it's in the urethra and not the bladder. Where the urine flows, it picks up sediments, so blood elsewhere can be picked up.

There's nothing wrong with fluids but I'm not sure he needs them right now, so we won't go into that yet. You have them and that's gonna come in handy later if he has any issues.. or if he needs them for his urinary issues.

Pain. *sigh* Cats never show signs of pain. Read what Dr. Lisa has to say about that too. Leo rarely looks like he's in pain, but I can tell when his eyes don't open all the way that he has a headache even though he's acting perfectly normal. Dose of bupe and 2 hours later he's bright eyed and bushytailed. As Jojo says it, the best way to find out if a cat is in pain is to administer pain meds and monitor.
 
Re: 03/03/10 Alex AMPS HI

Carolyn and Spot said:
Please do not feed that food again.. *shudder* Good call on stopping it! :-D

Dr Lisa has so much more info than I could ever give you:
http://catinfo.org/#Common_Feline_Health_Problems_and_Their_Ties_to_Diet_ Scroll down to Cystitis (bladder inflammation), Bladder/Kidney Stones, Urethral Blockage
http://catinfo.org/feline_urinary_tract_health.htm Scroll past intro and quick links to get to the article.

When you say squeezed urine out.. was this manual? All urine testing should be done via cystocentesis (needle thru the abdominal wall) -- it's not bad for kitty and probably a lot less uncomfortable, and it's the only possible uncontaminated clean catch. It can narrow down where the blood is coming from too in case it's in the urethra and not the bladder. Where the urine flows, it picks up sediments, so blood elsewhere can be picked up.

There's nothing wrong with fluids but I'm not sure he needs them right now, so we won't go into that yet. You have them and that's gonna come in handy later if he has any issues.. or if he needs them for his urinary issues.

Pain. *sigh* Cats never show signs of pain. Read what Dr. Lisa has to say about that too. Leo rarely looks like he's in pain, but I can tell when his eyes don't open all the way that he has a headache even though he's acting perfectly normal. Dose of bupe and 2 hours later he's bright eyed and bushytailed. As Jojo says it, the best way to find out if a cat is in pain is to administer pain meds and monitor.
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Alex decided to skip pink today :-D
Yes it was manual today. He wasn't doing a C&S today..we did that a month ago. This was just a tiny drop to basically check for ketones and blood it wasn't for diagnosis. When the C&S was done it was totally negative for everything yet there is still blood in his urine. I have read all of those articles, I don't remember seeing anything about treating possible stones but I'll look again? Nothing is black and white because of the @#$% stones. Jaime will try the bupe, he's now become more open to all reasonable options (Phew) but I think he doesn't understand the point since it can't be used every day (I guess I don't either but I want to..once you stop it doesn't the pain, if it's there, come back and if so, then what's the purpose)?

Alex just had his snack and is feeling a lot better. Jackson too because he didn't have to get into the pet taxi when I got back (man did he head for the hills) :lol:
 
Re: 03/03/10 Alex AMPS HI,+3~291

OH YEAH I remember reading it now..it puzzles me completely because, another similarity between Alex and I..I have IC. Yep, I do. I manage it with painkillers. It can get very painful. But I have the normal signs of it.(except I don't go to a LB) lol. Alex doesn't. He pees all of the time. When he goes in to the LB, He pees a lot. That's not a sign of cystitis. The not being able to pee is what is usually the indicator of the pain...at least for ME it is. When my meds start to work, i can pee again. So that gives pause to wonder, could he have cystitis if he pees large amounts all day long. All of Dr. Lisa's articles say that signs are going to the LB and only small amounts coming out :(

ETA: I found the part about kidney stones too and emailed to Jaime. There really isn't much to say it seems since you can't tell what kind they are without doing surgery and no one recommends that.
 
Re: 03/03/10 Alex AMPS HI,+3~291

Remember he's a diabetic consuming large amounts of fluids, so he's going to pee a lot, regardless of his urinary issues. If he was not diabetic, that's where you'd see those symptoms. The only way you're gonna know how long or often you have to administer the bupe is to try it. If it doesn't work, and you see no improvement, question answered. If it does, then you just keep testing it out until you decide you're giving as much as he needs, when he needs it. You *could* absolutely ask him to request a consult with Dr. Lisa, I'm guessing she could really help out with her expertise here. It'll cost ya but sometimes you gotta bring in extra help.
 
Re: 03/03/10 Alex AMPS HI,+3~291

Carolyn and Spot said:
Remember he's a diabetic consuming large amounts of fluids, so he's going to pee a lot, regardless of his urinary issues. If he was not diabetic, that's where you'd see those symptoms. The only way you're gonna know how long or often you have to administer the bupe is to try it. If it doesn't work, and you see no improvement, question answered. If it does, then you just keep testing it out until you decide you're giving as much as he needs, when he needs it. You *could* absolutely ask him to request a consult with Dr. Lisa, I'm guessing she could really help out with her expertise here. It'll cost ya but sometimes you gotta bring in extra help.
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I totally agree because this has been very frustrating to me as it's not just Alex. And he's frustrated too actually. I sent him the article and I'll see what happens from there. I'm going to have to be easy on his ego...this is hard. He's come a long way though. Getting him on board with me and Alex and Lantus I thought was going to be impossible. Ask Hillary. He is very much there now though, I am happy to say. He's a frustrated cat specialist, but I'm a frustrated cat Mommy and that always wins. :mrgreen:
 
Re: 03/03/10 Alex AMPS HI,+3~291

Yup you have to walk a fine line between not offending the vet and being your cat's advocate.. the latter always wins :)
 
Re: 03/03/10 Alex AMPS HI,+3~291

I got confused with the timing today and got an exact +6 instead of +5 (I'm sorry the vet thing threw ME off).
As you can see, Alex did okay with it! :-D
 
Re: 03/03/10 Alex AMPS HI,+3~291,+6~187

Don't worry bout timing at all.. I rarely need it to be exact, and if I do, I'll tell you so there's no confusion. Just get close and it'll be fine. What a pretty number Alex! Again, this cycle is a wash due to the vet visit, because cats can drop suddenly due to stress just as easily as climb, but still a very nice number to see him at, I'm sure he's very comfortable :)
 
Re: 03/03/10 Alex AMPS HI,+3~291,+6~187

Carolyn and Spot said:
Don't worry bout timing at all.. I rarely need it to be exact, and if I do, I'll tell you so there's no confusion. Just get close and it'll be fine. What a pretty number Alex! Again, this cycle is a wash due to the vet visit, because cats can drop suddenly due to stress just as easily as climb, but still a very nice number to see him at, I'm sure he's very comfortable :)
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Oh, okay...good :) Yeah he's been napping and snacking today. I was making a ME snack before and had Alpine lace swiss cheese on the counter. I went to get 1/2 bagel and i turned around and he had a little piece of cheese hanging out of his mouth and looked so proud of himself...I pretended I didn't see and let it go. He had a hard morning. But he seems pretty comfy right now .

I guess i should still get another test in before PMPS?
 
Re: 03/03/10 Alex AMPS HI,+3~291,+6~187

LOL how cute! Cheese is yummy. Yeah.. Just one more test like +9, +10, or even +10.5, depending on if he is all cute and sleepy and you don't want to disturb him. Unless you see something interesting, like his normal reaction to a rapidly dropping number.. then just test him then whenever it is. No science, just want to see where he starts heading up.
 
Re: 03/03/10 Alex AMPS HI,+3~291,+6~187

Carolyn and Spot said:
LOL how cute! Cheese is yummy. Yeah.. Just one more test like +9, +10, or even +10.5, depending on if he is all cute and sleepy and you don't want to disturb him. Unless you see something interesting, like his normal reaction to a rapidly dropping number.. then just test him then whenever it is. No science, just want to see where he starts heading up.
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Okie dokey..it's dark and gloomy here. I think I may take a nap with them. I LOVE that.
Nothing puts me to sleep better than 2 purring kitties ♥
See you later :mrgreen:
 
Re: 03/03/10 Alex AMPS HI,+3~291,+6~187

Alex is 221 @ +10..he started climbing but I don't know when. Maybe he had a bad dream cuz he was sleeping for the last 2 hours (poor baby)
 
Re: 03/03/10 Alex AMPS HI,+3~291,+6~187

Just watching these pretty numbers. Seems like 221 at +10 is pretty darn nice for Alex -- and that's WITH cheese! :mrgreen:
 
Re: 03/03/10 Alex AMPS HI,+3~291,+6~187

Kathy and Kitty said:
Just watching these pretty numbers. Seems like 221 at +10 is pretty darn nice for Alex -- and that's WITH cheese! :mrgreen:
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Cheese is just protein...no carbs. how bad could it be for him? Do you think cheese would affect him much? I'm serious because every now and then I give him and Jackson little tastes of my low fat string cheese because they LOVE it :mrgreen:
 
Re: 03/03/10 Alex AMPS HI,+3~291,+6~187

No, I guess it has fat -- that's what bad for us, and is why I'm not having pizza for dinner tonight, and every night. :smile:
 
Re: 03/03/10 Alex AMPS HI,+3~291,+6~187

it depends on the cheese - similar to deli meats - while it's just meat - some deli meats have additives and flavorings and things that aren't good for kitties or us (yet we still eat it).

I think string cheese ought to be ok - just read the label and be sure of the ingredients. also don't give too much if he has lactose issues or tends to gack it up......

things are looking pretty good here if i do say so..... :cool:
 
Re: 03/03/10 Alex AMPS HI,+3~291,+6~187

nuffin wrong with that +10, remember what comes down must eventually go up. He came down from HI this morning so it's only natural he will climb.. just prefer not to see HI twice in one day LOL
 
Re: 03/03/10 Alex AMPS HI,+3~291,+6~187

Carolyn and Spot said:
nuffin wrong with that +10, remember what comes down must eventually go up. He came down from HI this morning so it's only natural he will climb.. just prefer not to see HI twice in one day LOL
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I hadn't read this but I guess Alex had....you asked for it..you got it(or didn't) no HI :-D
354 is the PMPS (not too bad for a screwed up day) which is why I chose today to alter his schedule by 15 minutes ( I was tired of 8:45 so I went to 8:30) hope it's ok.

now that my guys are fed..time for me to eat while watching them eyeball me(they both love asparagus..this is gonna be tough)
Back to American Idol..be back soon :)
 
Good no HI LOL And also 15 mins is just fine. Maybe it will even help :) I think 2 spot checks tonight depending on how late you're gonna be up. I don't think we need to see anything before +3.. and maybe +4.5 if you'll still be up? If not, just pick 2 times spaced far enough apart and test.. nothin' specific :)
 
Carolyn and Spot said:
Good no HI LOL And also 15 mins is just fine. Maybe it will even help :) I think 2 spot checks tonight depending on how late you're gonna be up. I don't think we need to see anything before +3.. and maybe +4.5 if you'll still be up? If not, just pick 2 times spaced far enough apart and test.. nothin' specific :)
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I'll be up..unemployment is screwing up my biological clock...but it's swell for Alexander The Great. Seriously..the timing has worked out well. First I started working from home right after he was dx'd and now well....but I'm with him and can care for him. I'd be worried sick if I couldn't.
 
Re: 03/03/10 Alex AMPS HI,+3~291,+6~187

Hillary & Maui said:
it depends on the cheese - similar to deli meats - while it's just meat - some deli meats have additives and flavorings and things that aren't good for kitties or us (yet we still eat it).

I think string cheese ought to be ok - just read the label and be sure of the ingredients. also don't give too much if he has lactose issues or tends to gack it up......

No, he doesn't gack it up...no lactose intolerance in our 'family' :)

things are looking pretty good here if i do say so..... :cool:
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Thankies Ms Hillary :razz:
 
yeah mine too. leo's shot time is 1 and 1 lol
works with my poker schedule, which you haven't seen much of because i've been sick but you're about to see it
 
Carolyn and Spot said:
yeah mine too. leo's shot time is 1 and 1 lol
works with my poker schedule, which you haven't seen much of because i've been sick but you're about to see it
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Leo eats at 1AM?then again, what does he know? lol...I was on 11/11 for a while because I was afraid to shoot..but that was MY fault.
poker..fun! i mean it looks like it's fun. I have no card sense :(
 
it's excellent. we need to curb those big drops, they are what lead to those hideous colors we all hate to see :) The more the numbers are swinging, the more rebound, and the less chances for Alex to settle into a nice curve of say 150 pts max. They can't surf when they're swinging :)
 
Carolyn and Spot said:
it's excellent. we need to curb those big drops, they are what lead to those hideous colors we all hate to see :) The more the numbers are swinging, the more rebound, and the less chances for Alex to settle into a nice curve of say 150 pts max. They can't surf when they're swinging :)
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Ooooohhhhh :)
 
I didn't know you did a test before you forgot to edit your first topic :razz: Ok flatlined, good.. let's hope he just drifts tonight and doesn't do anything silly.. time for ni ni for tired kitties!
 
Carolyn and Spot said:
I didn't know you did a test before you forgot to edit your first topic :razz: Ok flatlined, good.. let's hope he just drifts tonight and doesn't do anything silly.. time for ni ni for tired kitties!
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tomorrow please splain to me how you;d like me to edit the first topic..there doesn't seem to be enough space but if it isn't edited you can't tell if anything has been done. flatlinrd huh? Now there's a word eeeek :razz:
ni-ni
 
do it like it was done on the old board

start with amps #, + #, + #, etc.
Then erase and put PMPS #, +#, +#, etc.

So it looks like this:

3/3 Alex AMPS 250, +2 200, +4 150, +9 100, etc

Then erase and replace with PMPS

PMPS 150, + 3 100, +6 90, etc.

Make sense?
 
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