3/24 Boomer AM - 115, PM - 96

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Traci and Boomer

Traci and Boomer

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Boomer seems to be getting a mix a blue and green lately instead of mostly green. Do I need to think about raising him back to .25?

FWIW - shooting one drop is difficult. Lots of times the plunger is at the .25 mark just to get a drop to come out. Other times it's not. It makes me think that when I was shooting .25 I probably really wasn't half the time. Sorry, I have a bad attitude, I know. Sometimes I don't know how all of you maintain your rosie attitudes towards this stuff. I even feel jealous sometimes when I see another OTJ video. I know that doesn't do me any good and that I should feel hopeful when I see that because maybe Boomer can still go into remission too.

I am sending remote Reiki to 5 cats with different issues and there seems to be some improvement with them which makes me feel good. It's hard though because Reiki isn't scientific, so you don't know if it's working, or if their improvement is from other reasons and I am just kidding myself.
 
Re: 3/24 Boomer AM - 115

I would be absolutely shocked if you were the only person around who got jealous.. I know there's a ton of people around these parts who have an AWFUL lot more struggles with their cats then I do with Nova.. but there also seems to be a fair number of cats where things go exactly as planned.. some days, jealous would be an understatement for me :).

Pretty sure you don't have a bad attitude.. you have a normal one.. and better yet, are honest and brave enough to admit it out loud.. which means your character is pretty respectable in my books.

Boomer'll get there.. and because of how hard you work for him and how much you love him.
 
Re: 3/24 Boomer AM - 115

WE all feel like that sometimes. The other day I was actually in tears because I had questions and others were getting answers, but I wasn't. We all think our fur baby is most important and, yes, get jealous of others that seem to get faster results. We are human, you know. Hang in there, things will get better. Step back and take a broader look, see where you started and where you are now. 115 is a really good AMPS.
 
Re: 3/24 Boomer AM - 115

I can't help with dosing as I don't feel like I know what I'm doing with all this...but hang in there. I tried doing a 2.25U dose the other day and went WTF?!? at the syringe! Really, the tiny dosing changes are HARD. I suppose maybe I'll get comfortable with it when I have to, but in the meantime I'm loving having a line to dose by. I'm completely boggled that anyone can manage a "drop" dose, let alone to continue doing it for a period of time.

And I frequently look at my loving kitty and wonder why the heck it has to be so hard and why did he have to get sick. It's normal to feel that way (or at least I sure hope it is!), to be frustrated/angry/grieving that you don't have a "normal" or easy to care for cat, especially when they were normal/healthy/easy before. Really, you've got my understanding and sympathy cuz I'm right there with you.
 
Re: 3/24 Boomer AM - 115

Hi Traci. Yes measuring that one drop is tough. I'm sure you've heard several methods for getting just a drop... and I apologize if I'm repeating. Using water as a test; some people find a dose they can measure consistently (whatever that is) and then gently squeeze the plunger (twisting the plunger is easier) and count how many drops are in that easy to measure amount. Then to get the 1 drop dose for real, they pull up that same 'measured' amount and counting drops, they twist out one LESS drop. And then shoot the kitty.

I dunno' if that helps or not. I used a magnifying glass and tried to eyeball the same amount every time and then hoped for the best.

Boomer did get a lovely 58 just two days ago. I hope he repeats that. :-D
Good luck.
 
Re: 3/24 Boomer AM - 115

Gosh, Traci, what a perfect post for me to read today! I totally understand what you are feeling both about the tiny doses and the jealousy. As Dawn and Ann said, I think we all feel that way on occasion, but it takes strength to admit it. Part of being a community is that you can be REAL, and we all take the bad with the good. It's okay to feel dread at the thought of doing this forever. I just mentioned that in Pat's condo and now here we are, talking about it again. :) I am genuinely happy for those whose kitties go OTJ easily and/or quickly because I don't want anyone, bean or kitty, to have to deal with the stress of FD. At the same time, of course I think, "Why can't that be me?". And I don't even have NEAR the amount of stuff to deal with as lots of people do, and that makes me feel guilty. BUT feelings are feelings, and they aren't wrong.

The best you can do, IMO, is talk about them when they come up and know that you are doing the best you can for your kitty and your situation. Look how far Boomer has come! He's down to such a tiny bit of insulin, and it's thanks to you and the help of people here. That is amazing, and you should be so proud. I know that doesn't take away the sad feelings, but it is something to remember when you can.

(((Tracy)))
 
Re: 3/24 Boomer AM - 115

traci .. I can't believe it! You read my mind! Sometimes I swear I am the only negative person on this site! It's so hard for me to stay positive 24/7, and it seems so easy for others. I don't have any cute WCR reports like so many people on here. I know it isn't fair to me or to mocha to be negative about this, it is what it is, and we have to deal with it. But you guys are doing really good, and your numbers are looking great! I can only imagine how hard it is to measure that low of a dose (good thing mocha could care less that she is sitting pretty at a whopping 2u) Just keep in mind how close you guys are ... that will get you through the tough days!
 
Re: 3/24 Boomer AM - 115

No worries, Boomer's doing great! I'm usually so jealous and bitter I can just spit!

NONONO, that's not true! :lol:
However, Punk and I have had several, snack-filled pity parties.....I recommend them. :mrgreen:

I saw the twisty-syringe method mentioned up there....are ya twisting?
 
Re: 3/24 Boomer AM - 115

Fleapunk said:
However, Punk and I have had several, snack-filled pity parties.....I recommend them.
Click to expand...

OOooh are those the same as how calories don't count during the week of DX?? Might have to have one of those :).

See Traci? We're all in the same boat.. just think.. now you know that when Boomer has his OTJ party, we're all congratulating you while we shovel our faces full of empty calories to cope with it! :).. don't you feel so much better.. hahahahaha.
 
Re: 3/24 Boomer AM - 115

Hi Ladies-

Thanks to all of you for chiming in on my pity party/bad attitude day! I really needed to hear your responses! :cool:

I have not tried the "counting the drops in a measurable dose" method and then subtracting one drop....that's a great idea! See? That's why I'm here, cuz you guys are smarter and more savy than any vet could be! There are endless tips and tricks on this board.

I used to wonder "why me" when it came to having a special needs cat (or two with my former Biscuit, GA). How come no one elses cats have cp, ibd and diabetes? My friend says I get these guys because I'll take care of them when other people won't. I guess that makes sense, huh? And I know lots of you reading this have cats who have it way worse and I'm so sorry.

So - should I continue to give "fat zeros" to him like I've been doing since March 1st? His numbers are weird on this dose, (blue and green) but not horrendous. Should I stick with it or raise back to .25?
 
Re: 3/24 Boomer AM - 115

Traci and Boomer said:
My friend says I get these guys because I'll take care of them when other people won't. I guess that makes sense, huh?
Click to expand...

Back before Nova was FD.. when her "only" issues were her digestive system gong show (was FLD before I got her).. I was managing her food issues.. and an HCM cat.. I talked at length with their doctors and tech staff.. Could I handle getting another one.. my plan was to get a "normal" cat.. With their blessing.. I went to the animal shelter and got the next "lost cause".. they told me he had no long term health issues really.. was just a little developmentally slow, had a cold and was essentially feral because he wasn't handled much. Pff, sounds easy, I'll take him! :)

Hitch is far from normal, and has life long issues that require special care.. at some point I burst into tears at the vet.. "I just can't handle this.. we all talked.. a normal kitty in addition to my two I could handle.. maybe I can't offer him the home he needs and deserves".. the 3 people in the room started laughing at me..

"We gave our blessing knowing there was no way you would get a normal cat no matter how hard you tried.. the special cats find the special people".
 
Re: 3/24 Boomer AM - 115

Dawn & Nova said:
Traci and Boomer said:
My friend says I get these guys because I'll take care of them when other people won't. I guess that makes sense, huh?
Click to expand...
"We gave our blessing knowing there was no way you would get a normal cat no matter how hard you tried.. the special cats find the special people".
Click to expand...
Well said. I couldn't agree more, I admire you all who take the special ones.
 
Re: 3/24 Boomer AM - 115

Hi Dawn-

You are very funny! That post cracked me up.

I am a little lost - what's an HCM cat? What's FLD? I'm sitting here trying to puzzle it out but I can't. Sorry, I'm dense! :lol:

So Hitch is a civvie? Can we see a picture of him too?

I think at some point I want to get another cat, but I am very scared of it turning out to be special needs again. Boomer and my last guy Biscuit was. Biscuit had acute pancreatitis and I lost him at 3 and a half. Before them I had Louie and Calvin and they didn't have issues until they were older. In fact, Calvin turned into a diabetic, but back then there wasn't and home BG testing - I just gave him his shot as I was told to do. I shot blind, the poor guy! It wasn't as stressful because I was ignorant - but there was also no chance of him recovering either.

I hope Super Nova is doing well tonight! I'm going to take a nice bath now!
 
Although I am not Dawn, I will say that HCM=hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (inward thickening of the heart muscle) but I don't know what FLD is (all I can think of is FLV!). :)
 
Sarah is correct on HCM.. it's an incurable and terminal disease. I don't like it much. But I am incredibly lucky to still have this guy still here with me.. I have been unable to find a documented case of a cat living as long as he has after dx.. I try not to think about it much.. tomorrow doesn't matter, only today is important. And today, he is happy.

Nova.. FLD.. hmm maybe people here more often call it FHL? Fatty liver disease/Feline Hepatic Lipidosis.. anyways.. she was homeless, very pregnant and extremely underweight when the pound picked her up.. and didn't (in my opinion) get the greatest care at the animal shelter.. her insides got pretty messed up.. It was a number of years ago.. so I couldn't even list all the problems she had initially.. but she's in pretty good shape now.. back when I was considering getting Hitch, things weren't going as smoothly :).. but she's happy and wonderful :)

Hitch is my CH (Cerebral Hypoplasia) boy.. yeah my house is just one big acronym.. he's also got a rare immune system disorder.. that despite a lot (like 4 figures) of testing.. we never actually nailed down WHICH rare one it was (that would have probably cost 5 figures).. just ruled out all the less rare ones (and the ones that we could do something about).. some of them multiple times haha.. he's simply awesome though.. easy to care for.. ridiculously entertaining :)..

More photos here

I wouldn't trade any of them for anything.. we have our good days and bad days.. but most days it's a pretty easy job being their mom :).. I think you should give expanding the family consideration.. maybe you will get another special needs cat.. but would go back in time and un-get Boomer if you knew what was to come? Isn't that a stupid question?
 
Wow - it looks like your cat trees gets a lot of use! I don't have one of those; maybe I need to get one so Boomer can sit up in there like your guys do. I enjoyed your pictures. Very cute cats.

Nope, I wouldn't give Boomer back. We're pretty close, him and I and he's my first Siamese mix; I've never had a talking cat before. I've been close to all my cats, but I've worked especially hard on him! He's very sweet and enjoys our Reiki sessions together and he'll lounge on my lap and sometimes he throws his head back and stares at me lovingly. He's very dramatic about food and eating and at times I want to muzzle him because it's stressful hearing him acting like he's being slowly tortured, but now when I think about it I laugh at what a silly scene it is.

I'd be more likely to get another cat if I had help - aka- if me and the BF get married.
 
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