5/9 Belle- Recovery Update Day 8

Status
Not open for further replies.
Jason & Belle (GA)

Jason & Belle (GA)

Active Member
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=13953

Wow, this has been a rough weekend. It's really the end of day 7, but I put 8 in there because it makes me feel better.

I saw her yesterday morning and she was herself. Not too affectionate, but alert, head up, tail wagging and happy to be pet. She was more subdued on the night visit, but they had switched her to Buprenorphine from Fentanyl and I assumed that was the cause. Her PCV was up to 30% in the morning, so everyone was thrilled, but I couldn't help but think her gums didn't look as pink as they did. I called at 10:15PM to get the latest PCV and it was down to 23%. I was devastated. She had been going up steadily and this was a huge drop. I assumed she was bleeding out. I called at 2:15am to get the latest PCV and it was still 23%. Good news in that it hadn't dropped anymore.

I laid there all night waiting until 8:30AM for the vet to call, and when she didn't, I called at 9:30AM. It turns out she is not bleeding internally, and that her PCV is back up to 27%. The doctor said she also had a fever spike in the night and it was likely the Mycoplasma going on the offensive. The fever went away quickly and everything is ok.

I can't take this any more! I am a nervous wreck. She has come so far and we are so close, but I still can not rest. I told the doctor this morning that I wished she was a people doctor, because I need a good one. The one thing that has remained constant is her great medical care. I can't say enough how happy I've been with how things have been handled and how much everyone seems to care. I haven't doubted for a second(one second I guess, with the radiologists reading of the ultrasound) that she was in the best hands possible.

Jason
 
Still it sounds better than Day 1!!!! Hopeful that tomorrow will bring you answers & hope Belle will be home soon!
HEALING VINES TO BELLE!!!!
 
Jason..deep breaths! You have been through SO much! And so has Belle....but that is good news that her PCV numbers went up! She IS in good hands and you are happy about where she is and how they are treating her.
All good news. :thumbup You have to look at the positive things and rejoice if you can.
This is not an easy time...not at all...but the things you have been through are in the past hopefully. It is hard to sit around waiting and not being able to DO something...but try to focus on the good things. Take care of yourself and try to take care of yourself. So happy to see your post this morning and it is a good thing that you share your feelings. Sending lots of prayers and hugs to Belle! :YMHUG:
 
Jason & Belle - thanks for the update. We are sending good vibrations to both of you. You are such a good Dad - Happy Mother's Day pops, you deserve an honorary mention for all of your excellent care-giving. You are indeed special. Hang in there. Be better soon Belle.
Hugs, Lanky & Susan
 
When Gabby was in the ICU, I felt like I was spending the hours grinding down my back molars. I was completely preoccupied and, no doubt, was driving the techs at the hospital crazy. I wanted to know everything about her labs, her behavior, etc. I kept apologizing for being such a pest! When I was there to take her home, the lead tech had said that they prefer the involved cat parents to the ones that don't care or don't seem to be involved. It is completely nerve wracking for us to not have our "kids" at home with us. As you noted, though, Belle is getting exceptional care and these are not things you could do for her. Do something to take care of yourself. Belle will need you even more once she's home.
 
Hi Jason, Stu and I are sending a bouquet of those healing vines to Belle. You are doing fine and it's great that you have a caring and excellent vet. Hang in there. Belle will recover and be home soon.

Ella & Stu
 
Jason-

My gosh, I feel for you. It's horrible, isn't it? This rollercoaster? The emotions. I'm was the same way this week. I don't know what to say to help! You're a great father to her and I wish you guys the best. Later tonight when I do Reiki on Boomer I'll send some to Belle too if you'd like - it can't hurt. Let me know if this is okay.
 
Absolutely Traci! Belle would love some Reiki and I would appreciate she's getting it so I could get a nights sleep.

I read your update on Boomer, and I'm glad he is doing well. I know waiting for test results can be hard, but ultimately all they tell you is what you need to do to make him better, and it's better to know than to keep guessing.

Jason

Traci and Boomer said:
Jason-

My gosh, I feel for you. It's horrible, isn't it? This rollercoaster? The emotions. I'm was the same way this week. I don't know what to say to help! You're a great father to her and I wish you guys the best. Later tonight when I do Reiki on Boomer I'll send some to Belle too if you'd like - it can't hurt. Let me know if this is okay.
Click to expand...
 
Oh Jason! I can just feel your anxiety over this and love for Belle. It is such a rollercoaster, isnt it?! That is so hard! You may not feel like it, but from the outside you appear to be handling the ride with grace. Im certain Belle see's this as well,which is so incredibly helpful to her. I will be thinking of you two as day 8 wraps up, in hopes of many more good days,weeks, months,and years with Belle.

PS-when latte had the renal failure and was in/out of the hospital multiple times for extended stays, I was on the doorstep of the vet the minute they opened...armed with everything she would need (foods, blankets, toys, brushes,etc),and what I would need ....computer, coffee, lunch, phone, etc. I had them put me in a room with her and would not leave until they closed :lol: It was an interesting circumstance which they wouldnt normally allow, and probably didnt expect me to follow through on. I didnt care what they thought. I was going to be there with her no matter what! I was really lucky they never kicked me out. :lol: Can you believe they still see her at that clinic.
 
Hi Jason

Jason & Belle said:
I called at 10:15PM to get the latest PCV and it was down to 23%. I was devastated. She had been going up steadily and this was a huge drop. I assumed she was bleeding out.
Click to expand...


I know it's hard but it's best to try not to hang on each number. There are a lot of reasons for a cat's PCV to (appear to) bounce around like this in the hospital, please keep this in mind. Also, start asking them for the "total solids" number at the same time. This can give you some reassurance. When the PCV is read, there are two things counted: the PCV %, and the total solids (the whatever-is-not-blood-cells in the sample). A PCV can't be interpreted properly without a TS.

Now, if you get a low number again, ask to speak to the vet. Ask him/her the TS, and ask if they think there's a bleed or if this is just from a diluted sample, or splenic sequestration (I can explain if you want), etc. If s/he thinks it's possible that Belle's bleeding, then ask if they've checked her belly and her chest? Blood would move into one of these cavities. They should say yes, they've checked, and no, there is no evidence of bleeding. Then you can wipe your brow and go back to sleep, ok? Please don't try to interpret these numbers in a vacuum. You are paying for 24 hr care which includes being available for you to ask questions, so you don't wring your hands at home alone
BulletSad.gif
.

Hang in there -- overall it sounds like we'll be welcoming Belle home soon enough.
 
Jason, every day your posts sound a little more hopeful. I really hope Belle will be home soon. It sounds like she is definitely going the right way now.
 
I am glad to hear she is doing better and that Jess thinks she'll be home soon. Listen to her, she knows what she's talking about - she's a vet tech and a darn good one too, from what I've seen on this board.

Sending you both calming, soothing thoughts and wishes for Belle's homecoming.
 
Thanks for the info Jess. If the splenic sequestrian is the spleen holding back some blood, then that's what the vet thought happened this morning. After she had the fever and dipped to 23%, a few hours later she was up to 27%. They have been telling me total solids each time but I never really asked for an explanation. There also have been a number of diluted samples through the jugular catheter. They have been checking for bleeding at least once a day, sometimes more with ultrasound, and there has been no bleeding, thankfully. The reason last night was so difficult was because the doctor wouldn't be doing the ultrasound until morning, and my mind went places.

This week has been a real education on multiple fronts, and I appreciate you giving me more to consider.

Jason


Jess & Earl said:
Hi Jason

Jason & Belle said:
I called at 10:15PM to get the latest PCV and it was down to 23%. I was devastated. She had been going up steadily and this was a huge drop. I assumed she was bleeding out.
Click to expand...


I know it's hard but it's best to try not to hang on each number. There are a lot of reasons for a cat's PCV to (appear to) bounce around like this in the hospital, please keep this in mind. Also, start asking them for the "total solids" number at the same time. This can give you some reassurance. When the PCV is read, there are two things counted: the PCV %, and the total solids (the whatever-is-not-blood-cells in the sample). A PCV can't be interpreted properly without a TS.

Now, if you get a low number again, ask to speak to the vet. Ask him/her the TS, and ask if they think there's a bleed or if this is just from a diluted sample, or splenic sequestration (I can explain if you want), etc. If s/he thinks it's possible that Belle's bleeding, then ask if they've checked her belly and her chest? Blood would move into one of these cavities. They should say yes, they've checked, and no, there is no evidence of bleeding. Then you can wipe your brow and go back to sleep, ok? Please don't try to interpret these numbers in a vacuum. You are paying for 24 hr care which includes being available for you to ask questions, so you don't wring your hands at home alone
BulletSad.gif
.

Hang in there -- overall it sounds like we'll be welcoming Belle home soon enough.
Click to expand...
 
I'm glad to hear that Belle is feeling and doing better today. Sending continued healing vines and hugs!!
 
there are so many great posts her today, from people that have had very sick kitties. it has been a while for me - since I have been in that boat. I wish there was more I could say, but all before me have already said it so well. hang in there, your girl is remarkable, as are you. You both will survive this. Many good thoughts coming your way. no doubt that soon she will be home.
 
Hi Jason-

I sent Reiki to Boomer and Belle on my drive home from my brother's house today. It's a long drive so they both got it for about 40 minutes or so. I hope she continues to do well for you. The board is pulling for you guys!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top