6/12 Bear Man Old Timer update

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Linda and Bear Man

Linda and Bear Man

Member Since 2009
Last week's condo, with link to b/w results: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=16468&p=163381#p163381

Post on Health regarding anemia: viewtopic.php?f=28&t=16638&p=164838#p164838

Bear has had a decent week. He seems tired and weak at times, but he is eating and is getting around OK, in his slow Bear way. He is super affectionate and cuddly. I am wrestling with whether or not I want to start him on Epogen for his anemia. The vet initially had reservations, but has been looking into it a bit and thinks it may be an option. My concern is the potential for causing an antibody reaction which could possibly leave him dependent on weekly transfusions for months. This is not sustainable. He is "OK" now, and I am not sure I want to start him on a drug that could potentially kill him. I wonder also about extending the length of his life, if the quality of life is not there. Jess and Earl, my vet, and Tanya's CRF website all seem to think it is worth a try. Oh, how I wish Jojo were here. I'm not 100% sold. I think I will stall. The vet's research says to start it at a HCT of 15 to 19. His last one was 21. I think I will recheck HCT and also reticulocytes in a month or so to see if he is stable or worsening. I also opted to keep him on Benazepril. It may be causing worsening anemia, but the vet thinks that his anemia is primarily due to his kidneys not producing erythropoeitin. I think there is more benefit to be derived from supporting his kidneys with Benazepril. At some point in his life, Bear became more of a science experiment than a kitty. I just want to enjoy his soft tummy for a while and not think of all of these issues.

Video of Bear climbing up on the bed to help out on sheet changing day:



Video of Teddy sharing his fishy toy with Bear (see Bear focal seizures at end of video):

 
Awesome photos - I think you should just enjoy his soft tummy for a while, pay those issues no heed, you will know when you really need too. It is good to read that bear man is still just that - bear man. Hope you guys have a great day.
 
:YMHUG: to you and the kitty family.

So Bear Man is a sheet "helper?" So cute.

I had a CRF kitty, Beabhen (GA). We decided to use the Epogen the last three months of her life. I had some of the same concerns you did re: antibody reaction, but we were fortunate she did not experience that reaction. She was also not as involved medically as Bear Man is, but it did help her quality of life the last three months. She had more energy and just seemed to feel better. With all of that said ECID...but I wanted to share our quality of life experience with you.
 
(((((((Linda and Bear))))). I agree with Michelle. Take some time to just sit back and enjoy that beautiful kitty of yours. My 3 year old granddaughter calls it "Chillin and chattin". You have time to decide what you want to do. Listen to you heart and to what Bear tells you he wants. You will make the decision that is right for you both.

See ya at the party.
 
((((Linda, Bear)))) I have no doubt you will consider all and make the right decision for bear. Love to see all the pics and videos. What a fantastic bean. LOL
 
(((Linda and Bear Man))) so sorry your facing these decisions, love seeing your pics here and on FB.
Hang on tight to your Big Bear Man and give lots of love from all of us.
 
(((((Linda and Brear Man)))

I have not been posting, but always read your updates. Your sweet Bear Man tears at my heart strings every time I see his pic or hear of your and his latest issues and struggles. You are both such 'heroes'.

Thomas was also put on Epogen due to anemia. For him, it was too close to the end to really help him, but I have to say, I could tell, despite how sick he was, that it did really make him feel better. He seemed calmer, happier, less uncomfortable. It did not extend his life, but it made me feel better to know he was feeling more comfortable.

He had different issues than Bear Man, though. I know you will know what feels right for your boy. It so very hard to make these decisions when all you really want to do is cuddle with your boy and always do 'the right thing' for him. You must know, that you ALWAYS have done the right thing for him, Linda. You are the best Mama bean ever.

Judith and Thomas (GA)
 
Linda and Bear Man said:
At some point in his life, Bear became more of a science experiment than a kitty.
Click to expand...
he is a kitty first and foremost :( and a good kitty too.

linda, does he already get vit b supplements? does vet think his iron level is ok? his creatinine just doesn't seem that bad for advanced CKD, and it doesn't fit with the rest of his values.
 
WCF and Meowzi said:
linda, does he already get vit b supplements? does vet think his iron level is ok? his creatinine just doesn't seem that bad for advanced CKD, and it doesn't fit with the rest of his values.
Click to expand...

I know, it's a very odd situation. He gets an injection of cyanocobalamin once weekly. I don't know about his iron - I don't think it has ever been tested. There are so many issues and meds and combinations of meds that could be contributing to his anemia. I really don't think we have a good diagnosis or a clear working theory of what is happening to him.
Last September was when he quite suddenly became anemic. At that time his reticulocytes were at the bottom of the normal range - non regenerative anemia. The vet and the IM specialist back then both called it anemia of chronic disease. He is still on Omeprazole, which is also a bone marrow suppressant. I'm really confused about all of this.
 
((Linda))
I always love seeing pictires of Bear Man.
Love him up and enjoy him. You will now what to do.
I am not familiar with the meds at all.
My Sasha(GA) was anemic and for some strange reason I never asked why she was and
the vet did not explore it. I wished I did because she ended up with kidney failure and it was
too late for me to save her.

((hugs)) to both of you. Teddy too of course.
 
i didn't know his retics had already been tested. if it's confirmed non-regen, then iron level and b vits may not be an issue. if my very basic understanding of anemia is correct, that is. but if he's on a bone marrow suppressant, i'm not sure how/if epogen would help? did your vet and IM specialist discuss this?
 
Hi Linda!
Glad to hear bearman had a little bit of a better week.
Sounds like you have a lot you are thinking about. Im TERRIBLE when I have to make tough decisions like yours. If I dont feel a clear answer coming my way, I stall and procrastinate. Anything I have done for Latte I have been very sure about, even if it means waiting possibly too long.. Not saying its right, because ...well, she could have started the pred a year earlier so she would not have had to be syringe fed all that time...but become diabetic a year sooner. *shrugs*

the answer will come to you when you are ready for a decision. it just will!

And I get the science experiment thing. Only with Latte I wonder when she became a pincushion instead of a cat. :roll: Its tough...your doing these things they need to feel comfortable. But sometimes the process doesnt always feel right.

Linda, you are doing a fabulous job with bear man. He KNOWS he is sooooo incredibly loved. If he didnt want to be here, he would have asked to leave a long time ago. He cherishes your skritches, kisses, and snuggles. Cherish them together.
 
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