6/17 Alex AMPS HI-Alex has been sick, but feels much better

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Morning everyone. Alex has been kinda sick and that's why I haven't been posting much. I'm not really good at sharing day by day details with everyone when he IS sick...I have to deal with it and just do what I have to do. That's just how I have to do it.

For some reason or other(infection, thyroid, bad insulin;etc.), Alex's numbers have been high and he has been reaching a ketotic state nearly every day for about 3 weeks (trace ketones). Until yesterday when it became more than that. he has been tested for everything except the bad insulin theory up until yesterday when I decided that it was time to open a new lev pen, and it seems to be lowering his bg's(and i say that guardedly). He does have a UTI as well but he's 6 days into AB treatment so that shouldn't be the problem but who knows for sure..this is just what it appears to be. So far.

I came home yesterday at 12:30 in the afternoon from part time temp job to a kitty who reeked of acetone, had high ketones and looked like hell. Carolyn and I started aggressively treating him in a way that no one should ever treat their cat unless they absolutely know what they are doing so I'm not even going to mention it, giving him fluids, changed the insulin, and amazingly his numbers started coming down. He still reeked and his ketostix were bright purple until this morning but I am still afraid of high numbers so will be cautious with him for a few more cycles. What was really weird was that when I left the house yesterday AM he tested negative and 3 hours later the stick turned bright dark purple. I had a feeling it would because of how Alex smelled... but Alex smells bad with only trace ketones. Yesterday was different. I was standing at the kitchen counter and he was on the floor and i could smell him. I honestly had thoughts of videotaping him but he's my baby and the invasion of his privacy would have been too gross. But recently I saw a post by someone who was laughing in the face of DKA by not giving her kitty enough insulin while her cat remained in the 300's and 400's. An 'experiment' I think? I think she said "DKA. LOL. The sky is falling". UGH. What an odd thing to say or she really has no idea just how fast a kitty can develop ketones and then DKA and how sick a cat can get. Very sad. I hope she has stopped her 'experiment'.

Alex is feeling a lot better now. He has a great appetite. Most p's are in order and he and Jackson are locked in my bedroom now because the super is here fixing leaks in my apartment that have been driving me CRAZY.

Have a nice day everyone! :razz:



two days ago
 
Re: 6/17 Alex AMPS TBA-Alex has been sick :(

Poor Alex and poor you!
But I am happy to hear he is feeling better, I hope a full recovery comes soon.
 
Re: 6/17 Alex AMPS TBA-Alex has been sick :(

Oh man Caryl. I am so sorry. I had no idea he was that high in ketones. I cannot even begin to imagine how you were/are feeling at all of this. I wish I thought to ask, hey how old is the lev pen? I will know to ask that question going forward, when I see someone struggling so.

As scary and horrible as it is for you to witness, you are a very strong person and when it matters, you can do anything for your babies - even become Wonder Woman!

I get why you don't want to talk during this stuff, I am glad that you posted and shared with the rest of us. This is a lesson we all can learn.

Please give Alex a smooch on the noggin for me and I send you a cyber hug.

Now, stop crying and do a slow dance with your little man instead.
 
Re: 6/17 Alex AMPS TBA-Alex has been sick :(

I'm glad he's feeling better today!
And i'm glad you are able to treat him properly when he needs it!!
 
Re: 6/17 Alex AMPS TBA-Alex has been sick :(

A nice report even if the last week or two haven't been. Sounds like Alex is improving and your leaks are being fixed so it's to be taken as positive! Yes it's true ketones can develop very quickly in some cats/humans too. Why some get them so easily and quickly while others don't is a mystery. I know the smell you discribe (my Grandmother!) at least it serves as a good warning for you check him quickly. I hope things keep getting better for you guys.
 
Re: 6/17 Alex AMPS TBA-Alex has been sick :(

wow .. Im sorry to hear that alex has been so sick .. and I'm even sorrier to hear that someone could make such a video of their own kitty in such a sick state .. what a shame. I'm glad you did what you had to do in order to get alex back on the road to recovery.
 
Re: 6/17 Alex AMPS TBA-Alex has been sick :(

Hi Caryl and Alex, That was quite an ordeal that you have just gone through. Thank goodness that you were able to get his condition under control. And, as Hillary said, thank you for posting. This is indeed a cautionary tale that deserves to be shared. We hope that Alex will continue to improve and that all will get back to normal in your household (including getting the leaky ceiling fixed!).

Ella & Stu
 
Re: 6/17 Alex AMPS TBA-Alex has been sick :(

So Sorry for your ordeal & Alex being sick!! Know Thy Cat-That's you, and you know when things are going wrong(Thank God!!)
Great job returning Alex to better numbers--I held my breath reading your post today, so glad it turned out to be positive!
You are a great bean to your furbabies!! You can always share with us, there's always one you know....
Big Hugs from us!!
 
Re: 6/17 Alex AMPS TBA-Alex has been sick :(

Hillary & Maui said:
Oh man Caryl. I am so sorry. I had no idea he was that high in ketones. I cannot even begin to imagine how you were/are feeling at all of this. I wish I thought to ask, hey how old is the lev pen? I will know to ask that question going forward, when I see someone struggling so.

As scary and horrible as it is for you to witness, you are a very strong person and when it matters, you can do anything for your babies - even become Wonder Woman!

I get why you don't want to talk during this stuff, I am glad that you posted and shared with the rest of us. This is a lesson we all can learn.

Please give Alex a smooch on the noggin for me and I send you a cyber hug.

Now, stop crying and do a slow dance with your little man instead.

Thanks Hillary. I haven't been crying. I've just been concentrating on taking care of Alex and doing what has to be done.If I wrote about it while it was happening I would be shaking and who needs that?

going to smooch him now and will give him one for you..but I have to give Jackson one too or he may get very upset and stop hearing again :(
 
Re: 6/17 Alex AMPS TBA-Alex has been sick :(

Michelle and Doodle said:
I'm glad he's feeling better today!
And i'm glad you are able to treat him properly when he needs it!!

Thanks, Michelle. I wouldn't have been able to do it alone. Thank God for Carolyn and her wealth of experience. I don't know what I would have done without her :(
 
Re: 6/17 Alex AMPS TBA-Alex has been sick :(

Monique & Spooky said:
A nice report even if the last week or two haven't been. Sounds like Alex is improving and your leaks are being fixed so it's to be taken as positive! Yes it's true ketones can develop very quickly in some cats/humans too. Why some get them so easily and quickly while others don't is a mystery. I know the smell you discribe (my Grandmother!) at least it serves as a good warning for you check him quickly. I hope things keep getting better for you guys.

Monique,
This is how Alex's diabetes started..with that awful smell. Once you've smelled it coming from 'someone' you love, there is nothing more awful. I actually get nauseated when I get manicures now. You're right, it's a blessing as well because Alex starts to smell when he has trace ketones which I hear is practically unheard of. But Alex does a lot of strange things. That's what makes him so special ♥

Thanks for the support :razz:
 
Re: 6/17 Alex AMPS TBA-Alex has been sick :(

PeterDevonMocha said:
wow .. Im sorry to hear that alex has been so sick .. and I'm even sorrier to hear that someone could make such a video of their own kitty in such a sick state .. what a shame. I'm glad you did what you had to do in order to get alex back on the road to recovery.

Well hopefully he's on the mend now. Thank you :)

Nobody made a video..I said that I was tempted to..so that people would see that ketones are a very serious thing (for those who don't seem to believe this). I would never actually do it though..
 
Re: 6/17 Alex AMPS HI-Alex has been sick :(

So sorry to hear that Alex has been so sick. You seem to be through the worst, so let loose here now. It helps sometimes. So glad you had someone like Carolyn there tho help you. (((((((((((((((Caryl))))))))))))))) Cuddles to Alex.
 
Re: 6/17 Alex AMPS TBA-Alex has been sick :(

Ella & Stu said:
Hi Caryl and Alex, That was quite an ordeal that you have just gone through. Thank goodness that you were able to get his condition under control. And, as Hillary said, thank you for posting. This is indeed a cautionary tale that deserves to be shared. We hope that Alex will continue to improve and that all will get back to normal in your household (including getting the leaky ceiling fixed!).

Ella & Stu

Thanks Ella,
Unfortunately, I don't think that the people who could learn from it will read it... :-|

Leaky faucets in the bathroom and man the super is grunting and groaning like he's going to have a heart attack (God forbid) ohmygod_smile
 
Re: 6/17 Alex AMPS HI-Alex has been sick :(

Ronnie & Luna said:
((((Caryl))))
hang in there - I know you're tough and so is Alex!

Oh Ronnie he didn't look so tough yesterday...that's why I couldn't post. If I were even to describe what he was like at this time yesterday I'd start crying. That's why I just have to push through it.

But thanks for the vote of confidence :)
 
Re: 6/17 Alex AMPS HI-Alex has been sick :(

i am so sorry to hear about what you and Alex have been going through. I guess you have the experience to treat the ketones on your own...but I know that I would have to go straight to the vet!! i know nothing about that except that it is very serious....
Hope things will get better real soon for you both... :YMHUG:
 
Re: 6/17 Alex AMPS TBA-Alex has been sick :(

Roni and Moonie said:
So Sorry for your ordeal & Alex being sick!! Know Thy Cat-That's you, and you know when things are going wrong(Thank God!!)
Great job returning Alex to better numbers--I held my breath reading your post today, so glad it turned out to be positive!
You are a great bean to your furbabies!! You can always share with us, there's always one you know....
Big Hugs from us!!

If it wasn't positive or I wasn't feeling that way I couldn't post. My boys are my heart. I know that I can always share here. I trust that. You are all very special to me. It's myself I don't trust sometimes. If I'm hurting and I say things out loud, it makes me too fragile and I can't do what I need to do...so like I said, I just push through. In this case, with Carolyn's help of course. She is far wiser than I am when it comes to treating my Alex♥

I think I AM a very good mommybean..but it means the world to me that you said so! :mrgreen:
 
Re: 6/17 Alex AMPS HI-Alex has been sick :(

Ann & Tess said:
So sorry to hear that Alex has been so sick. You seem to be through the worst, so let loose here now. It helps sometimes. So glad you had someone like Carolyn there tho help you. (((((((((((((((Caryl))))))))))))))) Cuddles to Alex.

Thank you ladies, I think I'll do that now :)
 
Re: 6/17 Alex AMPS HI-Alex has been sick :(

Hi Caryl and Alex. Wow you guys sound like you have been through the wringer the last few days. Your poor boy must have felt so terrible. I'm glad that you and Carolyn were able to treat him and that he's feeling better. I really admire you. I'd have been a blubbling idiot. Never had to deal with ketones.

I hope ALex continues to feel better and that you can get a bit of rest now too. Enjoy your favourite treat. You've earned it.
 
Re: 6/17 Alex AMPS HI-Alex has been sick :(

Barb and Tori said:
Hi Caryl and Alex. Wow you guys sound like you have been through the wringer the last few days. Your poor boy must have felt so terrible. I'm glad that you and Carolyn were able to treat him and that he's feeling better. I really admire you. I'd have been a blubbling idiot. Never had to deal with ketones.

Carolyn and I have both been down this road before(Well she knew the treatment regardles of whether or not she's ever had a DKA kitty...I have done it but am unsure of the particulars so it worked out well). I don't recommend treating ketones at home. Unfortunately, in the 9 months since Alex has been diabetic, I have dealt with many small episodes of ketosis and 2 full blown episodes of DKA (with the help of my vet). Yesterday was borderline. If I had seen the situation getting out of hand, he would have gone to the vet. Alex got everything he needed.

I hope ALex continues to feel better and that you can get a bit of rest now too. Enjoy your favourite treat. You've earned it.

Thanks so much Barb...but I can't afford Christian Loubatin shoes right now :mrgreen:
 
Re: 6/17 Alex AMPS HI-Alex has been sick :(

Pat+Raja+Shadow said:
i am so sorry to hear about what you and Alex have been going through. I guess you have the experience to treat the ketones on your own...but I know that I would have to go straight to the vet!! i know nothing about that except that it is very serious....
Hope things will get better real soon for you both... :YMHUG:

You're very lucky..I envy everyone that doesn't worry about ketones. They are very scary. And most people should go to the vet. I would never suggest that anyone "do as I do"..not in this or any situation.

:YMHUG: back atcha
 
Re: 6/17 Alex AMPS HI-Alex has been sick :(

I'm sorry to hear thins have been so rough lately Caryl. I always wonder when you don't post. Alex is a lucky boy to have you as his mamabean! I'm glad to hear he's getting better, and that you've been able to do all you have done for him! :-D
 
Re: 6/17 Alex AMPS HI-Alex has been sick :(

I hope Alex is on the mend. I just feel a huge need to point out for the benefit of others who may be reading your condo that it's not recommended to try to treat a more than a trace level of ketones at home. This is usually a veterinary emergency. I'm actually surprised you didn't take Alex in to the vet since I know you are aware of how serious this is.
 
Re: 6/17 Alex AMPS HI-Alex has been sick :(

(((((((Caryl))))))) I am so sorry you have been dealing with this. I pray that Alex's ketones stay away and you are able to get the BG's and UTI under control. Praying for you and Alex!!! Sending a boatload of snowflakes your way. :YMHUG:
 
Re: 6/17 Alex AMPS HI-Alex has been sick :(

paige said:
(((((((Caryl))))))) I am so sorry you have been dealing with this. I pray that Alex's ketones stay away and you are able to get the BG's and UTI under control. Praying for you and Alex!!! Sending a boatload of snowflakes your way. :YMHUG:

Thanks Paige I hope they stay away too...although he throws them if you look at him incorrectly :)
He could make the books....unfortunately.
 
Re: 6/17 Alex AMPS HI-Alex has been sick :(

D and Noisy said:
Get better Alex! Am sending a sky full of snowflakes to you two.

He is really so much better today D! Thank you. I went out to get test strips and he met me at the door when I returned. I have been on top of this for 3 weeks and ready for it to happen. There are degrees of sick. He was sick...but not so sick that he stopped eating and that's a HUGE thing.

Thanks so much :)
 
Re: 6/17 Alex :EDIT

I guess I should have added more clearly that I work part time for my vet who is also my friend. He always knows what is going on with Alex. I wouldn't try to play doctor with my cat ..EVER. I was told NOT to bring him in. I was told to do what I have done before and let him know how he was doing. But I still get nervous because I live alone and feel the need for support and that's where Carolyn comes in. The major collaboration comes from Alex's vet. I hope that everyone knows that I care far too much for my cats to put them in harms way.

Maybe you didn't always know this..but I hope you know now. My vet is 3 minutes away, it is not a big deal to take Alex there. I was told by my vet to do what I did.

And again, I don't suggest this or recommend it for anyone else, as I said 4 times already. I hope everyone understands this as well.
(This, by the way, is another reason I didn't want to post at all. Even one person thinking that I would endanger my cat after going through this is enough to rip my guts out) :YMSIGH:
 
Re: 6/17 Alex AMPS HI-Alex has been sick :(

Sienne and Gabby said:
I hope Alex is on the mend. I just feel a huge need to point out for the benefit of others who may be reading your condo that it's not recommended to try to treat a more than a trace level of ketones at home. This is usually a veterinary emergency. I'm actually surprised you didn't take Alex in to the vet since I know you are aware of how serious this is.

Thanks for the vote of confidence...I am just that cavalier that I would play doctor with my cat because I feel like it. I was hoping you knew me better by now.

Alex is a lot better today...thanks
 
Re: 6/17 Alex AMPS HI-Alex has been sick :(

Hi Caryl,

Wow... what an event! Glad you and Carolyn got it under control

I think subject line should say... Alex has been sick, but feels a little better.
Sending no acetone vines to Alex.
 
Re: 6/17 Alex AMPS HI-Alex has been sick :(

Helene & Tizon said:
Hi Caryl,

Wow... what an event! Glad you and Carolyn got it under control

I think subject line should say... Alex has been sick, but feels a little better.
Sending no acetone vines to Alex.

Thanks Helene I will change it!

Oh I will take those vines! Those are great vines :mrgreen:
How is Tizon's mouth? Can he eat his normal diet yet?
Is he shy about smiling ;-)
 
Re: 6/17 Alex AMPS HI-Alex has been sick :(

Mindy & Max said:
I'm sorry to hear thins have been so rough lately Caryl. I always wonder when you don't post. Alex is a lucky boy to have you as his mamabean! I'm glad to hear he's getting better, and that you've been able to do all you have done for him! :-D

As usual, Thanks Mindy :)
 
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