7/16 Snowflakes requested by Alex for Jackson!

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Caryl & Sebastian & Alex (GA)

Caryl & Sebastian & Alex (GA)

Member Since 2009
I don't mean to be a hog and request more than my share but Jackson was dx'd with heart failure tonight and he isn't in very good shape. He is having a very hard time breathing and I was told that anything could happen (but not in those words). If this boy doesn't make it he will take my heart with him and Alex's too I'm sure. I am crying as I write this and I don't understand how a stomach virus turned into such a dire situation but I am beside myself watching him gasp for air. He only had a grade 1 murmur 5 days ago??? He needs time for medications to slow his heart and his thyroid pill to start working again and I'm so scared that he might not have that time. He is having a hard time getting from place to place and his little sides are heaving. Please pray for a miracle for him. I love him so. He doesn't know much but my heart is already broken. Both of my cats now have bad hearts but in this one week my 'healthy' cat is now my sicker one. I am just sick tonight.

I prayed to God for some sign from Jackson that he will stick with me so the medicines have time to work..I guess that's not a fair thing to do. But he is my 'soul mate' if that is possible and I don't know what else to do. and this has not been a very fair wek to me. they say God doesn't give you more than you can handle..I'm not so sure tonight.
 
Oh no! Jackson.. I can't believe how this had turned for him. Caryl I'm sending all the healthy healing thoughts, snowflakes, and prayers to you and Jackson. Please let these medications have time to work. Hold on Jackson.

Hold on Caryl. (((((super lot of hugs))))
 
((((Caryl))) I don't know what to say, other than this is just so unfair.
Come on Jackson, your brother Alex and mom love you and are pulling for you , as we all are.
It's gotta be so hard on you Caryl, but stay focused and strong ok?
For your babies. ((((Strength and comfort for you))))

Snowflakes.gif

Tons of healing vines and snowflakes for civvie Jackson.
 
(((((Jackson))))) You can do it, buddy! You can get better. Your brother and your mamabean need you! You are strong and resilient and you WILL get well.
Caryl, just keep doing what you can and we will all pray that the medications will give him the time he needs to regain his health. You and Alex are giving him all your love and support and he will surely respond. Tons of snowflakes and healing vines are on their way to Jackson and also to Alex tonight. You are all in our thoughts and our prayers. Many hugs,

Ella & Stu
 
Oh Caryl. This is just way too much. I'm praying so hard that Jackson can hang in there while his meds are starting to work. I know what you mean about a kitty being your soulmate. That's what my kids say about my civvie Rocky.

Hang in there Jackson. We all are rooting for you. A blizzard of Canadian snowflakes and healing vines are headed your way and for you too Alex. I know you are still not feeling good as well. Tori sends many gentle kitty kisses to the two of you.

Caryl I wish I was there with you. Please know that I there with you in spirit. Many hugs.
 
Angels & Prayers coming to be with Jackson and you tonight It is so hard I pray your little soul mate will bounce back Bless you all Kath :cry: LOL = lots of love that is what I thought it was sorry
 
Caryl --

I really hate to ask this but does Jackson need to be someplace where there is 24/7 monitoring? I know there may be a financial issue but CHF needs aggressive management and careful monitoring. I know you are attentive but managing acute CHF may be beyond what any of us can do at home.
 
I'm passing on some of the wonderful snowflakes Lucy received earlier. They seemed to work pretty well for her, so I hope Jackson will have the same luck. ((((Caryl and Alex)))) what a week you have had, I hope Jackson will have a peaceful night.
 
(((((Caryl & Jackson))))) I am so sorry that this happened Caryl...praying that the meds will work quickly.
Please be strong Jackson....hang in there and fight tonight....sending a blizzard of snowflakes....
 
(((Caryl))).
Jackson is in my prayers.
Sending all the possitive feel better and get better vines I can muster....now.
Vines.jpg

Please hang in there, Jackson.
 
That is a huge healing vine. Love it!
Lots of good positive thoughts for Jackson overnite.

Update when you can Caryl, but do take care of yourself too, ok? ((((hugs))))
 
(((((Caryl))))) God sweetie, I don't what to say. Honestly. Sending as many prayers your way as possible for dear Jackson. You have been thru so much this last week with both. I can't believe Jackson is now the sicker one. Please kiss them both for us and I wish I was there to give you a hug.
 
(((((Caryl & Jackson))))) Sending prayers and healing thoughts to Jackson… Hope the medicines have time to work for him… We are there with you so you can be there for your little 'soul mate'… cat_pet_icon
 
(((CARYL))) (((JACKSON))) I am sorry to read this - I remember reading just a couple of days ago about a stomach virus, and now Jackson is really sick. I and Mannie are sending as many healing vines that we can. Hang in there Jackson! I pray that the medicines have time to work, for Jackson to regain his health. You both are in our prayers.
 
hoping you and jackson (and alex!) have a good long happy time left and this is just a bump in the road. very sorry you're going thru this, caryl. (((HUGS)))
 
So many sweet kitties are so ill tonight on here - I can't believe it. I haven't been able to be on the board much but am so sorry to see so many suffering.

I'm so sorry that Jackson is so ill and am sending many many healing vibes and lights and snowflakes and prayers of healing for your sweet boy.

These things happen so fast.

Emmy & Dude (& Mittsi too)
 
Caryl, just getting here and seeing that Jackson isn't to doing well. Oh, gosh, you really are getting more than your share this week, aren't you. I'm so very very sorry! Sending a ton of snowflakes and healing vines to jackson. Please, little buddy, feel better...Caryl, please take care of yourself also. I will be thinking of you and your family today. Give both Jackson and Alex a scritch and a hug please.
 
Caryl,
I am praying that the meds begin to work for Jackson quickly and that he can make a good recovery and spend many, many more days with you and Alex. Holding you close and sending all the snowflakes, healing vines and prayers that are humanly possible for Jackson and for Alex and you.
 
((Caryl)) ((Alex)) ((Jackson))

Whether or not you ask for snowflakes and prayers and healing vines we are
all sending them and will keep sending them to you and your babies.
I have not setopped thinking about your boys and I pray for jackson to heal and have
his medication kick in.
Lots and lots of hugs Caryl.
Please update when you can.
 
Sending a HUGE healing vine your way tonight and blizzards of snowflakes...

I lost my boy, Big White Cat, in May to heart failure - he was the only healthy cat too... But he'd been failing for a few months and we'd been ruling things out little by little, trying not to cause him too much stress... and totally missed the heart failure till it was too late... It sounds like you have been more on top of things so I'm praying you are able to regulate him with meds...

When we first suspected heart failure, several people told me they had or knew of someone managing it at home - Jason and Bella mentioned it... He wrote in my 5/20 condo:

Belle had the same problem 4 months ago where she just couldn't catch her breath and had weird noises coming out of her nose. She has asthma(and IBD), but it was like nothing I'd seen before. It turns out she had congestive heart failure, and a few days in an oxygen tent, some lasix and supportive care, she got through it. She was put on Enalapril and Plavix, and she's been fine since.
Click to expand...

Also in my condo from that day - Maria and Suzie said her mom had a cat who lived for years with CHF with the help of Lasix - so if this was caught early, it sounds like it can be managed (and I'm praying for Jackson that it can)...

Sending rays of healing white light for Jackson to bask in...
 
kryskat said:
Sending a HUGE healing vine your way tonight and blizzards of snowflakes...

I lost my boy, Big White Cat, in May to heart failure - he was the only healthy cat too... But he'd been failing for a few months and we'd been ruling things out little by little, trying not to cause him too much stress... and totally missed the heart failure till it was too late... It sounds like you have been more on top of things so I'm praying you are able to regulate him with meds...

When we first suspected heart failure, several people told me they had or knew of someone managing it at home - Jason and Bella mentioned it... He wrote in my 5/20 condo:

Belle had the same problem 4 months ago where she just couldn't catch her breath and had weird noises coming out of her nose. She has asthma(and IBD), but it was like nothing I'd seen before. It turns out she had congestive heart failure, and a few days in an oxygen tent, some lasix and supportive care, she got through it. She was put on Enalapril and Plavix, and she's been fine since.
Click to expand...

Also in my condo from that day - Maria and Suzie said her mom had a cat who lived for years with CHF with the help of Lasix - so if this was caught early, it sounds like it can be managed (and I'm praying for Jackson that it can)...

Sending rays of healing white light for Jackson to bask in...
Click to expand...

Jackson doesn't even have any fluid in his chest cavity or around his heart. He has Hyper-t so he is on tapezole bt that was stopped for a few days when he couldn't hold anything down. He's only been on it for a couple of weeks. He's now on atenelol and enalapril as well. Just like Alex. But it takes a while for this to kick in. He is still breathing heavily.his feet seem a little too cold but maybe getting a little warmer? But he's still breathing. Thank you for the comforting and optimistic words. I sorely needed this.
 
Hi Caryl. I'm so hoping that Jackson is doing better this morning. You and your babies are so much on my mind. Sending many prayers, snowflakes, healing vines and hugs your way. Hang in there guys.
 
Jackson

I don't want to start another condo for him. He shouldn't even have one. He's not diabetic. But I need to keep this one going for him because so far he's kept going for me. He's still breathing hard but he's gotten some more medicine and kept it down. He's drinking water so I may not need to disturb him by giving him fluids. He's having a hard time but he's hanging in there. He doesn't appear to be in any pain though...just breathing heavy. And I need him to get through this because here's the thing. He's my little guy. He always has been. He is the sweetest cat that ever walked this earth and he is funny and sensitive and smart. He always knows everything. You can see it in his eyes. He figures things out. How to do things. How to get things. How to make people love him. He's that kind of guy. He was walking the high wire(the top of the shower door in a 6 inch space) when he was 6 months old, opening doors at less than a year, moonwalking on his back at 2..He is so smart. And a clown. he comforts me when I'm sad or sick. He is my nap buddy..we sleep face to face and lots of times paw in hand. He has to smother my face with kisses last thing before he goes to bed and first thing in the morning, and he needs a full body hug before he will eat his breakfast(and he hugs back). And he loves Alex so much too. When Alex has been sick, Jacky had such a hard time deciding where to sleep..with me or with him. He ultimately chose Alex but I told him it was okay. That's the thing about Jackson. All the things about Jackson. I know I love him too much. And sometimes I think he feels the same way about me. But that's okay. That's why I say he's my soulmate. And that's one of the many reasons why Jackson has to be okay. ♥
 
(((((Jackson))))) (((((Caryl))))) (((((Alex)))))
You all will be OK. Hang in there, Jackson. Get better real soon. That's your job!

Hugs to you all,

Ella & Stu
 
Hang in there little Jackson. What an awesome kitty he is Caryl! I wish all kitties were as smart and loving as Jackson.
Sending lots of healing vines to him. I had to come check to see how he was doing.. don't care if he's a diabetic kitty or not. Please keep us updated.
 
Caryl:

Could you PM Jess and ask her to take a look here? Her specialty area is cardiology.

I'm concerned with regard to giving Jackson fluids. CHF can result from fluid overload (hypervolemia). Extra fluid causes the heart to work harder and if it's not working efficiently or if there's too much fluid for it to handle, the fluid ends up in the lungs. This results in pulmonary edema. It's a very delicate balance between diuretics (e.g., a drug like furosemide/Lasix) and fluids. From your prior note, it sounds like Jackson is on a beta blocker (atenlolol) and an ACE inhibitor (enalapril), both of which are typically used to regulate blood pressure.
 
I can't believe I am just seeing this. Caryl, I am praying hard for Jacky.

Sienne has a good point. I hope you can get some input from Jess. I know Jaime/vet is close to this, and another opinion never hurts.

Your heart is breaking, but I know you're staying strong for your boy. When you have time fall apart, we will be here for you.
 
Jackson is coming off of the fluids. He was on them because he has lost so many from all of the vomiting and diarrhea. The heart thing just came up yesterday. Jackson doesn't have fluid around his heart or in his lungs or chest. An xray was taken.

Thanks
 
Kathy and Kitty said:
I can't believe I am just seeing this. Caryl, I am praying hard for Jacky.

Sienne has a good point. I hope you can get some input from Jess. I know Jaime/vet is close to this, and another opinion never hurts.

Your heart is breaking, but I know you're staying strong for your boy. When you have time fall apart, we will be here for you.
Click to expand...

Alex has HCM and was given his medication by a cardiologist..not by my vet. The same meds Jackson is on
 
Caryl I"m not sure what's going on here. I don't know why your cat is having so much trouble breathing if there is no fluid in his chest. I am very concerned that there is fluid in his chest and your vet didn't recognize it. (Congestive heart failure is not always easy to recognize in cats -- we see this mistake all the time.) Are you anywhere near Tinton Falls? There are several cardiologists working at the referral hospital there. Your vet could call the cardiologist and email the x-rays and have them viewed by the cardiologist for free (as a courtesy). Do you know if the x-rays were digital?

I don't know how not to be blunt about this. If your cat is having trouble breathing, as you describe (sides heaving, barely able to get around, struggling for air), he is suffering a great deal. It is an awful and terrifying feeling, as anyone who has had bad asthma or serious lung or heart problems can tell you. You need to take him to an ER if he is having trouble breathing. I have no idea why your vet prescribed atenolol or enalapril for this -- neither does squat for acute respiratory/heart problems. (Atenolol does slow the heart rate and can be used for irregular heart beats, but not for this type of problem.) They are not going to make things better. Enalapril is used for cats who are at risk for heart failure, or who have already had heart failure, not for acute problems. Atenolol is used to lower the heart rate in cats with a certain type of HCM.

If your cat is truly not in CHF -- and again, I think you really need a second opinion on the radiographs -- the other possibility is that he is suffering a "thyroid storm". Was his T4 extremely high? Did the vet take a blood pressure (please say yes)? This also requires intensive intervention.

Regardless of the cause, he is in respiratory distress and best wishes aren't going to make him better, he needs emergency medical intervention. Please get him to an ER now-- don't wait, because he's suffering and cats in congestive heart failure are in danger of death by drowning (they drown in their own bodies). I have no idea why your vet would discharge him in this condition. Please do not wait any longer to get him treatment.
 
Vet just left

and Jackson is doing a lot better than he was yesterday at this time. His breathing is easier and he's getting around better. What sounded like a grade 5 murmur yesterday now sounds like a grade 3. Jackson is drinking water on his own and even ate a little ff turkey with chicken dust just now.

I know we're not out of the woods but it feels a lot better than yesterday. I'm trying to keep calm and peace, harmony and Zen and I thank you all so much for all of the support and love thus far. I have read everything everyone has written and appreciate everyone's well wishes and kind thoughts. Please keep the snowflakes and healing vines coming.

Love,
Caryl, Jackson and Alex
 
Oh Thank GOd! I am so relieved to read this. I'm sending many prayers that Jackson will continue to improve and Alex as well.

Please kiss your baby for me. Many hugs to you.
 
YOur Jackson sounds so much like my little Micky I loss him 33 months ago to FIP What a sweet gentle momma`s boy He would only eat after he got his shrimp and he slept with momma every night stretch out beside paddy caking on me My sweet gentle Angel Kitty Mick Slinky my soul mate ...Kath :sad:
 
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