8/16 Stu AMPS 363, +5.25 60, PMPS 251, +4.5 359

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Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)

Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)

Member Since 2010
yesterday: viewtopic.php?p=223670#p223670

today's recap:
AMPS 363
+2.5 139 fed some 12%
+4 51 fed 12% + a little Karo
+5.25 60 lunch (5% Cowboy Cookout)
+6.5 94
+9 161 snack of Cowboy Cookout and chicken chunks
PMPS 251 Cowboy Cookout
+4.5 359 By Nature 95% Turkey & Turkey liver put out in automat.

Good Monday, Everyone,

After a string of green yesterday Stu has bounced high again (bounce started last night). These high numbers and steep drops are worrisome, and I gather that the primary cause is the hyperthyroidism. I don't know how much of the Methimazole is getting into him: it is hard to cut the tiny 5 mg pills into 4 equal pieces (they crumble) and harder to get the quarter of a pill into him. The butter worked this morning; I simply put the little piece of butter with the pill fragment in it into his dish. He ate it, so I guess he got his medicine. I've been reading a lot and the more I read, the more depressed I get. Stu's coat has been getting rattier and he has been tearing at it with his teeth, pulling out little mouthfuls (it's no wonder he gets hairballs!). His weight loss is really becoming apparent. He is peeing up a storm and drinking lots of water. But he seems in good spirits, has good appetite, and enjoys going outside to eat grass and chase bugs. Hairball giganticus this morning! I'm sure he feels better getting rid of that! Litterbox has received its offerings (both kinds). Breakfast #1 and #2 consumed and a tour of the grounds with lots of running at moths has been accomplished. I joined the HyperT group on Yahoo, but haven't yet figured out how their message board works. Will look into it more today.
Weather here today: Warm and humid with drizzle with a severe thunderstorm watch. Ugh! No activities planned for today, but on Wednesday we hope to go on a 12-mile paddle with a group of friends, if Mr. Cat cooperates. Then on Thursday we plan to go down to "camp" for a few days to get a change of scenery, which we really need right about now.
Everyone have a good start to the week,

Ella & Stu

p.s. 139 at +2.5. Fed a little 12%
 
Re: 8/16 Stu AMPS 363

I'm sorry to hear stu isn't feeling his best ... at least he isn't alone on the pink floor .. mocha's right there with him ... I bet she will hang out with him today and make him feel better .... We call mocha, bear, and since she always wants to lay by you when you don't feel good, she has been nicknamed medicine bear ... She would be more then happy to help make stu feel better, if she can!
 
Re: 8/16 Stu AMPS 363

sorry to hear Stu isn't doing his best but he's a brave boy and seems to be taking it all in stride.
Hope you get to do your paddle
 
Re: 8/16 Stu AMPS 363

Stu - dude! I am pink this morning too! Are numbers are so close - I am a 360. Hey buddy! you wanna hang out some today - you have rain we have hot - your place might be better! ~~ Mannie

'Morning Ella! I hope you will be able to get in your paddle this week, and the trip to the cabin - I think it would do all some good. I know all too well how it is to be in such a state of flux - never knowing if you can do something that is planned, or do you have to postpone. Mannie has been such a roller coaster that I just don't know until I get up in the morning, and try to get a feel of where he is headed on that day. more often than not things get shuffled. I feel for you and those pills - my gracious - it would be so wonderful if they made them in the dose size that one needs so that we don't have to cut, deal with the crumbles, and trying to get that into the cat. Sounds like the butter is working. I hope that you and Edward are doing Ok with all of this - what an emotional roller coaster - in time it will get better... I wish you guys the best - soon you will have a firm grasp of it all. It is good to read that Stu feels good, does the things that he enjoys.

Hope you have a good one today.
 
Re: 8/16 Stu AMPS 363, +2.5 139

Good Morning Ella. I so hope Stu's medicine will start kicking in and he'll be looking and feeling better. It doesn't sound like he feels so bad, with all the bug chasing. :smile:
I assume you use a pill splitter from the pharmacy. I use one to split mine into fourths. I suspect mine aren't quite as small as yours, though.
Ella, my sis's cat had hyper T, and after a while the medicating, became second nature to her. It will to you too. This is all new to you and a lot to get used to. You're a good mama bean and up to the task!
I really hope you get to go paddling this week; I'm so jealous :-D
 
Re: 8/16 Stu AMPS 363, +2.5 139, +4 51

Hi again, Thanks for making me feel better, everyone. Stu is doing his part (I guess), by going diving down into safer bg numbers: 139 at +2.5 and now, 51 at +4. I fed the 139 with some 12% Merrick Thanksgiving Day Dinner, and just fed the 51 with some 12% and a little Karo. Don't want him going lower! Off to walk to the post office now and will be back to get a +5.

Ella

p.s. to Barb. I'll get a pill splitter today!!!!!
 
Re: 8/16 Stu AMPS 363, +2.5 139

Ella, I hope you get to go for your paddle and the camping trip. Those times when you get to decompress are so important! I'm glad to hear that Stu is feeling good despite the health issues. Hopefully the medication will start to make a difference soon! Tinkles had huge swings with PZ, I understand your frustration with that. I hope things start to balance out!
 
Re: 8/16 Stu AMPS 363, +2.5 139, +4 51

Ella...mt heart goes out to you and Stu today...gee...I know he is taking it all in his stride but still...the things you mentioned are making me stop and think....and I hate to be a pest but....are you giving him the unsalted butter? ..it's just a little bit but still, the less salt the better, right?
What are you feeding him? Is his appetite diminished at all? You have changed his food though, haven't you....just wondering what you are feeding. .If that is a side effect of the Methimazole then there isn't anything you can do, but if it's the food then maybe you can give him some relief. I know there are drugs for stress related issues, but that would be another medication which might not be good. So, if you can do something that would help him without additional meds, it might be worth a try. Know what I mean?

Have you ever given Stu beef in the past with no side effects? It's something to think about anyway....
(((Ella))) I know that the more you read, the worse it might sound. but it's like a web of information and if you unravel it, there will be certain secrets that you can use and work on.... In no way do I want to confuse things for you.. I know you are constantly reading and absorbing all the new information.... You are doing a great job Ella!
Shadow won't be over today to visit Stu....he hard the word "thunder" and he canceled his plans to go...and the word "severe" along with it sent him right into his closet! I think he is shaking in there...he said "OH poor Stu" but I told him that Stu doesn't mind them as much as he does. Hope you have a nice time relaxing today at home... :YMHUG:
 
Re: 8/16 Stu AMPS 363, +2.5 139, +4 51

Well .. I can't help but feel that medicine bear helped out some with these numbers :lol: Ok, I know Stu is doing most of the work here!
 
Re: 8/16 Stu AMPS 363, +2.5 139, +4 51

Wow.

Hey Stu - panic ensues when you dive below 50, so try not to go there, mmkay?

Captain Donovan
 
Re: 8/16 Stu AMPS 363, +2.5 139, +4 51, +5.25 60

Hi again, Everyone,

At +5.25 Stu is up to 60 and we're about to have lunch. I'd like to see him surf now. I'll feed the 5% Merrick Cowboy Cookout (beef + other stuff) for lunch and he'll be thrilled. He really likes his By Nature 95% Turkey & Turkey liver (which is what I mainly feed him and which I think is around 2%), but I think he may need more carbs right now. Also, I don't know its phosphorus content. As I said last night, I might start feeding EVO 95% venison again (he liked it at one time). It is about 4% carbs and has very low phosphorus (177). Yes Pat, we only serve unsalted butter in this house (we are food snobs!), not only is it unsalted, it is also cultured butter, and the amount that Stu gets with his pill fragment is about the size of a pencil eraser.
Off to make lunch (Cowboy Cookout for Stu, PB&J for Edward and me).
Back later to visit condos after I get back from shopping,

Ella & Stu

The thunder storms have moved out.
 
Re: 8/16 Stu AMPS 363, +2.5 139, +4 51, +5.25 60

Hi Ella,
We have your thunderstorms over here if you are missing them. :lol:
I know Stu's health issues can be depressing and overwhelming, but they are treatable. Try not to let yourself get down. Stu doesn't even know that he's sick, so let's not tell him. All you can do is the best you can and I know you will do everything you can. I'm going to send you some "stop worrying" vines. And btw, good job on controlling Stu's drop. I tried to do this last night with Blackie and I guess it worked - worked right into a bounce for him.

Have a good day, Ella!
 
Re: 8/16 Stu AMPS 363, +2.5 139, +4 51, +5.25 60

Miss Ella, Sorry for you to be seeing some of the effects of Stu's problems..Here you have beans & cats that are living well with the things Stu has..The more any of us read, even about our own illnesses, the more crazy we get!!--It is great to be informed, but then you get over saturated with information, many times not pertinent to your particular situation!!
OK Vet told me the weight loss Civvie just had is the effect of a cat being 14 & they do lose a few lbs. as they age..
Not saying your fears are ungrounded, just saying that there are many factors at work with all our furbabies.
Maybe brush him a bit more for his coat-I do try to brush mine every day.--They love the attention & it calms me down too

I wish I could help you in some way, besides just being here & being a friend--We all feel for you, but I do Know in my heart of hearts, that Stu will be well! Big Hugs from us!!

Stu man, wow you are green & looking good :? :cool: --Your bean is a little stressed so give her some more headbutts & snuggles today!
Jeez they just fall all over us dont they?? But We Likey!! Coming to the beach?/ I'm trying to get my surf thingy on today--But you just sit back & enjoy the ride--Big Big HUgs--Moonie :-D
 
Re: 8/16 Stu AMPS 363, +2.5 139, +4 51, +5.25 60

Surf, Stu!! It's time to surf your afternoon away, my man! Boy oh boy, does it sound like you are getting some yummy foodz in your bowl! Cowboy cookout...wow...that sounds really yummy, and I guess the fact that you don't have toc ook it is good too!! Now, about that fur pulling stuff....you gotz such nice furz there, so whazzup wit dat? Maybe I'll come over and keep you company during your thunnerstorm...I don't get to upset with dem...my bean likes to sit outside during them and I likes to sit there wit her! Soooo....I'll see you soon buddy!.............Spot

Oh, Ella, I'm sorry you are feeling the way you are. I know there is such a mountain of information and it seems like the more your read the more frightening it is. But you've only been at this for, what, a week? It will be easier and you will understand this more. A pill cutter will help tremendously! Also, did you check w/your vet to see if you could crush the pill up and put it in Stu's food? I make sure all meds that Spot or my other kitties get, can be administered this way. So much easier on everyone! Sending some anti-anxiety vines your way and hope that the paddle and trip to camp help!
 
Re: 8/16 Stu AMPS 363, +2.5 139, +4 51, +5.25 60

:YMHUG: Ella & DH :YMHUG: From what I've seen here it seems to take a while for the meds to kick in. You are giving Stu the best care and he knows it. Tess loves being brushed w/ the Kong ZoomGroom, it really gets the loose fur out.
1.jpg

You can find them at most pet stores. Kitty Ecstasy! :razz:
Stu, Mannie and I are coming over to surf with you. We're going to give you a little spa treatment too. All the grooming you want to help cut down on the hairballs. -- Tess
 
Re: 8/16 Stu AMPS 363, +2.5 139, +4 51, +5.25 60, +6.5 94,+9 161

Stu! Tess and I are coming to give you a kitty spa - and a groom. I am the MASTER of hair mats and excess fur and grooming! After all my belly fur is almost 4" long! I don't want your bean to do to you what my bean did to me. IT WAS AWFUL - she said my mats were horrific :shock: they were? and had to go - they shaved my belly! my beautiful fur is GONE :sad: Hey Spot is coming too! We are going to watch the thunderstorms. I love them too - this will be fun. See you soon. hey - you got any leftover cowboy cookout? ~~ Mannie

Hey Ella - I hope you have had a good afternoon. I wish I could add to what has been said here already today but I think those that have posted have said it very well. The info you are reading and trying to absorb is overwhelming, and so much of it, it is depressing - how can it not be? - just like it was when we first became involved with FD. But out of all that chaos comes order - it will all fall into place. You just have to take one step at a time. And remember to take care of you too - that is so important - go paddle, walk, take time for yourself. I wish I could help you guys more.

Relax tonight - maybe have a fine glass of very fine wine...
 
Re: 8/16 Stu AMPS 363, +5.25 60, PMPS 251

Hi again Everyone,
Not a bad PMPS for Mr. Cat tonight. He enjoyed his Cowboy Cookout and pestered us throughout our dinner to go outside (he had just come in after being out with us for 1/2 hour!). Now he's in the cellar, curled up in one of his old litterboxes (empty of litter, of course: one of his favorite places to relax). I didn't get any reading done today. Had lots of chores to attend to. I got the pill splitter and will try it out later. However, these pills look like they are coated and the splitter's instructions say not to use it on coated pills, which are supposed to be taken whole. Well, these pills are not going to be taken whole! I asked the pharmacist if Methimazole comes in strengths less than 5 mg and he looked it up in his book and said 5 mg was the lowest dose (it comes in 5 mg and 10 mg). Maybe the veterinary pills come in smaller doses? (the vet's office manager said 5 mg was all that they use). I keep running into these walls and fences!!!
So that's where we are. I want to thank everyone again for their words of comfort and support. We couldn't do this without you guys! Stu used to like to be combed, but since he has lost weight he walks away from a combing. I bought a brush the other day, but he didn't like that either. I can feel all his bones when I pet him. But he jumps well, runs well, pounds on doors, eats well, plays with his mice and with the bugs outside. We don't let on that he is sick and tell friends who come to visit not to mention it, either.
All for now. Everyone have a nice evening,
Ella & Stu
p.s. Canada Drugs Online just called: our Lantus gets shipped tomorrow! Great price! ($119. plus $10 shipping)
 
Re: 8/16 Stu AMPS 363, +5.25 60, PMPS 251

Hi ella, we are all learning and searching with you. I just found this when I googled Methimazole to see if smaller dose pills were available. http://www.marvistavet.com/html/thyroid_treatment__oral_medica.html
Methimazole is readily made into a flavored liquid for easier administration by a compounding pharmacy or it may even be possible to convert methimazole into a gel administered on the hairless inner surface of the cat’s ear (see below).
Click to expand...

ETA maybe a liquid would work better. here is another site ti check out ( :? just what you need)http://www.vetinfo.com/cthyroidtreat.html
Michelle is right a nice glass of wine works wonders.
 
Re: 8/16 Stu AMPS 363, +5.25 60, PMPS 251

Thanks for the links, Ann. I know about the gel and may use it eventually if Stu is not a candidate for the I-131 treatment, but apparently it is not as absorbable as the pills and we have to find out relatively soon the degree to which Stu's kidneys will get worse when Methimazole is administered for hyperT. I didn't know about the liquid and that might be something to explore. (Linda's Bear Man uses the gel; it's supposed to be kinder on the digestive system).
Stu was so happy that Tess stopped over today to see him.

Ella

p.s. Wine is good for everything. Maybe I'll give some to Stu!
 
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