9/2 Garland AMPS 275 +6 246 Video PMPS 294

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Violet and Garland

Violet and Garland

Member Since 2011
YESTERDAY

Let me know if I need to post this question over in health or not

Last night during Garlands last feeding, everything is going fine, she had gotten about 29cc so far. I only had about 5 or 6 left. All of a sudden it stopped. I couldnt push anymore food through the tube. At first I thought it was just the syringe sticking, so I tried a new one. Still didnt work. So then I tried water. It wouldnt go through either. I spent 20 minutes trying to figure out what was going on. I unwrapped her, rewrapped her, made sure the tube (that I could see) was fine. I finally had to take an empty syringe and pull back to try to suck the food still in the tube out. After a few tries, I saw the food had moved around some, so I tried the water again. This time I was able to flush it. I used about 15ml of water to make sure the tube was good and flushed. This morning I gave her her meds and a water flush, it worked fine. Started the food, it wouldnt go through, ( I had even watered it down more after the scare last night) It was as if something was keeping the food in there ,I did a water flush and fixed it.. .now I dont know what to do?? Water goes down easily, but food gets stuck....
 
Re: 9/2 Garland AMPS 275 -- Etube problem, cant feed her

Try and clear the residue in the tube with coca cola. Not diet or pepsi. Do you have some or can you run and get some? Put about five or six cc's in the tube and cap it for 15 minutes (push out the air that gathers at the top of the syringe first). Then do a flush. It should disolve the residue causing the food to block the tube. This is very common. The recovery food is quite gritty so I'm surprised you haven't had it block until now. Most of use put the food through a fine metal seive first to catch the gritty pieces and then fill our syringes.
 
Re: 9/2 Garland AMPS 275 -- Etube problem, cant feed her

Karrie and Maverick said:
Try and clear the residue in the tube with coca cola. Not diet or pepsi. Do you have some or can you run and get some? Put about five or six cc's in the tube and cap it for 15 minutes (push out the air that gathers at the top of the syringe first). Then do a flush. It should disolve the residue causing the food to block the tube. This is very common. The recovery food is quite gritty so I'm surprised you haven't had it block until now. Most of use put the food through a fine metal seive first to catch the gritty pieces and then fill our syringes.
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Coke? Really? I never would have thought of that... but once i put it in the tube, wouldnt it just all go into her tummy and out of the tube? Im glad to know this is common. Its really freaking me out. Im lucky shes eating a little on her own, so she at least has a little something in her belly. Thanks Karrie!
 
Re: 9/2 Garland AMPS 275 -- Etube problem, cant feed her

You may have to repeat it to clear the tube completely. Just putting the coke in will help. Maverick's tube blocked all the time - thank God for the FAF group then. His tube would block frequently in the beginning sometimes taking hours to clear. It didn't block again after putting the food through a seive.

I would stop using the clinicare. The food will be enough to keep her weight up. The clinicare is high in carbs.

I want to ask the people here knowledgeable on DKA - what is the rule for feeding for Garland. With FHL we want her to maintain her weight or gain so the liver doesn't resort to any body fats. Maintaining or gaining will allow her liver to recover. She is getting a lot of food so I'd like to plan for how to cut back on a feeding maybe in a few days to see if she will eat more on her own.

Violet - are you presenting her with food a couple times a day before feedings to see if she will eat? Like the first feed of the day after she's gone the longest without a feeding? Have you gotten the new food yet?
 
Re: 9/2 Garland AMPS 275 -- Etube problem, cant feed her

Karrie and Maverick said:
You may have to repeat it to clear the tube completely. Just putting the coke in will help. Maverick's tube blocked all the time - thank God for the FAF group then. His tube would block frequently in the beginning sometimes taking hours to clear. It didn't block again after putting the food through a seive.

I would stop using the clinicare. The food will be enough to keep her weight up. The clinicare is high in carbs.

I want to ask the people here knowledgeable on DKA - what is the rule for feeding for Garland. With FHL we want her to maintain her weight or gain so the liver doesn't resort to any body fats. Maintaining or gaining will allow her liver to recover. She is getting a lot of food so I'd like to plan for how to cut back on a feeding maybe in a few days to see if she will eat more on her own.

Violet - are you presenting her with food a couple times a day before feedings to see if she will eat? Like the first feed of the day after she's gone the longest without a feeding? Have you gotten the new food yet?
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I offer her food before every feed. She always eats about 3-5 bites. Then I keep some in there for grazing if she wants. I can tell she randomly takes small bites throughout the day as well. I also put out 2 oz right when I go to bed, and in the morning, that is usually almost all gone. I stopped using the clinicare a couple days ago when we first talked about it...
 
Re: 9/2 Garland AMPS 275 -- Etube problem, cant feed her

Coke isnt bad for them? (sugar and stuff) Or would club soda or something be better?
 
Re: 9/2 Garland AMPS 275 -- Etube problem, cant feed her

Hi Violet & Garland,
How lucky we are on this board to have someone as knowledgeable as Karrie to provide such great info.! I hope that the Coke does it's work and that all will be fine. We are continuing to send healing thoughts and prayers for Garland's speedy recovery. You are doing such a good job.

Hugs,
Ella & Rusty

p.s. Thanks for visiting Rusty and sending encouragement.

p.p.s. I heard once on the radio that one remedy for removing crud on a car battery is to pour a bottle of Coke over it!
 
Re: 9/2 Garland AMPS 275 -- Etube problem, cant feed her

Coke and only coke. You won't do it often and six mls isn't a lot. I don't remember the specifics but there is something in the coca cola that works to disolve the blocks. I was mad at DH in the beginning - he kept drinking the coke and I'd have to run to the store for more.
 
Re: 9/2 Garland AMPS 275 -- Etube problem, cant feed her

Whew, what a morning so far. Usually I get up get the kids all fed, cleaned up, changed, then do Garland meds, testing, shots, and her morning feed. Then I have my usual "day errands, appointments". Well this morning, since I couldnt feed her and I didnt have any coke in the house, I had to get the kids ready and toss them in the car. I had a 9am appointment for Ethans MDO thingie, so I swung by there then picked up the coke. Came home put coke in the tube, waited the 15 minutes and flushed. Then I tried to give her her O med. It was completely dissolved in water. No chunks, nothing. It wouldnt go through, It got suck almost right away. So I sucked that out, re-flushed and now I am waiting another 15 minutes with the 2nd try of the coke. What happens if this doesnt work? Its sooo crazy how this came out of nowhere. I was almost finished with her feeding last night when it just stopped on me in the middle of it. I hope this time works, Im already running late this morning with my other stuff...
 
Re: 9/2 Garland AMPS 275 -- Etube problem, cant feed her

Okay, Im totally stressing out now. Its still not working. The only thing that will go through the tube is water and coke. No matter how watered down the food is, its still getting stuck (about 1-2cc in) Even dissolved meds arent working. She hasnt had any food through the tube since midnight last night. Shes had a bit of food that shes eaten on her own, but not the amount I usually give her through the tube. I am late to my daughters speech therapy. Its a very expensive class, I cant miss it. I put some more coke in the tube, i will let that sit while im gone... Oh, and it also looks that that one stitch they put in may come loose. I cant believe they only put one??
 
Re: 9/2 Garland AMPS 275 -- Etube problem, cant feed her

Sandy and Black Kitty said:
Breathe. . .
What's the WCR (whole cat report)this morning?
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Shes fine. She had a great night last night. Shes sleeping now. Seems happy enough.....
 
Re: 9/2 Garland AMPS 275 -- Etube problem, still blocked

Hi Violet,
Put a call in to her vet - you've got 2 hiccups now, clogged tube and slipped stich.
See what they recommend.
 
Re: 9/2 Garland AMPS 275 -- Etube problem, still blocked

Is the syringe itself stuck and not the tube? The syringes get sticky after a while.

Could it be positional somehow? If you get her to sit up will it go through - be careful about her bolting. If she runs you drop the syringe. Don't hold on to it.
 
Re: 9/2 Garland AMPS 275 -- Etube problem, still blocked

Okay, SQUEE, I got it working again. I flushed with some warm water, did one more coke shot, and flushed again with warm water. 4th times a charm :-D Since her belly had all that liquid in it I only gave her 12cc of food. In 1-2 hours, I will give a normal feeding, and I will have to do it more today to make up for the lost calories. Thanks everyone!!

Oh, and her stitch hasnt come loose yet, it just looks like it could at any moment.. its holding on by a string LOL literally :lol:
 
Re: 9/2 Garland AMPS 275

Normally I wouldn't recommend doing a preflush but maybe it would be smart to do a 5ml preflush before the feedings until you are sure its okay. Awesome update. I don't know how you stay sane with little ones on top of this. You are doing amazing.
 
Re: 9/2 Garland AMPS 275

Garland eating on her own video

I took this today, so you guys could see how much she eats when I put the food down for her. Yes, this is a big can. Usually I just give her a couple spoonfuls and mash it up. LOL But I was doing it all one handed. I put the rest up after I took the video. :-D Thanks again for all you do to help me and Garland through this!! ((hugs))
 
Re: 9/2 Garland AMPS 275 -->>Posted a video of Garland eatin

Awww....what a sweetie....she looks interested in food and I think that would be a good thing. You are doing simply an awesome job, Violet. :mrgreen:
 
Re: 9/2 Garland AMPS 275 -->>Posted a video of Garland eatin

Oh I am so glad that you got the tube unclogged!! Thanks for posting the video. Garland looks so good! What a sweetie she is. You are continuing to amaze me with how well you are coping with all of this!
 
Re: 9/2 Garland AMPS 275 -->>Posted a video of Garland eatin

What a little sweetpea!!!! She really does look interested in food!! Good luck with that dang tube. Hopefully, you won't need it too much longer.
 
Re: 9/2 Garland AMPS 275 +6 246 Posted a vid of Garland eati

She is so adorable - I love the video! You are an awesome Bean. Have a wonderful day.
 
Re: 9/2 Garland AMPS 275 +6 246 Posted a vid of Garland eati

Violet: This brought tears to my eyes to see how wonderful she looks and is moving around and talking!!! You have done an incredible job with her.....just phenomenal. Good work with unclogging the tube, too!!

I wonder if she might eat a little more if you smushed it with a spoon and put a little water in it? You know her best but my kitties like it a little flattened out with water and i've heard others say their kitties like it kinda soupy. Hope I'm not overstepping by suggesting that....like I said, you know her best.

Karrie....you are magnificent.
 
Re: 9/2 Garland AMPS 275 +6 246 Posted a vid of Garland eati

Marjorie and Gracie said:
Violet: This brought tears to my eyes to see how wonderful she looks and is moving around and talking!!! You have done an incredible job with her.....just phenomenal. Good work with unclogging the tube, too!!

I wonder if she might eat a little more if you smushed it with a spoon and put a little water in it? You know her best but my kitties like it a little flattened out with water and i've heard others say their kitties like it kinda soupy. Hope I'm not overstepping by suggesting that....like I said, you know her best.

Karrie....you are magnificent.
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Thanks :) Im sooo excited shes getting back to herself. There was a time I wasnt sure she would ever be like this again. I love advice! Ive tried everything with the food. Mixing it with water, not mixing it, warm, cold, new food, old food, etc... I guess shes not ready yet. But shes taking steps. :)

Have a fabulous weekend!
 
She's just so sweet! I love how gigantic that plate of food looked next to her adorable little face :-D !

Violet- you and Karrie are quite the team, getting little Garland all healthy again...truly amazing!
 
TrixieCat said:
She's just so sweet! I love how gigantic that plate of food looked next to her adorable little face :-D !

Violet- you and Karrie are quite the team, getting little Garland all healthy again...truly amazing!
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I would be lost without Karrie. She is amazing! Has been holding my hand everystep of the way with the tube information. Sienne too with my dosing. They are some A team!
 
Looooove the Garland video! Glad to see her showing some interest in food! Good news on the unclogged tube as well... you've been having quite the time! I'm sure her numbers will be back down soon!
 
First things first! Garland looks so good and is even eating a bit on her own. We are very glad you got the tube working again. Congrats to you and, of course, to Karrie.
You guys are awesome!
Have a good evening,

Ella & Rusty
 
Don't forget Sandy. I think she's been here more than I have.

What tiny feet Garland has!!

Don't forget that the Coke may have been raising Garland's numbers.
 
Sienne and Gabby said:
Don't forget Sandy. I think she's been here more than I have.

What tiny feet Garland has!!

Don't forget that the Coke may have been raising Garland's numbers.
Click to expand...

YES!!! I cant believe I forgot Sandy. I have total mush brain after this long week LOL All 3 of you (and the members of the board) have been life savers!!!! Cant ever thank yall enough !
 
Everyone here is amazing. No place like it on the web - you become family in Lantus Land. It makes me wish my real world was anything like you guys on here. I know a lot of you know about Maverick's battle against FHL and how I want to help prevent others from fighting it. I think people probably wish I had a mute button. I also want to pay it forward for the amazing assistance I got on the FAF board. The same kind of hand holding on the tube feeding roller coaster. Your ride has had a lot more loopdy loops than Maverick's did. And think of all the people on FDMB that see Garland recovering - if they ever are in a situation where a feeding tube is an option it won't be as shocking. So Garland is an ambassador of sorts. A feeding tube is scarier for us to see, than it is for our cats. They adjust to it so much easier.

The video absolutely filled my heart to the top again. She looks much better than I thought she would. She has some sparkle too.

Did you get new foods for her or are you still presenting her old food? The watered down food - even put in a blender is a good suggestion. They can lap it up and they may eat more this way.
 
LOVE seeing garland - what a super video! i loved hearing her voice too - she was talking right back at you!

karrie, no no no no mute button on you. never. i have learned so much from you teaching others, and yes, it makes it that much easier for the next person who is in the spot. now a lot of us have kinda "seen" a little of the process and absorbed a little bit of it. keep on teaching. and thank you.

and yes, violet, you've had an A team helping you. people here are fabulous. i feel like they've (the collective They) kept my at alive and taught me how to help him. how much more gratitude can one feel than having your cat (ie, baby) be saved?

back to your regular programming! just keep it up!
 
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