New member Molly

[mdgrits]

My Molly is still in ICU but I found this great site and have found some answers already. Thank you all for being here. Molly was diagnosed yesterday with DKA. Today I learned that her liver enzymes are all out of whack she has pancreatitis and a UTI. I work as a Medical Technologist so these are tests I do on humans every day. But it's different when it's your baby and I know you're never supposed to talk about money but this vet is giving me an estimate of $2k-$3400 for a 3-5 day stay in the hospital. Some of are saying that your babies were in there for 2weeks or had to go back again after coming home. This money will be coming from my tiny retirement savings and I'm not sure how I'm going to afford to buy my medicine when I retire in a year. How can I afford continued treatment and expensive food for her?
I'm just taking things day to day. When I went by to see her this morning she looked worse than when I left her yesterday. I'm just so conflicted and am unable to make any kind of decision. So for now
treatment continues. Which is a decision...

 

[Deb & Wink]

Hello and welcome to sugarcat Molly and her caregiver.

What is your name?

DKA is very expensive to treat. It requires in clinic care, fluids, electrolytes to be balanced, insulin to help bring the BG (blood glucose) numbers down and 24 hour care./

Molly has those additional illneses, the UTI and pancreaitis to complicate the issue. The financial constraints make the decision more difficult.

You will need to monitor Molly daily at home, both blood and ketones. Ketone urine test strips, a human glucometer, test strips and lancets will work just fine.

You do not need expensive prescription foods. FAncy Feast pates, Friskies pates, Wellness canned food are all lower cost options.

 

[mdgrits]

Hi my name is Wilma and I am mom to Molly and her brother Trevor. They've never been separated and Trevor is very confused about what I've done with his Sissy and what he's supposed to do without her.

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

...This money will be coming from my tiny retirement savings and I'm not sure how I'm going to afford to buy my medicine when I retire in a year. How can I afford continued treatment and expensive food for her?

Hi Wilma, and welcome to FDMB.

I'm so sorry that you and your kitty are going through this. But you've come to a great place for advice and support.

As Deb says, you don't need expensive cat food. Any good quality low carb cat food will be just fine. And you will be able to save quite a bit of money by testing Molly's blood glucose at home.

And as for looking ahead; well, you never know, Molly may be one of the lucky cats that goes into remission (becomes a diet controlled diabetic). Quite a few cats go into remission after a course of insulin and a switch (if necessary) to a low carb wet food.

Keeping fingers crossed that Molly is back home safely with you soon and cuddling up to Trevor.

(((Hugs)))

Eliz

 

[Lolasmum]

:YMHUG:

Hi Molly &Wilma

I'm so sorry you are both going through this, it's confusing and scary but FDMB is a wonderful supportive place. I'm a new member too, my Lola was diagnosed as a sugar kitty a little over two weeks ago and I have had amazing support and advice from my fellow sugar kitty mums & dads here.

Sending you our love and thoughts xxxx Lola and Lucy

 

[Deb & Wink]

Hi Wilma,

How is Molly doing with the DKA? Still at the vets I would think.

Where do you live? US, Canada, International? State/province would be nice to know.

Sending our best positive thoughts, healing vines, prayers and wishes for Molly's recovery and triumphant return home.

Please, take care of your self too. This is very stressful and worrying for you too.

 

[Wendy&Tiggy(GA)]

I hope Molly is doing better. What was she eating before?

If you let us know what country you are in , we can recommend cheap home testing and food options. Plus there is a support organization called DCIN that may be able to help. but lets get her home first and we can go from there.