Pain Medication

[Cynthia & Merlin (GA)]

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/merlins-test-results-partial.201837/#post-2245748

It’s pretty clear Merlin is in pain. We thought that maybe it was the unregulated diabetes (which I’m sure still makes him feel crummy), but after the acromegaly and insulin resistance confirmation, it all makes sense as to why he goes ‘down’ so much. I think he has pressure or headaches. I can see it in his eyes. I can always see how he feels by looking in his eyes.

Along with treatment options, my husband and I discussed pain medication possibilities with his Internist. Right now, he’s on Buprenorphine BID. I’ll keep evaluating the dose as I see how he feels. I mentioned gabapentin and she said it certainly is an option. We also had a consultation with his holistic vet. The three options (not that we have to choose one because we can do all three) are CBD oil (I used to give it to him before but backed away from everything when he had tummy issues), Gelsimum Sempervirens (picked up today), and Stasis in the Mansion of the Mind (he’s sending me some).

My biggest fear is the tumor pressing on his brain. I know this is what is going on. Even if I do get his numbers down and manageable, unless I get SRT or the tumor removed, he’ll suffer. His QOL is awful now. This is so hard.

What have other acro parents done to ease their little one’s pain and keep them living a good life?

I’ve also e-mailed AMCNY to see if Merlin is a candidate for their fully funded tumor removal program.

 

[Olive & Paula]

I can tell you what works for Olive. When she starts limping and has a strange look on her face, I give her gabapentin. She might be a bit groggy for an hour but it goes away as she gets use to it. She seems to need it for only 48-36 hrs. She doesn't need it often but it does work.

FYI-amcny is not fully funded. You will be responsible for the initial mri and of course the hormone supplementation required for life. It's still a great opportunity though. Amanda and Shmee just had it Tuesday.

Titan just had it this week also but not at AMC. I think they are in the UK somewhere.

My Olive is still up in the air. We have to repeat her echo and ultrasound which is due in a month. She has another mass that is questionable.

 

[Marje and Gracie]

You might want to post this on the acro forum as well and see if you get some additional responses.

Sending vines and hugs to you all.

 

[Sonia & Leo]