911 Saoirse - PRAYERS PLEASE: UPDATED MONDAY GMT 21:00 - Steady Progress

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Chris & China said:
Sometimes, these things look the worst right before they start to get better....
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Thank you for this post, Chris. I'm about to sign off for the night and I'm going to hold onto that thought for dear life. Thank you for your continued prayers for my beloved girl. :bighug:


Mogs
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Thank you to everyone who has posted thoughtful, caring and supportive messages for us tonight. Haven't the words to adequately express how grateful I am for the way you are helping us. I'm sorry I didn't get time to reply separately to all the messages. Please know that 'Like' = "Thank you from the bottom of my heart." You are doing so much to help me keep going.

:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:


Mogs
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Critter Mom said:
* Affected Eye (Right Eye):

Still bloody. Worried about whether she may have glaucoma which worries me because tropicamide is contraindicated. It does seem to make her feel better after she gets it but I'm worried sick about whether it's the right med for her. Does anyone reading have experience of eye problems in feline diabetics, including glaucoma. I would welcome anything you can share with me. Also the vet advised that there is a possibility of problem being cancer-related (see below).

* Left Eye:

Pupil is dilated and does not react to light - not as dilated as one being treated with tropicamide. I thought the eye was also being affected by the drops. The vet says it should not affect the untreated eye this way. There are also some dark spots (?) on the retina in this eye and this could potentially cause problems.

Vet is making immediate referral to veterinary opthalmologist to measure intraocular pressure and possibly do a scan of Saoirse's eyes to better determine what is happening. I would welcome hearing of any experience members can share in this regard.
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Seeing the veterinary Ophthalmologist is the best course of action. As an optometrist I would refer a human patient urgently to ophthalmologist if they presented with Saroise's symptoms.

You are right about tropicamide being contraindicated in Glaucoma, but it is not as simple as that, glaucoma is raised intra ocular pressure, but there are different reasons that this may arise. In Saroise's case the reason for the tropicamide is to prevent adhesions forming between the iris and the intra ocular lens, this can happen when there is a bleed and inflammation, if we allow the adhesions to form the aqueous fluid in the eye cannot circulate properly and drainage is inhibited causing a rise in intra ocular pressure, secondary glaucoma, ie it is secondary to the inflammation and/or bleed.
There is a type of glaucoma called angle closure glaucoma in this type of glaucoma (in humans at any rate) the anatomy of the individuals eye is such that when their pupils dilate, the iris bunches up and blocks the drainage channel and this causes the intra ocular pressure to rise, it is in this type of glaucoma that tropicamide, which dilates the pupil, is contraindicated. I have no idea if the same is true in cats, or if their ocular anatomy is different.


The tropicamide will only affect the treated eye unless you are accidentally getting it into that eye, you know if it dribbles on her face or something? Could her other meds be causing the eye to dilate?? I have a feeling the amlodipine might, but would have to check.

The black spots is a bit vague, could be any number of things, many humans do have totally benign black spots in their eyes. Try not to worry about it till you see the Ophthalmologist.

Hope that helps:bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Mogs, I wish I knew more so that I could help! I'm so grateful that there have been folks on here who were able to give some information.

Just know that I am sending you hugs all day long. I think of you and Saoirse often, so if you ever feel lonely, know that I am thinking of you from across the pond!

No need to ever reply personally Mogs. We all know what the likes mean...please don't feel you have to say a thing to us. We just want you to know we are here for you!
 
We've had a bit of a break: The opthalmologist has an opening this afternoon due to a cancellation so she is going to see Saoirse today. Were it not for the cancellation it would have been more than four weeks before I could get an appointment.

If that's not down to all the prayer and positive energy you are all sending to us, I don't know what is. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:


Mogs
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Wish I could do something to help. But way out my line here. Just wanted you to no I am praying for you and your dear kitty. I keep reading waiting for for your baby to feel better. Hugs and prayers to you both.
 
Mogs, my thoughts are with you and Saoirse, right now. Unfortunately, Noah is sticking his tongue out at you from the other side of the bridge, now; he passed yesterday afternoon. Big Hugs:bighug::bighug::bighug:
- Viveca
 
Oh, I just saw these threads! Mogs, I'm so sorry you have so much on your shoulders at this moment. I'm so impressed with how you're holding up and everything you're doing to keep Saoirse as comfortable as possible as you simultaneously work how how to get her through it. Strength and hugs! She's certainly as luck to have you as I'm sure you are to have her.
 
FOUR WEEKS!!!! Wow! I'm so glad you could get in today. I hope you get more good news today!
 
So..:bighug: How is Saoirse this evening, Mogs? We

are all anxiously waiting to hear what the opthamologist says.

And how are you doing,too? Everyone has fingers, toes, and everything else, crossed that the appointment went well and tha Saoirse is resting up. Iam very concerned for your state of health as well. Are you eating? Getting a little anxious now because it should be about 10 pm there. I can only hope it means you have slept, and not something more ominous.
 
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In the early part of today Saoirse was a bit more comfortable. She actually wanted to be on the sofa and had a nice nap in her little bedouin tent. She enjoyed her meals. By the time we got to the hospital this afternoon Saoirse's eye was terribly swollen.

The opthalmology specialist is fantastic. She took a full history, was very appreciative of all the clinical history and observational data that I provided. She is confident without any trace of arrogance. She is caring and considerate while being completely truthful and realistic. She listened to me and both respected and took on board my input.

After her examination the opthalmologist confirmed that it is glaucoma. The pressure in it is enormous and therefore very painful. She thinks there was already a problem in Saoirse's right eye and perhaps a blood pressure surge may have triggered the bleeding. Her left eye does have dark spots but the opthalmologist thinks they're stable and from a very long time in the past.

As we all know, Saoirse's current predicament is untenable. The specialist presented me with three choices:

1. Try medication with no realistic hope of successful treatment and a lot of distress for Saoirse in the meantime. (It would not occur to me to entertain such an option.)

2. Take the view that Saoirse has had a 'good innings' and let her go now.

3. Give the opthalmologist a chance to remove the eye with the risk that, given Saoirse's age, she may not make it through the operation, or the post-op recovery - but also with a real chance of returning Saoirse to her previously stable status and giving her more time to live an enjoyable and contented life.

We discussed Saoirse's blood work and the specialist said it is good - especially considering Saoirse's issues - and she said I have done very well for my girl. In particular she commented on Saoirse's renal markers and said that CKD-wise she was happy with the results. She does not think CKD-related issues caused this. She thinks there was an underlying problem in the right eye but the left eye is not a worry (intraocular pressure well within normal limits and nothing else of worry). She asked about Saoirse's treatment regimen and looked to accommodate her exact needs. I brought in some of Saoirse's food so that she will be able to eat OK tonight and tomorrow.

We fully discussed the options. I have chosen to give Saoirse the chance. She is a little miracle and there will only ever be one of her; her life is very precious.

In making my decision I was able to take into account how really well she has been doing and that she has been in such good form - happy and enjoying being alive - prior to the eye problem. I also told the opthalmologist that if it had been the case where Saoirse had, say, late stage renal issues I would have made a different decision. The opthalmologist agrees with my reasoning and supports my choice. I know she would have told me point blank if she thought there was no hope at all that she might be able to help Saoirse. I am very glad that I got the referral to her. If there is a chance for Saoirse then I am completely confident that she is in the care of the woman who can give her that chance. She really cares and wants to do all she can to help my girl. Her roster was already full for tomorrow but she is going to work extra hours to treat Saoirse. I am profoundly grateful to her. (And I have a niggling suspicion that our main vet worked a bit of magic for us.)

I requested that they admit Saoirse tonight so that they can do everything possible to make her comfortable and to give her the best possible chance tomorrow. The facilities are first-rate. The staff are kind, friendly and really instil confidence in you. Much as it is hard not to be there with her I know Saoirse is in the best place for her right now. Saoirse is in very good and caring hands and they are looking after her well. They are able to give her the help I desperately wanted her to have last night but was unable to give. It hurt so much last night that I could not give her some bupe because I did not know whether or not it would be safe. :(

I got a call from the duty vet a short while ago to discuss Saoirse's insulin requirements. It was great to be consulted, not dictated to as the specialist at another referral centre did last year. They will be able to monitor Saoirse's blood pressure properly overnight and tomorrow. They have given Saoirse fluids and pain relief and she is resting comfortably. I am very relieved about this. She has my T-shirt to snuggle up to so she knows that I love her and that she is not alone. I brought some of Saoirse's food with me to the hospital. They are going to feed Saoirse the same way I would at home (times, amounts). I even got to explain that she can't smell food at the moment but if they let her lick a little bit off their fingers she will eat fine after that, and they're going to do that for her. They have been very kind to me, too.

Tomorrow, I am going to stay in a hotel nearby the hospital to be close to Saoirse. The owner of the local taxi firm that helps me by picking up my messages round the town is going to drive me again tomorrow so I'll have someone with me who knows and understands about my anxiety issues. (He did his best to help me not to get too agitated about the travelling today and he was very kind to me on the way back from the hospital.)

So now I wait. And I pray. I love you, Saoirse.


Mogs
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Mogs

I just read the latest and I truly believe you are doing the right thing. You and Saoirse have weathered some major events in your past and there is no reason to stop fighting now. If sweet Saoirse should end up minus an eye, then you can get her beautiful coloured eye patches and make her a fashion diva!!!


Multitudes of prayer and a zillion tons of healing vines being sent your way. I wish I could say more, but know that my heart and prayers are all directed to you and Saoirse. :bighug: :bighug: :bighug::bighug:
 
Thank you all so much for being here for us, for your prayers and healing thoughts. Can't really write much now - in a bit of a daze, but with a heart full of love for my beautiful girl.

Don't know what I'd do without you.

:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Oh Mogs :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug:

I know how distressing this news must have been for you to hear. FWIW, I think you're doing the right thing in giving Saoirse every possible chance. She had been doing well until this point and there's no reason to think that she can't go back to being your happy little lovebug once this is dealt with.

I'm so happy that the opthalmologist is so caring and is going to work extra hours to give your baby the best possible chance - THAT is the sort of care you and Saoirse need. And that they're not trying to dictate to you on her insulin needs - you have those under control, so it's much better that they go with what you know works instead of what they think.

Hugs, prayers, healing vines and healing white light are headed to you and Saoirse, and will be continuing until Saoirse is through this and recovered. :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug:
 
You already know you made the right choice so no one needs to tell you that:)

I'm thrilled that she is getting such wonderful care and you are able to stress a bit less tonight. I hope you can get some good rest because we all know you won't leave her side the moment she's home.

Continuing to send hugs, prayers and vines

:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
I'm so happy to hear you have such confidence in this new vet!! It's so wonderful to hear that you're so pleased with everyone at this office and that they really seem to listen and care about Saoirse!!

I think you made a good decision about treatment too. She deserves this chance and I think it's well worth the risk...especially considering the vet is pleased with how she's doing otherwise

Sleep peacefully dear Saoirse and relax....We'll take care of your mama as best we can until you're home again with her!
 
It sounds like you have done exactly the best thing for Saoirse. She is in good hands, with people who clearly are going to care for her. Thinking of you both and hoping all goes well, Mogs.
 
:bighug:Oh Mogs..our prayers are with you and Saoirse. You know her better than anyone, so you know her current condition, minus the new crisis from glaucoma. If it's meant to be, your baby will survive. I'm pinning my hope on the belief that she'll make it.

:bookworm:It's good that you are being treated like someone who knows the ropes, and not like some barely knowledgable owner who doesn't do their homework. Your observations are valuable to them. This means that Saoirse is in the best possible hands. :joyful: I'm also relieved that you have the insurance to follow through on her care. You and Saoirse are what's known as Little Buddhas. You are teaching us all a lesson in compassion, wisdom, and responsibility. I know that thanks to you, I'm coming away with a better understanding of all three.:cat:
 
Oh Mogs, I am so happy to hear Saoirse is in loving caring hands in which you have full confidence (they sound like a wonderful group of people) and that she is being given a chance to regain her quality of life. I can only imagine how difficult it was to hear those options but you've made the right decision. She's a fighter and she's got you to help her through this! Make sure you rest up and get some food into you so you're well rested when Saoirse gets home. Sending more healing thoughts and prayers to you both! Seriously big hugs coming.......
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Dear Mogs,
I am so sorry you and Saoirse are having to go through all this. It must be a great worry to you but to know she is in such capable hands must be a great comfort to you.
Sending a ton of successful operation and get better vines across the seas to Saoirse.
You will both be in my thoughts :bighug::bighug::bighug:
Bron
 
Mogs,

I can relate to your elation in finding a self assured no-nonsense vet that can lay it all out for you, so that you can move forward with Saoirse's treatment plan. When my regular vet referred me to the Purdue Veterinary Teaching Hospital after he exhausted all possibilities in diagnosing Peek-a-Boo, I was excited and hopeful to speak with an "expert" who could give us the answers we so desperately needed after 9 long months of deteriorating health. I, like you, poured out this long history and laundry list of things I observed and possibilities I had in mind (thanks you all of you FABULOUS fdmb folks!!), only to be partially heard and given the response that it MUST be the wrong insulin and finding the right dose...and why jump the gun with other tests when it was simply the insulin. Mogs, I felt like we had taken a step backward...Peek-a-boo had so many other symptoms that really screamed acro. Fortunately, my subsequent visits to Purdue have been wonderful...the gal that finally diagnosed Peek-a-Boo with acromegaly had that confidence exuding out of every pore that you spoke about.

Although I was saddened to get confirmation for acro, I left that facility with my head held high because I was no longer riddled with self-doubt in my thoughts and care of him, and I now have a guide to help me along that I trust. My regular vet is wonderful, don't get me wrong, but he was in unfamiliar territory.

A few have stated that they agree with your decision, and for the record, I too, agree....not that it matters...but you are supported !

I'm sending prayers that Saoirse doesn't have to lose an eye because they are so so beautiful...but Peeks would tell you eyes aren't a necessity...especially when she has THE. BEST. MOM. EVER. who will keep her safe no matter what.

Enjoy this night of sleep...you won't need to have one eye open. Safe travels tomorrow and we look forward to hearing from you then...

Hugs :bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Hey Mogs, I'm so happy that you have an explanation and that you're being treated so well by the opthamalogist and their staff. I'm glad your taxi driver is such a nice person. You're doing everything right. I wish I could be there to give you a nice big hug! But this will have to do....:bighug::bighug::bighug:

I'll say a prayer for all of you. I'd also like to suggest that to help calm yourself , you take a nice warm bubble bath and enjoy a cup of tea or glass of wine. :cat:
 
Mogs, have you got a heating pad? :coffee: Plop it on your tummy...all this stress has got to be messing with your gut. My stomach just shuts DOWN and won't digest anything when I'm stressed...they had to prescribe Reglan for me to kick start it.

So far no tics...but trust me...that heat pad went a long way to keep my insides functional before the Reglan. So I know it'll help you if your gut's getting grizzly.

And take Saoirse's little ear sock and plop it between your eyes if you have a tension headache. :woot: You can heat it, or put it in a plastic baggie and toss it in the freezer for a bit. Saoirse won't mind.:cat:
 
We're so glad to hear from you, Mogs. We've been watching here all day, hoping for an encouraging update. How wonderful that you found a terrific doctor to care for Saoirse. Can't ask for more than that!! I agree with the choice you made for your fur baby. Now, get some good rest, knowing that Saoirse is in good hands and getting the very best of care. We all look forward to more encouraging news from you. So here's another big hug and more powerful prayers on their way to you. You are amazing!
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I'm thinking about you tonight and all the stress you've been under lately. Try to breathe and know that you and Saoirse are surrounded with all the positive energy I can channel in your direction. and of course a few of these :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Mogs you know you made the right decision! I'm glad you are giving Saoirse the chance. You are such a great mama bean!! Let us know how things go and know the good thoughts and healing vines won't stop!!! Hugs!
 
So glad this specialist treats you with respect. Sounds like you and Saoirse are in the right hands. Try to get some rest tonight so you are in tip top shape tomorrow for Saoirse. Hugs and prayers for you.
 
Critter Mom said:
(Previous thread starts here: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/...ea-reduced-eating-again-eyelids-puffy.152157/)


she passed a few segments of tan stools with some mucus on them and then she started passing tan-coloured diarrhoea.


The only thing I can add here is that pale stools with mucus is probably colitis and it can be caused by stress. I know that is not the main concern but it is one less thing to be concerned about. If you have plain pumpkin or psyllium husk adding either to food can help with the stool issues. Wish I could be more helpful.
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Oh Mogs, I'm so sorry you and Saoirse have been having such a painful, scary time of it. Wish I was there to help and to give hugs. I like the sound of your specialist, she sounds awesome! Not many vets will work extra time for a client, and she obviously knows her stuff. I think you have made exactly the right choice for Saoirse, and I will pray that she comes through her surgery with flying colors! Between you and the opthalmologist, Saoirse is in the best possible hands. Prayers, prayers and more prayers, and all the healing vibes I can send! and of course, the hugs - always the hugs! (((HUGS))) I hope you can get some rest so you have a chance to recharge your energy. You are the best cat mama I've ever met, Mogs, and in the case of terrible adversity you stand tall and strong, even though you don't realize it.
:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
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