Prayers Pls - Saoirse Intraocular Bleed - SUNDAY UPDATE: Nausea Reduced, Eating Again, Eyelids Puffy

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by Critter Mom, Feb 4, 2016.

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  1. Sue and Oliver (GA)

    Sue and Oliver (GA) Well-Known Member

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    How wonderful to hear that you are both doing better and settling into a more normal routine. I hope the next few days can be calm and quiet and restful for you both, Mogs.
     
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  2. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Thank you, Jeanne for this information on clinical signs and also for finding some links for me to study. I like to learn as much as I can about clinical signs because it helps me to 'hear' Saoirse better.

    WRT the headaches, when Saoirse was really distressed the night before last she was under the table with her head against one of the struts between the chair legs. After reading the above I think she may well have had head pain. My poor baby ...


    Mogs
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  3. Jill & Alex (GA)

    Jill & Alex (GA) Senior Member Moderator

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    Sending positive thoughts, prayers, and hugs...
    :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  4. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    @Squalliesmom , @Diana&Tom -

    Ladies, you can be my dutch uncles any time - and very welcome ones at that! :bighug:

    Saoirse had a bit to eat then hid in the litter box for a little while after we got back from the vets but shortly after she settled under the coffee table so I let her rest there. With her home again I was able to get several hours of sleep. As you've seen above we had another stressy night but I did get another few hours of sleep once I was sure Saoirse was stable. I still feel like a wrung-out dishrag.


    Mogs
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    Last edited: Feb 6, 2016
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  5. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Thank you everybody for continuing to keep us in your thoughts and prayers. I'm sorry that I can't manage to reply to you individually 'cause I'm so tired but I'm holding all of your caring and good wishes close to my heart. I feel absolutely drained mentally and physically but knowing that all of you are pulling for us is helping me to keep going. Thank you for lending me your strength. I wouldn't be managing as well as I am without you all.

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


    Mogs
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  6. Diana&Tom

    Diana&Tom Well-Known Member

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    You know we're right ;-) You will be much better placed to help Saoirse if you yourself are well-rested. When you're tired your mind can play all sorts of tricks on you so you don't always know what you're seeing or doing. Get some sleep and you will feel better, and make sure you're eating too (I made a rather nice banana bread today and would pop some over to you if you were nearer )
     
  7. Bama

    Bama Member

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    Mar 12, 2014
    I'm glad Saoirse is doing better and I hope she makes a full recovery soon! Please do get some rest if you can. Can monotonous tasks help to calm you? I find they can help me regain composure and if I'm run down they get me to a point where I am calm enough to sleep.

    I know it is a bit late for this but do you have any ginger in the house? Ginger can help soothe upset tummies. IIRC it works best as a drink so ginger tea or ginger ale/beer would be ideal.
     
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  8. Squalliesmom

    Squalliesmom Well-Known Member

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    Poor Saoirse, yes, it does sound like she may have the equivalent of a headache, although my Bengal boy does the head pressing thing when he is feeling insecure, so I guess it may be a reaction to stress, as well.

    I'm glad to hear you got a bit of sleep! Please do take care of yourself, for Saoirse's sake, if nothing else. You need to stay calm, rested, and alert for her! I know I'm preaching to the choir, but sometimes we don't do what we know we need to do, unless others give us a gentle push. ;)

    Sending all prayers and healing vines! :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug:
     
  9. Jan Radar (GA)

    Jan Radar (GA) Well-Known Member

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    I just saw this and am sending :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug: because there's no such thing as too many :bighug:. Glad to hear that you both are feeling better. Will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
     
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  10. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Update: Saoirse is Nauseated / Suspicion that Eye Has Been An Undetected Problem for Some Time
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    Greetings from the infirmary. I've got everything Saoirse needs set up in the living room. We've had mood lighting all day so that it won't hurt Saoirse's eyes. The tropicamide has given her pupils like dinner plates. She's definitely having vision problems; she was very hesitant moving around this morning but she is moving around a bit better as the day has gone one. I've also set up a little bedouin tent on the sofa for her so she can hide away and still be able to comfort her.

    I slept beside Saoirse and when I awoke she had her paw draped over me. :) We had some purrs in the morning. We've had pee and poop, too.

    Saoirse's having difficulty eating today. She's hungry but very nauseated - ondansetron didn't help. I suspect it's down to the amlodipine (BP med) upsetting her stomach; I read online that digestive upset is a common side effect. I made made some organic chicken and pumpkin kitty soup for her but even that was making her a bit queasy. Thank the kitty gods for Cosma Chicken Snackies: they're like kitty saltines for Saoirse and she is managing to eat the Snackies fairly well. Not ideal, but it's food and I'm getting a good lot of fluids into her as well. I cooked up a batch of slippery elm bark syrup. She has managed to get one dose down, and she did a bit better nausea-wise with her next micro meal so I'm hoping that with a few more doses of the SEB it will counteract the side effects of the amlodipine. The experience with managing her bad pancreatitis flare is paying dividends.

    Saoirse's BG was 13.8 at lunchtime so I gave her a conservative 0.25IU Lantus dose. Just as well now she's having difficulty getting food down. I'm going to order a blood ketone meter for her.

    After my own experiences with med side effects I always check Saoirse's meds for their side effect profile and possible interactions with other drugs (something I feel that vets don't have the time to do enough of so I make it my business to find out myself - and I've caught never do enough o. With all that Saoirse has going on and the worry over the truly frightening reaction she had to the ½ tablet dose of amlodipine last night I don't want any more nasty surprises so I'm stripping her regimen back to the bare bones for now. It's proving to be a difficult juggling act.

    I've decided I'm going to buy a Doppler unit to monitor Saoirse's blood pressure at home from now on. Also a paediatric stethoscope. @Larry and Kitties - thank you for the advice and the links. I've found this veterinary Doppler kit; it's the best price I could find this side of the pond. I'm going to ask our vet to give me a tutorial in its use.

    Looking back over Saoirse's journal, there have been a couple of times since FD diagnosis that Saoirse's affected eye has been irritated. I don't know whether it's related or not. It's a worry. @Jeanne Skadowski - in answer to your question about Saoirse's back claws she was due to have them trimmed early next week. (I'm too scared I'll do it wrong and hurt her so I get the vets to trim them regularly.) We've also had a case of winter fleas in the house and Saoirse has been scratching lately. It is possible that she may have scratched her eye. I did leave a message for the vet on Friday morning about this, but I don't know whether he received it.

    I'm absolutely shattered and every bit of me aches but I wasn't able to get more sleep yet because I need to help Saoirse to eat. I just managed to get a little more kitty soup and another dose of SEB into her. I've decided to wait till 2am to give Saoirse the next dose of amlodipine. I'm going to order in some grub and try to get a few hours' kip. I feel so sorry for my baby; it shrivels me up inside to see anything wrong with her. :(

    STOP PRESS:

    Saoirse now has steatorrhea (pale, fatty, fluffy stools). :( If you're reading this, please say a prayer she doesn't get a pancreatitis flare on top of everything else going on.


    Mogs
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    Last edited: Feb 6, 2016
  11. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Stress can give humans really bad tension headaches. Trust me on that one. :(

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  12. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Thank you for the suggestion. I can get some ginger to try it. How do you prepare it for a kitty? Is it ever contraindicated or does it have any side effects? (Sorry for all the questions; too exhausted to research.)

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  13. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Thank you for the lovely thought, Diane. Cyber banana bread is better than no banana bread at all! :bighug:

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  14. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Absolutely not, Jan! I need all the hugs I can get right now. Thank you for your prayers and good thoughts. :bighug:

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  15. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Hi Gill,

    Thank you so much for this information, especially the note about the bleed eventually clearing; it has given me some badly needed hope to hang onto and I'm so grateful. :bighug: I tend to do better when I understand what's going on; it's the unknown I find much more stressful - and frightening.

    I don't know about whether or not the vet measured the intraocular pressure on Friday. Saoirse was sedated for the eye exam but he didn't report anything about pressure when he gave me his initial findings that afternoon. I will ask him when he comes to the house to measure her blood pressure. Re the eye drops she is getting tropicamide for dilation and Isathal to soothe. (Sorry if you've already read about these in one of my updates.)


    Mogs
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    Last edited: Feb 6, 2016
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  16. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Apologies for this thread getting so long. With the PTSD it helps me to manage better having everything in just the one place so I can find things again. I hope everyone's OK with that.


    Mogs
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  17. manxcat419

    manxcat419 Well-Known Member

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    Some more hugs for you and Saoirse, Mogs :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug:

    I'm so sorry to hear Saoirse's now having problems eating. With the changes in her medication, I think a side effect of her blood pressure medication sounds likely. Remember as well that those drops they use to dilate the pupils do affect vision - I've had those used on me occasionally (as a long-term contact-lens wearer they like to check the back of the eyes for signs of insufficient oxygen permeation every few years). That blurred vision alone can cause headaches and nausea even when it's just for an hour or so - I think it's because it has a disorienting effect when you have to struggle to focus - so it could possibly be linked to that too. And bright light can definitely be painful, so I'd stick with the mood-lighting as much as you can for the next few days. With that said, it's important that her eye is treated, so it may be that that's something that you just have to help her through for a few days until they can review her treatment.

    It is entirely possible that she's somehow scratched her eye - we've had more than one cat do that on occasion with their own claws (we do get their claws trimmed regularly - our cats seem to just be a bit stupid with them). But we've never had one be left with lasting ill-effects from it after receiving treatment so if she has done something like that, I think there is every chance that she will make a full recovery. :bighug: :bighug: :bighug:
     
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  18. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Hi April,

    Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me to stay awake to watch over Saoirse on Thursday night. :bighug: I was demented with fear over her, and even more fearful again of passing out and not being there for her.

    As you say, Saoirse's eye has to be the priority here and I'm directing all treatment decisions and what little energy I have to that end. Thank you for telling me about the effects of the drops. It helps me so much to get information like this because Saoirse can't tell me. Do the drops also leave you with a bad taste in your mouth (wondering if they drain through the sinuses)?


    Mogs
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  19. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Feb 18, 2015
    Sending prayers it's not anything but her change of diet the past couple of days! I remember Menace sending me into fits of worry a couple of times in our early days with the same symptom when her appetite was hit or miss but it disappeared as soon as she was back on her grub. Hopefully this is just the effects of diet change and stress and will pass as she starts to heal and eats better. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  20. manxcat419

    manxcat419 Well-Known Member

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    Hi Mogs

    You are so very, very welcome. I'm always happy to help in any way I can. :bighug:

    I haven't ever noticed the drops draining through my sinuses, but then I've only ever had a single dose of them at any one time - I wouldn't be surprised if repeated doses might have some sort of effect on the sinuses and mouth. I only really thought about it when you said that Saoirse seems nauseated - it's been a while now since I've had them, but once I read about how Saoirse is feeling, I remembered ending up with a kind of sea-sick feeling from them and I thought knowing that might help you to understand at least one of the possibilities for her being off her food. :bighug:
     
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  21. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Hi Linda,

    Thank you for sending prayers. We need them badly and we'll take all of them we can get. :bighug:

    I'm fairly sure it's the amlodipine causing the digestive upset; Saoirse's stomach was gurgling like mad overnight when I was monitoring her breathing. She only started on the plain chicken a few hours before producing the pale tan, fatty stool. That said, the stress won't be doing her any favours either. My baby ... :(


    Mogs
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  22. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    @manxcat419 -

    Thanks, April. That's really helpful information. It will help me work out better when to offer her meals to minimise the nausea effects.

    :bighug:
     
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  23. Julia Rae

    Julia Rae Well-Known Member

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    Jun 11, 2015
    Hay Mogs, checking in to see how you and Saoirse are doing from the sounds of it has continued to be roller coaster ride for the two of you. Just know that the people here are cheering you along and that we do love the both of you. If there was someway I could be of real assistance I would so I do the best I can and pray that it is enough. Just remember it always seems to be the darkest before the light do not give up.
     
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  24. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Hi Julia,

    Heartfelt thanks to you, too, for keeping vigil with us on Thursday night. That was very real assistance, indeed, and so very much appreciated - as are your continuing prayers; they are being heard and answered. :bighug:

    Last night really did put the heart crossways in me, but at least today I've got some experience to fall back on with the nausea problem. I just pray it doesn't tip over into a flare. Saoirse's appetite is holding up well. If I can get the nausea under control with the slippery elm that'll be a big help.


    Mogs
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  25. Julia Rae

    Julia Rae Well-Known Member

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    Jun 11, 2015
    Huggles I am sure you can do this, I dont know if it will work.. but sometimes a bit of carbonated water settles my stomach when It is upset. There is nothing but the water and the bubbles so I do not believe that there will be any problems.. but then I am just shooting in the dark. This group and you have done so much in helping Magellan and me it is the very least I could do and your more than welcome luv.
     
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  26. Marje and Gracie

    Marje and Gracie Senior Member Moderator

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    I don't have any experience treating any of these issues other than nausea and you're doing what I would do so I will just send massive hugs, prayers, and healing energy to you both.
     
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  27. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    How is Magellan doing, Julia?
     
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  28. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    @Marje and Gracie - The hugs, prayers and healing energy is what we need most, Marje. Thank you for this and your other posts, and for being her for me and my baby girl. Deeply, deeply appreciated.

    :bighug::bighug::bighug:


    Mogs
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  29. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Saoirse has diarrhoea and she just threw up.

    :(
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  30. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    I don't know what to do. Her amlodipine dose is due in 2½ hours. Getting panicky again.
     
  31. manxcat419

    manxcat419 Well-Known Member

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    Mogs, I've no idea if this is likely to be the case, but do you think there's any chance that amlodipine dose is too high for her? Normal BP for cats is meant to be 160 or less, but if she was only 175 with vet stress, I'm not sure how much it would actually need reducing - our vet definitely was not prepared to treat at 175 because they said we had to take off at least 20 points for stress. Low blood pressure can also cause nausea, dizziness and lethargy just as it can in humans. It's a really tough call to make because there's no sure-fire way of knowing which out of all the possibilities is causing the nausea for her - and even if you could get her BP re-tested today, it would still be a stress-affected reading. I'd love it if anyone else can chime in with an opinion - I'm trying to come up with possibilities, but I've no idea which is the most likely to be accurate...or even if it's something else entirely.
     
  32. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Now you know why I want the home Doppler unit, April. I don't like working blind.

    It's awful because I can't give her stuff that I would use for the pancreatitis management because I'm worried about drug interactions. (I'm already wondering whether there was an interaction with her ondansetron dose this morning. There is a major interaction between amlodipine and dolasetron, a drug similar to ondansetron. I did ask the vet as a matter of course about giving the new meds with the existing regimen and he said they'd be OK but I always do my own interaction checking. I checked on drugs.com and they did not have any drug interaction between the amlodipine and ondansetron so I thought it would be OK.

    Thank you for the info that low BP can cause nausea. I've experienced low BP myself (beta blockers - I'm very med sensitive); I had the dizziness and lethargy but not the nausea.

    I'm thinking of calling the vet's OOH service.

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  33. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Starting to feel like throwing up again. I feel caught between a rock and a hard place.
     
  34. manxcat419

    manxcat419 Well-Known Member

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    I really don't like that either, Mogs. The one thing that, for me, makes diabetes easier to manage than a lot of other things is that I can check the numbers and I can take control of them.

    Unfortunately, any time I ask my vet about interactions, the standard response seems to be that there aren't any - the only one they told me to be careful with was Carafate. Yet I know interactions exist between some of the others and I need to split up the timing of various meds...but like you I only know because I checked on it myself. Unfortunately, I don't know enough about either amlodipine or ondansetron to know if an interaction is likely. I'll take a quick look over on the Tanya's support group to see if it's something anyone has found out about for their cats and let you know.

    I was surprised to see nausea listed too - maybe the dizziness causes nausea for some cats rather than them really being separate symptoms. But I figure all information helps at this point. :)

    If you can get hold of the OOH service, maybe they can let you know whether to continue the amlodipine or reduce the dose a little - it's certainly not something you really want to have to make a decision on without their advice.
     
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  35. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    @manxcat419 - Forgot to mention above that I spoke to the on-call vet this morning about the dose and it was agreed to give 1/4 tablet instead of 1/2 tonight. After the land I got last night, I know the 1/2 tablet dose was too high.

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  36. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    I'd be so grateful if you would, April. I can't get my head around the new support group set-up at all. :(

    Absolutely. I can manage the anti-nausea and appy stimulant stuff myself, but cardiovascular stuff is in a different league altogether. I'm going to give them a ring. Will report back after.

    I'm glad you're here. :bighug:

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  37. Paula

    Paula Well-Known Member

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    :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:Mogs, sending more healing prayers for Saoirse.
     
  38. manxcat419

    manxcat419 Well-Known Member

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    I ran a search in the support group (I agree, it really isn't very user-friendly and I don't post there unless I have a direct question because it's just too complicated to keep track of). It seems that a number of people give amlodipine and ondansetron together in the same gel-cap so I'm not seeing any reports of an interaction. A couple of people mentioned giving famotidine an hour apart from BP meds, but that's because the famotidine can stop the other meds being absorbed so well.

    My feelings exactly - you've had plenty of practice with figuring out the anti-nausea stuff. But once it comes to BP and anything related, it really needs a professional opinion - at least until you can start checking Saoirse's BP at home.

    That may make all the difference for her - if it was just a little too much of a reduction in her BP, halving the dose might do the trick. :bighug:
     
  39. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Thank you, Paula. So very much appreciated. :bighug:
     
  40. jayla-n-Drevon

    jayla-n-Drevon Well-Known Member

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    Oct 11, 2015
    Hi Mogs,
    You and your baby have been on my mind all day while I was at work... I am glad to read she is feeling a touch better.
    Pease try to at least catch a nap if not for yourself for your baby .... more hugs-healing and peace :bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
  41. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Thank you for the above, April. That's massively useful to know that other people treat with all three meds. I've got famotidine here but I didn't know whether it would be a problem.

    I've spoken with the on-call vet - same one as this morning. He suggests Saoirse may have picked up a bug that upset her tum rather than the med, but in my head the jury's out on that.

    I briefed him on Saoirse's other clinical signs and he said it is OK to skip the amlodipine BP med tonight. I hope he's right. I just looked at Saoirse's right eye and the eyelids are very slack. I have given her all the eye meds OK today. It shrivels me up inside to see her so poorly.

    I'm very scared again.

    ETA:

    I'm due to call the vet in the morning for further advice on the BP med. I don't know whether it will be possible but I think I should ask whether they could do an emergency house call to see if she actually needs the BP med at all. I'm also going to ask about the famotidine as it's the only weapon left in the arsenal to help her tummy.

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  42. manxcat419

    manxcat419 Well-Known Member

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    You're very welcome, Mogs. I give Rosa famotidine and she's also on benazepril, but I just give them at opposite ends of the day - it gets more complicated when it's multiple doses in any 24 hour period. It sounds as though the famotidine would be fine if you need to give her some of that, but I think I'd go with the 1 hour or more gap that other people are using between that and the amlodipine just to be on the safe side - she's got enough to contend with already without drug interactions getting into the picture!

    I love the way vets always think it must be something other than what's been prescribed! :rolleyes: I think it's too much of a coincidence for it to be anything other than the new meds.

    I think if she got a full dose this morning and the vet thinks it would be OK to skip a dose tonight and resume with half doses tomorrow, that might not be a bad idea - and you'll be able to tell for sure as it clears her system if that was contributing to the problem. She's getting her eye meds and those are the ones that will heal the existing issue so as long as you can keep up with those - and you are - his advice sounds reasonable to me. :bighug: :bighug:
     
  43. Marje and Gracie

    Marje and Gracie Senior Member Moderator

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    My vet considers any BP in the office above 180 to be high but I've seen other feeling vets use 190. I wonder if they should take her BP again now that the amlodipine has had a chance to kick in. It worries me that it could be dropping her too low at home. If she is extremely lethargic, that could potentially be due, in part, to her BP if she doesn't really need the med.

    If she were mine and the vet said to skip a dose, I certainly would for an in office BP of 170. That just seems so borderline to me.

    Have you tried mixing George's 100% pure aloe vera which has been fractionally distilled in with the slippery elm? That's how I treated Gracie to settle her tummy and it worked really well. The link is for Amazon.uk but perhaps there is a local apothecary which carries it. It must be pure aloe vera and fractionally distilled.
     
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  44. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for sharing details of your treatments for Rosa.

    Re the vets, the only place Saoirse could have picked up a bug was at the vets. I hope they will agree to the home visit for a BP check tomorrow. It would simplify things a lot.

    I'm feeling sick again. And getting cold and shaky, too.
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  45. manxcat419

    manxcat419 Well-Known Member

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    You've got this, Mogs. You're doing everything right for her. :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: I know it's difficult to see her miserable, but skip that amlodipine dose and see how she feels without it - that really might make all the difference for her. I still don't think it's a bug - I could be wrong, but it seems to have started too soon after the change in meds for a bug to be the likely answer. A home visit would make things much easier for both of you - and they'd get a much more accurate reading for Saoirse because she'd be more relaxed. And of course that would be the best way to find out if the dose is taking her BP too low when she's relaxed.

    Oh, and some more hugs because there are never too many hugs for a situation like this. :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug:
     
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  46. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    You should have seen her last night just after I gave her the half tablet. I went to check her and her whole posture was wrong. When I couldn't rouse her immediately I was terrified. I felt like I was in a nightmare. The relief when I got her to react ...

    I've never given Saoirse aloe vera. I heard great things about it from one of the members here but I've also seen negative reports about it as well. I was afraid if I gave it to Saoirse it might not be the right thing to do. Any time I have to give her something different it really scares me (not without reason at times - last night, for example).

    Thank you for the link, Marje. Can you point me anywhere I can read more about aloe vera for cats? I know from taking it myself in the past it can do wonders for the digestive system.

    :bighug:
    .

    EDITED TO ADD:

    And the mirtazapine episode wasn't great either. :(

    .
     
  47. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    I've gone into shock again. I'm freezing and shaking.
     
  48. Marje and Gracie

    Marje and Gracie Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    May 30, 2010
    Look at Natural Remedies #4 for info but please do not try it if you are not comfortable with it. It never caused Gracie to have diarrhea and I always used plenty of water with the aloe Vera and SEB. I did a 1:1 on the aloe Vera:water. Again, don't try it if you are concerned. I totally understand that sometimes you don't need to put one more thing in the mix.
     
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  49. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Thank you for the link, Marje. Adding things with pancreatitis in the mix has always been hard. One is just so petrified of doing anything that might make things worse. Like what's happening now. :(
     
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  50. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2015
    Mogs, we're all here for you. I just did a quick check of all the potential side effects (common to rare) of the amlodipine. From your description of the symptoms Saoirse has and is displaying, I'd say there is an extremely high probability of the amlodipine being the culprit especially when you've got a med sensitive girl. Since the vet told you it's OK to withhold it tonight, I'd be inclined to do just that and see if she doesn't feel better tomorrow and then reconsider dose if the vet thinks she still needs it. More hugs for both of you being sent across the pond. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  51. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Thank you, Linda, for doing that. My brain is absolutely fried. I can hardly see straight. :bighug:
     
  52. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Thank you, everyone, for saving me from being all alone with this. I'm so grateful to you all.

    :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
    .
     
  53. Jeanne & Dottie

    Jeanne & Dottie Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2016
    Ok, here's a link to something you CAN do for the nausea, Mogs:) It's an acupressure site for dogs and cats. The illustration is for a dog, but cat's accupressure sites are mostly the same, they are both quadruped mammals. there IS, however some cat acupressure diagrams at the bottom of the page.

    Here you go: Acupressure for cats and dogs.

    This will have two types of benefits. First, you'll feel like you're doing something that you know will help, so you will feel better :D and second, it WILL make Saoirse feel more relaxed and at ease, and quite possibly reduce her nausea considerably. Sound, rythm, smell..everything you can do to occupy her mind and distract her from her owies is a plus in your favor.

    I suspect you can add PTSD to Saoirse's mix, so use your own feelings to diagnose where and when she's tensing up, and possibly apply what you do for yourself for panic attacks, to her.

    If you can get hold of some lavender essential oil, you might want to put a small steamer near her, and add a couple of drops of the oil to whatever well is provided on the steamer, so the oil can circulate in the air. Don't put it in the water as the coil that heats the water can change the oil and render it useless.

    PLEASE NOTE: Don't ever use eucalyptus oil near cats...it's toxic to them. I'm always amazed at two things..how many products for cats and dogs include mineral oil and petroleum jelly, both petroleum distillates..which are toxic to cats...and that vets don't warn people during flu season, about the danger of eucalyptus in homes with felines. They don't warn people about pine-sol cleaners, either..and the natural substances produced in both eucalyptus and pine sap are very close to petroleum distillates in the way they interact with felines. Always be careful of essential oils, particularly peppermint (a teaspoon of peppermint oil can kill a child)..bergamot, orange, lime, lemon..essential oils are uberconcentrated essences..powerful medicinals in their own right, as the sense of smell is very visceral..it's the first sense to have developed in our ancient ancestors, the ones swimming in primeval oceans..so they can trigger healing responses in the body. Essential Oils are a language all their own.
     
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  54. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Thank you for the link, Jeanne. This is where I fall down badly with the PTSD: I looked at it and there's so much information there that it makes me feel panicked and overwhelmed and I can't take it in; it's just swimming in front of me. :(

    .
     
  55. Andy & Pimp

    Andy & Pimp Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2015
    Hugs and prayers Mogs, we've been watching. Still catching up on the last few hours but wanted to get the energy out there:bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
    Last edited: Feb 6, 2016
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  56. Andy & Pimp

    Andy & Pimp Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2015
    Finished reading. More :bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  57. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Thank you so much, Andy. :bighug:And the energy is helping: she's eating for me. Her regular food with a little pumpkin and some added water, and she didn't need coaxing. She actually wandered out of the living room into the kitchen while I was getting it ready. It's the most active she has been all day.

    Her appetite kicked up a gear about 3/4 of an hour ago and she tried to eat a little chicken and broth soup but had to to give up. She did get some fluids at least.

    Possibly significant - Saoirse's appetite picked up:

    1. a little while after getting her tropicamide dilation drops.

    2. just over 24 hours after the dose of amlodipine was administered.

    Just hope she can keep it down. She was a bit lip-licky after eating it.

    .
     
    Last edited: Feb 6, 2016
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  58. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2015
    How about a good old backrub for Saoirse. My cats ADORE their backrubs and often come demanding them. I start with a few long strokes the length of the spine (top of head to just above tail) and then use small circular motions with a little pressure from the neck (starting just behind the jaw) and continue down on either side of the spine to mid back and repeat two or three times or till my hands are tired! I managed to put a very hyper Golden Retriever to sleep using this technique. I find it very relaxing for me too probably because I can see and feel my furkids relaxing into it so completely!
     
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  59. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Sorely needed, Andy. And very much appreciated. :bighug: It's so hard to see her poorly. I just want to make her all better yesterday.
    .
     
  60. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Thank you for this suggestion, Linda. Saoirse likes having her back stroked unless she's feeling really icky (like the other night ... :( ). She's ensconced under the coffee table right now and I don't want to pester her, but I will give it a try tomorrow when I get her settled on the sofa. I like the idea of doing the little circular movements. Wouldn't mind some of them myself right now; my back was injured in the accident and the increased muscle tension from the anxiety is making it feel like it's on fire. I am a crock. :(

    .
     
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  61. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2015
    I'm sending virtual rubs your way now! :)
     
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  62. Jeanne & Dottie

    Jeanne & Dottie Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2016
    Ok, go down the page to the top cat illustrationt that looks like a siamese. Note on the outside of the top/ left back leg and you will see a (ST36) and (ST40). Those meridians have to do with stomach issues. The inside of the right leg, just above the hock, is (Ki7)..that has to do with the kidneys.

    It might help for you to do what I do when a 2D illustration jumps out to bite me. Take a piece of paper and cut out a square about two inches by two inches, and use it to overlay sections of the image. This way you can shut out the 'noise' of most of the illustration, and just look at a small part of it. The letters in the first part of the point identifications pertain to the part of the body the meridian helps, (except for a couple of abbreviations I won't get into now). The numbers simply denote the location among multipule points for each organ.

    There is a meridian specific to the pancreas, and you would see it on the great dane illustration. If you will pm me with your email addy I will send you a picture of exactly where this spot is located on the dane. Soairse's 'spot' is in the same location. There are a few other points too but that's the main one I wanted to point out.
     
    Last edited: Feb 6, 2016
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  63. Julia Rae

    Julia Rae Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2015
    Oh Magellan is doing ok.. he is back with his daddy, though he has a bad game he loves to play or should I say a few bad games. He loves to snatch his treat then hide from daddy when it is testing time. He also likes to bounce off his own insulin.. the stuff he produces. So he gets 5 micro meals through out the day to keep him level I miss the goth brat, but I get him every other weekends when daddy brings him over for visit and play dates.
     
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  64. Andy & Pimp

    Andy & Pimp Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2015
  65. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    It upsets me that I'm so flaky when I get scared nowadays. Saoirse needs me and I want to be as strong-sounding and as positive for her as possible, but I'm really struggling to do so at the moment. I've been telling her all the way through about all the prayers and healing vibes being sent to her from all of you. I noticed a bit earlier that my voice sounded a bit more even when I was passing on the latest messages to her, so I'm going to do it more frequently in the hope it might help her to hear a bit more positive certainty in my voice. I love my baby so.

    .
     
    Last edited: Feb 6, 2016
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  66. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2013
    Sending lots more hugs :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:

    I know it's hard, but try not to focus on every little thing she's doing. You really will drive yourself crazy and it's not good for your PTSD

    Sometimes a yawn is just a yawn, a stretch is just a stretch and a meow is just a "I'm OK mom! Calm down!" ;)
     
  67. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Moglet says, "Prrrrrrrrrr." :bighug:

    .
     
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  68. Squalliesmom

    Squalliesmom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2015
    Mogs, I almost died from untreated (and unknown) low blood pressure, and I can tell you it makes one extremely nauseated. Sometimes, I would suddenly just vomit, with no warning, as well. Also I had periods where I HAD to lie down or I would pass out, I had no control over it. This might account for some of Saoirse's lethargy.

    My Squallie absolutely loves to have a kitty massage, and he highly recommends them to Saoirse!

    I know it's so hard to stay calm when our babies aren't feeling well. Remember, though, that everything always looks scarier at night than it does in the light of day. Something that works for me -and Squallie- is picking out a song, usually a love song or one of that type, something nice, anyway, that has a name in it, and substituting his name in it's place. "You are my Sunshine" works in a pinch when the old noggin is overwhelmed. It just becomes "You are my Squallie." Helps calm both of us!

    Keeping positive thoughts for you and Saoirse, and, of course, still sending the prayers and healing vines, along with tons of hugs.

    Lucy :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug:
     
  69. Marje and Gracie

    Marje and Gracie Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    May 30, 2010
    Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrr back for you sweet Saoirse.
     
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  70. manxcat419

    manxcat419 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2015
    My 2 have their own "theme" songs. Regan's is Green Day's "Basket Case" - as a kitten she was terrified of everything so it seemed to fit her personality. I sang it to her one day while I was doing her eye drops (they both had Calicivirus as kittens) and she calmed right down and stopped fighting me! And Rosa's is Rammstein's "Rosenrot" because of her name. I still sing to them, especially to Rosa when I'm doing her meds or her fluids - it makes DH laugh (fluids are a 2 person job with Rosa) but it stops her trying to run off halfway through! It's surprising, but if you pick a song and use it a few times, they learn to recognize it and it quietens them right down. :)
     
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  71. Squalliesmom

    Squalliesmom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2015
    Yes, it's true, they really do! :)
     
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  72. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2013
    I often tell new members who are having trouble with testing to sing....it forces you to use a different part of your brain so instead of giving out "stressed" signals, you force your brain to calm down by singing and then the cat doesn't pick up on your stress

    Of course for those cases, I recommend the "Hokey-Pokey song" ....LOL
     
  73. Bama

    Bama Member

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2014
    I was suggesting ginger for you! ;) I did a quick bit of research on ginger for cats and saw some anecdotal evidence but nothing conclusive and no dosing information. Tea brewed from grated ginger root seemed to be the most popular but some people gave their cats supplements. Most sources recommended consulting with your veterinarian. Earlier while discussing aloe vera you were reluctant to add something new to the mix so you may feel the same way about ginger.

    Having dilated pupils really does blur your vision and makes it harder to focus in addition to making everything brighter. I find it impossible to read anything when my eyes are dilated and can only see clearly at a distance. I imagine there is probably a similar effect for cats and wonder if this could account for some of Saoirse's behavior changes.

    I also want to remind you that slippery elm bark can interfere with the absorption of oral medication so you will want to give it separately. IIRC it is generally recommended to give SEB at least an hour after medications. I figure you know this already but you have a lot on your plate and a reminder never hurts.

    :bighug: Hugs for you and Saoirse! :bighug:
     
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  74. Elizabeth and Bertie

    Elizabeth and Bertie Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2010
    Oh, (((Mogs)))... I'm so sorry that you and Saoirse are going through this...

    Sending healing vibes to you both.
    May Saorise recover very soon. May she be well again. May she be happy. Om mani peme hung.
    May Mogs have physical and emotional strength. May her pain resolve. May she know peace and joy. Om mani peme hung.
    .
     
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  75. Jeanne & Dottie

    Jeanne & Dottie Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2016
    Each of my kitties has had a special song. It's the first thing they hear from me when I get them, and the last thing they'll hear just before they pass. Some are made up tunes, and some I steal from songs already written..I just change the words. It soothes me, too. It must be the mother instinct in us all that causes us to sing.

    High blood pressure can cause nausea too, and a terrible buzzing in the ears that can cause great distress. But for Saoirse, a lot of it must be attributable to fear. Good thing she has you, Mogs. You're a first-rate mom..and she's a lucky cat:bighug::cat::bighug::cat::bighug:

    Oh, and aloe vera can sometimes cause nausea..it's a very individual thing.
     
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  76. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Sorry for dropping off the radar last night. I passed out from exhaustion. Thank you all for your messages, prayers and suggestions. You're helping us more than you can possibly imagine and I'm so grateful to all of you.
    :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:

    Brief update. Saoirse held down last night's food and thus far no more diarrhoea in litter box (anti-jinx, anti-jinx). Hungry this morning. Ate a little more of her regular food + pumpkin. A few nausea yawns after. She's still not feeling good - she was very cranky when I fetched her out of her lair under the coffee table to give her her next tropicamide dose but she's on the sofa beside me now.

    I'm going to try to get a few more hours' sleep (shattered). Will talk to vet about meds and post an update after.

    Thank you all so very, very much for being there for us and sending prayers and healing. I firmly believe you are helping Saoirse. You're definitely helping me.

    :bighug:


    Mogs
    .
     
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  77. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    You're right; I am my own worst enemy, Chris. :( If it was only a pancreatitis flare I'd know what to do to help Saoirse which would help me stay some bit calm but this stuff is so new - and much more frightening. I just want to help and protect my girl so much and it's really hard not knowing what to do. Doesn't help that so many things have happened one on top of the other. :(

    I love the picture of China in your avatar. :)
    .
     
    Last edited: Feb 7, 2016
  78. manxcat419

    manxcat419 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2015
    That's a lovely update, Mogs. I'm so glad Saoirse is managing to eat and keep the food down. Hopefully she's over the worst and the vet can adjust her amlodipine dose - if they decide she still needs it at all - to keep her feeling better. :) Never apologize for passing out - you needed it after the last few days! I don't know how you've kept going on so little sleep! :bighug: Hopefully by the time you see this, you'll have managed to get a few more hours and will be feeling more refreshed for it. :bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  79. Jeanne & Dottie

    Jeanne & Dottie Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2016
    Like April says...don't apologise for passing out. Our bodies need sleep or they can't function...period. Mothers, adoptive or not, seem to be gifted with the ability to stretch this rule a bit..but only for so long. Saoirse is doing ok, so it's good you got some sleep. We're all pleased to know such a courageous CatMom. :bighug::bighug::bighug:

    :coffee:Now here's a cup of coffee for you. It'll help a bit. Make sure you eat right, too.
     
  80. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    I have a secret weapon: FDMB. Plus I love my girl to distraction.

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

    .
     
  81. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2015
    So glad to hear you got some rest and that Saoirse is keeping food down and no more loosy poopy! She is so lucky to have such a dedicated and devoted Momma Bean! But please look after yourself too! More healing vines and restful thoughts coming your way! :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:and scritches for Saoirse!
     
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  82. Jan Radar (GA)

    Jan Radar (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2015
    Thinking about you this morning and hoping you and Saoirse are feeling better. These are for you both. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  83. Marje and Gracie

    Marje and Gracie Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    May 30, 2010
    Baby steps....every step forward is a step towards healing for you both. As others have said, it’s so important for you to get rest so you can be strong for her and help her along. It’s tough on the body (and emotionally) to be a caregiver for our babies because sometimes the meds schedule is pretty jammed so sleep must come when you can. We all hope you get strength knowing we are all here sending you and Saoirse tons and tons of healing energy.

    Two other things which might help:
    If you are good at visualization, sit comfortably near Saoirse and imagine a line going from your tail bone into the earth. Send all your worries and negative thoughts down the line one at a time where they will burn but will come back up to surround you in beautiful light. Then imagine a cup with a funnel at the top of your head and gold light is being poured into the cup and traveling through your entire body. Let it warm your body and then imagine gathering this light into a gold ball that you then softly blow to Saoirse.

    The second is using the Emotional Freedom Technique. I’ve been doing this a lot for Tobey and me since Gracie crossed. It can help.
     
  84. Melanie and Smokey

    Melanie and Smokey Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2010
    I am glad you got some sleep. Hoping you both a feeling better today.

    I noticed that Saoirse was sedated for her eye exam. Sedation can cause many of the symptoms you saw yesterday - lethargy, not wanting to eat, vomiting. I've noticed that the older my cats became, the harder sedation hit them. Hopefully that was a contributing factor and the further you get from it the better she feels.

    It can be very disturbing to have to dilate our kitty's eyes. Constant visual reminder and it looks like it would bother them. One of our fosters, Sly, needed one of his dilated for months. He had an ulcer that that vet was certain would scar but we wanted to minimize it. Sly got used to it and it didn't even bother him. His eye also completely cleared up and he doesn't have any sign of the ulcer or a scar! :) At first it may cause Saoirse some... not discomfort...but cause her to be a little out of sorts as her world looks different, things aren't focused the same, they aren't balanced the same. She will get used to this new view of her world and adapt to moving around in it better.

    You and your doctors have identified some of the sources of problems causing Saoirse issues. Breath deep and focus on the fact that you have started treatment to fix those problems. You are helping your girl. She doesn't feel great right now, but you are working on that. Try not to focus on what could go wrong, focus on the healing you have started towards. You are already getting control of her diabetes. You are starting the process to get control of her BP. You are going to help her through the nausea. You got this.
     
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  85. Squalliesmom

    Squalliesmom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2015
    If love was medicine she'd never be sick a day in her life! :)
    :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
  86. Liz & IttyBit

    Liz & IttyBit Member

    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2015
    None of our babies would be.
     
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  87. Liz & IttyBit

    Liz & IttyBit Member

    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2015
    I guess it's evening now in the UK so
    hoping you have a better, less stressful, more restful and healthier furbaby night.
     
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  88. Jeanne & Dottie

    Jeanne & Dottie Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2016
    Yes, Here's hoping you have a really great evening with your furkid, Moglet!:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug: Hope you stocked up on Mars Bars!
     
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  89. Rachel

    Rachel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2013
    Mogs,

    I just saw this thread. I'm sending you tons of hugs and tons of chin scritches to Saoirse. You've been such a blessing and help to me and I so hope that things get better for you!
     
  90. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    @Marje and Gracie - Fitting in all the different meds and supplements can definitely be a full-time job. I'm keeping things simple today. (Update to follow shortly.)

    I really do, Marje. It is all that has kept the legs from going out from under me for the past few days and I appreciate you all so much. :bighug: I shudder to think what it would have been like to go through this all alone.

    I really like the visualisation you sent me. I just tried it and Saoirse is now having a little rest - in the middle of the floor, not under the table! It's another baby step. :) I'm going to do it again tomorrow. It helped me, too; I like the idea of burning away all the scary thoughts. I'll also have a look at the link you sent me. :bighug:


    Mogs
    .
     
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  91. Marje and Gracie

    Marje and Gracie Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    May 30, 2010
    Me, too....using this method, I've probably burned the equivalent of half of Tucson with worried thoughts about my babies. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug: But also the beautiful, positive light that results has reinvigorated me. Mike said he can always tell when I’m to the gold light part because my face relaxes, my posture improves, etc.
     
  92. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    My breathing got a bit smoother and some of the tension went out of my shoulders. At the end of it I pictured Saoirse surrounded by a golden glow. I'm glad the visualisation helps you, Marje, and thank you for teaching it to me. :bighug:
     
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  93. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    I'm so glad I've been able to help you, Rachel. Thank you for helping me now. Chin scritches delivered and hugs appreciated by her mama. :bighug:


    Mogs
    .
     
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  94. Mum of two felines

    Mum of two felines Member

    Joined:
    Dec 7, 2015
    Just wanted you to know that I and my fur babies have been thinking of you and Saoirse today. I hope you are resting and taking care of your needs. You have been such a blessing to my babies and without you I don't know where I'd be today!
     
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  95. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Last edited: Feb 7, 2016
  96. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Update: Saoirse is Eating Again, Nausea Abated, No Diarrhoea (yet - anti-jinx), Eye Puffy, Cranky :(
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    Good evening from the infirmary. Sorry I didn't get to post this till now - very tired and a bit spacey. I did manage to get another couple of hours' sleep after this morning's brief report. Eating's a bit hit 'n' miss; I've not got much of an appetite at the moment but I'll sort that out tomorrow.

    I am both pleased and relieved to report that today has been better for both of us. Here's the SITREP:

    • Ketone meter and strips on order (Freestyle Optium Neo). Won't be here till Tuesday. Haven't been able to test yet for ketones. With the vision issues Saoirse's a bit perplexed about her litter box at the moment and I don't want to stress her about that because of the BP issue. (Note: Saoirse does not have any history of throwing ketones.)
    • Our main vet was on duty for OOH calls this morning. He said that he's not too worried about Saoirse's BP overall at the moment and to skip the amlodipine today and just continue with the treatments for Saoirse's affected eye and give any of the normal treatments she needs for the nausea. Since he knows Saoirse better, I felt a bit less worried about the BP / BP meds problem and much relieved that I could now take steps to help her with the GI issues. That was like a crack of blue in a dark and overcast sky.
    • Vet will call to house tomorrow to check Saoirse's BP. Told them I was ordering a Doppler unit to monitor Saoirse at home from now on. They will be able to give me a tutorial in its use. (Ordering unit tomorrow and hoping to take delivery on Tuesday.)
    • With the amlodipine out of the mix, I offered Saoirse a mini-meal with a dose of ondansetron mixed into it and she got it down. Even after this meal her nausea symptoms were less (small amount of lip licking after). Little or no nausea symptoms since then and she has eaten quite regularly today. I'm so relieved. (Thank you all for the anti-pancreatitis-flare prayers and vibes!) I'm giving her smaller portions than normal but by early evening she has been enjoying her food a bit more (anti-jinx, anti-jinx - just spotted her now at her dish and after a few scraps she did a couple of nausea yawns - will give another dose of ondansetron tonight). She's still unwell - and very, very cranky - but it's a huge step forward from yesterday and a huge worry reduced. Managed to restart her phosphorus binder and her anti-inflammatory herbal supplement (Nutramed). Fingers and paws crossed the pumpkin in her meals will help with the diarrhoea. I always add a little water to her meals so she is getting enough fluids. Monitoring urine output and thus far it's in line with fluid intake. Her coat is lying a lot flatter today; another improvement.
    • I skipped Saoirse's other meds and supplements today so that it will reduce the opportunities for upsets.
    • Saoirse's BG today 13.8 (Alphatrak) - same as yesterday - didn't soar. Gave 0.25IU dose of Lantus.
    • Saoirse's eyelids are all puffy but at times she does open it. There was a tiny bit of gunk which I cleaned away with a moistened cotton ball. It did look slightly browny-pink, so possibly some blood in it? Her eye doesn't look as misty as it did when the vet examined it on Friday morning and I can't tell for certain with the pupil so dilated (looks like something from Roswell) but can't see as much of a red cast. It looks fairly black when she opens it. Mood lighting still on the go, needless to say.
    • As suspected by @Melanie and Smokey above, Saoirse's vision is definitely compromised at the moment. She didn't move around much during the day and what movements she made were quite gingerly. Saoirse spent most of the day between her lair under coffee table and her bedouin sofa-tent (where all your fusses, hugs, and scritches are dished out!) but this evening she did wander out to me in the kitchen while I was preparing a mini meal for her. You can tell from her head movements that she's relying on her left eye for navigation. She did manage some self-comforting purrs today. I'd prefer them to have been happy purrs, but at they were better than the growls. I hate seeing her poorly and unhappy. :(
    Needless to say, mama bean feels a tad better today now she can do something to help make her girl feel a little bit less lousy and that her baby was able to eat today. Fingers and paws crossed that the BP issue will be resolved one way or the other tomorrow when the vet visits to check Saoirse. In the meantime, I'm very grateful for the respite; a little window for some rest so that I might better care for my little one.

    Thank you all for helping me not to unravel completely. Today I was able to speak to Saoirse in a more positive and upbeat tone. I was able to encourage and praise her through her little baby steps of progress and that did both of us good; far better than me being a gibbering, terrified mess. I am still desperately tired but I was able to do a bit better by my girl today because of all of you; I am beyond grateful for the strength you are lending me. Thank you so much from both of us.

    Blessings to you all, and lots of scritches for your furbabies.

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


    Mogs

    PS: For superstitious reasons, I can't take the 911 down yet. Please forgive my craziness. :oops:
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  97. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Hi, MO2F. Thank you all for thinking of us. :bighug: Glad I could help you a little bit, and I appreciate your helping me now. How are Woody and Buzz doing?


    Mogs
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  98. Andy & Pimp

    Andy & Pimp Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2015
    That sounds like a pretty good report overall, Mogs:)
    We will continue to send you prayers and healing light. No worries on the 911 I think everyone knows what's up by now;)

    :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
  99. Mum of two felines

    Mum of two felines Member

    Joined:
    Dec 7, 2015
    It looks like Buzz is OTJ, but he still has 10 days to prove himself. Woody I haven't shot him because he's been in the blues the last 5 shot times. I decided since his numbers were so low I'd just change him to friskies. I have a consultation this Friday with the other vet. They called and said they have worked with clients for at home testing! Thank you again. You were there when my fur babies neded someone. You're their guardian angel across the pond!!! Forever in your debt.

    How are you doing and your little bundle of fur?
     
  100. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Please do, Andy. My beloved girl has a ways to go. Saoirse's eyelids are really puffy and sore-looking. One of the drops she has been prescribed contain an antibiotic which is a relief since her two main eyelids are very sore looking. I've just given the night time dose. She was a bit growly but she is a very patient patient. Thus far I've had no problem administering the drops. I read the patient leaflet earlier and they reckoned it would probably be a two-person job to give a kitty eye drops. The situation's not easy on either of us, but I'm glad she trusts me enough to know that I'm doing all the weird stuff to help her.

    I was just looking at Pimp's spreadsheet. I like the annotations that you've added describing what's happening in each cycle; it's really informative. :)

    :bighug:


    Mogs
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