12/10 Shadow ... got an appointment for consult in 2 weeks

condo of possible new problems

Howdy gang,

I made an appointment today with an internist/specialist in Albuquerque for Dec 26.
They could have gotten me in tomorrow but I haven't gotten the bedroom ready for my DGM yet, and need to do that tomorrow. I so hope I get that done. nailbite_smile We plan on leaving for Texas on Saturday, if not Friday night.

The plan is to consult with that doctor. If she deems it, and she will , we will get an ultrasound while there and possible blood work although we just
had b/w a couple of months ago.
I am most interested in the ultrasound. The receptionist will call me back tomorrow as to whether or not they will allow me in there for the ultrasound.
I explained that she is much more cooperative when I am there.
This is the part I hate about a new veterinarian. And these big clinics always want to take your pet off to another room. They need to take me too. cat(2)_steam

I told the receptionist that if they won't, I probably would rather just wait for our traveling ultrasound guy and postpone until January. I know he wants
me in the room with Shadow.
So hopefully, that won't be an issue.

I have been up and down....about the whole thing.
I really feel given her symptoms that it is osteoarthritis with a possible bone fragment. http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_arthritis_osteoarthritis#.UqejA6bn-Uk
She's not as bad as the description they give for degenerative joint disease. She doesn't miss the litter box or have trouble with it. She jumps when she wants to, mostly down... not up. She claws her way up her tower. She has steps to get on the bed.
Most of her jumps up are no higher than the kitchen chair which she gets in often.

She does have morning pains. She does often choose to sleep on the bathroom floor ( the symptom that doesn't fit)
and I truly believe her pickiness at foods is because she prefers something higher carb and phosphorus.
She doesn't want to be on a " heartsmart" type diet of low phosphorus as most of our kitties.


So I am in denial that it's cancer.
But I sure can't sleep. I lay there in tears that our time clock is counting down much sooner than I thought it would.
I will pick up her xray cd tomorrow.
I can post it if anyone thinks I should.... assuming I can do it .... technically. :roll:


Thank you for all your support.
I am saddened with Josie's news today for Ripley. Prayers for all our kitties and beans....

Re: 12/10 Shadow ... got an appointment for consult in 2 wee

Hi Rhiannon - I'm really glad to see an update. I've been looking since yesterday, hoping there was some news about Shadow. Try not to think the worst while you're waiting for the consult (although I know that's easier said than done) . . . and remember you'll have lots of friends here to lean on no matter what the future holds. :YMHUG:

Re: 12/10 Shadow ... got an appointment for consult in 2 wee

it is so easy to focus on the worst scenario - I don't know why our minds want to do that - but we're thinking all the best thoughts for Shadow! Glad you got an appt and we'll hope for good news!

Re: 12/10 Shadow ... got an appointment for consult in 2 wee

Rhiannon, I'm praying everything will fall into place and you can get everything done in one place. I know it's not easy, but try not to focus on the worst case scenario. Sending hugs and prayers to you. :YMHUG: :YMHUG:

Re: 12/10 Shadow ... got an appointment for consult in 2 wee

The waiting is so tough, and it is so easy to go to scary places. We're sending tons and tons of prayers...arthritis with a bone fragment make perfect sense - much more so than the C word! Please keep us posted.

Re: 12/10 Shadow ... got an appointment for consult in 2 wee

Hi Rhiannon,
I agree with the others. Now that you have the appointment, you should go on with all the other things that are happening in your life right now. You are allowed to worry (!), but try not to dwell on the worst-case scenario. And your LL friends are all here for support.
Have a safe trip to Texas.

Hugs, scritches,

Ella & Rusty

Re: 12/10 Shadow ... got an appointment for consult in 2 wee

Hi Rhiannon,
It must be very hard to wait for that appt but I hope that Shadow shows you that her life is just the same as ever. She is living/loving the same life and beans. :smile: Adding my vines that Shadow has the best diagnosis/outcome possible. cat_pet_icon

Re: 12/10 Shadow ... got an appointment for consult in 2 wee

Hi Rhiannon!
Hopefully this clinic will let you go back with Shadow. It annoys me too when they do that, but I guess they think most owners are too emotional for the 'diagnostic process'. It would just be so nice if they would judge the owners on a case by case basis, not a blanket policy.
I am hopeful and praying for a very positive outcome with the next vet visit and that Shadow has nothing what-so-ever to do with the C word. It just makes so much more sense that it would be osteo, with the old injury and all.
Thinking of you and looking always for your posts :lol:

Re: 12/10 Shadow ... got an appointment for consult in 2 wee

Chiming in with vines from CA, they're still growing and healthy here! It's not denial, it is being positive! I hope they let you be with her for the US.

Re: 12/10 Shadow ... got an appointment for consult in 2 wee

Rhiannon, I know you want to be prepared for the worst, but try not to dwell on that. Keep positive thoughts flowing, and you'll feel better. It must be torture to have to wait so long for the test, but at least you have a lot to do to keep you occupied till then. We are all sending good vibes your way and will be praying for a good report.

:YMHUG: :YMHUG:

Re: 12/10 Shadow ... got an appointment for consult in 2 wee

Keeping you and Shadow in my prayers. And saying a little prayer that the new vet allows you in the room with Shadow because gosh darn it...you're her mamabean. Stay positive for your girl and give her tons and tons of scritches and love from me and Shasta. (((hugs))) to you!!!!!

Re: 12/10 Shadow ... got an appointment for consult in 2 wee

Best wishes for Shadow's appointment on the 26th, Rhiannon!

We'll all be hoping there's enough Christmas magic in the air for Shadow!

Re: 12/10 Shadow ... got an appointment for consult in 2 wee

I'll be thinking of you on the 26th. I hope the ultrasound results ease your heart and mind and they let you be with Shadow at the time.

My Buster (GA) had arthritis and a bone chip which was clearly visible on X-rays. Plus spinal stenosis which was discovered when he was getting X-rays of his heart. :roll: He loved anything warm - sun, laps, heat reflective pads. Is your bathroom floor heated?

Re: 12/10 Shadow ... got an appointment for consult in 2 wee

Praying for the best results and sending calming vines your way in the interim. I know what its like to worry. The not knowing is the worst and having no control over things never helps either. {{{{ R&S }}}}

Re: 12/10 Shadow ... got an appointment for consult in 2 wee

I have my fingers and toes crossed for the best. Everyone is right though, try not to think of the worst case scenario while you are waiting. I had a vet that told me my cat was dying, I went and got a second opinion, and he wasn't dying, and we got to take him off 1/2 his meds. Hang in there, and try to think positive thoughts :YMHUG:

Re: 12/10 Shadow ... got an appointment for consult in 2 wee

Sending hugs and vines from the state next door. It's going to be hard to wait so long, but I hope you can get some definite answers. High hopes all goes well!