? 03-10 Hershey catch-up; Oreo's new home and some questions

Discussion in 'Lantus / Levemir / Biosimilars' started by Doug N Libby, Mar 10, 2017.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. Doug N Libby

    Doug N Libby Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2012
    HAPPY FRIDAY to all! This got pretty long, so you might need two cups. (Sorry.) :coffee::coffee:

    It's been a super long time since we posted and much has gone on with us. Hershey's numbers are all over the place since last fall due to life pulling us in all directions and having to skip shots. And - our SS is so far out of date that the meter deleted much of the data.

    December 31, 2016 - Hershey has dropped into the 30's many times since starting insulin and always handles it like a champ...Well, New Year's Eve he actually exhibited hypo symptoms and I thought we were going to lose him. It was a scary few hours for us! It was like he had gone blind and was totally disoriented. He'd just sniff around the perimeter of the room...couldn't find his food bowl, even when I put him right in front of it. The dishwasher door was open and he'd get himself into a corner by it, not being able to figure out how to get himself out. It took two of us to test him because he kept trying to wander off. We put karo on his gums several times and I pulled some chicken out, which he ate from my hand. The next day, he was pretty much himself, again. For a few days, though, he didn't really groom which left him with matted hair. We've furminated him, cut some plugs out, and bathed him, but haven't been able to get them all. During this time, I think Oreo smelled a difference and has been trying to assert himself as alpha male. Hershey isn't as assertive as he was about keeping Oreo in line. (Thumbnail enclosed is from New Year's Eve) IMG_7273.JPG

    March 1st - Hershey had a BIRTHDAY and turned 15!!

    March 8 - Hershey and Oreo went to the vet. Our vet has moved into mainly doing surgery, so we have a new vet. She wasn't too hard on us about the bad parenting job we've been doing. She also didn't recommend prescription food, even though we don't expect good kidney labs. She did suggest FF classic pate, but they're higher in phos than I'd like to feed. (He's eating Wellness Turkey. Still waiting on results of BW.) I've seen changes which made me dread the appt, like he's not holding his weight. I mean, we thought 12 pounds was his ideal weight and he's stayed about 11.5, but now he's staying more like 10 pounds. And, he's still getting on the furniture or into my lap, but instead of confidently bounding, he's kind of rocking like he's psyching himself up for it. The vet said his hind leg muscles show some atrophy. She also suggested beard trimmers to remove the rest of the matted hair. (*Anything I can do to help with the atrophy?)

    March 10 - My cat allergy has gotten worse. Doug has said when these cats are gone, he's done with pets. That may be an always thing or maybe he just needs a rest; idk. I've read people being harsh to others about rehoming their furbabies, so I hesitate to share that we're letting Jessica take Oreo to live with her. My son has said he doesn't think Hershey will last long without Oreo. My 4-year old grandson said, "I think Hershey will be sad when his friend moves away." :( And, this has made me sadder than I expected it to. I keep trying to think of the positives - it was Jessica who initially saw Oreo being mistreated by the neighbor boy and wanted us to take him in (10 years ago) and she has always thought of him as hers. She and her husband love Oreo and will give him way more attention than he's currently getting. And, I thought it unfair to Oreo to keep him until Hershey no longer needed him before allowing him to live with Jessica.

    All of that to say - it didn't occur to me until yesterday that, although I have talked to kitties extensively about the move, a separation - whether rehoming or death - may bring a time of grieving. Any ideas of how to make the transition easier?

    **Got an email from the vet. She diagnosed Hershey with "stage 2 chronic renal insufficiency." We'll pick up a copy of the labs on Monday.

    OT Family Update -
    Oct, 2015 - Oct, 2016 - I lost 72 pounds. I had tried to lose weight for 30 years and had pretty much given up. My goal was 38 pounds - wildest dream was 58 pounds.
    Sept, 2016 - Joseph (my son) AND Jessica (my daughter) got engaged in the same week!
    Dec, 2016 - Jessica got married to a terrific guy who loves my girl and loves Jesus! (Thumbnail enclosed) Jessi & fam.JPG
    Dec, 2016 - We FINALLY sold our house and are down to one house payment!!
    Apr, 2017 - Joe is getting married

    Thanks for stopping in to say, "HEY!" and for any suggestions or moral support you have to offer.

    Libby & Doug (and Hershey, too!)
     
  2. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2013
    Wow....what a busy several months you've had!!

    So glad you knew the symptoms and what to do when Hershey had his hypo! So scary!!!

    As for atrophy, I know it's one of those things that come along with old age and kidney disease so there's a limited number of things you can really do for it, but I think one thing you can do is to increase the amount of good quality protein in the diet....adding some baked chicken to the food may help increase the protein without increasing the phosphorus....got to protect those precious kidneys!!

    Is there any chance Jessica would take Hershey along with Oreo? I'm sure you're very comfortable with her being a caretaker....that way both cats could stay together as well as you getting a break from your allergies. I know you don't want to lose your fur-friends, but it might be easier to keep the two of them together if it's a possibility.

    Congratulations on all the great things going on in your life too!! How'd you lose all the weight??

    Fantastic news on the marriages too....I hope they're both head over heals in love with their life-partners and they have happy and fulfilling relationships!
     
  3. Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey

    Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2011
    Hi there. Talk about a blast from the past!

    I'm glad to hear that Hershey is still hanging in. Stage two is not that bad, and with proper management, he could last for quite some time. If you haven't already done so, I'd recommend visiting Tanya's site and reading up. The atrophy, as Chris said, is pretty much a part of aging and there isn't much you can do one it starts, but try to keep him active, to prevent it from getting worse.


    You don't have to explain yourselves to us. If this is the best situation for all of you, then that's what you should do. What people get harsh about is CGs that send their kitties to the pound or to a stranger, not to family. No one doubts you love your kitties.

    Once Oreo and Hershey are no longer in your home, if you find yourselves longing for a furbaby, you might see if you can find a Siberian breeder. Siberian cats are hypoallergenic, and many people that have allergies to cats find they can live quite comfortably with a Siberian (we've had two and they never made my eyes water).

    I am also curious (and envious) about the weight loss. How did you do it?

     
  4. Grayson & Lu

    Grayson & Lu Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2012
    Happy Birthday Hershey!!!!

    Hi Libby - finally catching up on FB and saw your message to check in here. I'm sorry to hear our boy Hershey isn't doing any better. I wonder how or if he'll improve or grieve (or both?) with Oreo out of the house? Spartacus is always happy to come visit and keep him company if he needs a companion that isn't trying to be alpha. I just noticed last week that Sparty is slowing down as well. They do get to be little old men and have health issues - but both have had good long lives. I hope he transitions well, and despite what you say about neglecting him, I would disagree! They know & appreciate how much we do for them, and he's done SO well since dx back in late 2011 - you have MUCH to be proud of - the fact that he's done so well all these years is testimony to that!

    I wonder if B-12 shots might be helpful some?

    I hope Oreo enjoys being "king of his castle"! I'm sure Jess is thrilled to have him. Maybe this will be a good transition for him as well as the rest of you.

    Why did I not realize you're allergic? Wow - I'm really sorry Sparty wasn't brushed out better on his visits, though the last one was kinda sudden (mom is improving - hopefully going home soon) - THANK YOU for keeping him!!! All the MORE kudos to you for all these years of pets. I know when they're gone we will miss them, but I'd really like to get back to just having two - if that will ever be possible again. The ferals are still showing up on my door, though so far it's just been food... but TNR is coming soon to my house again! Talked with a neighbor this morning about just that.

    Give Hershey a great big hug from Auntie Lu & cousin Sparty (and the gang). Happy Birthday big guy!
     
  5. Doug N Libby

    Doug N Libby Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2012
     
  6. Doug N Libby

    Doug N Libby Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2012
     
  7. Doug N Libby

    Doug N Libby Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2012
     
  8. Doug N Libby

    Doug N Libby Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2012
    Thank y'all for you your comments, suggestions, and kind words. I got a picture from Jessica last night and Oreo had already taken up residence on the couch. Another picture today showed him enjoying all the mirrors and the stairs. Hershey needed a little extra attention this morning, but otherwise, seems to be doing well. He is currently sleeping right up under Doug (who is also sleeping ;) ). I told Doug he has to give Hershey extra attention since he no longer has Oreo. :D

    I'm supposed to call the vet on Monday to discuss his labs more thoroughly. I know it's more of what I don't want to hear and find myself at loss of even what I should be asking her. Oh, she also mentioned a heart murmur. She said it was a 1. idk if it's something new, maybe age? or if she's just the first to hear it?

    OT: Short story on my weight loss - Oct, 2015 - I started with a pain I thought might be gall bladder. Didn't want surgery so went to Google. Multiple sites suggested raw, unfiltered, Apple Cider Vinegar. Tried it - worked - didn't want to stop b/c didn't want px to come back. After a few weeks, my son said he thought I was losing wt. Sure enough, about a few pounds. Started reading about how foods interact, balancing fats & proteins, increased my water. Lost a little more. Figured at 50, it was time to grow up, stop being so picky, and eat some good for me foods (even if I didn't like them - like broccoli - YUCK!). Decided to measure my food just to see what a serving actually looks like. (Here in the south we have helpings, which may be 3 or 4 servings. ;) ) By Dec, I had lost about 25 pounds, got a fitbit, & noticed how much I wasn't moving. Started with goal of 5k steps/day, then 10k. April, 2017 - started walking outside - 1.2 miles ~ 3 times/wk. Saw an old friend who walked 4 miles/day, knew I could NEVER do that! One day talking to Jessica on the phone, walked 3.9 miles and realized not only COULD I do it, but I ENJOYED it! Soon, I was walking 8 miles/day. (I DL sermons and audio books to my phone that I listen to, as well as prayer walking, and meeting people along my walking route.) I believe the walking helped me firm up, but the distance walking helped me lose. Cut back to 6 miles/day so I could add some light weights. Need to add yoga, but so far all I've done is talk about it, watch some videos, and laugh at Jessica trying to get into the positions! During this journey, I've been learning a lot about myself. And, I've realized that a lot of what people say they need to keep to themselves. So many negative statements over the years! ("You'll never lose it at your age." "If you haven't lost the baby weight by now, you never will." "I've lost weight and it all came back - and more!" and on and on) Now, I do my best not to listen to it, not to hold onto it unless it's TRUTH!

    WOW! Looks like the signature line needs updating, too....
     
  9. Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey

    Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2011
    Congratulations on taking charge of your well being! I know it's really hard to make those kinds of changes.

    I tried the vinegar mixed with something else, don't remember what. It was hard to drink and didn't do anything. Hmmm. Do you just drink it?

     
  10. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2013
    My very first cat had a stage 4 heart murmur almost all of his life.....he lived to be 24

    Stage 1 is very early....and depending on the day and the vet listening at the time, may not be heard at all
     
    Dyana and Barbara & Uncle (GA) like this.
  11. Wendy&Neko

    Wendy&Neko Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2012
    Hi Libby, stopping in to pass on some scritches to a Hershey.:bighug: There are some age related changes that can cause mild heart murmurs, but only an echocardiogram will tell you for sure if that's what it is. Level one is a low grade murmur. Neko had a 1-2 level for three years that was age related.
     
  12. Carol & Murphy (GA)

    Carol & Murphy (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2015
    Hi Libby
    Murphy (12 years old) has the same type/grade heart murmur Wendy described - the cardiologist told me it was highly unlikely to cause him trouble
     
  13. Grayson & Lu

    Grayson & Lu Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2012
    My [GA] dog Kirby had a grade 2-3 heart murmur, dx when she was about 10 and had a seizure (the first of 3 she had). She lived to be 16+. Knowing about it is good, but I doubt there's anything in Hershey's life that will be affected by it unless planning a dental. Anesthesia would be my only concern. Like Marcy's Klinger - but I think he had HCM.
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.

Share This Page