4/2 BigMac news- surgery-he made it!

Re: 4/2 BigMac news- surgery

Carolyn

I checked for you: Amazon and ebay fresh out of sanity. We'll just love you as you are. Louse and all. :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

Re: 4/2 BigMac news- surgery

Marjorie, that is hilarious - and I can relate all too well!

Prayers continue over here!!!

 

Re: 4/2 BigMac news- surgery

oh hahaha celi & marje - great minds think alike.

i clearly need a different phone so if i'm in a waiting room people can entertain me. my phone just makes calls. how unhelpful!

 

Re: 4/2 BigMac news- surgery

I just saw that!!! Celi and me....absolutely...great minds or crazy minds :lol: :lol: :lol:

They make a phone that only makes calls????? :shock: ;-) ;-)

 

Re: 4/2 BigMac news- surgery

Marjorie, that was funny! :lol:



All paws are crossed here...

 

Re: 4/2 BigMac news- surgery

well, i could send text msgs but i'm too cheap. :lol:

 

Re: 4/2 BigMac news- surgery

I have this song on my morning pick me up playlist:

[youtube]bd2B6SjMh_w&feature=related[/youtube]

I don't know most of the words, just the crazy part LOL.

 

Re: 4/2 BigMac news- surgery

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: Marjorie!

Did you see "the 20 funniest signs from the RESTORE SANITY RALLY" :shock: :shock: :lol:

 

Re: 4/2 BigMac news- surgery

He made it! Going to see him in a second...

More later

 

Re: 4/2 BigMac news- surgery

My favorite, well- of the ones that weren't too crude to post

 

Re: 4/2 BigMac news- surgery

Still praying and waiting for good news. (((Carolyn)))) Gentle scritches for Big Mac.

 

Re: 4/2 BigMac news- surgery

BEST NEWS EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THANKING THE POWERS THAT BE!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

WOOHOO!!!! THANK YOU LORD! We still await more news...

ANOTHER BIG HUG,

 

Woohoo!!! Tears of joy!!!

 

Big warm hugz and many prayers coming your way!
:YMHUG:
Carol and Poto

 

Of course he made it! That Big Mac is one strong kitty! Go Big Mac! Now we can all send healing and recovery vines. Great job Carolyn! I know you brought him through.

 

whew! I can now breathe. let's go little burger

 

Happy tears!!!

I know it is not difficult for you to want to be by his side, so a thank you may seem silly.
But I do thank you...for loving him so much!
We all love him so much.

 

Made my Day news. Fantastic.

 

Woohoo!!! That is awesome news!

 

((Carolyn)) Hope Big Mac can pull through this just fine :YMHUG: Squishy Merlin sends special angel dust your way.

 

BigMac, you are one strong kitty! Carolyn, you are one strong mamabean! Sending lots and lots of love, hugs, healing vines, snowflakes, light, everything. Praying hard for a complete recovery for this brave and wonderful kitty.

:YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG:

Ella & Rusty

 

Way to go Big Mac! :thumbup

 

Wasnt expecting this when I came back on the board...So Upset, and got so happy to hear he Made IT!!
Started to cry at dinner & Told DH the whole story so he will be praying with me too tonite---
I am amazed at the people at that vet, at your strength, & Big Mac's tenacity!!
Some times LOVE can conquer all, and I believe BIG MAC will recover to be with you..
Glad others can cheer us & you up, it is so necessary now..
Love you both..Thinking every minute of you!! Praying Praying... Comforting Hugs from all of us here!!!

 

*tears of relief*

 

Best news of the night! Whoo Hooo is right! Sending recovery vines for Big Mac and breathing vines to you Carolyn. You'll both continue to be in my thoughts. :YMHUG:

 

Whew!!!!!!!

Big sigh of relief.

((((((Carolyn))))

 

Wonderful news CD! I hope he has a comfortable night tonight. (((BigMac))).

 

I can let my breath out now.
Happy Dance!!!!!!
dancing_cat dancing_cat dancing_cat dancing_cat dancing_cat dancing_cat
I'm not great with the pics like others and I am so glad this amazing place has kept you smiling
during such a stressful time.
You and BigMac are in my heart and I am soooooo relieved to here the news.
Of course you will fill us in with all the details. Big hugs and scritches to your darling boy
and a big hug to you Carolyn.

 

That is the best news in the whole world. My heart is refilled past full today.

 

Finally got my laptop back this afternoon - immediately logged on here to check on the "sweet hamburger" and then the reaction of OH NO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wasn't able to sit with you (virtually) during the surgery but am sure beside you now during the next process of healing. A big WHEW for him coming through the surgery - did the surgeon sound as if it was successful this time? What a fighter that boy is - it's all that lovin' and purrin' going on in your arms and hands before the surgery that did it, girl. Fur shure......

Please know that we're right there beside you. I LOVE all the cards and notes and pictures that have been sent to you - what a group this board is. Aren't they the absolute best? What love for each other.

Sending many hugs and multitudinous (wonder what spellcheck will do that that one) healing prayers your way, my friend. And, don't worry about what spellcheck does with your words - those of us that have met you already know about the "cooties" but we love ya' anyway.

Many hugs your way......

Emmy & Dude (healing paw pats to ya' Big Mac)

& Mittsi too (Can't cross all my toes, etc. becuz I'm too buzy dansin' my healin' danses fur U, Big Guy !!!!)

 

OMG!!! just got here to follow up on BigMac... thought everything was OK... :?

I'm glad he made it again... Sending tons of healing vines and snowflakes.. Keeping both of you in my prayers...

 

WOOOT BIGMAC!!!!

 

:YMHUG: Big hugs to you both!

Big Mac is a fighter...so glad he made it.

Lots of love and healing to you!

Tanya and Elie

 

(((Carolyn))) You are so good to keep us updated ...
Continued prayers and healing vines for BigMac...what a wonderful, brave and strong kitty he is!!
Picturing you both surrounded by white light....blessings to you both
(((((BigMac))))) & (((((Carolyn)))))

 

my goodness Carolyn, I am relieved to see the update,
and just as happy to see so many of Big Mac's friends keep you company with all the funnies they can dig up! :lol: :lol:
Hope you are eating ok and keeping your energy up Carolyn, from what I can see you and Big Mac have been at this for days now.
Take care of yourself too!


we love u Big Mac,
and send you lots of healing vines for your recovery,
time for you to hurry it up and go back home k? cat_pet_icon

 

HOORAY!!!!!!

This is the best news ever!!! And it has just made my day. I have not been able to stop thinking about you all day.

 

Oh, CD- I just saw today's thread. I'm so glad BigMac's made it through! He is a strong cat. My dad actually had some similar surgeries after an aortic dissection a couple years ago, and he's going strong. I've no doubt BigMac was carried along through the surgery by the prayers and energy from everyone who loves him. I'm lighting a candle to ask Bast to continue to protect him. And I'm sending you hugs.

 

yippeeeeeeee! and thank you for taking the time to update us all! I spent the whole day refreshing this page at work to see what was going on! Looking forward to a further update and the 'full scoop' when you have time!!

 

What wonderful news to read. Continued prayers coming for Big Mac.

 

I was sleeping through the whole thing - hope BigMac was getting my calm sleeping vibes. Sending more healing vines for him now. Wow Carolyn you are so strong for him - what a bean! Everything crossed (but maybe Pip's horse Harvey should uncross now or we're liable to have another vet emergency :lol: ) that this is just what he needed to get well enough to come home.

 

Oh CD, that's wonderful news! The power of prayer and healing vines. I know you'll keep us updated.

 

I am just seeing this now!!
I think I experienced every emotion reading through all of the posts....I went from surprised to crying, to laughing and back around again.

Carolyn....I am so glad you can keep in contact with the board through all of this.
I am like Julie in the technology department....but unlike Julie in the "cheap" department....I text. :lol:

I will keep coming back looking for a very positive update about our favorite Big Mac.
Hugs and many prayers for both of you.

Oh and Carolyn...stay away from the other patients parents...they are not very good at the empathy thing. :roll:

 

Thank goodness, thank goodness, thank goodness! I was holding my breath, reading all of these posts. Hoping for a good night for The Burger Boy, and rest and calm for you, CD.....

 

So glad to see a happy update. Prayers, hugs, scritches, headbutts still coming your way.

 

cat_pet_icon flip_cat flip_cat Do Lou and I are so happy to see the news sending him lots of recovery comfort for tonight ((((((((((((Carolyn)))))))))))

 

This is wonderful wonderful news, Carolyn! The world shook from everyone doing their happy dance when we got the news! A sign of relief and continued prayers and healing vines being sent. Love you BigMac & CD!!!

 

Yay for BigMac!!! Sending speedy recovery vines to the handsome guy.
Liz, Anne, Zener & Tillie

 

Thank God!!! John and I are thinking of you and praying for Big Mac. I tried to call you on Sat. Left a message. Please let John and I know if we can help. I would have come and sat with you today. I am so sorry I wasn't there for you and Big Mac. Please keep me posted... Cindy

 

He is a fighter with a strong will to live. After this 3+ hour surgery he was trying to remove tubes and oxygen and whatever else he could. But this time the doctors have learned a lot about him and won't let him mess-up their hard work.

What we discussed earlier today was that the original surgery to remove the blockage and get the bile flowing wasn't working. His blood work showed an increase in white blood cells (infection) and the ultrasound showed the bile duct was distended again. As if it was still blocked. They planned to go in and dismantle all the work from the first surgery and abandon using the bile duct because it was blocked and/or leaking.

They were going to pull part of his intestine up to the gallbladder and attach them together so the bile could flow into the intestine. The bile would be going into a lower part of the digestive system than normal and it might cause digestion problems for BigMac but it was their best option.

After they went in they saw that the liver is already healing and looks much better than just 4 days ago. The original J-tube opening that BigMac pulled out had healed, the area where they resected part of the bile duct wasn't actually leaking (they tested it with fluid.) They removed the stent and opened up the bile duct again. It was being blocked by gunk... bile gunk... they described it as looking like green jello or jelly. The bile was too thick to go through the stent so they took it out. The flushed the duct, the gallbladder, the duodenum and stomach (I think... that's right.. I know they flushed and tested the flow between organs.) So the stent they put in to support the bile duct was too narrow for the gunky bile.

Anyway long story shorter, is that the original repairs did NOT fail... only the stent was too small and got clogged. So they cleared it and made it more open. They also added another hole in the gallbladder right next to the duct and connected the duodenum right to the gallbladder. So now the bile has two routes to follow out if one area gets clogged. Obviously the thick bile has to be addressed at some time. These two routes are still at the natural location so his digestion will be more normal.

The drain from the stomach was also blocked - so for the past two days the lack of drainage gave a false sense of good news. There was fluid in his stomach that they didn't see until the ultrasound today. This tube was clogged by the omentum (lining of the stomach... kind of like fat) whicht helps seal off infection. But in this case it sealed the drainage tube.

He has a new J-tube that is longer, bigger and is tied in tightly. He is wrapped in something like a strait jacket to prevent damage to it. ohmygod_smile
He has a new drainage tube that is larger and shouldn't get clogged as easily.

New central line to get blood since the other one quit giving blood. New IV. No E-tube.
He might need a blood transfusion tonight so they ordered some for him.
He will need to be in a hyperbaric chamber soon to help with healing.

The other thing they discussed was his reaction to the pain medication. They believe he had difficulty dealing with the feeling of being drugged. When they backed off the dose, he did better. I do agree that he was much calmer yesterday & today and he rested calmly and purred loudly. Much better than when he was looking around wildly all the time. They will administer a different medication and only give it as much as needed if he seems to be in distress. The doc said it is easy to give more if he needs it but they can't take it out if it is too much.

I saw him after the surgery and again he was trying to roll around and get the heck out of there. I didn't stay long because it was hard to see him and he still had the doctors and nurses working with him. I will call tonight around 11 to see how he's doing.

All in all a good result and more encouraging than I anticipated.

As I left tonight I told the receptionist that - "...see that guy was WRONG. I wasn't waiting in the death room." The reception smiled. She overheard the earlier conversation and was pretty horrified at what he said.

 

Wow! That is fantabulous news! Sending speedy recovery vines to BigMac. He is amazing! So are you. (((((CD)))))
Liz, Anne, Zener & Tillie
Ps. Anne said he is the BigMac and you're the BigMacaroni. :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

Do you hear the collective *sigh* :mrgreen:

Please try to get some sleep tonight. You too Big Mac!

drinking24 To one amazing team! drinking24
(this includes the vets working so hard and being so thorough!)

 

fabulous update! thanx! sounds like he just had 'minor issues' from the original surgery. So glad they didn't have to go in and do major reno's again! Hopefully he starts feeling a lot better soon, although not so that he starts ripping stuff out!!! You must be exhausted! I hope you get a good sleep tonight!

 

More snowflakes, healing vines, hugs and prayers for BigMac... Take care of yourself too Carolyn...

 

BigMac...Iz De B...
U iz AMAYZIN !!!!!!!!
Lubz ya, buddy...
Binks


My goodness...what an epic journey this has been...for the handsome devil AND for you.

May you and he enjoy the most peaceful, healing rest...
and the sweetest dreams

And Carolyn...thank you so very much for keeping us updated- it may be support for you...
but it is a kindness for all the folks who love you and BigMac as well.

You DO realize that BigMac is going to expect an OTT (Off The Tubes) video, yes?? :lol:

Love, comfort, and healing....

Celi & the Brat Pack

 

*whew* that all sounds very good, carolyn, much better than it could've been!

sleep tight tonight, your little one is in good hands. :YMHUG: cat_pet_icon

 

BWAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!! Now all we need is The Big Cheese!!!

 

I am so SO happy for you and BigMac. Now we need to send him lots of chill-out-and-heal vines. He's a beautiful precious miracle boy.

MJ

 

Amazing cat, amazing bean, amazing veterinary team.

I hope both of you rest well tonight!!

 

OTT video...YES!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

Thank you for the detailed report. As Caroline said, '"""sigh"""". I'm so glad to hear the good news. Many prayers and good thoughts of healing and comfort.

 

So happy to read the last update!! Continuing to send healing vines... and some peaceful rest vines to you Carolyn

 

Thank you for the update.

Sending vines for a speedy recovery.

 

So happy to hear this....what a guy that BigMac is! We hopenhes healing faster now and home soon. More prayers!

 

he is a fighter! i've been keeping you and BigMac in my prayers all day.....he is proving everyone wrong!

continued prayers........

 

Oh, what great news to read! It felt like I was holding my breath all day. I didn't even look at any other condos,…just couldn't do much of anything today but wait with you for good new!

What a great team of surgeons and BigMac is such a fighter and you are such a fantastic mama bean! You have to be exhausted, I hope you can get some rest tonight and have a good visit with BigMac tomorrow.

Did they remove BigMac's gallbladder? Just thought I saw that…asking, because my DML is getting her's out on Wed. and I think I should recommend your vet surgeons to her :lol: My DH doesn't like her surgeons, so maybe I'll have to call on yours when they are done with BigMac :lol:

Thanks for all the updates too! :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG:

 

Woohoo!!!! Glad he made it through okay and it sounds like things are better than expected.

Still sending prayers and keeping all the fingers, toes, paws and tails crossed that he recovers quickly and completely.

Mel, Maxwell, Musette & The Fur Gang

 

I'm keeping the vines coming so BigMac will have a calm night and can get on the road to recovery. I love hearing how much spunk he has. :smile:

 

Thank goodness!!! Can you hear my sigh of relief from here? I'm so glad so many of our team were here with you Carolyn while you had to wait for the surgery to be completed. Every chance I got to get online I checked. Thank you for the report. You must be so drained. I'm so glad that it turned out well and hope BigMac isn't too miserable in his new getup. It will pay off when he does himself no harm though. He's such a strong boy. He healed so much already! If he continues to heal like that he'll be in good shape in a week or so.

I hope you get some rest tonight and BigMac too. Sending more healing wishes and thinking of you.

Hugs,
Melanie & Racci

 

((((Carolyn & BigMac)))) I am so happy to hear this update. Sending many vines for BigMac to heal quickly.

 

Well, if I have to be macaroni, I'll be ziti. :lol:



Just called and they said BigMac was resting easy and not flailing around like last surgery. He is on buprenorphine. His body temperature has risen to normal so they just removed the body hugger warming system. They seemed pleased that he's doing well.

ME TOO!!

 

Fiesty Big Mac is a good sign. Thanks for the update. Hope you can rest now and he recovers quickly. Hyperbaric therapy works great. Continued prayers, positive vine and healing vines on their way.

 

BigMac, you are amazing! You too, Carolyn!
Heal fast, buddy. Your pals are all with you tonight.

Ella & Rusty

 

Such a great update... continued prayers for healing from us!!

 

This is great news, Carolyn!
Speedy recovery to BigMac!!

 

Such a wonderful report/update! You are so thorough..and so are your surgeons Carolyn! It sounds as if they explained every detail to you ...and certainly seems that it was vitally important that they go in there today...whew...now, all the proper draining can go on for him. Such a relief!!

Continued prayers that things will move along nicely for him...that he will have a restful night and you too!

You are doing such an excellent job....you are a wonderful Mama Bean and friend...
And BigMac is the bravest and strongest super-hero!! Amazing!!! :mrgreen:
This is such great news for us all here....sleep well, both of you (((((BigMac & Carolyn))))) :YMHUG: :YMHUG:

 

(((Carolyn))) Sending healing prayers and good wishes to BigMac.

Hang in there, Buddy! Beau and Jeddie say "Get well soon".

 

OMG just got home from a day at the beach (cheryl & winnie is in calif from upstate new york!). or some reason checked lantus and saw the link.
(((Carolyn))) how scary. so glad bigmac is a fighter and is out of surgery. will keep strong prayers for a quick solid recovery for him.
thank goodness.

f :RAHCAT

 

Sending continuing prayers!

Patti

 

Oh wow - decided to check one more time before test feed and shoot here in Oregon and am so glad that I did. Glad the first surgery wasn't actually a failure - just some clogging with the healing - so hopefully that will be avoided this time.

He is such a fighter - know what you mean about the painkillers, too, Carolyn. Dude reacts to them soooo adversely - bupe takes forever to get out of his system - and now they only give him 1/2 a normal dose after any surgery - he gets really strange with too much of the painkillers.

Hopefully as I write this, you're getting some good rest knowing that your boy is hopefully doing the same. Will be on here first thing tomorrow to see how it's going and meanwhile, am holding you close in my thoughts and prayers - along with our furry boy too, of course.

Hugs to you, my friend.

Emmy & Dude (& Mittsi too)

 

I'm so glad I got back on here. I almost didn't…computer problem. So great to hear this last report. Sounding better and better! cat_pet_icon

Still sending healing vines, white light, and prayers.

Hope my computer works tomorrow! I won't be able to stand it if I can't get on here and read BigMac's reports.

:YMHUG: :YMHUG:

Sleep well Carolyn

 

LOVE hearing the first surgery wasn't a failed attempt and LOVE hearing that bigmac is going strong!! Continued thoughts and prayers for you .. sweet bigmac ..

 

Praying praying praying...

 

Sending more prayers that BigMac will have a GREAT day today and that you got some rest, Carolyn.

 

Big squishy hugs to both of you.

 

We're sending prayers, hugs and love to you and BigMac, Morlei and I wish for a speedy recovery!!

 

Hey BigMac, still here sending you lots and lots of healing vines and prayers your way. Hang in there big guy.

Carolyn hope you're holding up ok, it's been a long while, and I hope you are taking care of yourself too. :YMHUG: :YMHUG:

 

Oh so glad to see him doing good! Hoping mommabean can get a bit of rest before the home healing starts!
Hugs coming your way!

 

:lol: :lol: :lol:

BigMac you is my hero, you is de BiggestMac and your bean is pretty cool too I think mine would be having a nervous breakdown by now

Carolyn this is the best news possible he is just incredible, what spirit

 

Thinking the best of thoughts for you both!

 

Squishy Merlin sends squishy angel hugs, too :lol: :YMHUG:

 

Wishing you both a good and restful night.

 

Just found this thread. What an amazing tribute to everyone here and especially to Big Mac - I am humbled by all of you - and telling my big Maine Coon boy he has a lot to live up to if he's gonna "hang" with the big boys around here!

 

Oh, (((Carolyn))) and (((((BigMac))))) sending hugs and snowflakes your way. Just popped on before bed and saw this post. So glad things are looking up. What a trying day. Can't wait to hear he is home and all is well. ((hugs))

 

((Hugs)) to Carolyn and some nice chin scritches to BigMac. Mikey and I hope that he is on the mend and that you are both getting the rest you need so he can get better fast!

 

My hair wasn't big. You should see my mom's. She'd kill me if I posted it.