Wednesday, October 1
Boy, I haven't written anything for a while now! I've been feeling pretty good, although when James took me to MedVet a few weeks ago my numbers were a little higher than they have been. The lady told James to try to get me to drink more water...well, I don't know if I'm drinking ANY water! I have been eating my kibble, though. I'm down to one feeding of 35 mL's every evening, although most days I get water through my tube in the morning, as well.
I get my sub-q fluids about every other day, although as time goes on I am getting less and less tolerant of them. I think my skin is also developing scar tissue, because James seems to be having a harder time finding a good place to stick the needle. OUCH!
Tomorrow Jenny & James are going to Michigan for Jenny's sister Beth's wedding, so I'll be staying with Dr. Burns at Red Maples. I bet they do a better job of giving me my fluids than James!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Day 123
Sunday, August 31
Well, I'm down to two feedings a day, and I'm eating a little kibble, although not enough to maintain my weight on my own. I'm still hovering at 6 lbs., though, so I haven't lost much weight. I don't seem to be the slightest bit interested in drinking anything, though, and Jenny & James are still giving me IV fluids most days. The sub-q fluids are less of a pain than the tube feeding, though, so even if they have to continue the fluids Jenny says that's OK with them.
James is taking me back to Med Vet to see Dr. Forman on Thursday. He'll take blood and run a bunch of tests and look at my numbers to see how I'm doing - wish me luck!
Well, I'm down to two feedings a day, and I'm eating a little kibble, although not enough to maintain my weight on my own. I'm still hovering at 6 lbs., though, so I haven't lost much weight. I don't seem to be the slightest bit interested in drinking anything, though, and Jenny & James are still giving me IV fluids most days. The sub-q fluids are less of a pain than the tube feeding, though, so even if they have to continue the fluids Jenny says that's OK with them.
James is taking me back to Med Vet to see Dr. Forman on Thursday. He'll take blood and run a bunch of tests and look at my numbers to see how I'm doing - wish me luck!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Day 106
Thursday, August 14
On Friday, the 100th day since I got my feeding tube, I saw Dr. Forman for a check-up. My weight at MedVet was 6 lbs., 2 oz.! He's really pleased with how I'm doing. The next step is to see if I'll start to eat on my own if Jenny & James feed me less through my tube. Dr. Forman says that my weight is so good that I can afford to lose a little bit, if that's what it takes to get me eating again.
This week I'm down from 90 mL's three times a day to 70 mL's three times a day. I don't seem to be hungry yet. Tomorrow I'll drop to 50 mL's three times a day. Jenny & James can't wait to get me down to two feedings a day!
Even if I don't start eating on my own again, two feedings would be much more manageable (for me and them). There's also the option of having a different kind of PEG tube inserted, designed for long-term use (the length of tubing would detach when I wasn't being fed, so that I'd just have the plug in my side - no long tube to flop around, and no shirt to keep a long tube out of the way!).
But of course, the ideal scenario would be for me to get hungry and eat my k/d kibble again. I used to eat a little bit now & then right after my tube was inserted, so hopefully I enjoy the taste and sensation and I'll go back to it once I get hungry enough. Jenny bought a new bag so the food is nice & fresh.
The next few weeks are make-it-or-break-it-time, so wish me luck!
On Friday, the 100th day since I got my feeding tube, I saw Dr. Forman for a check-up. My weight at MedVet was 6 lbs., 2 oz.! He's really pleased with how I'm doing. The next step is to see if I'll start to eat on my own if Jenny & James feed me less through my tube. Dr. Forman says that my weight is so good that I can afford to lose a little bit, if that's what it takes to get me eating again.
This week I'm down from 90 mL's three times a day to 70 mL's three times a day. I don't seem to be hungry yet. Tomorrow I'll drop to 50 mL's three times a day. Jenny & James can't wait to get me down to two feedings a day!
Even if I don't start eating on my own again, two feedings would be much more manageable (for me and them). There's also the option of having a different kind of PEG tube inserted, designed for long-term use (the length of tubing would detach when I wasn't being fed, so that I'd just have the plug in my side - no long tube to flop around, and no shirt to keep a long tube out of the way!).
But of course, the ideal scenario would be for me to get hungry and eat my k/d kibble again. I used to eat a little bit now & then right after my tube was inserted, so hopefully I enjoy the taste and sensation and I'll go back to it once I get hungry enough. Jenny bought a new bag so the food is nice & fresh.
The next few weeks are make-it-or-break-it-time, so wish me luck!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Day 90
Tuesday, July 29
Well, by Jenny & James' scale, I now weigh over 6 lbs. - 1 1/2 oz. over, to be exact. That's pretty exciting news!
The past few days I've been kind of blah, but because they're neglectful & forgetful (and because James was gone most of the day on Saturday), Jenny & James haven't given me any fluids since Friday, so maybe that's why. I got them tonight, but I didn't like it.
Tomorrow, after my morning feeding, Jenny is going up to Michigan for her sister's bridal shower on Saturday, so James will have to take care of me all by himself. Jenny's had to do that, too, over a couple of weekends, but not for such a long stretch at a time - James will have to take care of me on his own until Sunday afternoon. I hope he does OK!
Well, by Jenny & James' scale, I now weigh over 6 lbs. - 1 1/2 oz. over, to be exact. That's pretty exciting news!
The past few days I've been kind of blah, but because they're neglectful & forgetful (and because James was gone most of the day on Saturday), Jenny & James haven't given me any fluids since Friday, so maybe that's why. I got them tonight, but I didn't like it.
Tomorrow, after my morning feeding, Jenny is going up to Michigan for her sister's bridal shower on Saturday, so James will have to take care of me all by himself. Jenny's had to do that, too, over a couple of weekends, but not for such a long stretch at a time - James will have to take care of me on his own until Sunday afternoon. I hope he does OK!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Day 79
Friday, July 18
Hey, wow, I’ve been neglecting my blog for over a month now – yikes! A lot has happened in the past month. On June 19, I went and stayed at Red Maples vet clinic while Jenny & James went to visit their families in
Jenny took me to see Dr. Forman again on July 1. He told her that he’d been reading my blog and was concerned about how I was doing, and they had the dreaded “quality of life” conversation. Dr. Forman said that although I was doing quite well, I probably wasn’t ever going to get any better than I am right now. I could possibly go on like this for a very long time, as long as I was getting good nutrition and care. He asked Jenny what she thought my quality of life was, on a scale of 1 (fabulous) to 10 (unbearable). She thought it was a 6 or 7, depending on the day. Dr. Forman said that wasn’t very good, but that he would support whatever decision she & James made about me.
Later, at home, Jenny asked James what he thought my quality of life was. He thought about 5 or 6, and they decided to put off making any big decisions for a while.
I stayed at Red Maples again over the 4th of July, when Jenny & James went to
I’ve been feeling good in general, which means that now not only do I not want to sit still for my fluids, but I’m getting pretty tired of them feeding me through my tube, too. I’ve taken to hiding under the bed, so now when they’re going to feed me they shut my bedroom door so I can’t do that. Sometimes I do start to walk away while the syringe is in my tube, causing them to crawl around on the floor after me and feel disgruntled. Sometimes food or water spills out of my tube when I do this, and my “tank top” gets pretty grimy after a while.
But I’m enjoying life a lot more. I play with my catnip ravioli every day, I like to look out the window, I lie on Jenny & James’ laps more often, and I’ve started jumping up to my favorite spots again (the end of the banister at the bottom of the stairs, the ledge in the upstairs hallway, and even the top of the TV stand, where there really isn’t any room for me), which I haven’t really done since I got my tube. I also discovered that I like to lie on top of the printer. Jenny thinks my quality of life is now probably a 4 on most days, maybe even a 3. She and James aren’t sure where to go from here, but for now I’m doing pretty good, so…yay!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Days 43-46
June 12-15
Not much to report - I threw up during my dinner feeding tonight, so James slowed my feeding way down and that seemed to help. He weighed me last night and I weighed 5 lbs., 2 1/2 oz., so hopefully I'm gaining a little weight.
Jenny & James have gone back to the 18-gauge needle for my fluids. I think it hurts more than the 20-gauge when they put it in, but the solution gets into me a lot faster, which is important because I really don't like to sit still for my fluids.
Not much to report - I threw up during my dinner feeding tonight, so James slowed my feeding way down and that seemed to help. He weighed me last night and I weighed 5 lbs., 2 1/2 oz., so hopefully I'm gaining a little weight.
Jenny & James have gone back to the 18-gauge needle for my fluids. I think it hurts more than the 20-gauge when they put it in, but the solution gets into me a lot faster, which is important because I really don't like to sit still for my fluids.
Day 42
Wednesday, June 11
The tech called today and left my kidney values on the answering machine, and my numbers are a third of what they were a couple of weeks ago - so they have gone down two thirds!
Jenny & James are giving me more food per feeding, and I seem to be doing OK; at least, I haven't been barfing a lot, which is pretty much my symptom of being "not OK" with my feedings. I've been getting the aluminum hydroxide, which is chalky and smells minty, like Maalox (not that I'm tasting it), so maybe that's helping, too.
The tech called today and left my kidney values on the answering machine, and my numbers are a third of what they were a couple of weeks ago - so they have gone down two thirds!
Jenny & James are giving me more food per feeding, and I seem to be doing OK; at least, I haven't been barfing a lot, which is pretty much my symptom of being "not OK" with my feedings. I've been getting the aluminum hydroxide, which is chalky and smells minty, like Maalox (not that I'm tasting it), so maybe that's helping, too.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Day 41
Tuesday, June 10
Well, my trip to MedVet this afternoon was somewhat of a joke. Jenny didn’t even get to see Dr. Forman! They took me in the back to draw blood and she waited for me in the waiting room. After a while they called her to pay the bill – she protested that I wasn’t even done yet, but they wanted to get it taken care of. Jenny waited a little longer after she paid the bill, and then a tech she had never met before (Joy) brought me out to her in my carrier.
Jenny had hoped to talk to Dr. Forman about quality-of-life issues (whatever that means), but since it will take a couple of days to get the results of my kidney tests back, she figured she could wait and talk to him then. She did need to ask the tech for a medication refill, syringes, material to make me another tank top, etc. The tech asked if she was still giving me aluminum hydroxide (for my phosphorous levels), and Jenny said she didn’t think we’d ever gotten any aluminum hydroxide to give me. So they gave me a bottle of that, too. Then Jenny owed another $11.00, which luckily she could pay in cash.
Since I weighed only 5.0 lbs. (where is all that food going? I’m not throwing up that much!), they told Jenny to increase my feedings to 70 mL’s (three times a day), then 80, and then 90 (over a week's time). They gave her a couple more 35 mL syringes and a couple of 60 mL syringes, but when we got home and Jenny went to get me my dinner, she removed the 35 mL syringes from their cases and saw that the tips were wrong – too big to fit into my feeding tube. The 60’s were the same way. So now she’ll have to make another trip to MedVet to get what I need.
Plus it turns out that we did have aluminum hydroxide at home, but when James had picked it up he was told to only give it to me after I started eating on my own, so clearly the hospital was a little mixed up about their own instructions. Jenny & James are starting to find MedVet a bit annoying…
Days 33-40
June 2-9
There hasn't been much to report lately. I'm just getting fed through my tube, barfing from time to time, and growling when I get my fluids every night. I guess this is what they call "the new normal." I'm definitely not my old self again, but I'm not feeling all lethargic like I was when I was trying to pass my kidney stone (I guess I passed it). Jenny is taking me for a check-up at MedVet tomorrow, so we'll see what Dr. Forman says.
There hasn't been much to report lately. I'm just getting fed through my tube, barfing from time to time, and growling when I get my fluids every night. I guess this is what they call "the new normal." I'm definitely not my old self again, but I'm not feeling all lethargic like I was when I was trying to pass my kidney stone (I guess I passed it). Jenny is taking me for a check-up at MedVet tomorrow, so we'll see what Dr. Forman says.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Day 32
Sunday, June 1
I think I needed my fluids yesterday. Last night when James weighed me, I had lost a couple of ounces. Jenny is going to check with the vet clinic to see if she can bring me in to get my fluids when James is away at the Indy car race in mid-July; she probably can't manage it on her own.
This morning I stayed curled up in my cuddle cup while Jenny gave me my feeding, and at the very end I threw up a little bit, right in my bed! When Jenny tried to wipe it up it felt like she was invading my space, so I kind of growled - at first she thought it was my stomach making the noise! I think she was kind of relieved that it wasn't, so I don't feel particularly guilty.
When I came downstairs this afternoon, I was a little wobbly, and Jenny suggested I get my fluids earlier in the day. The plan was to give me 150 mL's (usually I get 100), but I managed to wiggle the needle out after only 100. Since that's my usual "dose," though, James didn't try to stick me again.
A few hours after my fluids, I was feeling perkier. I was sitting in the living room window looking out the screen when Jenny came home from feeding the sheep. I wish I didn't need to get poked with a needle in order to feel better, though!
I think I needed my fluids yesterday. Last night when James weighed me, I had lost a couple of ounces. Jenny is going to check with the vet clinic to see if she can bring me in to get my fluids when James is away at the Indy car race in mid-July; she probably can't manage it on her own.
This morning I stayed curled up in my cuddle cup while Jenny gave me my feeding, and at the very end I threw up a little bit, right in my bed! When Jenny tried to wipe it up it felt like she was invading my space, so I kind of growled - at first she thought it was my stomach making the noise! I think she was kind of relieved that it wasn't, so I don't feel particularly guilty.
When I came downstairs this afternoon, I was a little wobbly, and Jenny suggested I get my fluids earlier in the day. The plan was to give me 150 mL's (usually I get 100), but I managed to wiggle the needle out after only 100. Since that's my usual "dose," though, James didn't try to stick me again.
A few hours after my fluids, I was feeling perkier. I was sitting in the living room window looking out the screen when Jenny came home from feeding the sheep. I wish I didn't need to get poked with a needle in order to feel better, though!
Day 31
Saturday, May 31
Today James was gone almost all day so I got to skip my fluids! Me & Jenny & Bucky just hung out while Mr. Cat meowed piteously from the basement to join us.
Today James was gone almost all day so I got to skip my fluids! Me & Jenny & Bucky just hung out while Mr. Cat meowed piteously from the basement to join us.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Day 30
Friday, May 30, 2008
My next appointment with Dr. Forman is Tuesday, June 10, which is the second day of Shavuot so Jenny will be off work and she can take me. James had to take me to my last two appointments because MedVet doctors only see patients at ridiculous hours, something like 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. weekdays - so convenient for working pet owners! Luckily, James' company is very flexible about stuff like that.
Last night I grabbed a catnip toy and rolled over onto my back with it. Then tonight, I did it again! I haven’t done that since I got my feeding tube!
My next appointment with Dr. Forman is Tuesday, June 10, which is the second day of Shavuot so Jenny will be off work and she can take me. James had to take me to my last two appointments because MedVet doctors only see patients at ridiculous hours, something like 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. weekdays - so convenient for working pet owners! Luckily, James' company is very flexible about stuff like that.
Day 29
Thursday, May 29
James has been giving me a lower dose of Tramadol, my painkiller, because it makes me so drowsy. This morning I rubbed all over him for a long time and even ate some k/d kibble, which I haven’t done in almost a week, so I’m definitely feeling better. I also scratched on my scratching post and came in the bathroom with Jenny and rubbed around her legs, something I haven’t done in positively ages!
Day 28
Wednesday, May 28
I still hate getting them, but I think the fluids do make me feel better. I feel perkier today than I have in a few days. My fur is starting to get a little oogy because I haven’t felt up to grooming myself much lately. Jenny wants to work on me with a warm wet washcloth, but I don’t think I’d really appreciate that!
I still hate getting them, but I think the fluids do make me feel better. I feel perkier today than I have in a few days. My fur is starting to get a little oogy because I haven’t felt up to grooming myself much lately. Jenny wants to work on me with a warm wet washcloth, but I don’t think I’d really appreciate that!
Tonight James used another 20-gauge needle when I got my fluids, and I was a very good girl. I tried to sneak away while he was getting the needle cap off (don’t want them to think I’m enjoying this!), but after the needle was in I sat still in his lap.
Day 27
Tuesday, May 27
So James tried a 20-gauge needle, and it worked pretty well. I only tried to run away once, although I kind of growled the whole time, to make sure they knew I didn’t like it! I also made a solid poop tonight instead of just diarrhea – hooray!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Day 26
Monday, May 26
Whooaaa...I feel really funky, man...I think it must be the Tramadol I'm taking...it makes me want to lie around and like, contemplate reality, man...
Last night I still felt pretty crummy - in fact, I managed to have diarrhea and throw up (in my litterbox) at the same time. Today James carried me down to the living room from the bedroom. He set me in my new downstairs litterbox & I went pee right away. Other than than, I've just been lying around on the living room floor. I had diarrhea (in the litterbox, of course) twice.
When Jenny & James tried to give me my sub-q fluids tonight, they just couldn't get it together. James stuck me three times and the stuff was still leaking out all over the back of my neck, and I was kind of growling, and finally they gave up. I hope they do a better job tomorrow!
But like I said, I'm really feeling pretty mellow...James is going to try cutting back on the pain reliever by half and see if I perk up. Whether I'm lying around all day because I'm in pain or because I'm all doped up, I haven't been very exciting lately...
Whooaaa...I feel really funky, man...I think it must be the Tramadol I'm taking...it makes me want to lie around and like, contemplate reality, man...
Last night I still felt pretty crummy - in fact, I managed to have diarrhea and throw up (in my litterbox) at the same time. Today James carried me down to the living room from the bedroom. He set me in my new downstairs litterbox & I went pee right away. Other than than, I've just been lying around on the living room floor. I had diarrhea (in the litterbox, of course) twice.
When Jenny & James tried to give me my sub-q fluids tonight, they just couldn't get it together. James stuck me three times and the stuff was still leaking out all over the back of my neck, and I was kind of growling, and finally they gave up. I hope they do a better job tomorrow!
But like I said, I'm really feeling pretty mellow...James is going to try cutting back on the pain reliever by half and see if I perk up. Whether I'm lying around all day because I'm in pain or because I'm all doped up, I haven't been very exciting lately...
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Day 25
Sunday, May 25
Today I felt pretty bad again, but maybe a little better than yesterday. I still have diarrhea – maybe because my body’s adjusting to the extra fluids I’m getting sub-q? Both Jenny & James noticed me making some really big pees today and partially opening my mouth while I did it, like I was straining (hopefully to pass a kidney stone). Jenny called the doctor again today, and he got some pain medicine ready for me. James went and picked it up, but he won’t give it to me until I have my evening feeding (to make sure it makes it all the way down the tube & into my stomach). One of its side effects is lethargy, but at this point I’m just lying around anyway. James brought me downstairs once, but I went back upstairs almost right away. I’ve mostly been lying in my cuddle cup. Jenny bought another litter box so there will be one downstairs for me – maybe I’ll feel better about staying down there if I know there’s a convenient place to pee.
Today I felt pretty bad again, but maybe a little better than yesterday. I still have diarrhea – maybe because my body’s adjusting to the extra fluids I’m getting sub-q? Both Jenny & James noticed me making some really big pees today and partially opening my mouth while I did it, like I was straining (hopefully to pass a kidney stone). Jenny called the doctor again today, and he got some pain medicine ready for me. James went and picked it up, but he won’t give it to me until I have my evening feeding (to make sure it makes it all the way down the tube & into my stomach). One of its side effects is lethargy, but at this point I’m just lying around anyway. James brought me downstairs once, but I went back upstairs almost right away. I’ve mostly been lying in my cuddle cup. Jenny bought another litter box so there will be one downstairs for me – maybe I’ll feel better about staying down there if I know there’s a convenient place to pee.
Day 24
Saturday, May 24
Today I felt miserable. I think it really hurts when I pee. I spent a lot of time upstairs on the bed, under the covers. I had diarrhea twice and afterward I wanted to lie down in my litterbox, which I never usually do. Jenny thinks it’s because I’m afraid I’ll have an accident outside my litterbox, so I figure I might as well just stay in there just in case. She told me that it was OK if I had an accident and I didn’t have to curl up in my litterbox, but I feel funny about the whole thing. James has been watching me and wiping my rear after I have diarrhea because I haven’t really been able to groom myself the way I’m used to lately. I threw up twice today, too. Jenny called MedVet and left a message for Dr. Forman to find out if I can get some pain medication.
Day 23
Friday, May 23
Tonight Jenny & James gave me my first sub-q treatment. I don’t think they did such a good job, though, because the fluids formed kind of a lump under my skin and a bunch of them leaked out and got my neck all wet (NOT comfortable!). But I was good and I didn’t cry, and I mostly sat still while the needle was in my skin. I only need to get 100 mL’s, and Jenny squeezes the bag so it drips out fast, so it really only took a couple of minutes. But I still didn’t enjoy it.
Day 22
Thursday, May 22
He noticed that I seemed a little dehydrated, so now (lucky me!) I get to get subcutaneous fluids at home every day. This is very common in cats with kidney disease, so James wasn’t very surprised. They showed him how to do it and he gave me my first sub-q fluids there at the hospital (I’m down with that crazy kidney lingo).
Dr. Forman also thinks I may be trying to pass a kidney stone (or more than one). My kidneys were sore when he palpated them (that’s a fancy medical term for “scrunched them around”). He gave me some amitriptyline, which in addition to its somewhat sedative properties is also supposed to relax my urethra so it doesn’t tense up and I can pass a stone more easily. They also sent us home with a couple of bags of lactated ringers solution, a bunch of needles, some more feeding syringes, and a refill of my metoclopramide (GI motility) medicine.
Day 21
Wednesday, May 21
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Day 20
Tuesday, May 20
I slept under the covers with James again last night (I wanted to make sure he was OK). And when he came home from work I was under the quilt again, and there was a little bit of dried vomit on it.
I think my stomach is starting to get to me. Today I spent a lot of time lying on Jenny & James, and I hadn't been doing that lately. They're worried that I'm having a bit of a setback. For them, Thursday (and my check-up with Dr. Forman) can't come soon enough - but I personally don't care if I never see that man again!
I slept under the covers with James again last night (I wanted to make sure he was OK). And when he came home from work I was under the quilt again, and there was a little bit of dried vomit on it.
I think my stomach is starting to get to me. Today I spent a lot of time lying on Jenny & James, and I hadn't been doing that lately. They're worried that I'm having a bit of a setback. For them, Thursday (and my check-up with Dr. Forman) can't come soon enough - but I personally don't care if I never see that man again!
Day 19
Monday, May 19
Last night I slept next to James under the covers, something I’ve never done before. He kept touching me to make sure I was OK (I was – can’t I just love him?).
James stayed home today because he was feeling yucky, so we hung out together. He also found some dried vomit in the bedroom.
I didn’t barf at all when I first got my tube; I don't know what's changed, but I think it might be the movement of the tube itself. After I picked off the scab, it started moving in & out slightly. Tonight James noticed that it looked like it was sticking out more than usual, and he tried to (gently) slide it in a little, but when he did that I threw up.
Anyway, it's something to talk to the vet about when I go for my check-up on Thursday.
Last night I slept next to James under the covers, something I’ve never done before. He kept touching me to make sure I was OK (I was – can’t I just love him?).
James stayed home today because he was feeling yucky, so we hung out together. He also found some dried vomit in the bedroom.
I didn’t barf at all when I first got my tube; I don't know what's changed, but I think it might be the movement of the tube itself. After I picked off the scab, it started moving in & out slightly. Tonight James noticed that it looked like it was sticking out more than usual, and he tried to (gently) slide it in a little, but when he did that I threw up.
Anyway, it's something to talk to the vet about when I go for my check-up on Thursday.
Day 18
Sunday, May 18
Today I felt a little nauseated again – I’ve done that foaming/drooling/gulping thing a couple of times, and it’s truly pitiful to see. And then to add insult to injury, Jenny feels like she needs to wipe off my face after it happens!
I spent most of the day downstairs, listening to Mr. Cat cry at the basement door and watching the world through the doorwall. I was pretty good at sitting still through my feedings. The vet wrap seems to be a good (if not completely comfortable) solution to keeping my tube out of the way.
Unfortunately, when James weighed me tonight I only weighed 5 lbs., 2½ oz., so it looks like a lost half an ounce somewhere along the way (must be the barfing).
Today I felt a little nauseated again – I’ve done that foaming/drooling/gulping thing a couple of times, and it’s truly pitiful to see. And then to add insult to injury, Jenny feels like she needs to wipe off my face after it happens!
I spent most of the day downstairs, listening to Mr. Cat cry at the basement door and watching the world through the doorwall. I was pretty good at sitting still through my feedings. The vet wrap seems to be a good (if not completely comfortable) solution to keeping my tube out of the way.
Unfortunately, when James weighed me tonight I only weighed 5 lbs., 2½ oz., so it looks like a lost half an ounce somewhere along the way (must be the barfing).
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Day 17
Saturday, May 17
James re-vet wrapped me with the new stuff Jenny bought, and I think he overdid it. I feel like I have 37 layers of latex around my waist! But I guess he wanted to make sure I didn't get it off.
This morning I threw up while James was giving me breakfast, so he only ended up giving me like 15 mL's of food.
After Beth's graduation, Jenny's mom wanted to see me (how nice!) so James let me out of the bedroom so I could visit with her in the hall. Unfortunately, Bailey also wanted to see me, but I sure didn't want her bugging me, so when she came up the stairs I hissed at her. Then she went back downstairs (mission accomplished!). I may have a tube sticking out of my side, but I'm still master of my domain.
I threw up again a couple of times around 9 p.m., a full 4 hours after I had dinner. I'm not sure what's up with that, but I hope I don't have some kind of infection. I feel pretty good otherwise. James gave me a regular feeding before bed - he figured that even if I threw up, at least I'd get some nutrition from my food.
Day 16
Friday, May 16
I spent the night in my e-collar, but then James took it off for the day. My vet wrap is much better than that stupid tank top, but maybe not as stylish.
It was a busy day for Jenny & James today because Jenny's parents are in town for her older sister Beth's graduation (from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio - she's getting a master's degree), and the hotel they're staying at doesn't allow pets. They had to bring their dog Bailey with them because Sarah, Jenny's younger sister, is dogsitting Wally (James' parents dog) and isn't home. Boy, this is kind of complicated! Anyway, the upshot is that Bailey came over to spend the night with Jenny & James.
I didn't see her, because I stayed in my bedroom, but James went to CABS (Columbus Area Boardgaming Society) and Jenny went to Beth's baccalaureate service, so they were running around like chickens with their heads cut off. But Jenny did stop at Tractor Supply Company and buy some actual 3M Vetrap, in a 4" size, so tomorrow we'll see how that works.
I spent the night in my e-collar, but then James took it off for the day. My vet wrap is much better than that stupid tank top, but maybe not as stylish.
It was a busy day for Jenny & James today because Jenny's parents are in town for her older sister Beth's graduation (from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio - she's getting a master's degree), and the hotel they're staying at doesn't allow pets. They had to bring their dog Bailey with them because Sarah, Jenny's younger sister, is dogsitting Wally (James' parents dog) and isn't home. Boy, this is kind of complicated! Anyway, the upshot is that Bailey came over to spend the night with Jenny & James.
I didn't see her, because I stayed in my bedroom, but James went to CABS (Columbus Area Boardgaming Society) and Jenny went to Beth's baccalaureate service, so they were running around like chickens with their heads cut off. But Jenny did stop at Tractor Supply Company and buy some actual 3M Vetrap, in a 4" size, so tomorrow we'll see how that works.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Day 15
Thursday, May 15
Well, today when Jenny came home, I had my tank top almost all the way off, so she took it off. Then after my feeding, she had to decide how to keep my tube against my body. Luckily, James came home from work just about then, and they made me a little belly band out of off-brand vet wrap.
Unfortunately, the vet wrap didn't really stay in place very well. It keeps slipping down around my waist, exposing the site where the tube enters my side. The first time it did that, I picked off the nice big scab that had formed there. But in retrospect, I don't think that was such a good idea, because the skin underneath is raw and red and sore.
I growled and protested when Jenny & James decided to take the vet wrap off and reposition it. I REALLY didn't like it! Jenny is worried, because it looks like without the scab, my tube may be moving out of my body a little bit. James covered everything over with the vet wrap again, but he's going to have to put that d*** e-collar back on me overnight, because I know I can get this vet wrap off if I have a nice long, uninterrupted period to work on it (say, while the humans are asleep).
On the plus side, I weighed 5 lbs. 3 oz. last night when James weighed me.
Well, today when Jenny came home, I had my tank top almost all the way off, so she took it off. Then after my feeding, she had to decide how to keep my tube against my body. Luckily, James came home from work just about then, and they made me a little belly band out of off-brand vet wrap.
Unfortunately, the vet wrap didn't really stay in place very well. It keeps slipping down around my waist, exposing the site where the tube enters my side. The first time it did that, I picked off the nice big scab that had formed there. But in retrospect, I don't think that was such a good idea, because the skin underneath is raw and red and sore.
I growled and protested when Jenny & James decided to take the vet wrap off and reposition it. I REALLY didn't like it! Jenny is worried, because it looks like without the scab, my tube may be moving out of my body a little bit. James covered everything over with the vet wrap again, but he's going to have to put that d*** e-collar back on me overnight, because I know I can get this vet wrap off if I have a nice long, uninterrupted period to work on it (say, while the humans are asleep).
On the plus side, I weighed 5 lbs. 3 oz. last night when James weighed me.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Day 14
Wednesday, May 14
Today is the 2-week anniversary of getting my PEG tube inserted. Now I'm supposedly all healed up! Jenny was home most of the day today, and after she gave me my dinner, she decided to hang around with me for a while to see how I would do with my e-collar off. I mostly groomed myself, but then when she was getting drowsy, I snuck under the bed.
Jenny looked under there at me, and I was just lying there, so she decided to leave me there until James came home from work (like she could have gotten me out by herself anyway...). Meanwhile Dr. Forman's tech, Lisa, called to check on me. Jenny told her I was doing very well, and asked if it would be OK to take off my e-collar now that it's been two weeks since my tube was inserted. Lisa said she could, but that if I bother the site, they should put it back on. Jenny also mentioned that they were running out of my metocloramide (GI motility medicine). Lisa told her that it was only supposed to be for 2 weeks, so they should stop giving it to me, but if I really start vomiting they will refill the prescription. Then Jenny made a re-check appointment for me next week.
When James came home he came up to get me out from under the bed. First he tried to just reach in and grab me, but I kicked at him and scratched him a little (I have all my claws). Then he used pure brute force and lifted the bed up a little so Jenny could get me. He put my e-collar back on and the two of them went downstairs for dinner.
After dinner, they put Mr. Cat in the basement and came upstairs to let me out of the room for a little exploration time. They found that I had somehow wedged myself under the bed while wearing my e-collar, but the lure of the open bedroom door was too much to resist, and I crawled out on my own. They took off my e-collar so I would be more comfortable.
They're still trying to decide what to do about my tank top. Jenny bought a couple of little doggie tops at the pet store today, but now that they're home she thinks they might not be long enough to hold my tube in place. She also bought vet wrap (like an Ace bandage that sticks to itself) to wrap around my stomach like a misplaced headband, but they haven't tried putting that on me yet. I'll keep you posted!
Today is the 2-week anniversary of getting my PEG tube inserted. Now I'm supposedly all healed up! Jenny was home most of the day today, and after she gave me my dinner, she decided to hang around with me for a while to see how I would do with my e-collar off. I mostly groomed myself, but then when she was getting drowsy, I snuck under the bed.
Jenny looked under there at me, and I was just lying there, so she decided to leave me there until James came home from work (like she could have gotten me out by herself anyway...). Meanwhile Dr. Forman's tech, Lisa, called to check on me. Jenny told her I was doing very well, and asked if it would be OK to take off my e-collar now that it's been two weeks since my tube was inserted. Lisa said she could, but that if I bother the site, they should put it back on. Jenny also mentioned that they were running out of my metocloramide (GI motility medicine). Lisa told her that it was only supposed to be for 2 weeks, so they should stop giving it to me, but if I really start vomiting they will refill the prescription. Then Jenny made a re-check appointment for me next week.
When James came home he came up to get me out from under the bed. First he tried to just reach in and grab me, but I kicked at him and scratched him a little (I have all my claws). Then he used pure brute force and lifted the bed up a little so Jenny could get me. He put my e-collar back on and the two of them went downstairs for dinner.
After dinner, they put Mr. Cat in the basement and came upstairs to let me out of the room for a little exploration time. They found that I had somehow wedged myself under the bed while wearing my e-collar, but the lure of the open bedroom door was too much to resist, and I crawled out on my own. They took off my e-collar so I would be more comfortable.
They're still trying to decide what to do about my tank top. Jenny bought a couple of little doggie tops at the pet store today, but now that they're home she thinks they might not be long enough to hold my tube in place. She also bought vet wrap (like an Ace bandage that sticks to itself) to wrap around my stomach like a misplaced headband, but they haven't tried putting that on me yet. I'll keep you posted!
Day 13
Tuesday, May 13
Today Jenny gave me my afternoon feeding, and I didn't want to sit still. That made the process very messy, and I got little drops of food on my fur, the floor, the bed...at one point I was eating my dry food while Jenny syringed food into my stomach through the tube (humans are really weird). Jenny gave me 50 mL's because James warned her that at 60, I seemed to be throwing up a little afterward. At one point after my feeding I gulped and drooled a little, but I didn't actually barf. Hopefully I am eating enough kibble to make up the 10 mL difference in "tube food."
Today Jenny gave me my afternoon feeding, and I didn't want to sit still. That made the process very messy, and I got little drops of food on my fur, the floor, the bed...at one point I was eating my dry food while Jenny syringed food into my stomach through the tube (humans are really weird). Jenny gave me 50 mL's because James warned her that at 60, I seemed to be throwing up a little afterward. At one point after my feeding I gulped and drooled a little, but I didn't actually barf. Hopefully I am eating enough kibble to make up the 10 mL difference in "tube food."
Day 12
Monday, May 12
Last night after I dictated my blog entry to Jenny, I went poop! Then James weighed me, and I now weigh 5 lbs., 3 oz. I am feeling pretty good these days, which is all I can ask for (well, that and no more d*** e-collar!).
Last night after I dictated my blog entry to Jenny, I went poop! Then James weighed me, and I now weigh 5 lbs., 3 oz. I am feeling pretty good these days, which is all I can ask for (well, that and no more d*** e-collar!).
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Day 11
Sunday, May 11
When I had to go back to MedVet last Monday, the doctor noted that I was a little dehydrated. So today Jenny thought she'd give me a little extra water through my tube. She did it in the afternoon, between feedings, because she didn't want the water to take up room in my stomach that should be used for food. About 10 minutes after she gave me the 10 mL's, I threw up. I wasn't wearing my e-collar at the time, and it was mostly water, so it wasn't too messy, but Jenny felt bad.
Also, I haven't gone poop since Friday night. James put me in my litter box twice (trying to encourage me to go, I suppose, but rather insulting, since it's not like I've had any accidents outside my litter box). I'm taking medicine for "GI motility," but maybe it's not helping. Jenny may call MedVet tomorrow. I still feel pretty perky today, though.
When I had to go back to MedVet last Monday, the doctor noted that I was a little dehydrated. So today Jenny thought she'd give me a little extra water through my tube. She did it in the afternoon, between feedings, because she didn't want the water to take up room in my stomach that should be used for food. About 10 minutes after she gave me the 10 mL's, I threw up. I wasn't wearing my e-collar at the time, and it was mostly water, so it wasn't too messy, but Jenny felt bad.
Also, I haven't gone poop since Friday night. James put me in my litter box twice (trying to encourage me to go, I suppose, but rather insulting, since it's not like I've had any accidents outside my litter box). I'm taking medicine for "GI motility," but maybe it's not helping. Jenny may call MedVet tomorrow. I still feel pretty perky today, though.
Day 10
Saturday, May 10
I'm feeling quite perky today! I haven't wanted to sit still for my feedings, which is annoying for Jenny & James but also a sign that I'm feeling much better, so they can't really complain. I'm pretty tired of wearing this e-collar and tank top, though. When they take my e-collar off, I usually spend a little time trying to groom the tank top off (it never works).
On Wednesday it will be 2 weeks since I've had my feeding tube, which is supposed to be the magic time for it to heal to my stomach wall. Then there will be less of a chance of it accidentally coming out, so I can hopefully get my e-collar off for good. The tank top not only covers the spot where the tube enters my body, but also keeps my tube out of the way, so I'm not sure if I'll have to keep wearing it or not - I'll keep you posted.
Today Jenny is posting a photo of the tube where it enters my body. It makes me look a little like Frankenkitty, but it really doesn't bother me that much!
Day 9
Friday, May 9
Boy, it's good to be home! Today was a fairly uneventful day, but that's all right with me. I'm doing fine on 45 mL's a feeding, although I tend to burp at least once per feeding - James guesses that's because I'm getting some air through the tube. I haven't thrown up, though!
Unfortunately, my legs look pretty silly because three of them have been shaved for IV's. I don't know why they didn't just shave the fourth one and be done with it!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Day 8
Thursday, May 8
I'm home! Jenny & James met at MedVet after work to pick me up. They spoke to Dr. Forman for a while first. He said that the kidney cytology came back negative for infection or cancer, and that the urine culture they started on Monday night came back negative, so I definitely don't have a bladder infection.
He told them that I'm a "curious case." He explained by saying that usually creatinine levels go up, go down, or stay elevated. Mine have been going up and down, which is unusual. If they went up and stayed up, after a while I'd get used to it, but this up and down is really making me feel lousy.
At his own expense, he sent something (blood? cells?) in for an Addison's disease screening, which is fairly uncommon in cats, but not in dogs. My symptoms aren't classic for Addison's, but he's been wracking his brain trying to figure out what's wrong with me, since I don't have an infection or cancer. They also sent in a sample for a pancreatitis test, but that and the Addison's screening will still take a few days to come back.
Dr. Forman also said that he's going to be out of town for the next 4 days, so I can't feel really bad again until Tuesday!
I'm feeling much better. When the tech brought me in to the examination room, I was in my cuddle cup, but when she put me down on the table, I climbed out and began to explore. Jenny noticed right away how perky I seemed.
I also now have a binder clip that holds my feeding tube to my tank top, so it can't slip out. It's a pretty clever idea, I do have to admit, but I still have to wear this d*** e-collar. My tube site looks great, though. When I get my evening feeding tonight, I'm supposed to get 45 mL's, plus the antiobiotics & an anti-nausea medication they sent home.
Then James drove me home and Jenny stopped at the grocery store. When I got out of my carrier, I explored the bedroom a little bit and James took off my e-collar so I could eat some of my k/d kibble. The doctor told Jenny & James that I had enjoyed a little bit of tuna during my stay, which he happily encouraged.
Gosh, it's good to be home!
I weighed 5 lbs., 1 oz. on the scale here at home, which is possibly not strictly accurate.
I'm home! Jenny & James met at MedVet after work to pick me up. They spoke to Dr. Forman for a while first. He said that the kidney cytology came back negative for infection or cancer, and that the urine culture they started on Monday night came back negative, so I definitely don't have a bladder infection.
He told them that I'm a "curious case." He explained by saying that usually creatinine levels go up, go down, or stay elevated. Mine have been going up and down, which is unusual. If they went up and stayed up, after a while I'd get used to it, but this up and down is really making me feel lousy.
At his own expense, he sent something (blood? cells?) in for an Addison's disease screening, which is fairly uncommon in cats, but not in dogs. My symptoms aren't classic for Addison's, but he's been wracking his brain trying to figure out what's wrong with me, since I don't have an infection or cancer. They also sent in a sample for a pancreatitis test, but that and the Addison's screening will still take a few days to come back.
Dr. Forman also said that he's going to be out of town for the next 4 days, so I can't feel really bad again until Tuesday!
I'm feeling much better. When the tech brought me in to the examination room, I was in my cuddle cup, but when she put me down on the table, I climbed out and began to explore. Jenny noticed right away how perky I seemed.
I also now have a binder clip that holds my feeding tube to my tank top, so it can't slip out. It's a pretty clever idea, I do have to admit, but I still have to wear this d*** e-collar. My tube site looks great, though. When I get my evening feeding tonight, I'm supposed to get 45 mL's, plus the antiobiotics & an anti-nausea medication they sent home.
Then James drove me home and Jenny stopped at the grocery store. When I got out of my carrier, I explored the bedroom a little bit and James took off my e-collar so I could eat some of my k/d kibble. The doctor told Jenny & James that I had enjoyed a little bit of tuna during my stay, which he happily encouraged.
Gosh, it's good to be home!
I weighed 5 lbs., 1 oz. on the scale here at home, which is possibly not strictly accurate.
Day 7
Wednesday, May 7
(Jenny is guest-writing this post for Kitty)
With his medicine, Bucky is much improved. And tonight James came home from New Jersey!
I wasn't able to visit Kitty today because I had to get home right after work to take Bucky out. I spoke to Lisa, the tech, this afternoon and gave my permission for them to do another ultrasound and another blood pressure check. She said that the bloodwork showed that Kitty's creatinine level had only come down the slightest bit. Dr. Forman called me around 4:30 or so to tell me that they hadn't found anything out of the ordinary on the ultrasound, again. He did say that they took some "aspirate" from Kitty's kidney (less invasive than a biopsy) to see if that would tell them anything. He also told me that she'd lost a little weight since she was last at MedVet, which was worrisome to me.
But he said that he planned to send her home tomorrow, so we'll see.
(Jenny is guest-writing this post for Kitty)
With his medicine, Bucky is much improved. And tonight James came home from New Jersey!
I wasn't able to visit Kitty today because I had to get home right after work to take Bucky out. I spoke to Lisa, the tech, this afternoon and gave my permission for them to do another ultrasound and another blood pressure check. She said that the bloodwork showed that Kitty's creatinine level had only come down the slightest bit. Dr. Forman called me around 4:30 or so to tell me that they hadn't found anything out of the ordinary on the ultrasound, again. He did say that they took some "aspirate" from Kitty's kidney (less invasive than a biopsy) to see if that would tell them anything. He also told me that she'd lost a little weight since she was last at MedVet, which was worrisome to me.
But he said that he planned to send her home tomorrow, so we'll see.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Day 6
Tuesday, May 6
(Jenny is guest-writing this post for Kitty)
I slept on the couch all night and half-listened to Bucky the whole time. We went out at 5 a.m. or so, and it was raining a little so he just peed and we came back in. I called and canceled his appointment with Dr. Burns because he seemed OK, but I went in to work late anyway (I snoozed on the couch for most of the morning). I took Bucky out again at 9:30, and we walked all over & I thought he was going to poop, but he didn't.
He did take his antibiotic without too much fuss. I put down about a third of a can of dog food right after I gave it to him, but he wasn't interested - he did take a drink, though. Before I left I noticed he had eaten about half of the food I gave him and he did eat the Quacker (strip of dried duck breast) I gave him (he gets one every morning when I come downstairs after my shower)!
A tech called me this morning to say that the blood work shows that Kitty's kidney levels are elevated again, and so's her white blood cell count, so maybe she now has a kidney infection. She threw up and had a little diarrhea around 3 a.m. after they gave her an enema (!). They did insert an IV to keep her hydrated, and they're of course continuing her antibiotic. They're going to start a urine culture (which takes 3 days), take her blood pressure again, and keep her at least one more night.
After work I went to MedVet to visit Kitty. First Dr. Forman talked to me about her symptoms. At this point it's just wait and see. In addition to the antibiotic, they're also giving her an acid reducer (the same medicine that's in Pepcid) and an anti-nausea drug. He told me he would like to do more blood work tomorrow, and possibly a second ultrasound or even a (minimally invasive) kidney biopsy to try to discover what exactly is wrong with her. I'm very glad James is coming home tomorrow night and we won't have to make any major decisions while he's in New Jersey.
Then they brought Kitty in, wrapped in a blanket. I took her e-collar off and scratched her all over her neck, chin, cheeks, and head. She seemed a little perkier today than she did yesterday (when I actually thought she might die at any moment). I held her and talked to her and stroked her for about half an hour, and then I had to leave to go home and let Bucky out.
I don't know if I'll be able to visit her tomorrow. At least I can't go right after work, because I'll have a full day tomorrow so I'll have to go right home to let Bucky out. But if James wants to see her when he gets home (kind of on the late side), I'll go with him.
When I got home, Bucky was doing good. He hadn't eaten any more food, but he hadn't had an "accident," either. Poor guy. I hope the medicine is helping - he'll get another dose before bed tonight. I'm hoping Kitty is comfortable at the hospital. Not that I want her to be there, but it's a relief to know she is being well taken care of.
(Jenny is guest-writing this post for Kitty)
I slept on the couch all night and half-listened to Bucky the whole time. We went out at 5 a.m. or so, and it was raining a little so he just peed and we came back in. I called and canceled his appointment with Dr. Burns because he seemed OK, but I went in to work late anyway (I snoozed on the couch for most of the morning). I took Bucky out again at 9:30, and we walked all over & I thought he was going to poop, but he didn't.
He did take his antibiotic without too much fuss. I put down about a third of a can of dog food right after I gave it to him, but he wasn't interested - he did take a drink, though. Before I left I noticed he had eaten about half of the food I gave him and he did eat the Quacker (strip of dried duck breast) I gave him (he gets one every morning when I come downstairs after my shower)!
A tech called me this morning to say that the blood work shows that Kitty's kidney levels are elevated again, and so's her white blood cell count, so maybe she now has a kidney infection. She threw up and had a little diarrhea around 3 a.m. after they gave her an enema (!). They did insert an IV to keep her hydrated, and they're of course continuing her antibiotic. They're going to start a urine culture (which takes 3 days), take her blood pressure again, and keep her at least one more night.
After work I went to MedVet to visit Kitty. First Dr. Forman talked to me about her symptoms. At this point it's just wait and see. In addition to the antibiotic, they're also giving her an acid reducer (the same medicine that's in Pepcid) and an anti-nausea drug. He told me he would like to do more blood work tomorrow, and possibly a second ultrasound or even a (minimally invasive) kidney biopsy to try to discover what exactly is wrong with her. I'm very glad James is coming home tomorrow night and we won't have to make any major decisions while he's in New Jersey.
Then they brought Kitty in, wrapped in a blanket. I took her e-collar off and scratched her all over her neck, chin, cheeks, and head. She seemed a little perkier today than she did yesterday (when I actually thought she might die at any moment). I held her and talked to her and stroked her for about half an hour, and then I had to leave to go home and let Bucky out.
I don't know if I'll be able to visit her tomorrow. At least I can't go right after work, because I'll have a full day tomorrow so I'll have to go right home to let Bucky out. But if James wants to see her when he gets home (kind of on the late side), I'll go with him.
When I got home, Bucky was doing good. He hadn't eaten any more food, but he hadn't had an "accident," either. Poor guy. I hope the medicine is helping - he'll get another dose before bed tonight. I'm hoping Kitty is comfortable at the hospital. Not that I want her to be there, but it's a relief to know she is being well taken care of.
Day 5
Monday, May 5
Today was very eventful. Bucky woke Jenny up at 4:30 a.m. (she’s been sleeping with him in the guest room while James sleeps with me in the bedroom). She told him that it wasn’t time to go out yet, but apparently it was, because he promptly issued some diarrhea onto the bedroom carpet. So Jenny was up early, taking Bucky out and cleaning the carpet (again).
James left for New Jersey late this morning. Before he left, he called Jenny and warned her that I had slept on the floor next to the bed all night without changing position (usually I’m up on the bed with him for at least part of the night). He also found a little bit of vomit where I was lying. He thought I might have seemed more listless than usual.
At work, Jenny was trying to make an appointment for Bucky to see Dr. Burns, our regular vet, but there was nothing available today so she made an appointment for tomorrow morning. She also called MedVet to ask about me, and mentioned that I hadn’t had a bowel movement since Friday night. The tech she spoke to thought I was probably just uncomfortable because I was constipated, and she told Jenny that she should bring me in if I hadn’t gone poop by tomorrow morning.
After work Jenny stopped by the pet store to see if she could find a soft/inflatable e-collar for me, with no success. When she got home, Bucky had left diarrhea on the dining room floor again. While cleaning it up, she noticed it had blood in it. She decided to try to take him to see Dr. Burns after she fed me (because she didn’t know how long she’d have to wait).
Up in the bedroom, she found me lying next to the bed looking kind of sad. She picked me up and put me on the bed to get ready to feed me, but I made like I wanted to get back down. Then while Jenny fed me, she sat cross-legged on the bed and I sat facing her, with my rump on her ankles and my head hanging down in her lap. I was so listless, it scared Jenny, and she made a decision to take both me & Bucky to MedVet. As soon as she finished feeding me, she put me in my carrier. I didn’t want to go and I fought her a little, which for some reason made her feel better.
You should have seen us when we got out of the car at MedVet - Jenny had her purse, Bucky's leash, and a magazine in one hand and me in my carrier in the other, and Bucky wanted to wander all around the lawn to sniff and piddle. Finally Jenny got him into the building. They took me right back while Bucky & Jenny waited in the waiting room. Jenny tells me he was pretty anxious, and even barked randomly a few times.
They found out that I had a slight fever and my stomach was painful, so they decided to keep me, run some blood work, and have Dr. Forman examine me in the morning. Jenny held me for a little while before they took me back, and I was shaking a little. I was really feeling yucky.
(I, Jenny, wrote this next part for Kitty, because she wasn’t around). When they examined Bucky, they found that he had more bacteria than usual in his colon - not from an infection, just regular bacteria, but a lot of it. The doctor said that might be caused by stress. They also did a fecal flotation just in case he might have picked up a parasite somewhere, but they didn't find anything. They sent us (Jenny & Bucky) home with an antibiotic liquid and 3 packets of de-wormer sprinkles to put in his food (just in case).
On the way home, Bucky threw up on the front seat of my car (and over the edge). Blechhh! Then after we got home, I sat down and he started gagging. When I got up he ran right over to the door (such a good boy not to want to throw up in the house!) and when we got outside he threw up a little bit two more times.
I was supposed to give the antibiotic with food, but I knew he wasn't going to be interested in eating anything, so I called MedVet. They said not to give him anything until morning, and then to give him the antibiotic (liquid dispensed with a dropper) even if he didn't want to eat anything.
As Kitty mentioned, it was a very eventful day.
Today was very eventful. Bucky woke Jenny up at 4:30 a.m. (she’s been sleeping with him in the guest room while James sleeps with me in the bedroom). She told him that it wasn’t time to go out yet, but apparently it was, because he promptly issued some diarrhea onto the bedroom carpet. So Jenny was up early, taking Bucky out and cleaning the carpet (again).
James left for New Jersey late this morning. Before he left, he called Jenny and warned her that I had slept on the floor next to the bed all night without changing position (usually I’m up on the bed with him for at least part of the night). He also found a little bit of vomit where I was lying. He thought I might have seemed more listless than usual.
At work, Jenny was trying to make an appointment for Bucky to see Dr. Burns, our regular vet, but there was nothing available today so she made an appointment for tomorrow morning. She also called MedVet to ask about me, and mentioned that I hadn’t had a bowel movement since Friday night. The tech she spoke to thought I was probably just uncomfortable because I was constipated, and she told Jenny that she should bring me in if I hadn’t gone poop by tomorrow morning.
After work Jenny stopped by the pet store to see if she could find a soft/inflatable e-collar for me, with no success. When she got home, Bucky had left diarrhea on the dining room floor again. While cleaning it up, she noticed it had blood in it. She decided to try to take him to see Dr. Burns after she fed me (because she didn’t know how long she’d have to wait).
Up in the bedroom, she found me lying next to the bed looking kind of sad. She picked me up and put me on the bed to get ready to feed me, but I made like I wanted to get back down. Then while Jenny fed me, she sat cross-legged on the bed and I sat facing her, with my rump on her ankles and my head hanging down in her lap. I was so listless, it scared Jenny, and she made a decision to take both me & Bucky to MedVet. As soon as she finished feeding me, she put me in my carrier. I didn’t want to go and I fought her a little, which for some reason made her feel better.
You should have seen us when we got out of the car at MedVet - Jenny had her purse, Bucky's leash, and a magazine in one hand and me in my carrier in the other, and Bucky wanted to wander all around the lawn to sniff and piddle. Finally Jenny got him into the building. They took me right back while Bucky & Jenny waited in the waiting room. Jenny tells me he was pretty anxious, and even barked randomly a few times.
They found out that I had a slight fever and my stomach was painful, so they decided to keep me, run some blood work, and have Dr. Forman examine me in the morning. Jenny held me for a little while before they took me back, and I was shaking a little. I was really feeling yucky.
(I, Jenny, wrote this next part for Kitty, because she wasn’t around). When they examined Bucky, they found that he had more bacteria than usual in his colon - not from an infection, just regular bacteria, but a lot of it. The doctor said that might be caused by stress. They also did a fecal flotation just in case he might have picked up a parasite somewhere, but they didn't find anything. They sent us (Jenny & Bucky) home with an antibiotic liquid and 3 packets of de-wormer sprinkles to put in his food (just in case).
On the way home, Bucky threw up on the front seat of my car (and over the edge). Blechhh! Then after we got home, I sat down and he started gagging. When I got up he ran right over to the door (such a good boy not to want to throw up in the house!) and when we got outside he threw up a little bit two more times.
I was supposed to give the antibiotic with food, but I knew he wasn't going to be interested in eating anything, so I called MedVet. They said not to give him anything until morning, and then to give him the antibiotic (liquid dispensed with a dropper) even if he didn't want to eat anything.
As Kitty mentioned, it was a very eventful day.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Day 4
Sunday, May 4
This morning when Jenny woke up she found Bucky diarrhea all over the dining room carpet. When she took Bucky outside to do his job, he made some more diarrhea and she had to clean off his hind end when he came back in the house (he's very furry back there). She was trying not to panic as she cleaned up the carpet, thinking how hard it would be to take care of me and clean up after Bucky before and after work while James was gone.
When James woke up and came downstairs, he gave Bucky some medicine. Then he & Jenny blended up some more food for me and gave me my breakfast. Today I went from 15 mL of food at a feeding to 30 mL. On Wednesday I'll start getting 45 mL at a sitting. This evening I weighed 5 lbs. 1 3/4 oz.
This morning when Jenny woke up she found Bucky diarrhea all over the dining room carpet. When she took Bucky outside to do his job, he made some more diarrhea and she had to clean off his hind end when he came back in the house (he's very furry back there). She was trying not to panic as she cleaned up the carpet, thinking how hard it would be to take care of me and clean up after Bucky before and after work while James was gone.
When James woke up and came downstairs, he gave Bucky some medicine. Then he & Jenny blended up some more food for me and gave me my breakfast. Today I went from 15 mL of food at a feeding to 30 mL. On Wednesday I'll start getting 45 mL at a sitting. This evening I weighed 5 lbs. 1 3/4 oz.
Day 3
Saturday, May 3
Saturday was a relatively uneventful day. Jenny fed me twice completely on her own so James could make sure she had the hang of it. She even took my e-collar off for a while, and I ate a little dry k/d kibble and groomed my front legs for a long time. I discovered that I could curl up in my cuddle cup even wearing my e-collar, and during dinner I was curled up on my right side so Jenny could just feed me through the tube in my left side and I didn't even have to get up! That was kind of nice. I weighed 5 lbs. 1 oz. when James weighed me.
Bucky threw up again on Saturday. I think he is aware of all the stress and tension in the house, and it's making him anxious. Plus I'm set up with all my stuff in the bedroom, and he's not allowed in there because he might bug me or eat all my kibble. So when Jenny & James go in the room with me and shut the door behind them, he often stands on the other side, panting and occasionally whining (which he usually never does).
Saturday was a relatively uneventful day. Jenny fed me twice completely on her own so James could make sure she had the hang of it. She even took my e-collar off for a while, and I ate a little dry k/d kibble and groomed my front legs for a long time. I discovered that I could curl up in my cuddle cup even wearing my e-collar, and during dinner I was curled up on my right side so Jenny could just feed me through the tube in my left side and I didn't even have to get up! That was kind of nice. I weighed 5 lbs. 1 oz. when James weighed me.
Bucky threw up again on Saturday. I think he is aware of all the stress and tension in the house, and it's making him anxious. Plus I'm set up with all my stuff in the bedroom, and he's not allowed in there because he might bug me or eat all my kibble. So when Jenny & James go in the room with me and shut the door behind them, he often stands on the other side, panting and occasionally whining (which he usually never does).
Day 2
Friday, May 2
Jenny stayed up really late Thursday night (she works in the office at a school, so she usually goes to bed pretty early) and then she overslept on Friday morning. After discovering that Bucky, our Pekingese rescue, had thrown up twice in the night she had a mini-breakdown. James is going out of town Monday afternoon - Wednesday night next week, and she was thinking about all the things she would be responsible for, and worrying about me, and Bucky, and she just cried for a little while.
James told her he could handle my breakfast on his own, so Jenny went in late to work and eventually started feeling a little better. James worked at home on Friday so he could be with me all day.
After work Jenny bought a baby scale so they could monitor my weight and some newborn onesies, even though they looked a little big (they didn't have any for preemies). I weighed 5.0 lbs. when I left MedVet on Thursday, and Friday night I weighed 5 lbs., 1/2 oz.
Jenny stayed up really late Thursday night (she works in the office at a school, so she usually goes to bed pretty early) and then she overslept on Friday morning. After discovering that Bucky, our Pekingese rescue, had thrown up twice in the night she had a mini-breakdown. James is going out of town Monday afternoon - Wednesday night next week, and she was thinking about all the things she would be responsible for, and worrying about me, and Bucky, and she just cried for a little while.
James told her he could handle my breakfast on his own, so Jenny went in late to work and eventually started feeling a little better. James worked at home on Friday so he could be with me all day.
After work Jenny bought a baby scale so they could monitor my weight and some newborn onesies, even though they looked a little big (they didn't have any for preemies). I weighed 5.0 lbs. when I left MedVet on Thursday, and Friday night I weighed 5 lbs., 1/2 oz.
Day 1
Thursday, May 1
On Thursday, Dr. Forman called James to say I was ready to come home, so after work Jenny & James came to get me. Dr. Forman talked to them, apologized for not being clear about what a feeding tube entailed, and explained a lot of stuff about my tube to them. He told them it would take 2 weeks for the tube to heal up to my stomach wall, and during that time I would need to wear an e-collar, a baby onesie or other such garment to cover my tube and keep it from getting snagged on anything, take antibiotics and once a day have Neosporin applied to the area where the tube entered my body. He was very reassuring to them.
After the doctor left, the tech brought me into the room. I was wearing a clear plastic e-collar and some kind of homemade ribbed body stocking made from who-knows-what (a sock? a sleeve from a shirt?). The tech showed Jenny & James the actual procedure of taking the cap off the end of the tube, and using a syringe to give me water; she was very blasé about everything and Jenny & James didn’t feel as reassured anymore. But they grabbed me in my carrier and the bag full of canned k/d (special kidney diet food), syringes, Clavamox (antibiotic drops), and extra tube caps and away we went.
On Thursday night James blended up the canned food with water and together he & Jenny gave me my first feeding. It went OK until Jenny put the Neosporin around the wound, and then I cried and tried to swipe her so she would cut it out. Since Dr. Forman had emphasized that they should be aware of signs of infection, including pain, redness, and discharge, that worried Jenny, but she figured it probably hurt since I had just had the tube inserted the day before.
On Thursday, Dr. Forman called James to say I was ready to come home, so after work Jenny & James came to get me. Dr. Forman talked to them, apologized for not being clear about what a feeding tube entailed, and explained a lot of stuff about my tube to them. He told them it would take 2 weeks for the tube to heal up to my stomach wall, and during that time I would need to wear an e-collar, a baby onesie or other such garment to cover my tube and keep it from getting snagged on anything, take antibiotics and once a day have Neosporin applied to the area where the tube entered my body. He was very reassuring to them.
After the doctor left, the tech brought me into the room. I was wearing a clear plastic e-collar and some kind of homemade ribbed body stocking made from who-knows-what (a sock? a sleeve from a shirt?). The tech showed Jenny & James the actual procedure of taking the cap off the end of the tube, and using a syringe to give me water; she was very blasé about everything and Jenny & James didn’t feel as reassured anymore. But they grabbed me in my carrier and the bag full of canned k/d (special kidney diet food), syringes, Clavamox (antibiotic drops), and extra tube caps and away we went.
On Thursday night James blended up the canned food with water and together he & Jenny gave me my first feeding. It went OK until Jenny put the Neosporin around the wound, and then I cried and tried to swipe her so she would cut it out. Since Dr. Forman had emphasized that they should be aware of signs of infection, including pain, redness, and discharge, that worried Jenny, but she figured it probably hurt since I had just had the tube inserted the day before.
At MedVet
I went to see Dr. Forman at MedVet on Tuesday morning, April 29. He was honest with Jenny & James and said that I might be in renal failure (!). He said he thought I might be a “stone former” and over the years I had probably had a succession of kidney stones, each one damaging my kidney(s) a tiny bit more. He mentioned the possibility of using a feeding tube to get my strength up, but didn’t elaborate. Jenny & James left me at MedVet for an ultrasound, blood pressure test, and more bloodwork. When the doctor called James later in the day he said they’d like to keep me overnight. Sigh.
Then on Wednesday the doctor spoke to James and said he’d like to put in a feeding tube to get me “over the hump,” and James gave his consent. When James told Jenny this, she was imagining that they would put a tube in through my mouth and down my throat, and keep me in the hospital for a few days with some kind of mild sedation. She honestly had no idea that the tube would be inserted into my stomach through my abdominal wall, that it would stay in place for 3-4 weeks at least, and that they’d take me home and need to feed me through the tube 3 times a day!
Jenny & James visited me at MedVet after work on Wednesday. I was still in the ICU coming around after my feeding tube insertion. I was in an oxygen cage and still feeling pretty woozy, but I was glad to see them.
Then on Wednesday the doctor spoke to James and said he’d like to put in a feeding tube to get me “over the hump,” and James gave his consent. When James told Jenny this, she was imagining that they would put a tube in through my mouth and down my throat, and keep me in the hospital for a few days with some kind of mild sedation. She honestly had no idea that the tube would be inserted into my stomach through my abdominal wall, that it would stay in place for 3-4 weeks at least, and that they’d take me home and need to feed me through the tube 3 times a day!
Jenny & James visited me at MedVet after work on Wednesday. I was still in the ICU coming around after my feeding tube insertion. I was in an oxygen cage and still feeling pretty woozy, but I was glad to see them.
A Little Background...
I'm probably about 7 years old (I found Jenny & James when I was a stray in September 2002). I've always been a healthy cat with no medical problems (not even fleas).
At the end of last summer, Jenny & James noticed that I seemed to be losing weight. I've always been petite, with my highest weight being 6 lbs. and change. But I seemed skinnier than usual to them. They took me to Dr. Burns, my regular vet, who confirmed I had lost a little weight (less than half a pound), but couldn’t find anything wrong. All my bloodwork was normal at that time. Dr. Burns did a dental cleaning in case I had a bum tooth that was making me not want to eat, but my teeth looked fine.
Fast-forward to the end of March. Jenny & James noticed that I didn't seem to be eating that much again, and perhaps I was drinking more than usual and acting a little lethargic. They tempted me with all kinds of canned foods, but I wasn't interested (I must say, though, that I've never been a robust eater of canned food – usually I lick up the gravy or goo and leave the chunks or shreds of meat behind, and I've done this ever since anyone can remember).
Back at the vet, they did bloodwork again. My thyroid was fine but they found elevated BUN and creatinine levels, high enough that Jenny & James brought me back to stay at the vet’s office for a week on IV fluids. They also found a little blood when they tested my urine, so I was on an antibiotic. They did a few x-rays, which were mainly inconclusive because I'm so skinny that it was hard for them to get a clear film, but they thought I might have a kidney stone or two.
This was kind of a scary time for Jenny & James, who didn't know if I was just having a bad episode, or would maybe end up having chronic kidney disease. They visited me at the vet, where I was busy trying to shake the d*** IV out of my leg and drooping around in my e-collar, but I was glad to see them.
When my kidney levels were closer to normal (after a week), I came home. I seemed about the same as before (not that interested in eating, etc.). At my follow-up appointment two weeks later, my levels were high again and the vet recommended that Jenny & James make an appointment for me at MedVet, central Ohio’s specialty & emergency animal hospital.
Jenny & James were just about to leave on a much-anticipated "big vacation" to the Southwest. After consulting with Dr. Burns, they decided to go ahead with the trip. They made an appointment for me at MedVet the day after they got back, and I stayed at Dr. Burns' office while they were away so she could keep an eye on me. This time they brought my cuddle cup (bed) and I didn't need an IV even though they did give me subcutaneous (SQ) fluids.
At the end of last summer, Jenny & James noticed that I seemed to be losing weight. I've always been petite, with my highest weight being 6 lbs. and change. But I seemed skinnier than usual to them. They took me to Dr. Burns, my regular vet, who confirmed I had lost a little weight (less than half a pound), but couldn’t find anything wrong. All my bloodwork was normal at that time. Dr. Burns did a dental cleaning in case I had a bum tooth that was making me not want to eat, but my teeth looked fine.
Fast-forward to the end of March. Jenny & James noticed that I didn't seem to be eating that much again, and perhaps I was drinking more than usual and acting a little lethargic. They tempted me with all kinds of canned foods, but I wasn't interested (I must say, though, that I've never been a robust eater of canned food – usually I lick up the gravy or goo and leave the chunks or shreds of meat behind, and I've done this ever since anyone can remember).
Back at the vet, they did bloodwork again. My thyroid was fine but they found elevated BUN and creatinine levels, high enough that Jenny & James brought me back to stay at the vet’s office for a week on IV fluids. They also found a little blood when they tested my urine, so I was on an antibiotic. They did a few x-rays, which were mainly inconclusive because I'm so skinny that it was hard for them to get a clear film, but they thought I might have a kidney stone or two.
This was kind of a scary time for Jenny & James, who didn't know if I was just having a bad episode, or would maybe end up having chronic kidney disease. They visited me at the vet, where I was busy trying to shake the d*** IV out of my leg and drooping around in my e-collar, but I was glad to see them.
When my kidney levels were closer to normal (after a week), I came home. I seemed about the same as before (not that interested in eating, etc.). At my follow-up appointment two weeks later, my levels were high again and the vet recommended that Jenny & James make an appointment for me at MedVet, central Ohio’s specialty & emergency animal hospital.
Jenny & James were just about to leave on a much-anticipated "big vacation" to the Southwest. After consulting with Dr. Burns, they decided to go ahead with the trip. They made an appointment for me at MedVet the day after they got back, and I stayed at Dr. Burns' office while they were away so she could keep an eye on me. This time they brought my cuddle cup (bed) and I didn't need an IV even though they did give me subcutaneous (SQ) fluids.
What This Blog Is About
My name is Kitty Kitty Bang Bang, and I live in Columbus, Ohio with Jenny, James, Bucky the dog, Mr. Cat (my nemesis), and Ziz the canary. On April 29, 2008 I was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and on Wednesday, April 30, Dr. Forman of MedVet inserted a PEG feeding tube into my stomach to help “get me over the hump.” This blog is about the challenges Jenny & James are facing with my feeding tube…and how I’m doing, of course! A background post is coming soon…
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