Artie and his Issues

LTS3 · Jan 31, 2017

Poop, Artie! Poop!

Other stores in the area may still have some Hounds and Gato in stock. How far are you willing to drive?

Loving Mickey · Jan 31, 2017

Just checking in to see how you and Artie are doing. Yes, think about you two all the time. Love Artie like he was my own.
Glad to hear he is eating his latest food. I know how hard it is to keep an ill kitty interested in their food, and yes they must eat. How is his bowel movements today?
Continued love and prayers for you both!

Margret · Jan 31, 2017

Artiemom said:
I did fall into a deep sleep, with Artie visiting me early morning, to cuddle.. Woke up to an empty dish.. he is taking to the lamb...

Had a very good and long conversation with his R Vet. She was very shocked and surprised I had such a bad experience. She also felt it was horrible, all around. She tried to pay devils advocate, but the more I explained, the more unsympathetic to them she became. I told her I just wanted her to be aware, because her group sends a lot of patients there,

When I mentioned I wanted to go to Angell, the Vet who immediately came out of her mouth was @LTS3 's Vet. She said is one of the top ones if not "The" top one in the country!!! OMG! She was kind of shocked that I got an appointment to easily.. told her a friend helped me.....((HUGS))

She was ready to send in a consult request to them.. but did not need to...

R Vet is very happy to help me with Artie's care until then.. she did agree that I have a really good handle on the meds and she can help me otherwise.. we will be working in close contact with each other..

She also said I could just ask for Artie's records at the "hospital" for a second opinion..and leave it at that.. that I could mail order prescriptions instead of going up there....

I also got a really good explanation on the differences between prescription food, cat food, and hydrolyzed food, and raw...

Her own cat either has IBD or lymphoma, so she really does understand...

Artie's poop is getting a bit harder and thicker.. going back, it is probably from the days he had his enema and was not eating as much, missing out on the full dose of miralax and one dose of the probiotic...sigh...

Excellent news.

I'm glad you told your R Vet how the S Vet has been acting; I'm sure she would not have referred Artie there had someone else informed her. And I'm so glad to hear that she thinks so highly of the N Vet. It's always good to have more than one recommendation; having one from a satisfied pet parent, and one from a vet you trust is about the best it can get.

Margret

artiemom · Feb 1, 2017

I was able to pick up 3 cases of the food.. so that will hold, at least until we see the N Vet..

And got a refill of his cisapride, at my compounding pharmacy..any one in my area will know where I traveled... Lynnfield and Stoneham...

Yesterday, I was concerned about Artie and his poop.. this is the time frame where the new food should be kicking in and also, according to his bowel habits, when he should be getting constipated...

I gave him a bit more miralax yesterday.. no more poop during the day.. getting concerned...

I woke up this morning to a 3 inch piece of thick, harder poop... at least he went.. and a licked clean bowl of food!!

As soon as I scooped the box, he went in and pooped again!! Had a bit of a hard time.. sigh..but produced an 4 inch thick piece of hard poop... yes, this is the crucial point for him.. either constipated from this point or --- not...

Keeping the Miralax dose upped....

And it is a sub-q day.... perhaps the timing will help, although he is not dehydrated at all..very hydrated..

Taking a day for myself.. I felt sick again last night.. really feel it may be my sinuses..

and stress... I pulled out my fleece bathrobe last night.. I needed it..

I have it on again.. I am staying in.. not doing much.. just picking up the bed, not putting it all together.. may nap again..or the coach, if I can pry Artie from it. I also turned the heat up a bit last night and this morning..

getting sore from sitting on my bum so much, but I am exhausted.. just taking it easy today..

Going to do some laundry... perhaps a quick swiffer or vacuum.. going to take a shower and put on some really comfy, warm clothes, or perhaps back to the pj's... not leaving the apartment..

Tomorrow the water will be shut off for a few hours while they install new water meters... so I will fill up some pans with water.. glad I have 2 bathrooms... just in case..and it is only an matter of a few hours.. so not long...unless they have an issue...

I have spring water in the house also.. so I am set..prepared for all emergencies..

I may call the Hospital to get Artie's records faxed over.. or I may wait until next week. I do have to pick up a refill of his steroid... I think I want to wait until I get it before I call for the records..

Also, the S Vet is in today.. wonder if she would dare to call to see how Artie is doing... that would be unrealistic from her.. but after all the issues I had this week-end; it would be the best course of PR action she could take.. but she will not do it.. I got her number.. she wants to be rid of me.. she does not care for me.. she does not want anyone to second guess her or cause any issues. she wants to be right... and she does not want to be questioned about anything.. it is her word, medical care. or nothing else... not willing to work with me...

I guess you could sum it up as; we have a personal conflict...that is bad...so bad for business..

I think I am going to update my/ARtie's journal today.. from last week and the week-end. I can do it in spurts...and go through my mail...and new bills...

mazie · Feb 1, 2017

artiemom · Feb 1, 2017

Artie pooped again!! it still was hard, but he pooped a good amount today.. making up for yesterday and today...

I put a call in with the supervisor at the witch hospital.. I am dealing directly with a supervisor, in order to get his records. I am not about to take any chances.. I am just waiting her call.

I also called in a refill of his steroid. I get that at that Hospital.. after I pick it up tomorrow, I am hopefully all done with them..

and will just let it go.....

no grudges.. they eat you up inside.. but I was kind of shakey on the phone.. probably PTSD....from what happened this week-end...

Just taking it easy.. first load of laundry on... have 3 more to do.. bleaching things now.. then the delicate, then the dark, and then my towels...

sitting on my butt, listening to music and on the web....

Artie is so tired today.. strange. I gave him his sub-q's and he did not move, not flinch, nothing.. and he is still in the same position.. he is still exhausted.. I think his colon, rectum must be sore.. poor baby.. wish I could do something, but he would lick off anything I put on his bum...

Artie is on the opposite end of the coach..lying on his quilt.. He ate almost half of a 5.5 oz can of lamb this morning..

that is great for him..

Columbine · Feb 1, 2017

So happy that Artie's doing better and that you're both starting to recover from the past few days. Mega :vibes:

that it continues :hugs:

artiemom · Feb 1, 2017

Yea, Artie is having a very lazy, sleepy day.... low energy, but he did eat a lot for breakfast and did not go back for seconds...his tummy must be full....

fingers crossed...

margd · Feb 1, 2017

Artiemom said:
I was able to pick up 3 cases of the food.. so that will hold, at least until we see the N Vet..

And got a refill of his cisapride, at my compounding pharmacy..any one in my area will know where I traveled... Lynnfield and Stoneham...

Yesterday, I was concerned about Artie and his poop.. this is the time frame where the new food should be kicking in and also, according to his bowel habits, when he should be getting constipated...

I gave him a bit more miralax yesterday.. no more poop during the day.. getting concerned...

I woke up this morning to a 3 inch piece of thick, harder poop... at least he went.. and a licked clean bowl of food!!

As soon as I scooped the box, he went in and pooped again!! Had a bit of a hard time.. sigh..but produced an 4 inch thick piece of hard poop... yes, this is the crucial point for him.. either constipated from this point or --- not...

Keeping the Miralax dose upped....

And it is a sub-q day.... perhaps the timing will help, although he is not dehydrated at all..very hydrated..

Taking a day for myself.. I felt sick again last night.. really feel it may be my sinuses..

and stress... I pulled out my fleece bathrobe last night.. I needed it..

I have it on again.. I am staying in.. not doing much.. just picking up the bed, not putting it all together.. may nap again..or the coach, if I can pry Artie from it. I also turned the heat up a bit last night and this morning..

getting sore from sitting on my bum so much, but I am exhausted.. just taking it easy today..

Going to do some laundry... perhaps a quick swiffer or vacuum.. going to take a shower and put on some really comfy, warm clothes, or perhaps back to the pj's... not leaving the apartment..

Tomorrow the water will be shut off for a few hours while they install new water meters... so I will fill up some pans with water.. glad I have 2 bathrooms... just in case..and it is only an matter of a few hours.. so not long...unless they have an issue...

I have spring water in the house also.. so I am set..prepared for all emergencies..

I may call the Hospital to get Artie's records faxed over.. or I may wait until next week. I do have to pick up a refill of his steroid... I think I want to wait until I get it before I call for the records..

Also, the S Vet is in today.. wonder if she would dare to call to see how Artie is doing... that would be unrealistic from her.. but after all the issues I had this week-end; it would be the best course of PR action she could take.. but she will not do it.. I got her number.. she wants to be rid of me.. she does not care for me.. she does not want anyone to second guess her or cause any issues. she wants to be right... and she does not want to be questioned about anything.. it is her word, medical care. or nothing else... not willing to work with me...

I guess you could sum it up as; we have a personal conflict...that is bad...so bad for business..

I think I am going to update my/ARtie's journal today.. from last week and the week-end. I can do it in spurts...and go through my mail...and new bills...

Artiemom said:
Yea, Artie is having a very lazy, sleepy day.... low energy, but he did eat a lot for breakfast and did not go back for seconds...his tummy must be full....

fingers crossed...

Glad to hear that you and Artie are having a recovery day. You both really need it.

The SVet reminds me of my mother's oncologist. He literally yelled at me when I asked if the cancer was in her lymph nodes, implying it wasn't important.

Of course, I knew it was vitally important. The thing that made me really lose respect for him was when he visited my mother towards the end and started pontificating about a photograph that was hanging on the wall. It was taken through the microscope at work where I had prepared some orchid tissue and taken the photo myself. He insisted that it was an animal cell and not a plant cell and that I must be mistaken!

I wouldn't give in and he left in a huff.

Some members of the medical profession seem to think the degree confers divinity on them.

Anyway, you are well out of it with this particular medical "professional" and things will hopefully be uphill from here!

artiemom · Feb 1, 2017

waiting to hear from the "Client Service Manger".. second call in--to request his records... anyway, I go in there tomorrow to pick up his medications...Wonder if she is in? If not, I will call the other Manager tomorrow morning before I leave the house....just a plan..

trying not to project... just fear they may suggest major surgery for him.. a colectomy... where they take out part of the colon.. he is 13 years old.. I cannot subject him to that...

but I am projecting bad thoughts...too much reading on the Facebook IBD and Megacolon sites...gotta stop doing that and focus on one thing at a time...

just typed up a medication list for Artie.. to make it easier for the N Vet...and me..

mazie · Feb 1, 2017

Yes, please do not read too much into what COULD be wrong with Artie. NO ONE has said that Artie has to have a colectomy. You will drive yourself batty worrying about the "could be" when you just need to focus on what you do know at this point. Every case is different. Those other cats you read about ARE NOT Artie. Pease just enjoy the piece the two of you are experiencing in the here and now, pray that this continues to go well like it is now, and face tomorrow when it comes. Tomorrow may not be as bad as you are imagining. Remember, those cat cases you read about ARE NOT your Artie. I understand you want to be prepared for what ever may come, but with all the two of you have been through lately, using this time to RELAX and ENJOY one another sounds like a darn good idea to me. Pour yourself a relaxing glass of wine on me tonight, and enjoy!!

tarasgirl06 · Feb 1, 2017

Sounds like Artie is enjoying relaxing. Hope you get some quality time with him when the work is done.

Mamanyt1953 · Feb 1, 2017

Breath deep and let's not borrow trouble. AND if N Vet does suggest surgery, I am certain that this is a vet you can sit down and really talk WITH, as opposed to be talked AT. Pros and cons would be presented and DISCUSSED. This is what I am visualizing for you with N Vet.

angels mommy · Feb 1, 2017

I think that sounds like good news. Artie cleaning his bowl, & more poops. Yay Artie! Good Boy!! I'm so glad you found a food her likes. I'm sure his little hiney is sore. Even though he may lick it off, I wonder if you put a little vegetable or olive oil on it, it may feel a little better. ...? Sweet boy, I'm sure he is wore out. I'm glad he's resting. I hope you take the time to do that too.

artiemom · Feb 1, 2017

Yes I am taking time for myself.. just did 2 loads of laundry. no housework.. I updated his journal.. I also put another call into the "manager"... strange no response.. just waiting. tomorrow is another day... I will take it as it comes.. the sun is out, the snow is almost all melted, Judge Judy is on TV.. Artie is in his quilt.. I think I am going to put on a 'calming' lavender candle.. I found it in my Yankee Candle closet..

feel kind of relaxed.. sigh... cannot believe it is the middle of the week... feel as if it should be Monday..

I may not be back on line.. I think I have been on enough today..

thanks to all....

Margret · Feb 1, 2017

It sounds to me like Artie is having an excellent day. He's eating. He's pooping. Okay, so the poop is hard, but the important thing is that it's coming out!!! As for being tired, well no wonder he's tired, so are you. Sleep is the best thing for both of you right now, as long as it's not coming at the expense of eating and pooping.

Get your rest and don't borrow trouble. Life gives us enough for free. (No, I did not make that up myself; I think I read it in a Valdemar book.)

Margret

tallyollyopia · Feb 1, 2017

Glad to hear Artie's doing better!

(Nothing wrong with taking a little time rest and recoup.)

artiemom · Feb 1, 2017

Surprise, Surprise!!! Guess who I just got off the phone with??? Yup, the S VET...nice as can be...wanting to know how Artie is doing..

And wanting to know what meds I am giving him, NOW!! as if it is my fault, and I am mixing up his meds.. I was very nice..

She explained that he was not clearly constipated!! He was "straining" to go... (Is there a difference???) I did not ask that, because I did not want to get aggravated or appear 'flip'...

She said to increase his lactulose instead of the miralax, since that would keep him from having diarrhea... Man, wish I knew that before!!!!! why wasn't I told that before???

I mentioned about the flagyl.. She asked if I was able to get it compounded and how much I was giving him. I told her that I am not giving him any because the LAST thing I WAS TOLD was from the tech, saying that it was not necessary....

The S Vet then said, "yes, it was just for inflammation". I informed the SVet, the tech told me to see how he does and if he is ok, then not to get it compounded....I said I did was not aware if it was for inflammation or if it was prescribed for possible infection... The S Vet said it was for inflammation, "But he is pooping ok, so it is all right not to give it"....

Man, what a lack of communication!!!!!!!!

Why did it take all of this, in order to get explanations... man. and I know the S Vet is blaming me for self medicating him.. against her advice.. just the way she said, "What are you giving him, NOW???" nicely stated, but the NOW was there...

All I needed was a little explanation, in order to understand why the meds are being prescribed and what and when to use them.. it would have made things so much easier, for all of us...

Oh well, I am not upset...

Just one day at a time...

Done with this gar-BAGGGE

tarasgirl06 · Feb 1, 2017

Sounds like the S-Vet got wind of your impending change of vet (and therefore, a loss of $ for her!) to me. Call me cynical.

artiemom · Feb 1, 2017

Tarasgirl06 said:
Sounds like the S-Vet got wind of your impending change of vet (and therefore, a loss of $ for her!) to me. Call me cynical.

No, I do not think she got "wind" of it.. I think she was covering her Butt.....or perhaps the manager said something to her.. I am sure that is what happened.. and since I did contact them today with an update... that makes a huge impression...

I am more cynical than you are, but I know a lot of what goes on in hospitals..especially when there are goofs and complaints...

It is all about " customer service"..... after the fact...

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