Artie and his Issues

[Mamanyt1953]

Any grain in a bag should work well - even flour, salt or sugar would do the trick! (though I'd probably double bag those just in case - the mess if they split doesn't bear thinking about

).

Thinking about it, if his kibble is pretty small even that might work for this purpose

You just need something with a bit of weight that will mould around him

And you took the words right off of my keypad!  I had JUST thought, "oh, wait...KIBBLES!"

 

[foxxycat]

HUGS Artiemom.

  I have been away from the puter for the past 4-5 days and popped in yesterday for a bit. So I apologize for not coming here sooner. But I wanted to let you know I have been thinking about you two and sending you prayers and vibes.

By the way the specialist is wrong about injection meds. I have Cerenia as injection. And they gave me enough needles. I so wish I was closer to you to help you. The Cerenia in injection is expensive to buy BUT you won't need to buy another one. The Pepcid injection is very cheap. ($20 for a bottle) I don't know about those other meds you have. you can always look them up on thriving pets dot com to see what they offer. They require a vet prescription but I would go to your reg vet to get the script. shipping is 2 day and I haven't had any issues with them. Doctor Fosters also carries common meds that you can look up there-My vet gave me a ton of needles so I didn't need to buy them.

I like the idea of a bag of beans etc in a bag to hold over Artie to keep him from moving. I put the fluids bag on a hanger that I hang onto the top of the cabinet in the bathroom. I make the bag face me to watch the level. I did the fluids on the top of the toilet-I have those toilet carpet rug things-I held her down with one hand, pet her. then I used my left hand to make the tent to place the needle in. They told me to have the needle opening facing up and I just slid it in and in the other hand slide the port open. She did take off once but I finally figured out how to crouch infront of her holding the cat in left hand and needle/port in right hand. We did 100cc. You can always do 50 every 12 hours. The vet said dehydration would be tenting of the skin or tacky gums.

I hope you guys find a rhythm. I would suggest telling your regular vet about the misinformation about injection meds from that other person. I just get so mad at some of these people. I am sorry you had to deal with a numbskull of a person. I have had a few vets I have locked heads with because the moment you say anything about reading online information they get all ticky. My regular vet says she doesn't mind me researching but I always ask her questions about things even though I already know the answers. I do this to make her think I need help=they like to be needed and I also ask questions to quiz them to see if their knowledge backs mine. Often it does but occasionally not. Maybe it seems like I am being snarky but I just want to establish a relationship of trust so that when the crap hits the fan they trust me with take home meds and stuff.

And also don't forget he probably gets gas as a side effect from meds which could be why he was meatloafing the other day. Does he let you massage his tummy? Pumps lets me rub her tummy when she gets plugged up and we are waiting for the meds to do their thing. She has always had constipation. we do miralax every morning and I have tried it for myself but I did notice a bit of gas. That could be why he has been uncomfortable-and him eating 2 cans!!! That is GREAT! Floey never ate that much food but she did eat a ton of dry food. I would also check out Tikicat in Feb/march=let things simmer down-we don't want too many changes to the diet cause we know that gives them gas/issues.

Just know all of us are here for you and you can vent as much as you want.

 

[tallyollyopia]

 

[Margret]

---BIG SNIP---
Of course, my luck, I bring my car in for the noise it makes when I start it..like the starter is going.. of course, they cannot duplicate it!!! They are keeping it overnight to see if the cold start makes a difference. I feel funny without a car, but I do know a couple of people who can drive me, if I need to get somewhere. I am planning on staying home the rest of the day.. 

Been there, done that, didn't buy the tee-shirt.  I hate intermittent faults; they're almost impossible to fix.  I hope your mechanic lucks out on it.

During the early 1980s I had an Osborne 1 computer:


It was one of the first "luggables," much like a Kaypro, and we would take it along to computer club meetings to make copies of freeware and shareware programs from the club's program library.  There was a guy in the club named Charlie, who was wonderful at repairing Ozzies.  Mine developed an intermittent fault which would cause the screen to stop working at odd times, and I'd been having a lot of trouble duplicating it for Charlie so that he could fix it.

So, one night I was at a meeting and was allowing another member to make some disk copies on my computer when the screen suddenly went out.  Fantastic!  I could finally show Charlie exactly what was happening!  So I started waving my arms and yelling "Hey, Charlie!" and the guy who was making disk copies said "Oh, I can fix that!" and whacked the computer, which did, indeed, "fix" it, temporarily.  I already knew that whacking it would make the fault go away; I didn't need him to tell me that.

I told him that if he ever whacked my computer again I would whack him!  

  He never did, but I never got that intermittent fault fixed, either. 

Margret

 

[maureen brad]

Poor Artie and poor you. My heart goes out to both of you and I have very little advice. I did want to mention that Reglan can have severe interactions with other medications. I wish I could remember which ones.Several years ago my son was in the hospital because for 2 days he vomited all day and night. Reglan was one of the meds they put him on and things got worse for 4 more days until I did some research and found that it was not meant to be given with his others meds. I know people and cats are different but, I thought I should mention it.

 

[2Cats4everLoved]

Hi @Artiemom,   I'm just checking up on you guys today.  

I hope Artie's appetite is still good today.  I was very pleased to read he ate three cans of food the day before.

How are you holding up.  I know it's a rollercoaster ride, and in truth, for what ever reason, I was spared the medical nightmare for both Simon and Chestnut, so I don't really have much to add as far as medical but please know I'm here to support in any other way, although I'm most certain you know that, xoxo.

Good luck with the car.  I don't miss mine, one thing good about city living.

Check in when you can, we're all thinking about you.

Warmest regards, Hope.

 

[Mamanyt1953]

Just checking in with love and prayers for you and Artie for the New Year!

 

[artiemom]

Thanks to each and everyone who has taken the time to either PM me, follow this thread or to comment.. and all the best wishes and prayers.. I really appreciate it.. You guys are wonderful...I sincerely mean it...((hugs)) to you all...and Happy New Year!

Update:  Artie had a pretty good day today; and he did yesterday also.. 

Last night he did not cuddle with me in bed. I was wondering what happened.. I woke up to see 3 pee clumps and some pudding poo in his litter box. As soon as I scooped it, he was in there and pooped again. He did some soft, formed poops--not much but better consistency..

I walked over to the kitchen and his food dish. It was licked clean!! and I did not give him any cyproheptadine yesterday!

He is looking so much more alert.. still at 10.1 lbs-- I will take it!!

Artie is eating pretty good also~~ 2 small cans, so far..

Sarah came over and did the sub-q's   money well spent.. He is so wiggly...and antsy. The needle came out once. I held him, but I got the idea, much better.. She said she could come over before work on Wednesday.. or I could try it on my own. We will see.. One day at a time..

I got my car back.. took all day.. Sarah dropped me off.. I did not have to pay anything.. the airbag recall and the problem I was having with the 'starter' was covered by an extended warranty which Honda decided to do, instead of a recall..

I was stuck in the house, wrote out some bill, washed Artie's throw, again.. poopy on it.. put some laundry away.. went on line a lot, and then finally settled down to watch Lawrence of Arabia on Turner Classics. I saw it years ago, but am getting more out of it this time.. It is a 4 hour movie. Sarah came during intermission. I will have to catch the rest at another time..

Right now, I am home, in my pj's really early, having a glass of wine, defrosted some shrimp-- will have that with cocktail sauce, took some goat cheese wrapped in figs, out of the refrigerator to warm up.. I will have appetizers for supper..along with some wine.. I also am watching, Some Like It Hot, on Turner Classics.. 

I am still exhausted.. Just seeing Artie looking better is a miracle in itself..

I know we still have a long road ahead of us, but right now it feels like a 'peace'.. I am taking one day at a time..and treating his symptoms and not the disease.. Back to Miralax today.. do not want his stools to get hard.. want them to keep moving..

If he decreases his food intake  will immediately do the fluids, give the cypro, and start with increasing the miralax and adding the lactulose, if needed. I have the supplies/drugs on hand, so I think I can try to handle it .....thinking positively..

Happy New Year to all!

...

 

[artiemom]

 
Poor Artie and poor you. My heart goes out to both of you and I have very little advice. I did want to mention that Reglan can have severe interactions with other medications. I wish I could remember which ones.Several years ago my son was in the hospital because for 2 days he vomited all day and night. Reglan was one of the meds they put him on and things got worse for 4 more days until I did some research and found that it was not meant to be given with his others meds. I know people and cats are different but, I thought I should mention it.

I knew the Reglan did not agree with him... I just knew it.. thank you for the verification... 

 

[maddies momma]

So glad to hear that he is doing better!that really is great news! Enjoy your relaxing evening and keep up the good work. It sounds like your starting to figure out what he needs and when, and really making things work for the both of you. Stay strong and enjoy the good moments!

 

[margd]

Reading your post made me so happy!  The year 2016 has been, well, not the best I've had, and now it is going out on a good note with the news that Artie is feeling better.  

   I hope you enjoy your quiet evening together; it sounds very pleasant.  That's great news about the car, too.  My usual experience with cars is that they always go for jugular, so getting things fixed for no charge is pretty darn wonderful!    

It sounds like you were quite right to question all the meds.  The idea of treating the symptom and not the disease makes a lot of sense and hopefully Artie will have many more good days now.  You really did bring him back from the brink by intervening in the medication routine.  

May you and Artie have a very Happy New Year, one that brings you good health and good luck!   

 

 

 

  

    [emoji]127930[/emoji] [emoji]127926[/emoji] [emoji]127926[/emoji] 

Please give that dear boy some New Year kisses from me!  [emoji]128139[/emoji] [emoji]128139[/emoji] [emoji]128139[/emoji] 

 

[2Cats4everLoved]

This is fantastic news.  

I too am watching TCM lol, gotta love that channel - Clean fun and mindless banter.

We're staying tucked in this evening also.  Steak, wine, vodka and my personal favorite guest, Johnny Walker. LOL  

It sounds like you have a nice evening ahead of you with your wee one.  Quiet and calm is good and it sounds like with all the cleaning and worrying you can use a nice peaceful night.

I can't believe that a warranty finally paid off.  My cars always broke down after it was no longer valid.  Yay for you.  That's great.

I know Artie has issues but can you feed him the high calorie foods such as the Royal Canin RX or another brand to add a little weight.  I don't want his tummy upset, and was just curious if you can fatten him up a bit.  Of course this is when he's more regular with his bowels.  It was one thing that made Simon better, even though he really didn't care for it.

Anyway, this is fantastic news.

Cheers to you and Artie on this New Years Eve

Best to you, enjoy the night - Hope

 

[LTS3]

Glad Artie is having another good day

 

[Alicia88]

Yay, Artie!!!

 

[Columbine]

So happy to see that Artie's doing better, and that his at-home sub-q's went well (especially for a first time )

Happy new year to you both, too :grphug2:

 

[neely]

 
Right now, I am home, in my pj's really early, having a glass of wine, defrosted some shrimp-- will have that with cocktail sauce, took some goat cheese wrapped in figs, out of the refrigerator to warm up.. I will have appetizers for supper..along with some wine.. I also am watching, Some Like It Hot, on Turner Classics.. 

I am still exhausted.. Just seeing Artie looking better is a miracle in itself..

You said it all, just seeing Artie looking better is indeed a miracle.

  And the best New Year's present too.  

What could be more relaxing and entertaining than watching TCM?  I love that channel and all the classic old movies.  They don't make 'em like they used to. Here's a toast to Artie and you in 2017, may you usher in the new year with health, happiness, and joy.

 

 

[Mamanyt1953]

Love and hugs to you and Artie!  Hekitty sends headbonks and purrs for the New Year!

 

[artiemom]

Today's Update:

Artie is not having a good day.. although he did eat really well, he is lethargic today.. He ate 1 1/2 cans during the night. So far today, it is another 1 1/4 cans. He is just moping around..sleeping all day on his quilt. I cannot blame him, as I am having the same kind of day.

I came home from church, put my pj's back on, had my breakfast, medicated Artie, read newspaper, took a couple of phone calls; by 11 AM, I was lying down on my bed for a nap. Usually, Artie jumps on the bed to cuddle with me. Today, he stayed on the coach...

He did poop during the night~~ a small NORMAL poop.. nice and soft, but not too soft.. wondering if Artie is either having belly pain or is just completely exhausted from the entire ordeal of the past week.. I know I am, so I wonder how he must feel.. 

I am not panicking yet. I will see how he is tomorrow. I am still giving him Miralax, but no Reglan, no Cyproheptadine (he is eating) -- just his regular meds.. the cisapride is in a stronger dose.. and of course the Cerenia.. wondering if I should cut back on that also.. one side effect is constipation.. along with the cypro..and the reglan....man, all these drugs which have been prescribed for motility, have the side effects of lethargy, and possibly constipation.. Artie does not need any more constipation.. he has had enough..  

I fail to understand how drugs which are supposed to help with stomach and bowel motility, can have a side effect of constipation???? does not make sense... at least to me.. 

I am exhausted.. no cooking, junk food,,, eating one of the 3 boxes of chocolates I got for Christmas. One will be gone tonight. I gave the 2 others away.. tok a couple of slices of pizza out of the freezer, and heated them in the toaster oven.. it was ok.. not great.. but I do not think I would like any food right now.. 

Artie is curled up on his quilt.. not moving.. just 'out of it as much as I am'..

Hopefully, tomorrow will be a much better day for both of us... 

He just got up and is walking over to his food. 

almost feel as if I am on the verge of a cold.. asthmatic-ish, on the verge of a headache, a bit stuffy, and so , so tired.. With all that has been gong on with Artie, I have really messed up my thyroid meds this week.. 

 

[2Cats4everLoved]

I wouldn't panic.

The poor guy has been through a lot, and I'm sure his bowel issues are making him tired.  It does to humans, why not cats.

With Simon I used that "good day's - bad day's rule"  if he has more than 4 or 5 bad days in a row, then worry.  For now just veg out with your little sweetie, and enjoy a quiet night hunkered down watching mindless tv.  

And please take care of yourself. xo

 

[Margret]

Virtually all drugs (including herbs) have "side effects."  It only means that they don't do just one thing.

In humans, it has been noted that one "side effect" of Metformin (a diabetes medication) seems to be longer life, more so than can be accounted for by simply controlling diabetes.  They are now investigating Metformin as a possible longevity drug for people who aren't diabetic.  (Not all side effects are bad things.)  Marijuana is used as a recreational drug, but it also has the notorious side effect of giving users "the munchies."  Valium also has this side effect in cats, though it's more limited than the marijuana side effect in humans.

I don't know what the mechanism is that the motility drugs use; that might give you a clue to why they cause constipation, or it might not.

Artie has at least as much cause to feel exhausted as you do; I seriously doubt that it's anything to worry about.  If he's eating, and pooping normally (

) the sleep is probably doing him a lot of good, as are the eating and pooping.  Normal pooping probably means that he's also properly absorbing the nutrition from the food, which is exactly what he should be doing.

It's going to take both you and Artie time to recover from the trauma of excessive drugs while working out what actually works for him.  And that trauma may well recur as Artie's illness changes with age.  But I now believe that Artie will have the time to age.  It won't be easy for either of you, but it will be worth doing.

Margret