@catwoman707, I was just about to head to bed when I saw your post.
Don't be so hard on yourself. Sebastian, who is normally a good eater, had two months of being "picky" prior to his first pancreatitis episode. I blamed it on bad teeth and got him a dental. But that wasn't the problem. He had GI issues brewing. I can't harp on not addressing it sooner. What's done is done and I'm making up for it now by doing everything I can to keep him happy. Like your Krissy, Sebastian means the world to me. It's so easy to get distracted with thoughts of losing something we love so much. Because of this, I almost had to turn off my emotions in order to focus and get things done. I'm more the "thinker" type, anyway, but I can imagine this would be difficult to do for the "feeler" types.
There's a lot of good information in this thread. I went back a couple pages and saw some great suggestions. I know it's all very overwhelming, but perhaps take some time (when you're feeling better) to go back and read from the beginning. Maybe writing a bulleted list would help. I had a lot of information and suggestions thrown my way, too, when Sebastian was first diagnosed with pancreatitis. I created a spreadsheet on my computer. We had to find our way at our pace (mainly Sebastian's pace). It took six months to work him up to a full regime of Western medicine, Chinese medicine, and supportive supplements and land on a diet that seemed to work. Even today, I am revisiting his diet and have recently added homeopathic medicine and additional supportive supplements under the direction of our TCVM vet.
I do think it's important that you have a vet to call on to explain your concerns and ask questions. Our regular (traditional) vet was so patient with me. In the beginning, I called what seemed like every day. Every time Sebastian vomited or sat in the meatloaf position or walked away from his food, I would call in a panic saying, "He doesn't feel well. What do I do?!" LOL.
I knew nothing about pancreatitis. I'm now equipped with the tools and knowledge to manage his symptoms using our vets' if/then approach.
There's a lot of good information in this thread. I went back a couple pages and saw some great suggestions. I know it's all very overwhelming, but perhaps take some time (when you're feeling better) to go back and read from the beginning. Maybe writing a bulleted list would help. I had a lot of information and suggestions thrown my way, too, when Sebastian was first diagnosed with pancreatitis. I created a spreadsheet on my computer. We had to find our way at our pace (mainly Sebastian's pace). It took six months to work him up to a full regime of Western medicine, Chinese medicine, and supportive supplements and land on a diet that seemed to work. Even today, I am revisiting his diet and have recently added homeopathic medicine and additional supportive supplements under the direction of our TCVM vet.
I do think it's important that you have a vet to call on to explain your concerns and ask questions. Our regular (traditional) vet was so patient with me. In the beginning, I called what seemed like every day. Every time Sebastian vomited or sat in the meatloaf position or walked away from his food, I would call in a panic saying, "He doesn't feel well. What do I do?!" LOL.
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