Tips for cat related medical anxiety?

[melissa]

A little background- during the course of Covid I lost 4 cats and a dog, all elderly, to various illness. That period was very stressful of course, with a lot of medications, worry and then too many goodbyes. After our last kitty passed we adopted a kitten, Sebastian and then another kitty, Sulley. They are wonderful and add so much love and joy to our home. They also love each other which is great. They both have the herpes virus, I’m assuming because they came from feral beginnings and then adopted by us from shelters. Sebastian is currently dealing with a particularly nasty flare up of conjunctivitis that has been raging for a month now. We have an arsenal of medications and the vet thinks we are gaining ground finally. My question is this- how do you handle the anxiety of a sick pet? I spiral out of control with worry over him even though I’m doing everything the vet is telling me. It’s so debilitating. I don’t know how animal rescue people handle it.

 

[misty8723]

I don't handle it well at all. I have anxiety disorder to begin with, and my cats are my world. I haven't stopped mouring the three we lost in the last several years, nor have I gotten over the fact that I failed them. It's even hard on me when we lose one of the rescuses where I volunteer. Its wonderful work they do, but I don't believe I could do it. Nor could I work in a vet clinic. I'm very sensitive to anything relating to animals.

Do they have an eye specialist where you live. When my kitty Swanie had eye issues we took him there and that helped clear it up. He had the herpes virus too and had periodic flareups. I hope you can get Sebastian's issued sorted out soon.

 

[melissa]

No we don’t have an eye specialist in my rural area We have a severe vet shortage here and a lot of people have no vet at all so I’m lucky I have one. It’s a nearly 2 hour drive away and they are very expensive so that adds to my anxiety.

 

[neely]

My question is this- how do you handle the anxiety of a sick pet?

That's not an easy question to answer by any means. I think most of us are very attached to our animals, both cats and dogs, which is why we become anxious when they have health issues. Multiple vet visits, meds and long car rides for treatment only add to the anxiety. We know they are dependent on us to take care of them and help them get well so it's only natural we feel responsible. All this adds up to feelings of anxiety. You are not alone. We worry what will happen if they don't recuperate and the thought of us losing them only compounds our fears. In essence, we have to tell ourselves we are doing everything possible to take care of our pets and there are some things beyond our control. I'd like to say it gets easier with each pet who is part of our family but that's not true or at least not for me. So instead I try to appreciate the time I have with them and give them the best life I possibly can since in return they have given me their love and affection.

 

[melissa]

Thank you so much for your reply- it was so well put and helped me regain perspective. This is the price of loving a pet and it is more than worth it. I appreciate you taking the time to reach out

 

[neely]

Thank you so much for your reply- it was so well put and helped me regain perspective. This is the price of loving a pet and it is more than worth it. I appreciate you taking the time to reach out

I was thinking about this very subject because we were at the vet with our cat this afternoon so your post really hit home. He's getting up in years and I'm trying to prepare myself for when the time comes. He still enjoys being with us and I'm truly grateful but I share the same thoughts as you. Please know that we are always here for support and understand what you're going through. All my best.

 

[white shadow]

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Hi melissa!

I think you may have just created a space right here (this thread) that could do just what you're looking for. I really believe that plain old sharing it and talking about it is ultimately the best way to manage it. By managing, I mean identifying it, clarifying it, acknowledging it, speaking it out, spelling out its effects on us, our reactions.....so many bits and pieces are part-and-parcel of this...and, we usually walk around in our lives with this whirling ball of entangled shoelaces in our heads, all the time wondering about the next bomb that's inevitably going to fall.........what it will be? how can we handle anything else? anything more?....

One thing, though, I feel kind of 'in the open' here ("The Lounge").....I know, ridiculous, right? ("Well, DUH....yeah I guess you're in the open here, Bud!") Funny thing, though, I feel a lot more 'protected' in the IMO forum........as ridiculous even as that is, but that forum does have an aura of 'behind closed doors', as it sits there just a click away, wide open for almost anyone to walk right in!

Anyways, I guess I can get desensitized to that, time and practice - just doing it - will accomplish that. Ther's a lot of (even) deeply personal stuff being laid out in here already.

So, melissa, what about right here? What do you think? Could it work? Look....you've already started it, just now/above. I'm game. You? Who else?

Maybe I've been a total fool here already, but I am going to 'dip my toe in' and try it........and, hit "ENTER"

[melissa, I just noticed your location and a commonality....message me if you want - "surprise" awaits!.]
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[white shadow]

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Did anyone else see the 2nd meme in this post yet?
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