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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by judy1 on August 30, 2003, at 20:00:21
In reply to Re: Roll Call, posted by allisonm on August 29, 2003, at 17:34:47
I hope your kitten is doing better, do they think you'll have to administer shots? I had a friend whose kitten had diabetes and he's about 8 now and doing well with medication- I wish the same good health for yours.
And Nikki- how are you feeling?
Posted by judy1 on August 30, 2003, at 20:01:21
In reply to Re: Roll Call, posted by Greg on August 29, 2003, at 18:11:04
Posted by allisonm on August 31, 2003, at 7:48:27
In reply to Re: Roll Call » allisonm, posted by judy1 on August 30, 2003, at 20:00:21
Last week we started him on 2 unitis of Humulin U in the evenings.
On Friday, we went for a follow-up vet visit a week after diagnosis to see how he was doing. I had noticed he'd been a little lethargic the day before, and he was the same at the vet's office. They took a look at him and called the triage vet who put him into ICU because he was jaundiced. This is at the university vet school animal hospital where I am living now while I am in school.
Blood tests showed extremely high liver enzyme levels (double and triple the high numbers of last week). However, the BUN, albumin and cholesterol levels are normal, so the liver does not appear to be failing. Bilirubin is 2.1, though. If you know what the acronyms stand for, his ALT was 1301, AST 422, ALP 253, GGT 3.
They also did x-rays and ultrasound and found that the texture of his liver has changed and there are nodes. They want to do a biopsy. I talked with my regular vet, who graduated from the same university, and he thought waiting a day or two to see if the antibiotics they are starting will kick in and help. It could be an infection, inflammation of some sort, lipidosis (fatty liver from possibly stopping eating, which can kill), hepatitis, latent feline leukemia, lymphoma...
The university has on staff a leading researcher of feline liver disease, and I have been told that she is consulted on every liver case and sees all of the liver biopsies. She pioneered a version of SAM-e for cats that they use for liver problems.
I am having a hard time concentrating. My roommate went out of town for a couple of days so I am here alone with my two other kitties. We are sad and lonely in this quiet house. I went to visit Spoddy in the hospital last night. He has an IV in his paw and is receiving fluids, and a catheter in his neck so that they can more easily get blood samples to test for glucose. The vet student watching over him moved him out of ICU because he was stressing out. She has him in a stepped-down area of critical care. He was so happy to see me. Couldn't get enough ear and chin rubbing. I left him with a pillowcase that smells of me hoping that will help him feel not so abandoned.
Classes started Friday for me. I am supposed to finish my degree project and graduate at the end of this semester. I also am TA-ing a class. The whirlwind has begun. I don't have much energy for any of it.
Other stuff is happening on the sidelines such as disagreements with my boyfriend (our relationship has a lot of synchronicities as well as a lot of sparks), and in-depth negotiations with my dad on how he wants to hand over his business to me and to my cousin. He is very emotional and this business has been his entire life for more than 30 years, so it is difficult for all of us. My boyfriend and my dad/my house are about two hours' drive apart. There is talk of marriage and babies, working at the business, two hours apart...how to reconcile?
There is too much going on. Sorry this post is so long. I guess I needed to vent.
Posted by judy1 on August 31, 2003, at 12:15:51
In reply to kitty update (long) » judy1, posted by allisonm on August 31, 2003, at 7:48:27
I'm really glad you vented- it helps doesn't it?
Your kitten couldn't be in better hands, I went to graduate school at a Veterinary Medicine College- and we all brought our pets there because they had the latest equipment and the brightest researchers. (you'll never have that type of access in private practice). So if anyone can help, you know these people can. I like that they are being conservative and waiting to see if the antibiotics help before doing anything more invasive, I think cats more then any other animal have the most remarkable recoveries. I'm sure your other kittens miss their sick buddy, so it's good you're giving them extra attention (and probably receiving it too).
It sounds like your plate is really full, is there any way to break things down- like take care of your studies first (and of course your kitten), then maybe ask your Dad for some space while you do that? You should be getting support from your boyfriend, not added stress- so make sure you are surrounded by supportive friends/ and or family- everyone should understand the stress you're going through and want to help. Don't even think about marriage and stuff right now (unless those are happy thoughts), everything will fall into place as it's supposed to. I guess I'm saying deal with one thing at a time so you don't have a meltdown (and that won't help you at all). Please treat yourself well and let us know how you and your kitten are doing. take care, judy
Posted by NikkiT2 on August 31, 2003, at 14:16:12
In reply to Re: Roll Call, posted by Greg on August 29, 2003, at 18:11:04
My arm is healing better every day thanks everyone.. hand itself is sore today, but I drove 4 hours when I'm not used to driving much at all.. Have my stitches out on Wednesday, and see surgeon on Fiday.
have a little hives problem at moment though!! *l* Which is wierd cos the weather has suddenly cooled RIGHT down (sweater weather suddenly!!) Thankgod that awful heatwave is over though!! Phewey!!
Great to see everyone posting alittle update.. and alison.. I am so sorry your little cat is going through all this, but you have soo much on your plate right now. remember to do what feels right for you, and remember to take time for you too.
*hugs all round*#
Nikki xx
Posted by Greg on August 31, 2003, at 16:35:19
In reply to Ignorance can be wonderful :-) (nm) » Greg, posted by judy1 on August 30, 2003, at 20:01:21
Posted by shar on September 1, 2003, at 13:28:35
In reply to Ignorance can be wonderful :-) (nm) » Greg, posted by judy1 on August 30, 2003, at 20:01:21
Posted by CamW. on September 3, 2003, at 1:19:04
In reply to Roll Call, posted by NikkiT2 on August 28, 2003, at 20:44:08
"Don't stop me now, I'm on a roll" - Pilsbury Doughboy
(nudge, nudge, .... wink, wink)
Posted by NikkiT2 on September 3, 2003, at 13:21:40
In reply to Re: Roll Call » NikkiT2, posted by CamW. on September 3, 2003, at 1:19:04
Its great to see so many names here..
Cam.. how are things?? I think of you often..
Nikki x
Posted by CamW. on September 3, 2003, at 14:48:46
In reply to Re: Roll Call, posted by NikkiT2 on September 3, 2003, at 13:21:40
Nikki - I think of you often, as well. Patti bought me satelite T.V. for Christmas and I've been watching a fair bit of BBC World News, as well as some BBC-Canada and BBC-Kids. Ana is hooked on "Maid Marion & Her Merry Men" (or something to that effect).
Too bad we can't get each other's local stations; that would be cool. I do watch the news from Newfoundland occasionally, or watch a really bad take off on "Cops" (no, not "To Serve & Protect"; this is even worse) on a Northern Canadian station. It is a local production from one of the new provinces that use to be the Northwest Territories. It is absolutely hilarious (or terribly sad, depending upon one's view); almost all police calls were alcohol-related.
Anyway, take care and we'll chat soon.
BTW - We will be going to Florida the first and fourth weeks of October for lawyer stuff. I have to give depositions in week 1 and arbitration is during the 4th week. Keep your fingers crossed that this nightmare will see some sort of closure....
Love Cam
Posted by tina on September 3, 2003, at 15:57:01
In reply to Roll Call, posted by NikkiT2 on August 28, 2003, at 20:44:08
Hey Nik and everyone else
I wish I could read everyone's posts but I'm limited as to time in the library so I just hope you are all doing well or improving. I'm on the way down yet again. The ups and downs of divorce are pretty hellish. Never have I been treated with such disrespect or betrayal by someone I *thought* I knew. I mean, you'd think that after 17 years, you'd know someone. Nope. Had no idea I was married to such a lowdown, dirty, common letch. It's hitting me hard daily, hourly sometimes. It's totally overwhelming and I'm having a lot of trouble dealing with it. I don't have a support system now that I have no computer and going it alone is pretty hard. NOt much hope for any kind of future, ya know? Just a future full of misery and lonely despair. Sounds like fun don't it?
Ah well, I wish there was good news that I could convey but I doubt there will be much of that for quite awhile.
Hang in there (all of us:)
love
tina
Posted by NikkiT2 on September 3, 2003, at 17:27:58
In reply to Re: Roll Call » NikkiT2, posted by CamW. on September 3, 2003, at 14:48:46
Ah, Maid Marion is briiliant!!! It has Tony Robinson in who is a genius (he was also Baldrick in Blackadder if you've ever seen that.. if you haven't and get a chance DO!!) I love the singing in it!!!
The BBC do come up with some great kids progammes.. I was always a BBC kid.. never the other channels!! We still watch the BBC more than any other channel, the quality of programming is much higher in my opinion.
Oh hun... *hugs* Is this all still not over?? I do hope this means an end to it - I'll be sending tons of positive vibes your way.
Hang in there buddy
Nikki xx
Posted by NikkiT2 on September 3, 2003, at 17:30:12
In reply to Re: Roll Call....., posted by tina on September 3, 2003, at 15:57:01
Oh sweetie.. I really wish we could make this easier for you. It is gonna be tough as hell.. but I promise you you will come out of this and begin to feel better.
*huge great hugs*
Nikki xx
Posted by shar on September 3, 2003, at 22:47:34
In reply to Re: Roll Call..... » tina, posted by NikkiT2 on September 3, 2003, at 17:30:12
It's good to hear from both of you, I wish you had better stuff to look forward to.
Best of luck on the hassles that await, I'm sorry you have to go through them.
You'll both be in my thoughts.
Shar
Posted by noa on September 4, 2003, at 18:01:51
In reply to Re: Roll Call » NikkiT2, posted by CamW. on September 3, 2003, at 14:48:46
Good luck with the depositions, etc. Take a deep breath and know that we are with you. I really hope the justice system comes through for you on this.
Posted by noa on September 4, 2003, at 18:04:06
In reply to Re: Roll Call » CamW., posted by NikkiT2 on September 3, 2003, at 17:27:58
Just watched The Railway Children last night for the 2nd time (I think enough time had elapsed so it was like watching it for the 1st time). Such a lovely story.
Posted by noa on September 4, 2003, at 18:04:49
In reply to Re: Roll Call....., posted by tina on September 3, 2003, at 15:57:01
(((Tina)))
Posted by Deb R on September 6, 2003, at 3:23:47
In reply to Roll Call, posted by NikkiT2 on August 28, 2003, at 20:44:08
Hi everyone,
Great idea Nik, it sure is nice to see everyone's names here. Lots of love to you all,
Deb.
Posted by Rach on September 8, 2003, at 1:18:58
In reply to Re: Roll Call..Nikki, all, posted by Deb R on September 6, 2003, at 3:23:47
Most of my internet access comes from uni or my boyfriend's place, and I don't want to access this site from either computer, so that's why I'm absent a lot. Plus things are just really hard. My nan died the other week, and everything is just getting on top of me. I can't remember what its like to have a boring life. Not that I want a boring life - I just want all the exciting good things to start happening. But a boring life is much prefered to all the badness that's been going on this year. Too much has happened. It's all too much. I don't get enough time to deal with one thing before something else horrible happens, and so its all built up into a phenomenal bubble of hell.
On a good note - I am eating healthy and getting back to my old size. Yay. But sleeping has gone to hell, too. Either I don't fall asleep at all (my usual) or I'm starting to wake up, completely alert, between 4am and 5. That's a new thing for me. Weird. There's something going on in the world right now. It's just so tumultuous. Like this afternoon - we got evacuated from the building my class was taking place in at uni. Last year two people were killed in a shooting in the building (its 11 storeys - the highest building at uni). I didn't hang around to see why we were evacuated today. Just got out and left. It's bizarre. Like last week. Funeral monday, uni exam tuesday, driving on 'holiday' for three days wed, thur, fri, but instead ended up bedridden with what I was convinced was a tumour in my head (but I think it was just a 3-day migraine) working Sat plus my sister's engagement party Sat night, sick as sick as sick can be all day Sun, evacuated from uni Monday. This is what my life is continually like. It's ridiculous and I can't handle it.
Posted by shar on September 8, 2003, at 1:29:58
In reply to Hi, posted by Rach on September 8, 2003, at 1:18:58
Man, life just sucks sometimes. I'm very sorry to hear about your nan, and your migraine, and your insomnia. I've been battling insomnia also, and it is just awful.
I do hope things will space out a bit more for you so you can deal with things before more crap happens!
Take care--you sound good, even though times are obviously hard.
Shar
Posted by noa on September 13, 2003, at 12:16:51
In reply to Hi, posted by Rach on September 8, 2003, at 1:18:58
Rach,
I'm so sorry to hear about your nan passing away.
It sounds like you have really been on stress overload. Bigtime.
I wish I had some great advice, but all I can think of right now is Take a Deep, Slow Breath. Repeat often.
I hope the craziness around you calms down real soon.
Posted by Louisa on September 13, 2003, at 13:42:11
In reply to Roll Call, posted by NikkiT2 on August 28, 2003, at 20:44:08
Hi Nikki -- are you the same NikkiT2B I sent over from WGUK a million years ago? I've been "away" from PB for a long time, but have come back since the meds aren't working so well anymore. Thought I"d check in.
Louisa
who now lives in Vermont, not Chicago
Posted by afatchic on September 14, 2003, at 8:01:54
In reply to Roll Call, posted by NikkiT2 on August 28, 2003, at 20:44:08
I'm still around but I don't post very often. I usually come to this board when I have insomnia, like now. I always find this forum to be comforting.
> Any lurkers out there.. and all you other posters.. just post a quick Hi and I'm still around kinda message.. and how you're doing if you're up to it.. would be ncie to see some old names appear.
>
> I guess I'm really just being nosey!
>
> Nikki xx
Posted by afatchic on September 14, 2003, at 8:02:04
In reply to Roll Call, posted by NikkiT2 on August 28, 2003, at 20:44:08
I'm still around but I don't post very often. I usually come to this board when I have insomnia, like now. I always find this forum to be comforting.
> Any lurkers out there.. and all you other posters.. just post a quick Hi and I'm still around kinda message.. and how you're doing if you're up to it.. would be ncie to see some old names appear.
>
> I guess I'm really just being nosey!
>
> Nikki xx
Posted by NikkiT2 on September 14, 2003, at 16:28:20
In reply to Re: Roll Call, posted by Louisa on September 13, 2003, at 13:42:11
OH MY GOD!!!! *lmao* What a complete blast from the past!! That was, like.. 4 years ago!!! But yes, I am indeed the same one!
How are things for you?? My husband and I will have been married 4 years this November.. been through some damned tough times, but things are really improving for us.
Wow.. I love blasts from the past!!
Nikki xx
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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