Shiutsa Update #8

[icnmgrjill]

Shiutsa Update # 9
April 25, 2007

Folks, I merged all of the Shiutsa updates into this one thread... because there were just too many and it was so off the topic of IC. Unfortunately, it put the 8 posts in consecutive order from the beginning so rather than have you go through it all, I thought that I would just post the latest update, today's, at the top of this list!

Thank you all for your support. Today was Shiutsa's official launch day... :hi: the first day when he was allowed to go outside all by himself. His leg has improved dramatically in the past week... to the point that he does not limp at all. So, he happily went out at 8:30AM this morning then sauntered back in, according to my family, at 11:30... ready for his afternoon nap. :cat:

Of course, we agonized over this. Shiutsa is an outside cat who loves his independence and, luckily, we live on a hillside that is very safe overall. Very little traffic, etc. He managed to escape the house yesterday and had a blissful one hour with his girlfriend up the street and yowled angrily when we brought him home. :cussing: So, Shiutsa has spoken. He wants to get back to his routine rather than be left inside, which he hated. We think it's important that he do the things which make him happy and visiting his girl is one big thing to him! I am going to keep him inside in the evenings though so that I can give him his heart medicine!! Wish us luck! :rolleyes: What a journey... wow! Thanks again for all of your support!!! - Jill)

-------------

April 7, 2007
Well, as I sit here writing this at 11PM Saturday night, it is with relief and worry. My little cat, Sammy, had an emergency in the middle of the week when a small stick got caught behind her palate. I worked late, came home at 7:30 and notice her gagging. Asked my folks "does anyone know why sammy is gagging?" They hadn't noticed. She couldn't eat or drink without spitting up. Long story short, she had to have her throat scoped where they find this 1" long needle like thing wedged up behind her palate.

As a cat lover, I was up all night with her, gave myself a wicked stress induced IC flare (thank god for pain meds & muscle relaxants which I definitely used that night) and absolutely lost an entire 24 hours to worry. She's good now... and sleeping on my lap after recovering well.

Then, this morning, my other cat Shiutsa (I have 2 cats! :cat: :cat: ) was in the worst crisis of his life. I got up early to go to the ICN office to work on a project and went out in the garage to put some clothes in the dryer. I could hear him meowing but didn't know where he was. I thought he was in the attic above me... but he was actually deep inside a plastic tarp underneath an old family piano bench where he had crawled to safety. I dug him out frantically... it's a miracle he didn't suffocate... to discover that his right hind leg was completely dislocated or broken.

Mad dash to the vet... cat screaming in pain in the car and in the office. Jill rubbing his face for ten minutes in the room to let him know he wasn't alone. I think he appreciated that. :cat: Vet examines him and says that his leg isn't broken... that he suspected a dislocation. Thus, he's off to xray and I'm off to my car to drive home and wait "the news" and, of course, thinking the worst.

Four hours of agony later, we get bad news. It's not the hip that's dislocated but a joint next to the spine. It's about 1/4" off... but that's enough to damage the nerve that controls that leg. So, he's now tucked away on painkillers at the vet for a few days to see if he responds to steroids. The vet said that many many cats do respond quite well and get function back in their leg. If not, we're looking at an amputation. ::::sigh::::

Here's the hard part.... I have wicked neighbors who moved in with two feral cats who constantly attack Shiutsa. I don't know if he could survive on three legs. He hates being inside... loves being outside. And these neighbors could care less. Soooo... if we do amputate, it will probably be a few weeks of being forced to stay in the house and, gods, he's going to hate that. On the otherhand, his wounds are not life threatening at all.... and he's a great cat.

We don't think he was hit by a car because there were no fractures and because he was in our closed garage which requires a 5 foot jump, we seriously doubt that he could have done that with this injury. More likely a neighbors evil cat :evilsmile (yes, we call them the evil cats because one literally throws herself at the windows to get to my cats in the house. :loco: it's creepy) was about in some nefarious way.

In any case, I would appreciate any and all prayers you can offer my Shiutsa and Sammy. They are my babies who comfort me when I'm not feeling well and I love them dearly.

Jill

[dg2901]

Hope your cats recovery quickly!

Feel better soon, Jill!
Diana

[ICNDonna]

:grouphug:

And pats for your kitties.

Donna

[dancemomof2]

((((((HUGS)))))) To both you and the kitties.

[tigger_gal]

oh no... sending you and the kitten hugs

[Sarojini]

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

And many, many pats for the kitties!

[traceann]

Sending you and and your furbabies lots and lots of hugs and positive thoughts! I felt my stomach drop when I read your post, sending lots of prayers that the the steroids do the trick!!!!!

[sandramac]

:pray: :pray: :pray: Jill I feel your pain, not being able to have any kids my kitties are my babies! I have 2 Maine Coons and one older domestic. My One Maine Coon At 12 weeks almost died ,due to a liver shunt. It's a day to day process with him requiring meds & special food.We have spent 10 thousand on our credit card last year in vet bills & am still paying. We would do anything for our pets ! It's heartbreaking to see them in pain or not well. I will be praying for your babies! Keep us posted on how they are doing.
Hugs Sandra :cat: :cat: :cat:

[GriffsMommy]

Oh no Jill, so sorry to hear about your cats. I will be thinking about them and you. :grouphug::pray:

[lnseagraves]

Sending many hugs, and loving headbuts to your kitties so they get better!

[JanL]

Jill,
Sending lots of hugs and prayers for your kitties:grouphug: . I love cats, too. We have two and they are a huge comfort on days when I am feeling bad. Jill, I want to take this chance to tell you how much I appreciate all that you do for this IC forum. You will never know how many times I have gotten on here and just read the posts. It has helped me so much to know that there are other people going through IC, also. I have learned so much from this. THANKS!

Janice

[TerriT]

Sorry to hear about your babies. We have lost two of ours in the last few months due to medical problems, Jamie and Winter. We still have 8 babies yes I said 8, my friends tell me I will be the crazy cat lady when I get old. I tell them some people have 8 children and so do I.:cat: Names Simon, Toby, Pumpkin, Iris, Jupiter, Autumn, Angela and Ziggy.

All of our kitties stay inside. None of them have any desire to go outside, even the stray that had lived outside under our neighbors deck for over 5 years until we got her to let us pick her up, was great about staying inside for the year that we had her, unfortunaly we lost Jamie a month ago when her chest cavity filled with fluid and she couldn't breath. The vet thinks she had heart problems. I took her in because she was breathing heavy , they took an x-ray and while they were developing it she all at once couldn't catch her breath so we had to put her down. Her chest cavity was full of fluid, they think she had heart diesease and that caused the fluid. I am just glad that it happened at the vets office and not at home in the middle of the night.

We do feed a stray tom outside that my cats hate we call him Riley since he riles up our kitties. When he is injured from fights I clean him up with peroxide and he heals up until the next time. They are happy to watch the birds, squirrels and other critters outside and follow them from one window to the next.

I hope your kitty will be OK. Even kitties who have been outside adjust to being inside. Outside kitties have a life expectancy of 5 years, inside kitties 10 to 25 years. One of our kitties lived to be 16. I am a advocate for keeping kitties inside. :cat::cat::cat: :cat: :cat: :cat: :cat: :cat:

[mary124]

Sending lots of hugs to you and your furbabies. Afterall, they are our children. Hoping you are also feeling better. :pray:

[Kara29]

Dear Jill,

I can totally relate as I have two cats and a 12 year old bunny rabbit. They are my only children. I will be keeping Shiutsa and Sammy in my prayers. I hope Shiutsa does not need an amputation but if he does, he will surely learn to adapt in time. I am sorry to hear about the evil cats/neighbors.

I hope your IC flare subsides.

Thinking of you and your kitties!

HUGS :grouphug:

Kara

Ghengus and Justin pray for Sammy and Shiutsa

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r115/Karalynnree/th_IMG_0428.jpg (http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r115/Karalynnree/IMG_0428.jpg)

[Mel53H]

Gosh Jill!! I am so sorry to hear about you kitties. I will say some prayers for the both of them and for you too!!

I hate it when my animals are hurt or sick. They can't tell you where it hurts or anything.

:cat: :cat: :cat:

[icnmgrjill]

After a long scary weekend, we got a call from the Vet this morning telling us that Shiutsa should be brought home for some TLC and care. He can barely walk... but he IS walking on three legs. His fourth leg, though, is being dragged abit because the nerve is apparently inflamed or damaged. We won't know how badly for about two weeks. So, the vet was cautiously optimistic. He said that the first two weeks are huge but it will take another two months or so after that to determine what the full damage will be, if any.

So, I went to the vet about lunch time and he brought in his xrays. Yes, there's a tiny little gap that shows the displacement. Shiutsa was very disheveled and grumpy. When he tries to walk, he goes a few steps dragging the leg and then plops down and sits. The other leg has been traumatized by the fall as well... so it's very sore and a little weaker but it's working.

He was happy to come home, ate some wet food right away and then I held him as we walked into the backyard so that he could really see that he was home. He liked that alot... then we prepped the back bedroom for him with a new litter box, dry food and water.

Amazingly, the doctor said that he would not be able to jump down or up but, when I came back into the room, he was already laying on the couch and starting to fall asleep.

It's going to be rough on him... he's been an outside cat who loves to be under the skies. He'll be inside probably for a month. The vet said that it's wayyy tooo earlyyy to consider amputation. That cats adapt and improve often very quickly.

So, cross your fingers for him. He's definitely discombobulated right now! Poor baby!

Jill

[jen74]

I am sorry about what your kitties went through, as well as what you went through. I have a dog, ( a weenie dog, he is my baby). He has done some stuff that sent us to the animal 911. He ate one of my diamond earrings once. It was awful. I rushed him to the vet, they took an xray of his tummy and sure enough there was my earring. Thankfully they got him to throw it up and he was ok.
He also got into a tube of neosporin. I have a 15 year old son, and he likes to leave things laying all around and my Puddin (my dog's name) he gets into everything he possibly can. So, I can totally understand the stress you went through. It is not easy when you have a sick or injured animal. I am glad that your kitties are ok.
Jen

[kadi]

Aww, hope he's feeling better soon:cat: We do love the furbabies, don't we?

[Kara29]

Jill,

I hope that with time Shiutsa will get used to his new "living quarters".
Maybe he'll even like being pampered a bit. He'll be back under the sky after his rest.

Well Wishes and prayers for a Speedy Recovery!!

Kara

[lnseagraves]

I bet he's thrilled to be home. I could just picture him in your arms purring away as you took him outside. Maybe you can take him out on a leash during his recovery? Thats what I do with my Ruby cat. The parking lot for our apt. is right outside our front door, so we put her on a leash to take her outside. Sometimes she walks, but sometimes she just sits there and enjoys the fresh air!:cat: :cat: :cat:

[icnmgrjill]

I came home from work and found Shiutsa in a very abnormal breathing pattern. Flew back to the vet.. and his heart is giving out. He either blew a blood clot or his heart murmur (which was pretty major) is just giving out. The vet was not sure if he would make it through the night. I told the vet to let him pass easily if it got worse. He's had a great life... He's a beautiful, vibrant, energetic cat... about 13 years old.

We are, yet again, crying in my home. First bad news, then good news and, now, what may be the worst news of all. I told the vet that Shiutsa has had a lovely, long life. He was a vibrant, athletic cat and that I didn't think it would be

[icnmgrjill]

I came home from work and found Shiutsa in a very abnormal breathing pattern. Flew back to the vet.. and his heart is giving out. He either blew a blood clot or his heart murmur (which was pretty major) is just giving out. The vet was not sure if he would make it through the night. I told the vet to let him pass easily if it got worse. He's had a great life... He's a beautiful, vibrant, energetic cat... about 13 years old.

We are, yet again, crying in my home. First bad news, then good news and, now, what may be the worst news of all. I told the vet that Shiutsa has had a lovely, long life. He was a vibrant, athletic cat and that I didn't think it would be fair to him to live out his days dragging a foot and barely able to walk. He just deserves more than that.

Ironically, my last happy memory of Shiutsa was about a week ago when I found him on my neighbors roof. He made a gorgeous, confident jump from the roof to a tree about five feet a way... and I remember thinking... wow... what a beautiful, proud cat. I knew that I would always remember that moment... it was just a gorgeous scene.

I really liked the way that he came to me when I would look for him... and I really liked the way he would dart away from my hands if he wasn't yet ready to come to sleep. I loved finding him asleep on my bed at 5AM... He'd stretch out all along my legs. I also really loved the way his stubbornness. He is a male cat... and he wants to make the decisions.

And oh, he could jump with great abandon. I would throw a ball and he'd jump four feet high.. or he'd race around chasing a feather mouse. Sometimes he even did back flips. So, every summer after work, we would all go sit on the lower lawn and play for an hour or two. I'd read and he and Sammy would watch the birds using the bird bath or they'd race around chasing each other. Gods, I'm going to miss this.

His heart murmur is from birth... and it had been progressing such that, during his last visit, the doctor was surprised. So, like many other males with dignity, it may be that his heart will be what takes him from us... but his spirit, his lovely sweet spirit, will always be with each one of us in the Osborne house.

J

[lnseagraves]

Oh Jill,

I'm so sorry to hear that. :( I was so happy for you when I read he was home. At least he has been very happy with you at home today, and you took him outside which you said he really loves. :angel: I will pray for him, and your family.

[dancemomof2]

(((((HUGS))))):pray:

[tigger_gal]

so sorry about your kitty. sending big hugs to all of you.

[waterflow]

I am so sorry. :grouphug:

[kadi]

Sending a hug, you're doing the right thing for him...

[Janie Miranda]

So very sorry to hear this, Jill.

[leelee88]

Its so heartbreaking when we have a sick animal that might not get better..I know all my pets are like my kids.. I am so sorry Jill...(((((((hugs))))))))

[ICNDonna]

It takes a lot of love to be able to let go. I'm so sorry this is happening.

Sending warm hugs,
Donna

[Babs RN]

Many hugs to the Mama, hugs to the kitty and prayers for a lil kittly miracle.:angel: I hope reaches kitty nirvana very soon.:pray: :angel: :pray:


Hugs and love,
Barb :angel: :pray: :love: :flower: :cat: :grouphug:

[SharonA]

Jill, would you please post a picture of this very special friend of yours. I am sure all of us would love to see him once before it is time for him to go. I am very sorry that it looks like he is near crossing over bridge. My heart goes out to you. It is tough when you lose a true friend. (((hugs)))

[JanL]

Jill,
I am so sorry! Hugs to you. It really does take a lot of love to let go and I know how hard that is. Praying for you.
Janice

[Mel53H]

I am so, so sorry! Your words made me want to cry. Poor kitty! You just hate to see them suffer.:pray: :grouphug:

[Judith56]

Jill, words can not express my deep sadnees for what you are going through right now, I am keeping you and your sweet Shiusta in my heart. Judith

[Zygala87]

Jill only someone who has had and loved a pet can understand the pain you are in. It appears we have some very lovely, unstanding friends here. I held my little Chihuahua, a friend of 19 years, and had the Vet put him down. We owe them that when the time comes. Joey told me "i'm ready" with his eyes. The sorrow lessens but never goes away. The positive is the many good years we had and we were able to know- I'm ready.- I care very much. Ziggy

[Kathi]

Losing a pet is like losing a member of the family, for some, like losing a child. I know that you're doing the right thing, I have had to do it too & it doesn't hurt any less. Hugs to you, Kathi

[ICLori]

Jill, my heart is breaking for you. I can hear how much you love Shiutsa and what a special, precious angel he has been for you. I'm so sorry. I know this hurts so badly. Your Shiutsa will always be with you in spirit. The bonds of love can never be broken - they are the strongest things in the universe.

Blessings and hugs and prayers,
Lori

[DebbieB]

So sorry Jill, it is so very hard in losing a pet ..
All the wonderful memories of Shiutsa will be with you forever and no one can take that away from you and that is one good blessing !!

[Claredale]

Jill, I am so sorry to hear your news. My heart hurts for you! I had to put my almost 16 year old dog and my cat that adopted us about 12 years ago to sleep last summer. He was an adult and like your cat made his own desisions!

I am glad that you are remembering your happy memories. That is definitely what I do myself.

You are certainly in my thoughts and prayers.

Tracey

[humpieumpumkin]

Jill,
You are handeling this difficult situation with great poise! Your cat is so lucky to have an owner like you who is unselfish and understands that it is more humaine to let him pass in peace then keep him alive and let him suffer. I'm truly sorry you had to make this decision and this is happening to you. I hope everything comes to a peaceful end...either kitty gets fixed or passes with dignaty. You are in my prayers.

Erika

[mary124]

Jill- my heart goes out to you - sending hugs to you and your baby.

[icnmgrjill]

Well, I got up this early with that heavy feeling in my heart... expecting the phone call that would say that he had passed. I even went out and made a lovely grave underneath a giant honeysuckle hedge next to his other cat buddies who have passed. It was important to do it because I didn't want my 84 year old father trying to do it when I wasn't home.

Then, the vet called about 9am. Shiutsa made it through the night... was resting comfortably but his heart is still arrythmic. So, the vet wants to try one more drug to see if that will stabilize his heart. He's going to keep him overnight again and we'll see. I told him that we had talked as a family and have chosen to not let Shiutsa linger with a failing heart and a paralyzed leg. We feel that this would crush his athletic spirit. On the otherhand, if he comes out of it, maybe he will have one more life left. I also told the vet to let him pass if he worsened.

Gods... who knew that we could cry so many tears over our pets. I am coming into the office today but won't be answering the phone. I'm not in the right frame of mind to be supportive when I'm needing support right now.

Jill

[humpieumpumkin]

Thats good news Jill. There is still hope. Cats become part of the family, and when they pass it is a tremendous loss like a loved one is. I hope this last drug is his little miracle. If its not, I will pray that he passes away peacefully. :pray:

Here for Support...
Erika:hi:

[Sarojini]

:grouphug: :grouphug:

[mary124]

I'm so glad that he made it thru the night. hugs to you and your baby.:grouphug:

[littlemyrn]

Jill, I feel your pain over making such a decision. My beloved "Bandit" springer spaniel mix that I had had for 14 years went into conjestive heart failure, at first the drugs worked, and of course we spoiled her through that time, then she started to swell so, I knew it was time, she didn't even want me to kiss her, which she always did, I had my husband at the time go over to my mom's and dig a grave (she was around 75 lbs) and the next day I made the decision for her not to suffer anymore. Of course, I couldn't take her, but my ex did and stayed with her. The vet said it was time and he and I had a great relationship, due to the fact I had a pet sitting service at the time, so I trusted him. We buried her with her favorite stuffed animal and I sit crying about her still, that has been 14 months ago and I miss her daily. I kept her other animals she loved so much. So yes, I know how you feel about loving a pet like family. I am so sorry you have to go through this. You are in my thoughts.

[ICLori]

Jill, I'm so sorry for all that you are going through right now. I wish I knew how to help lessen your pain and grief. I feel helpless to do so through a message board.

Shiutsa is lucky to have had your love so far for all of these years. I know that he knows how beloved he is. Our pets know, they always know what we are feeling.

I read something once about a pet psychic. The pet psychic gave a reading to someone whose pet had passed on, and the psychic said the kitty was trying to say to the owner, "it's okay, I'm peaceful and happy now, and we will be together again someday. I will meet you when you cross over to this side." The kitty didn't want the owner to be so sad any more.

Be good to yourself right now. Do whatever feels right at this time, to comfort yourself and to survive through this period. Your Shiatsu will always be with you, although not always in a physical body.

It's okay to cry. It hurts, but sometimes crying is so healing, too.

Blessings,
Lori

[SharonA]

Many (((((((((hugs)))))))))) coming your way, Jill.

[DebbieB]

:pray: :grouphug::grouphug:

[ICNDonna]

I wish I could come over and give you a hug in person.

Donna

[stacey79]

Sending lots of hugs and prayers! :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

[IC SARAH-CPP]

I am so sorry you are going through this Jill. This hits me very hard because we just lost our beloved dalmation, Raider, on April 2. We had to put him to sleep because we didn't want him to suffer either, his kidneys were failing.
We can indeed cry and mourn so much over our pets. Our dogs are like children to my husband and I, it is so awful when something happens to one of them.
I hope that Shiutsa does make a full recovery. I hope that maybe you wont have to use that grave right now. Sending big hugs over.
Love Sarah

[vm]

:grouphug: Jill, I am sorry you are hurting so much right now. I'm glad you're not answering phones - you need to just be good to you. :kissing:

[ICLori]

I hope so much Shiutsa makes a full recovery, too, and goes on to live many more happy years here on earth.

Sarah, I'm so sorry for your loss. I found a site on-line that I think is kind of helpful in the grieving process for the loss of a beloved pet. http://rainbowsbridge.com/hello.htm

Blessings,
Lori

[ICKIRSTI]

Our thoughts and :pray: ers are with you. I have had pets all my life and it really is amazing how much they make an impact on our souls. Domesticated animals really are man's best friend. They are the only beings whom love us unconditionally for everything we are. The good news is, when they do pass, they wait for us on the other side with all of our other loved ones! So please rest assured that even if the blessed sweetheart does pass on today, that you will indeed meet once again! Free to frolic together and Forever amidst the mountains and meadows of eternity! Wishing you all the best the heaven's could offer! Filled with plenty of :grouphug: s, :angel: s:flower: :woohoo: 's.

[icnmgrjill]

Alot of people ask... where do support group leaders go for support?? The answer for me is right here on the ICN message boards. Thank you all so much for your posts of encouragement :grouphug: It really means the world to me and my family!

Jill :) :cat:

[Babs RN]

Jill,
I am so glad he is hanging in there. Cut yourself a break and be a Mom, let us pamper you!

Love,
Barb:cat:

[dancemomof2]

:angel:

[ICKIRSTI]

How wonderfully sweet of you!! Well, personally, the pleasure is all mine, because I look up to you! So it sure is nice to help out someone whom you think the world of!! I am sure I am not alone on that one! I really wish you all of the comfort, happiness, and peace of mind, that you have granted to us all!! p.s. here's an :angel: for you! Oh yeah :hi: and... a big,big :smile tee too.. because these litlle smiley's.. really are the best!! Your still In my thoughts and :pray: ers and :bow: (because he really looks like he's very serious about his prayers).

[GriffsMommy]

So glad to hear that he made it through the night Jill, is there any update on his condition? How's he doing today?

[traceann]

Sending lots and lots of healing thoughts and positive energies his way (and yours as well!), not to mention tons of hugs too!!! :grouphug:

How's he doing, have you gotten any updates yet? Will they let you visit while he's there? Sending :pray:

Hugs,
Tracey

[Kara29]

Thinking of You and Shiutsa! I am praying for peace in either circumstance. :angel:

Kara

[icnmgrjill]

Wednesday. The vet called again today to say that Shiutsa has responded very well to the heart medicine (we didn't think they would!) and is laying in his cage like a pampered, happy cat. He has a nice cozy rug, and just sits and watches every one walk by. I think the staff is falling in love with him... appropriately so. He is a sweetie when he wants to be.

In any case, the vet wants to keep him for the rest of the week to monitor his heart and his leg. So far, there's no response to his leg improving at all... but he is resting comfortably, breathing well and is not in pain. That's a big relief!

So, yet again, the tears we cried this morning worrying about putting him down today, were unnecessary.

This week has been an emotional roller coaster... and I don't know where we'd be without the incredible Dr. Grant Patric at the Montecito Veterinary Center. He's a true hero!

Jill

[DebbieB]

That is so great to hear Jill..

I will be sending you Jill lots of :pray: & :grouphug: and sending lots of :pray: & :grouphug:to Shiutsa as well ..

[Kara29]

Jill,

I've been thinking about you all day. Having no children, cats are like children to me. I am so happy to hear the happy update. I hope Shiutsa continues to improve and is home in no time. Thank You Dr. Grant Patric! :angel:

My heart and prayers are still with you and your family. :pray:

Kara

[dancemomof2]

:woohoo:

[HGC]

I hope he continues to improve.

[Mel53H]

I love it!:woohoo:

[sandramac]

:woohoo: :pray: :pray: Thanks for the update jill.i have been thinking of you both!

Hugs Sandra:cat: :cat: :cat:

[Babs RN]

I was wondering how your little comeback kitty was doing. Glad to hear he is doing well!! I hope that pesky leg starts to cooperate too.

Hugs,
Barb:smile tee :cat:

[RAS6]

Jill, Glad to hear that your kitty is doing so much better! We have a nine year old tiger that my husband found as a stray. She is definately a member of our family! I can't imagine how sad and worried you must have been.
:pray: for Shiutsa's speedy recovery!

[leelee88]

I sure hope he continues to inprove...:pray:

[GriffsMommy]

Jill, I'm so happy to hear that he's doing better. Hope he gets to come home soon.:woohoo:

[JanL]

I am so glad to hear this. I have wondered about him all day. I was worried that there was bad news since there had not been an update all day. Lots of prayers that he will continue to improve.

Janice

[lnseagraves]

Wonderful news!!! :) :) :) He sounds like a little fighter. What a relief!:cat: :cat: :cat:

[mary124]

So happy that he is doing better. Our furbabies are like children (I don't have kitties-I have doggies--but still I do treat them like my children-they behave better!!)

[humpieumpumkin]

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

Its a miracle:angel: !!! He is such a little fighter. I am so happy and releived for you. I will pray for continued inprovement. Your vet sounds wonderful!

Erika:hi:

[traceann]

Yay! I am so happy to hear he's comfortable and being pampered, ;) Here's to him improving now at a steady rate!! Sending hugs and postive healing thoughts his way! :)

[icnmgrjill]

Well, go figure, the vet called about 30 minutes ago. The prayers are working! Thank you everyone!!

Shiutsa is doing much better. No pain, normal breathing. His heart is slow and calm. He's also walking abit better today as compared to yesterday. The enforced confinement has been very good for him. His nerves and muscles are working down to his knee but, below that, he has no nerve function yet. So, he's walking on the top of his foot rather than the bottom. We don't know if that will improve or not.

But, I'm floored... we really didn't expect him to make it. He just might be a comeback kid, soon to be an inside cat just filled with love.

The vet also said that he's a very sweet cat. They all love him... so he's getting lots and lots of cuddles and attention which he really needs. Also, the heart medication is so tiny that it's apparently very easy to get it down!

:::sighs::: Wow, can I just say that I am emotionally exhausted right now and feel like I"ve run a marathon. I make a promise to my pets that I will be there through thick and thin... I will protect them... because, after all, all they ever give back is love. During an IC flare, having a purring heating pad on your lap just ain't that bad.

And... I also whistle and sing to my cats... so they come running when they hear me singing my Scottish lullabies to them. Plus, it makes me feel good too!

I'll keep you posted ... but atleast I'm not having anxiety attacks about it right now. Knowing that he's calm, not in pain and doing well is perfect for me!

Jill

[HGC]

That is such good news. I hope he continues to improve!

[leelee88]

That is so great Jill.. I hope he continues to get better...:pray: Thank you for keeping us posted...

[ICNDonna]

::::::sigh of relief::::::

I'm so glad he's doing better.

Donna

[dancemomof2]

Great news, still sending :pray: to both of you

[DebbieB]

I am glad he is not in pain and that you are feeling a bit better today..

Thinking of you Jill !!

[lnseagraves]

Jill,

Thats WONDERFUL news. He really must be the miracle cat! :cat: :cat: :cat: I'm so happy for you :)

[ICLori]

I'm so glad he's pulling through, and that he's not in any pain or distress! I'm so glad too that you have that comforting knowledge and that you aren't hurting too bad inside today from all of this.

My kitties mean the whole world to me. They are my babies and my guardian angels with whiskers. I know how you feel about how a special kitty can be such a blessing and comfort. I hope he pulls through completely and recovers completely and that the nerves come back to normal and he walks normally again, and I hope he'll have some happy and healthy years ahead with you!

Blessings,
Lori
P.S. You've been through quite a scare and a trauma - be extra good to yourself! Maybe watch a comforting movie tonight, maybe one that always makes you laugh or makes you feel good or makes you remember being a child. And comfort food, too (IC friendly of course.) Just whatever helps!

[Trishann]

Jill, haven't been on line much but want you to know that I am sorry you and your cat was having such a rough time. Glad to hear your cat is getting better and now you are feeling somewhat relief. It is such a heart breaking knowing are little pets are hurting and things goes wrong, but thank God your cat is doing better, I know that brings relief to you.

Sending hugs, Trishann

[stacey79]

Glad to hear some good news about Shiutsa. Our furry friends certainly make their way into our hearts! Sending some more hugs and prayers to you in hopes you have a restful weekend after such a difficult week!

[kadi]

Glad to hear the kitty is doing better. Pets are such an important part of our lives :cat:

[ICKIRSTI]

:smile tee yayyyyy!!!!! :pray: Thank you to theheavens!!! :angel: :woohoo:

:woohoo:

[traceann]

Oh thank heavens!!!!! I am so happy to hear that, whew! It's amazing how much they give to our lives, and some days I don't even realize it. I try now with my old girl to give her pets whenever she wants or let her on my lap when she wants, sleep under the covers with me when she wants (every night, lol) - I just don't want to miss a minute with her!!!!

Again, soooooo happy to hear he's improving!!!! YIPPEEEEEE!!!! Sending more prayers that he gets the rest of his leg function back!!!

HUGS!

[Sarojini]

GREAT NEWS!!!!! :grouphug: :D

[sandramac]

:smile tee :pray: :pray: :cat: :cat: :cat:

[Texas Baby]

I am so glad your cat is doing better! I hpe he continues to improve!
Eva:woohoo:

[sandramac]

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

[icnmgrjill]

Well, the vet asked to keep Shiutsa over the weekend and I finally went to bring him home last night. Imagine my surprise to find him not only walking, but actually walking on the pad of his foot instead of dragging it behind him. He waddles like Charlie Chaplin... but, well, I was stunned.

Shiutsa did come home last night but we had a very rocky night. The vet says "no jumping." So, the first thing he does is JUMP four feet straight up and out of the baby pen I had, pushing about ten pounds of boards out of the way. Then we agonized... if we put heavier things on they could fall on him... So we agreed to leave him out.

He has now jumped up (comfortably, I might add) and slept on every bed now... and drove me so batty last night that I was up from 3am... crying to go out side, desperate for attention and just being weird.

Didn't get to work today... had yet another IC flare from not sleeping well. But I did go buy a huge zippered in dog carrier that he will be sleeping in tonight. I just couldn't sleep for fear of him jumping onto window sills and falling... with my bladder going crazy.

He's asleep on my parents bed now! His heart seems stable for now... so, we'll see. I think the hardest part is that he desperately wants to go outside.... I mean, desperately. And when I did take him down onto the lower lawn last night, he immediately ran from me (waddling) to get away and out. I had to chase him across half the yard... and then was freaked that it might trigger his heart again. Sheesh!!

So, we're all just kind of exhausted and my anxiety is abit out of control checking his breathing all the time, etc. etc. I'm listening for him constantly. So, I have to work on my own mantra... which needs to be something like "Shiutsa isn't ready to go yet. This is his life and we need to let him live it as much as possible" without, of course, letting him outside.

I'm also worried about my parents. My dad is a huge softie, can't stand to hear him crying and wanted to let him out this AM. I said "NO"... he's only been walking for two days now... for goodness sake. My mom just isn't really fast enough to catch him if he tries to dart by her feet to get outside. Soooo... we're in for some cat adventures and more worry I think.

Wish us luck!

Jill

[Kara29]

Jill,

I am glad to hear that Shiutsa is home now. He's playing Glodilocks with the beds huh? My Maine Coon hurt his leg a few months ago and we had the darndest time finding ways for him to NOT jump. Our bed is really high off the ground so we had to take a dining room chair and the step stool. He did use them to aid himself up. He has arthritis and his legs make a clicking sound. We still limit his jumping but there's nothing stopping him when he is bound and determined.

I hope Shiutsa makes a full recovery. I hope your IC Flare subsides real quick. I understand your anxiety with wanting to keep him safe.

HUGS You and Shiutsa!!! :cat: :cat:

Kara

[DebbieB]

Wow, that is good news, but poor you not getting any sleep ...
I know it must be hard for you keeping Shiutsa from jumping all over the place ..

I hope your bladder feel better and you get some sleep tonight !!

Tender hugs to you and Shiutsa too !!

Debbie

[dancemomof2]

Glad he is home, and hope you have a better night and get some rest.

[leelee88]

Jill,
I am so glad hes doing better.. But am sorry you are having such a rough time. I hope everything calms down tonight so you cant get some rest and get your IC under control.. Well take care and I will be praying for all of you..:angel:

[glassd18]

I'm glad Shiutsa is home. I know exactly how you feel about being up all night worrying. I have a 20 yr old Tabby named Tigger who by the way decided recently to mark his territory in my house (I can't get the smell out no matter how hard I try-ugh), and every day when I get home I look to see if he's still with us. At that age every day is a gift. I'm also flaring big time. Hope you feel better soon.

[GriffsMommy]

That's so great to hear that he's home and doing better. I hope that you get your flare under control. I remember trying to keep my cat from jumping after she was fixed. It is pretty much impossible to keep a cat from jumping unless you keep them in a car carrier or something. I can see how that would stress you out.

[ICNDonna]

:grouphug:

Donna

[Trishann]

Jill sound like you had a rough night. Glad you thought of a zippered dog carrier, hope this will help you get some sleep now.

Hope Shiutsa will continue to get better and I hope you will get better to soon.

Sending hugs, Trishann

[Texas Baby]

I am so glad that Shiutsa is home and wanting to prowl around outside so to speak. I remember when we had our dog that( passed away recently) She contracted parco at an earlier age 8 weeks. ahe was very sick and we brought her home from the vet. As per his orders we were to keep her quite. Well the play pen didn't work! she continued to jump out wanting to play with the kids. we finally gave up. I was worried about a relapse but she became stronger. I am an animal lover , now we have a cat and a horse. Jill I pray your flare goes away soon soon soon!
I will continue to pray for you and your cat!
Blessings & Hugs!
EvA

[Moonheart]

Oh Jill, I'm so glad Shiutsa is home. Sorry you aren't getting much rest. I know how hard that is. Hopefully you realize that this is why I haven't bothered you about our meeting. I think you have enough on your plate as it is. Please know that you and your little love are in my thoughts and prayers. Will talk to you when things settle down k?

Hugs,
Moonheart

[traceann]

YAY!! I am so relieved to hear that he's feeling better and trying to get up to his old tricks again, hee hee!!! That's one tough kitty!!!!

BIG hugs for the both of you!

[icnmgrjill]

Well, Shiutsa has been home for almost a week and he's walking reasonably well... but he's driving us all BATTY!!!! He constantly yowls to go outside even though this one leg doesn't work well. Of course, he doesn't really understand that it's not working well. So, he's either sleeping or yowling. Sometimes it's for attention. Sometimes it's to ask the house where the people are... but most of the time it's just to go outside. Have to say that I've about hit my limit.

See, the problem is that he's, at heart, an outside cat. He doesn't like being inside. He has never liked being inside and he's telling us that every day and night. The vet, however, says that he has to be an inside cat for probably the next month or so. I don't know if we'll survive it. He's so angry... and sad. Worst, between his leg and his straining heart, he wouldn't survive long if we let him outside. He can't even get down the stairs right now without pain.

I need to have an honest discussion with the vet on Monday to ask just how bad is his heart. How long would we expect him to survive? The vet told me he was at deaths door two weeks ago. If there is no chance of him being outside, I really think that I'm going to have to put him down. He's miserable... he's soooo miserable and sad and angry.

Oh lordy. I've spent $90 on stairs to help him up on the couch. He just jumps. I've spent $170 on large canvas, zipped dog carrier for him to sleep at night because we were worried that he would try to jump up on a counter and fall. He's not supposed to be jumping. After five nights, I've learned that he ALWAYS knocks over the water and, if he knows I can hear him, will meow and cry for, you got it, an hour or so.

I'm trying not to reward him for crying by responding... but, on the otherhand, there are times when he seems to be in genuine distress and I, of course, go right to him.

This is insane right now. He's a good cat but with a serious, probably irreversible nerve injury combined with heart problems. 13 years old... and, honestly, we've treated him so well. It's been a great 13 years all the way around. I hate thinking about putting him down when he's still able to walk and stuff, but his quality of life is just horrible right now and I don't think it's going to improve much. I can't, in good conscience, let him roam outside with these injuries.

All advice would be appreciated. I'm at my wits end! Thank god my other cat is very very quiet.

--- UPDATE ---

As you can tell, I wrote the above note after a very long day. We had a much better day today. I bought a rabbit harness on Friday which fits him perfectly and, after three days, he's finally walking outside in it. He spent about two hours outside today and is a much more content cat now. He hasn't yowled hardly at all tonight.

I also went out and bought a $40 tent at KMART that we've set up on the deck as Shiutsa's private castle... It has rugs in it, steps, his favorite big bed, litterbox and, best of all, lots of windows to the outside that lets great ventilation in.. but it's entirely secure. Unless he figures out how to unzip it, he can't get out. So, the two cats and I sat in that today for about 30 minutes and they seemed to take to it well. So, atleast we can now PUT HIM OUTSIDE when he wants to be outside. Amazing, the crying stops immediately. But, I am going to ask the vet for something that will calm him down when he gets too worked up about it.

Sorry for the drama. My biggest button is when family members AND pets are in pain. When they hurt, I hurt and I agonize/obsess over how to make it better. It's so hard when I know that they aren't happy... but we'll see if this works well.

Jill

[Moonheart]

I honestly would have to say that I would be inclined to put him down. I had a horse that was literally my heart, and I cannot even describe the relationship I had with this horse. She came down with sand colic and we walked her for two days straight to no avail. She finally could not be kept up any longer in good conscience and we called the vet. She lay with her head in my lap while they put her to sleep and I died inside. But I wouldn't ever do it any differently, because she was suffering. She'd had a long live and all she knew was that she was in pain and she couldn't life happily and comfortably. So we let her rest. I believe it gives honor and dignity to a close friend such as a pet when we honor their memory by not tarnishing it with long, lingering suffering before death.

HTH, and lots of hugs and understanding (I had to put down my Sheltie as well), and prayers,

Sincerely,
Moonheart

[Zygala87]

Jill you have done your best. Let go. It is time. He is an outside cat by heart and does not understand what your problem is. You are under great stress as is the little guy. I have been in your shoes. The pain will get less but never will go away. My tears are flowing as I type and it's been 4 years. Yet I know without a doubt I did the right thing. You are in my Prayers, Ziggy

[Sarojini]

I too would be thinking of putting him down. It's a hard decision always, but when the kitty cannot live his life the way he wants, it's not really a life anymore.

When I was younger, we had a beautiful Persian named Zeus; we got him when I was in the 5th grade, and he was still alive when I went to graduate school. But he was failing fast -- his arthritis was so bad it hurt him to get down to sleep and get back up again. He couldn't go out anymore -- his version of "out" was just sitting on the porch, but he couldn't make the steps down. He started peeing on the floor because he couldn't even climb into his litter box without pain.

When we looked at how horrible his life was, we realized that if it were us, we would just be waiting to die. So after thought, my dad took him to the vet and put him down. It was horrible and sad, but that way, there was no pain any longer.

I am crying again as I write that story -- even though I have a new furbaby these days, I still miss the old one too.

But sometimes you have to let go....:grouphug: :grouphug:

[ICNDonna]

Your heart will tell you when it's time.

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{You**********************************************

Donna

[Kara29]

Jill,

I hope you get some advice from the vet on Monday. This situation is hard no matter how you look at it.

Love and Hugs! :grouphug:

Kara:angel:

[ihurttoo]

Jill, This is so heartbreaking! I hope that the vet will have some suggestions for you on Monday. I wish I knew what to tell you. It is so hard, no matter what you do. I just hope the vet has some ideas. Hugs going out to you! (((((Jill))))

Hugs,
Amy

[dancemomof2]

How sad. Maybe try a harness and tie him outside for small periods of time when you can be out and around to watch him, maybe that will comfort him some and he will still be confined somewhat. I agree you will know when and what is best.

[SharonA]

((((((((((hugs))))))))))

[stacey79]

I have no advice, but know this is a horribly hard decision. Sending lots of prayers and hugs your way!

[GriffsMommy]

Jill,
I'm so sorry that you have to make such a hard decision. You will know what to do, you may already know what to do now. If he's so unhappy inside but he can't go outside that's gotta be hard, if the vet says that he won't have much longer anyway and the time he will have left will be so unhappy for him then I would put him down. I personally have never had to go through this, my parents had to put our cat down but I was in college then and not at home. I must say though, I have never lived at home since them and years later I would still go home and expect to see that cat because I wasn't there when he was put down. I know whatever you do it will be very hard on you, and we are all very sorry for that.:grouphug:

[Julie B]

Oh Jill.......my heart breaks just reading this...........there is no way anyone can really tell you what to do...........trust your heart..........trust your vet.............trust your sweet kitty.......gentle gentle hugs........

[Mel53H]

I agree...you will know when it is time. It has happened to me several times. It does not make it any easier though.

Talking to the doctor will help too. Although, I have to say that Shiutsa has surprised everyone with how far that he has come. He might just have a few years in him left.

I have 5 cats. One of them is 20 and another is about 18 or so. So, you never know.

Hang in there. I will be thinking of you and your Shiutsa.:grouphug: