Almost there . . .

[lavendertook]

I took this pic 3 years ago. The lawn full of crocuses across the street are all in bud and ready to open, and maybe they'll get to do that at the end of the week after the storm comes through.

Since last summer I've been having repeated ear infections that have all resolved in 2 weeks, until now. This one started February 17th, right before I had a job interview followed by a day of jury duty, and then at the end of that week I had a marathon cleaning day and applying of flea treatment because Brigit left us with some fleas, the initial treatment last month didn't work, and we were all getting bit up--that was a woman of steel week, but I think I have mostly gotten rid of the fleas. So, I'm going into the 3rd week now of this ear ache, and the pain and worry got to me today, and I'm starting to feel sicker overall, so I went to a walk-in clinic to get it checked out and got some antibiotic ear drops. I've got an infected ear canal, but nothing worse, luckily. I liked the PA I saw and I was in and out in an hour and a half, so not bad.

I also did some vet calls today because Saki is losing too much weight since we reduced the steroid level she was on for Inflammatory bowel disease/small cell lymphoma. I still don't have full faith in this vet, and am still waiting for a call back, but in the meantime I scheduled a consultation at the vet I took Brigit to and found I really liked the doctor, and the receptionists knew what they were doing as well. One of the receptionists at the one I'm going to now drives me nuts, and did not pass on my message to the vet on Friday. Anyway, a second opinion on Saki's course of treatment would be really useful at this point in any event, and I can decide afterward if I want to switch vets. Saki is all spunky as normal and eating well, but she's a pound lighter than she was now before she started the prednisolone, which initially blew her up 2 lbs and made her feel cruddy. I'm thinking it may be time to try her on chlorambucil, but we'll see what each vet has to say. I'm worried about my little woobie.

So a big getting health in order day today before the storm moves in tomorrow night. Hopefully, I'll sleep a little better tonight, and get well for dealing with what needs to be done for my Saki.

Comments

[mews1945]

I'm sorry about all the health issues you're having with you and dear Saki. I hope both of you will be doing much better soon and you'll weather the storm well.

[lavendertook]

Thank you, honey. I'm getting better with the antibiotic ear drops. Hopefully, the new vet tomorrow will put us on the right track to stopping Saki's weight loss. How did you make out in the storm? How many inches did you get?

[easterlily41482]

I'm so sorry to read you've been sick. I hope the medication helps and you'll be pain free soon. I'm also so sorry to hear about Saki. I hope the second opinion helps. Get a third if you need to. I had to do that for my cat, Ginger, who has vestibular disease and epilepsy. It took me three times before I found a vet that wouldn't put her down simply because she would have to be on medication for the rest of her life.

[lavendertook]

Geez! I'm glad you found the right vet and thank you so much for the good advice. There is another vet who is highly recommended on yelp.com who does home visits, if it comes to looking for a third option.

The ear drops are helping and I'm feeling much better today, just mostly scared about Saki now.

[spiralsheep]

Lovely crocoi!

I hope you and yours enjoy successful meds all round.

[lavendertook]

Thank you. I'm taken care of--I just need to get Saki on the right track now.

[lbilover]

Having a vet you like and trust is so important. Sounds like a switch might be in order. Whichever way you go, I hope Saki benefits!!! And that the ear drops help you. Ear infections suck. :/ *hugs to you and scritches to Saki*

[lavendertook]

I hate switching during a crisis, but that's where we're at, and it's pretty scary. Thank you. *hugs you tight and Saki purrs to you*

[jan-u-wine.livejournal.com]

may you and dear Saki soon be as well as those beautiful flowers, dear LT! *hugs*!

[lavendertook.livejournal.com]

Thank you, hon. Im getting better. Now it's Saki's turn. *hugs you tight*

[addie71.livejournal.com]

Gorgeous photo. I love crocuses.

I hope you and Saki are doing better soon. *hugs & pets*

[lavendertook.livejournal.com]

Thank you, hon!

*hugs tight and Saki purrs at you*

[shirebound]

I hope the ear drops help VERY soon, and that your sweet Saki can get the care she needs.

*tight hugs*

[lavendertook.livejournal.com]

The ear drops are helping. I hope Saki gets on the right regimen tomorrow.

*clings*

[golden-berry.livejournal.com]

Sending healing thoughts to you and Saki. One of my previous kitties had an intestinal lymphoma. With medication she lived years longer than I expected. Every day is a gift!

[lavendertook.livejournal.com]

Thank you! Was it small cell lymphoma? What meds did you have her on? Everyday IS a gift--we've been balancing hyperthyroidism wiht kidney disease for 3 years now, and added IBD or small cell lymphoma last fall, but damn I want more with this amazing little being.

[golden-berry.livejournal.com]

This was about 15 years ago, and the methods available today to pin down the diagnosis weren't as good as they are now. I remember Sammie was on a cocktail of steroids, antibiotics and something else. I bought empty capsules from Walgreens and put all the little pill fragments--half of this, a quarter-pill of that--together into the capsules to make it easier to handle and swallow them.

We have also dealt with kidney disease in our other previous kitty, Banjo, at the same time that Sammie was ill. No thyroid problems yet. But Jimmy and Jordan are ages 12 and 11 respectively. Jordan is the black and white, Jimmy is the grey tabby in my icon. Hopefully, they will both stay healthy for several more years! Jimmy is already on benazepril for early kidney disease.