Artie and his Issues

[2Cats4everLoved]

Never apologize for expressing your concerns. Most, if not all of us, have been there. It is usually the initial shock but once we calm down and think it through, it's doable. You will find the patience, strength, finances and whatever is needed because Artie is worth it.

Again I agree with @Verna davies  - VENT AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You need to let it out.  Your in a stressful situation and we ALL understand

Don't feel bad because of what you're feeling, it's human nature my dear friend.

Hang in there, all will work out.

Again, we're expecting lots of rain down here, don't be surprised if Artie hunkers down.  I have a feeling he'll bounce back soon enough.  Perhaps you should take his lead and relax as well.

slightly off topic:  I was leery at first giving up my land line years ago, but I don't miss it at all.  I kept it mostly for my dad, but I have to say, I gained some counter space. LOL and yes the extra 80 a month was not too bad either.  I didn't keep the number through cable, kind of wish I did, but I don't miss it.  You won't either.  Just make sure you keep your cell plugged in at all times, even talking on the phone if you can keep it plugged in and charged you'll be in good shape.  We rarely lose cable down here, but I know others who count on that number and have been lost during storms.

Be well...  xoxohope

 

[Kat0121]

 
I am so sorry I vented on you guys. It was just a bit too much, and I have not been getting much sleep for a few days.

I was ok with the C Vet. It was only when I got home, discovered the rest of the junk, started thinking, and it just got worse. 

All I can do is just take things one day at a time. I cannot do anything more. I hate to give up my old fashioned Verizon landline, but I think it it femto go. I can save $60 a month. I will switch it over to Comcast, and keep the same telephone number. I have my cell phone for emergencies.

I think the financial aspect really hit me the worst. It is what set me off. I was expecting a bit of a decrease, but not the huge amount that it turned out to be. TMI and too long a story to share. 

This really hit me hard. 

Thanks for all the support. 

Artie update:

Artie was exhausted, as expected. He did not eat much during the daylight hours, but ate 1/3 of a can during the night. 

He should be pooping today, but with all the stress of yesterday, I do not expect him to. 

I was so glad Artie was cuddling with me on my recliner. All I had to do was wake him up, put him on my lap, and that was it until I went to bed. Artie came cuddling in bed, around 3am.

Today is a sub-q day. Right now, Artie has had his first meds, a bit of breakfast, and is hiding in his tent. 

need to get going.. make a few phone calls... and the rest of my stuff. 

Please do not apologize. You need to vent. We understand and we are here for you. We care about you and sweet little Artie. 

He has come a long way since this thread started and it's because of YOU and the wonderful care you give him. It's also because he loves you so much and he knows how much you love him. he wants to stay with you as long as possible. 

I hope you both have a good day. Much love and hugs to you both 

 

 

[neely]

Never apologize for expressing your concerns. Most, if not all of us, have been there. It is usually the initial shock but once we calm down and think it through, it's doable. You will find the patience, strength, finances and whatever is needed because Artie is worth it.

Ditto what Verna davies just said!

 Just keep telling yourself everything will work out and, as you said, take it one day at a time. 

  We all need to vent and we are all here to listen.  That's what friends are for. 

 

 

[IndyJones]

If this helps at all I'll share a similar thing.

Hector had to have a blood test done that was $500 it was a special test that tested everything when she wasn't eating. I am on permanent disability income so have limited money. I was lucky enough my vet told me about the Farley Foundation and I got approved to cover this. Hector had many other bills that had already drained most of my savings. But Hector was my loyal companion for so many years I refused to let debt stop me. In the end she passed away at home in my arms but I feel good about myself knowing I did everything possible to save her.

In the end we can't defy God's will but I feel good knowing I did not give up on my friend and loyal companion who helped me through my toughest times.

 

[mrsgreenjeens]

Are you getting Artie's prescriptions filled at the Vets' offices, or do you fill them at an offsite pharmacy, or even online?  You can usually get them filled for much less elsewhere, even at Costco (without a membership).  Walgreens used to have some sort of Pet membership thing where you could get their prescriptions filled for a reasonable amount, including sub-q fluids. 

As far as saving money elsewhere, we went with Ooma for our home phone, and all it costs is the federal excise tax (after purchasing the actual Ooma for $99, which hooks up to your router).  Our landline now costs us less than $5 per month and we have the same number we've always had.  I don't know if that's similar to what you're talking about doing or not with Comcast.  When I ended up having to stop working 15 years before I had planned, believe me, I found all kinds of ways to save money without having to change our lifestyle too much.  And I lot of companies (like Dish, will wheel and deal with you if you've been with them for a few years...I call them every 6 months or so and threaten to move to another provided if they don't give me the same rates they are offering new customers.  They always give me at least $20 off my bill for the next 6 months.  Then I call again 6 months later for the same deal!  ( and all we have is BASIC service, no premium channels) 

 

[Mamanyt1953]

All I can add is, I'm thinking about you, sending good thoughts your way.  You know I love you.

 

[tarasgirl06]

Good update.  I know -- I get pretty hyper when things happen, initially -- but in hindsight, usually we're able to look at things with a calmer view and know that we've come through all kinds of things to get to where we are now -- and we can and will continue to do so, god willing!  

On the health issues, we both know they're really no big deal most of the time.  No one is perfect, but we all keep going on for as long as the Supreme Being gives us here.  So we will do so, and we all celebrate the joy of being alive with our beloved ones.   Artie is doing SO MUCH better than he was awhile back!  Don't let doctors or tests tell you different.  He'll have his great days and his not-so-great days, like we all do -- but he's full of life and love, and that's what matters most.

I do hope you can get some financial assistance.  My personal circumstances have changed quite a lot over the past few years, and I've discovered that on some things, there is assistance; on others, I am actually kind of excited when I have a challenge I can meet by being creative.  Everyone is having to do that these days and there are so many ways to solve our problems.  These forums are wonderful for that, too, because we're a village and we're all in this together.

Best to you both!

 

[artiemom]

Thanks everyone.  I am much better now. I guess I really needed to vent. 

I am picking up Artie's scripts, locally. I know I should go with mail order drugs for him. Currently, since most of the drugs have been prescribed by the specialist, I am just waiting until I need a refill or new script. I am not going up to the Evil Hospital. 

I called Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid. They do not have a pet program.. I do not understand why. We are so close to Boston and have a ton of vets around here.

I think there is a RoadRunner??? or a Vet meds?? or another big one which I cannot remember.. it is blank pharmacy

I was able to find his Lactated ringers at a small local independent pharmacy, but had to buy a case. That is ok.. I am good for 12 bags. 

Artie has been really out of it.. did not want to get brushed. That is not a good thing. He is so exhausted from yesterday.. and he needs a good poop. He keeps going over, near the box, but not in it.. and comes right out, looking at me. Poor thing. He will go..He must be cramping.

I do not know if I was supposed to do this or not, but I gave him 1/2 of a cyrproheptadine tablet. He did not eat much this morning. 

It is almost 4pm, he has been wandering for a half hour, coming right up to me and staring. He wants to eat, he wants new food. 

He is so wiped out. I think he licked a tiny bit of food. 

I have an iPhone because it links so well with my MacBook Pro laptop. 

My cousin found a place which sells refurbished phones.. cheap.. thinking of maybe using that service.

I am not going to jump into anything immediately.. I am planning on slowly doing things. When I do too many things at once, I get overwhelmed and anxious. First thing is one important phone call for tomorrow. The next thing is the phone/comcast/verizon switchover. I cannot change that landline number because I use it as a contact number for so many things. 

Artie is much more like himself now. Back into the kitchen for some more licks of food.. perhaps really eating some. No, just licks, back to the litter box..nothing.. He is just restless. It will work out. I need to see if he wants a hug.. back to his pillow/bed.. 

They are having the carpets washed in the building.. on the outer halls.. a dull roar from the vacuum for several hours now.. I wonder if that is bothering Artie?

 

[tarasgirl06]

I would think that could be what is concerning to him!  I'm quite noise sensitive myself, and cats' hearing is SO much more sensitive than ours.  I don't like when the train comes through or someone idles their car engine -- that low-pitched rumbling makes me feel very edgy.  So I could understand if Artie doesn't like that noise!  Maybe after the cleaners leave for the day, he'll be able to calm down and be more serene.  

Just got my first smartphone last year and researched all of the carriers, plans, and phones quite extensively.  Went with Sprint and an iPhone 6SE and don't regret one bit.  They're much more affordable than the other big carriers, have great service, and I'm not under contract.  Just sharing that. 

Have you checked 1.800.PETMEDS?

 

[neely]

 
I am not going to jump into anything immediately.. I am planning on slowly doing things. When I do too many things at once, I get overwhelmed and anxious.

Sounds like a plan. 

  I think whenever anyone does too much too soon it can be overwhelming and we don't think things through clearly.  Even one task per day is fine.  It will all fall into place. 

  Glad your cousin was helpful with the refurbished service for the phone. 

Pet CareRx is another on-line pet med service: https://www.petcarerx.com

I also found this site for Rite-Aid: https://www.riteaid.com/shop/info/p...ite-aid-prescription-savings-program/for-pets

And this one for Walgreens: https://www.walgreens.com/topic/promotpre/petrx.jsp

 

[LTS3]

Most pharmacies don't sell veterinary specific medicines. They will fill a pet's prescription if the medicine is a Human one that is being used off-label. I've done this plenty of times for Flovent and Lantus insulin for my previous cat.

Rite Aid does sell a limited selection of veterinary specific medicines:

https://www.riteaid.com/shop/info/p...program/for-pets/directory-of-pet-medications

I think most of Artie's medicines are veterinary specific except for the fluids?

If there are some (Human) meds that can be bought at a pharmacy, you can use a free pet prescription drug card to save some money; Here's one: http://www.petdrugcard.com/index.html

GoodRx.com is a good place to compare pricing of (Human) meds at area pharmacies.

 

[Kat0121]

 
Thanks everyone.  I am much better now. I guess I really needed to vent. 

I am picking up Artie's scripts, locally. I know I should go with mail order drugs for him. Currently, since most of the drugs have been prescribed by the specialist, I am just waiting until I need a refill or new script. I am not going up to the Evil Hospital. 

I called Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid. They do not have a pet program.. I do not understand why. We are so close to Boston and have a ton of vets around here.

I think there is a RoadRunner??? or a Vet meds?? or another big one which I cannot remember.. it is blank pharmacy

I was able to find his Lactated ringers at a small local independent pharmacy, but had to buy a case. That is ok.. I am good for 12 bags. 

Artie has been really out of it.. did not want to get brushed. That is not a good thing. He is so exhausted from yesterday.. and he needs a good poop. He keeps going over, near the box, but not in it.. and comes right out, looking at me. Poor thing. He will go..He must be cramping.

I do not know if I was supposed to do this or not, but I gave him 1/2 of a cyrproheptadine tablet. He did not eat much this morning. 

It is almost 4pm, he has been wandering for a half hour, coming right up to me and staring. He wants to eat, he wants new food. 

He is so wiped out. I think he licked a tiny bit of food. 

I have an iPhone because it links so well with my MacBook Pro laptop. 

My cousin found a place which sells refurbished phones.. cheap.. thinking of maybe using that service.

I am not going to jump into anything immediately.. I am planning on slowly doing things. When I do too many things at once, I get overwhelmed and anxious. First thing is one important phone call for tomorrow. The next thing is the phone/comcast/verizon switchover. I cannot change that landline number because I use it as a contact number for so many things. 

Artie is much more like himself now. Back into the kitchen for some more licks of food.. perhaps really eating some. No, just licks, back to the litter box..nothing.. He is just restless. It will work out. I need to see if he wants a hug.. back to his pillow/bed.. 

They are having the carpets washed in the building.. on the outer halls.. a dull roar from the vacuum for several hours now.. I wonder if that is bothering Artie?

If you have a AAA card you can get discounts on some prescription meds for pets

How is our little sweetheart doing today?? As always I send lots of love and good vibes out that you both will have a great day. Please give Artie some kisses and hugs for me. 

 

[angels mommy]

Wow, that's good to know, about the AAA card. Is that just w/ on line ordering? Designated places? (I don't think the vet would be affiliated w/ AAA) ...??

 

[artiemom]

 
If you have a AAA card you can get discounts on some prescription meds for pets

How is our little sweetheart doing today?? As always I send lots of love and good vibes out that you both will have a great day. Please give Artie some kisses and hugs for me. 

I never knew that.. Is it for specific pharmacies?   Definitely give him hugs and kisses from all his Aunties and Uncles...

Artie Update for Thursday:

All day yesterday, Artie was wiped out physical from the experiences of the previous day and the noise in the building, constant vacuuming, washing the hall rugs. 

I did give him 1/2 of a cypro yesterday, however it did not work. He kept going over to his food, but did not eat much during the day. He also kept going to the litter box area but no digging. I knew he had to poop, but I did not worry. He was restless yesterday. He did not even want to be brushed. It was a bad day, but understandable. I guess it takes him an extra day to recover from any specific exams.. poor thing. It was also a sub-q day, so I expected him to be quiet. He was pacing a lot, never did that from the cyproheptadine.. I think it was just a cumulation of everything. The cypro did not help his appetite. Strange..

After the vacuum noise ended, he became a bit more of himself. 

He cuddled on my lap the entire time I was on the recliner. He Was Very HAPPY!! I actually had to stop him at one point and tell him," NO!! NO more Willie!!! "

Artie actually understands what I am saying. I can either say that, or put my hand on his leg and say, "No More"  and he stops. 

As soon as I went to bed, I was almost asleep, I heard him run, and I mean run, into my bedroom. I heard his nails on the carpet, as if being in a run. I knew he did poops!

Why does he wait until after 11pm to do so?? I will never know. 

Sure enough, I woke up to 2 pee clumps and a 9 x 1/2 poops. It was a bit drier than normal, but that is ok. 

Artie was cuddling me in bed, when I woke up.. He seems to have ended waking me up...strange. 

I went to his food bowl... it was licked clean!! I left him 1/2 of a 5.5 oz can!!! 

What a good boy!! Artie pooped, ate, and is now lying in the sun, on the couch table, alert, 

and waiting for me to get up to brush him... like his old self!!

He was a bit fresh this morning. He jumped on the small table I have my stereo on. I do not know why. I have never seen him on there before. 

Artie is getting tired of all his medicines. He is fighting me with them.. Paw goes up, mouth clenched, he whines when he sees me with them. A real whine...

My gut feeling is that he may be hyperthyroid. I was hyperthyroid for a short period of time when I had thyroiditis. My heart was racing. and I was losing weight. 

I am now hypothyroid. My blood tests do not really indicate how I am feeling. 

I always feel better when they are on the high normal, but I do get the palpations. My endocrinologist monitors them yearly, and my PCP monitors them also.

I am just going by that. 

I honestly, feel, in my gut/heart that the arrhythmia is probably caused by that and to a partial extent by the increase in the cisapride dose. 

Tomorrow is a minor snow day for us. The elevator in the building is going to be down for maintenance. I think I will stay in and make some phone calls and pick up a bit around here. 

As far as my iPhone dock. I think I will go to BJ's and see what they have for wireless speakers/chargers. I got the Bose one from them around 8 years ago. I have used it constantly. When I did not have my cell phone with me, It was always on the dock, charging. I always listen to music.. Either Pandora or Tune-in Radio. I have my special stations from around the country, depending on my mood. My Bose Stereo is for local stations. I cannot pick up all of them due to the construction of the building, but I have enough. 

I will got to BJ's to price and look at what they offer. I will do the same with Best Buy and Target; and take it from there. 

I decided to get a Bose, older model, on sale because I always wanted one. I love the sound quality from it. It was a gift to myself.. I always said it was the last thing I would buy as a gift. 

I am open to what I can afford. I think having a dock may not be the best answer. Cell phones are changing. Bluetooth speakers may be the way to go, with a separate charger. 

I am thinking of the future and not just in the now. Something that will last. 

Artie is waiting for me... soon, Artie!!

 
Most pharmacies don't sell veterinary specific medicines. They will fill a pet's prescription if the medicine is a Human one that is being used off-label. I've done this plenty of times for Flovent and Lantus insulin for my previous cat.

Rite Aid does sell a limited selection of veterinary specific medicines:

https://www.riteaid.com/shop/info/p...program/for-pets/directory-of-pet-medications

I think most of Artie's medicines are veterinary specific except for the fluids?

If there are some (Human) meds that can be bought at a pharmacy, you can use a free pet prescription drug card to save some money; Here's one: http://www.petdrugcard.com/index.html

GoodRx.com is a good place to compare pricing of (Human) meds at area pharmacies.

I have printed a couple of different Pet cards. My local Rite-Aid, Walgreens, and CVS do not honor them. I think they are just misinformed. I do not know where other pet owners get the meds, probably from their Vet. I was talking to a fill-in pharmacist at Rite-aid when I picked up his Lactulose. She told me that not all of them have a pet clientele. 

I know my R vet will give a script for a human pharmacy and will work with others.. They also have their own mail order pharmacy...

 

[neely]

 
The cypro did not help his appetite. Strange..

He cuddled on my lap the entire time I was on the recliner. He Was Very HAPPY!! I actually had to stop him at one point and tell him," NO!! NO more Willie!!! "

Artie actually understands what I am saying. I can either say that, or put my hand on his leg and say, "No More"  and he stops. 

As soon as I went to bed, I was almost asleep, I heard him run, and I mean run, into my bedroom. I heard his nails on the carpet, as if being in a run. I knew he did poops!

Even if the cypriot did not help it sounds like Artie had an appetite for something else, i.e. HAPPY on your lap, lol. 

 Yay for poops!

Sorry to hear the elevator is down for maintenance but glad you can take it easy today, relax and spend the day with Artie.  Hugs to both of you. 

 

 

[mrsgreenjeens]

IF BJ's is a Warehouse Club similar to Costco or Sam's Club, if they have a pharmacy, check there to see what their prices are for Artie's meds.  You might be pleasantly surprised. 

So glad Artie is back to himself today

 

[tarasgirl06]

Good to hear Artie is eating well! and calming down/feeling better after the cleaning crew leaves.  Cats are so much more sensitive than we are to noise and to any changes in the pattern of their life.

Sounds like you have some good IT devices!  

Hope you do find a source to get Artie's meds at better prices.  I know that stuff can really run into a lot of money.

Your "tale" about "Happy" Artie made me think of one of my favorite videos.  Have you seen the one with the cat who doesn't want a bath?  Google "no more bath cat" if you haven't.

 

[artiemom]

 
Even if the cypriot did not help it sounds like Artie had an appetite for something else, i.e. HAPPY on your lap, lol. 

 Yay for poops!

Sorry to hear the elevator is down for maintenance but glad you can take it easy today, relax and spend the day with Artie.  Hugs to both of you. 

 

IT is tomorrow, Friday, that the elevator will be going down. i can use the stairs, going down. Climbing up would be difficult for me--knee. 

It is supposed to snow, Friday; so it is a good day to stay in, make phone calls, check out things on the web, binge watch, write some checks, and so some dusting and cleaning... in other words, I have a couple days of work.. at my leisure. 

I really make it a habit, not to do work on Sunday's . I can wash some clothes, but nothing heavy. 

******************************

I came back from church and Trader Joes. Artie is curled up in his quilt tent. His dish bowl was licked clean!!!! 

OMG!! a first for daytime, and a rarity at night!!!

Perhaps the Cyproheptadine has a delayed reaction????

I need to find a better way to chart his habits: meds, poop, food intake, disposition. I need charts.. too bad I am not computer literate enough to know how to do it. 

I could do it weekly or monthly... have to think on this.. sigh...hard to be dumb. 

Used to be a 'dumb' blonde, now I am a 'dumb" redhead with gray roots!!!  

 

[artiemom]

 
Good to hear Artie is eating well! and calming down/feeling better after the cleaning crew leaves.  Cats are so much more sensitive than we are to noise and to any changes in the pattern of their life.

Sounds like you have some good IT devices!  

Hope you do find a source to get Artie's meds at better prices.  I know that stuff can really run into a lot of money.

Your "tale" about "Happy" Artie made me think of one of my favorite videos.  Have you seen the one with the cat who doesn't want a bath?  Google "no more bath cat" if you haven't.

The IT devices... iPhone, Bose stereo and chargers were gifts while I was working. I waited years for all of them. The Bose Dock, I got at BJ's about 9 years ago. It has gotten constant use. 

The iPhone was when I needed to update my phone in 2012..

The Bose was when I was still working--as a last time gift to myself. I have wanted one for so long. When my old stereo broke (stopped playing cd's); I decided to finally get a Bose. 

I will have to google that video!!! sounds like a good laugh! and I really need one!

Artie just woke up, he went right over to his food.. wonder if he is eating. I do not dare move, for fear that he will stop.

Yup, he came out, licking his lips! Wish he would eat like this all the time. sigh 

 

[foxden]

Staples does phone repairs, including replacing cracked screens.

Your Bose is worth a call to see if they think they would be able to fix it. You could also get an estimate for how much it would cost to repair