Artie and his Issues

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artiemom

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Tuesday update:

Artie had his echo today. We were early, and still had to wait at least a half hour. Artie was really whining in the car--poor baby. He was restless while we were waiting. I even opened the front door to his carrier, since he hates to have closed doors. 

The Cardiologist was great! Referred as C Vet from now on. Her tech was great also. They both "like" the Evil hospital.. yuck!  but to each their own. One of the vet techs used to work at my R Vet's office.. small world. 

The C Vet allowed me in with Artie, they do have a screen in each regular exam room, so you can watch the echo, but I was allowed in. I guess this C Vet likes to do that. They feel that an animal is handled much better and is a bit calmer when the owner is present. 

Structurally, there is no change in Artie's heart from 2012. There is what is called and extra moderator band in the ventricle..I guess this is common in cats. The heart murmur is still a functional heart murmur. So his heart structure is basically normal

They do like to have another echo in a year or 2 to rule out any possibility of heart disease. 

However, Artie has an arrhythmia. I could see it myself on the ultrasound. I saw it on the both the 2D aspect and the

M-mode version. I am an ultrasound tech so, I have a tiny bit of experience with hearts.

It is not a bad arrhythmia. They ended up doing and EKG on him. Strange how they can do so many things. 

The heart has the arrhythmia, PVC or in Vet language VPC occasionally. Not enough to call normal, just enough to call abnormal.. DAmn..

It is not bad enough to began medication. At this point there would be more side effects than gains. I have watch him for any sudden panting, fainting, falling down, sudden limping (from a clot I guess). 

She would suggest another EKG in 3-6 months, depending on how he is doing at home. The Techs (nurses--they call them) can do it, and she will read it. If I need to speak with her, for anything, while I am there, I can just ask and she will be available. C Vet specifically told me that at any time I feel uncomfortable or have any questions or concerns, for me NOT to leave the hospital without speaking to her or a Vet. 

C Vet works in close conjunction with N Vet. She loves, N Vet and his staff. Said I could not do any better. That N Vet is the best one around. 

They will call me to set up the next EKG. 

She weighed Artie. His weight is down. 10.1 lbs. That is what I got. Damn..

She reviewed his lab tests. 

This arrhythmia could be cause from a lot of things. Some cats with IBD or intestinal issueshave an arrhythmia. Once the colon issues are resolved, sometimes the PCV is gone.

It is not completely ruled out about hyperthyroid. He is losing weight, has an arrhythmia, even though his basic Thyroid function is normal-- actually High Normal.. so it is not without reason that he could be hyper thyroid....

She may suggest a more in depth test. T 4, etc.  She is going to contact the N Vet-- I am sure this will be in her report. 

It could also be from an electrolyte imbalance.. he is getting sub-q's so I do not think it is from that.

I asked if the Steroid or the Cisapride could be the cause of the arrhythmia. She said that in HUMANS, not animals, there have been documented cases of a heart arrhythmia due to cisapride. That is why the use of that drug has been discontinued in humans.  She said that it has not been documented in animals. Artie dose of cisapride doubled in December. I am thinking it can be that. She suggested that once he is stable for a bit longer, we try to cut back on the cisapride dose and see what happens. 

The cisapride really helps his bowels.. damn, damn, damn...

C Vet did say that he has a lot of disease(es).. I know. 

C Vet looked at the patch of missing fur. It was very marked in there. No lesions seen.. wonder if it is the new food??? damn damn damn damn damn... again...

C Vet is a keeper.. unfortunately...

It was really expensive today. C Vet did mention that she was not fully aware of what the financial help aspects were, but the more times you were there, the easier it is to get help.. we will see. I am going to have to find some financial assistance. 

I cannot afford this.. got some bad news today, and my monthly income is decreasing.. I will not go into it.

I asked if I could get a copy of the report--no problem. 

Artie is cleared completely for fluids.. so not to worry about that. His heart is structurally fine.. just he arrhythmia.. and it could be from several things. We have to wait it out to see what happens in the future.. 

C Vet said that Artie was really good... no biting, or scratching. It took 2 techs to hold him down, and I was at his head, petting him, talking to him.. C Vet also said that he is incredibly strong and alert. 

Sometimes they have to put a cone on the animal for the echo!! I cannot imagine..

BTW, Artie Pooped just before I went to bed. Why he does this, I do not know.. and he woke me again this morning, very early, before alarm went off. 

He pooped 9 x 3/4 inches of poop!! a cigar!!! a bit drier, but still ok...

I love this little boy so much.. I described him as my Soul Cat. Both the C Vet and the techs understood. 

And my Bose Dock for my iPhone broke!! the part where you plug in the phone. Dam again.. I always use it to listen to music from my phone. I cannot afford a new one.. damn..How do I get it repaired? is it worth it? do I just chuck it out, and forget about it? do I get bluetooth speakers instead? 

The next thing to go will most likely be my iPhone. It is a 5.... sigh...

I have a headache right now.. feel like having a couple of drinks... But I gave up alcoholic drinks for Lent. i do not want to break that promise. 

Just feel like a bad day... the income decrease is really effecting me...

I think I need to call for a refill of his steroid also.. another $50.... damn... 

It is getting to a point that if I did not have to pay so much for Artie's care, then things would be a lot better for me.. about 2-300 dollars a month.. sigh...
 
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2Cats4everLoved

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I was hoping for a more positive update on our boy.

I'm so sorry you're going through this.

How is Artie now, relaxing and glad to be home I'm sure.  His attitude lately has been upbeat, so I'm taking Artie's lead on this one.  I know the heart is nothing to fool with but he has sounded as if he's been loving life lately.

I hope you're taking care of yourself as well as ArtieBoy!

Always thinking about you two, xoxoHope
 

artiemom

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I was hoping for a more positive update on our boy.

I'm so sorry you're going through this.

How is Artie now, relaxing and glad to be home I'm sure.  His attitude lately has been upbeat, so I'm taking Artie's lead on this one.  I know the heart is nothing to fool with but he has sounded as if he's been loving life lately.

I hope you're taking care of yourself as well as ArtieBoy!

Always thinking about you two, xoxoHope
Yes, I know what you mean. I was hoping for a "no change" report... I guess we have to realize that Artie is old, a senior, with a lot of problems and on a lot of medicine. We also have to look at how much stress he has been under for several months now.. since December!! 3 months, that is a long time.. anything could have happened to give him heart disease. 

The murmur was not as loud.. she called it a 3 out of 6... previously, it was a 4 out of 6... 

I was bad with my diet yesterday, and I think I am going to be bad again. I have a slice of pizza in the freezer.. or I may take out a lean cuisine. 

Rally want something alcoholic... but I will persevere. I will not give in... not since I have a promise to God. After Lent--yes, but not now.   I sound like an alcoholic.. I am not.. just a bad day for me, all around. 

I also got a phone call from my crazy cousin.. I almost did not answer it. I should have let it go.. he would not know the difference since he does not leave voice mail messages.. he just gets me aggravated in one way or another.. 
 

Mamanyt1953

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OK...hoping for better, but this was not terrible.  Somewhere on TCS, I believe, is an article on where to find assistance with vet bills.  This is coming from the back of my mind, but I'm almost certain that I remember that.  SOMEONE reading this will remember where it is, and let you know!  AND the murmur is decreased somewhat, so that is good.  I do wish she had had a thought about the missing fur.  Could it be stress?  God knows, if ever a cat had stress, Artie has had more than his share!  

I wonder if the calorie count in the new food may be lower, and what supplement you might give that both agrees with Artie, AND might help him to gain a bit.  Something to discuss with N Vet.

Thinking of you and Artie, as always!
 

artiemom

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Thanks @Mamanyt1953   not terrible news, but not what I expected. We do not need another diagnosis to add to the others.. yet, Artie is still going strong..

I think the new food does not have as many calories as what he was eating before. But he does not eat much of it. It seems he should be eating 1-2 cans a day. Most days he eats 2/3 to less than a can. His appetite is really not good.. I wish I could increase it. 

Another thing to ask N Vet. Have to make a new list.  Ok, I just started one. 

I do not need the list for financial help. I know Angell Memorial is aware of all the links. They also have donors. I need to inquire about the specifics. I will wait until the next visit. I want to have a 'history' with them before I apply.. so they can see I am serious. 

My cheat for tonight. A huge bowl of Panera Autumn Harvest soup with some oyster crackers.. right now I am munching on a snack pack of Keebler Elfin Shortbread crackers (cookies)....diet blown...
 
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margd

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It sounds like the news isn't too awful, especially if a decrease in the cisapride dose will still be effective with our boy's poop issues and eliminate the arrhythmia.   I wonder how many visits will be enough to get some financial aid?   And boo to the income loss. 
   We want you to have unlimited funds to keep dear Artie going strong. 
 

Your dinner sounds mighty tasty.  Expect my knock on the door anytime now. 


Kisses to the soul cat!
 

neely

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And my Bose Dock for my iPhone broke!! the part where you plug in the phone. Dam again.. I always use it to listen to music from my phone. I cannot afford a new one.. damn..How do I get it repaired? is it worth it? do I just chuck it out, and forget about it? do I get bluetooth speakers instead? 

The next thing to go will most likely be my iPhone. It is a 5.... sigh...

I have a headache right now.. feel like having a couple of drinks... But I gave up alcoholic drinks for Lent. i do not want to break that promise. 

Just feel like a bad day... the income decrease is really effecting me...
Deep breaths and no alcohol, take one thing at a time.  All in all, Artie's visit with the C Vet was not perfect but not terrible.  It makes me think of the old saying, "if it's not broke don't fix it." 


As for the iPhone, I have a 5 too and can't wait to trade it in when my contract is up this summer so I can relate.  Regarding the dock, would it be worth a trip to the Apple store if you have one near you?  Otherwise, they offer a refurbished product with a warranty that might be helpful for you to look into: http://www.apple.com/shop/browse/home/specialdeals

For your headache, would a cup or green tea help?  I usually drink coffee but if i have a headache later in the day i make a strong cup of green tea.

I meant to ask you if the N vet's office has a senior discount.  The reason I'm bringing this up is because the feline specialist we see has 2 senior discount days per week.  Every little bit helps!   Otherwise I will try to brainstorm some ideas, there's always lotto and powerball. 
 

artiemom

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Thanks guys. I think the financial thing put me over the edge. I need to call security for clarification. Perhaps tomorrow. They will probably tell me to go to the local
Office.

No alcohol. Drinking some black tea with honey and almond milk. Another cheat on my diet.

The dock also s a Bose charger/speaker dock. The part you put the iPhone in broke off partially. Cannot charge or play. May see if I can get a cheap but good set of Bluetooth speakers. I am always listening to music. Lots of songs, and stations bookmarked depending on my mood.

Artie is on my lap, getting [emoji]128522[/emoji]. Happy boy
He did stare at the first tear that ran down my face. I love my boy.
 

tarasgirl06

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If you just input "financial assistance with veterinary bills" you'll get a large menu to peruse.  And that input should also yield answers right here on site.  If not, maybe holler at one of the Mods? 

Strongly suggest that you check out newegg.com for any electronic needs.  They have very competitive pricing and a huge range of products.  I buy all of my tech there and have always been very happy with both the products and the customer service.

I have some of the issues Artie has, do not take any drugs, will not take any drugs, and am doing just fine.  I have a pretty good diet -- basically vegetarian and no dairy products -- and no alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.  I work out 3-4 times a week for 40 min. each time, weights, yoga, aerobics and calisthenics.  Works for me!  Artie, with his good diet, regular play sessions, and lots of love, should be good for another 150,000 miles as well 
.

*PRAYERS* and best thoughts for you both.  I fret a lot when I have problems, but as we both have (different but deep) faith, I think we both know that the answers do come.  We're still here.  Artie is still here and doing quite well.  *Keep looking up!* 
 

LTS3

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Quote:
I meant to ask you if the N vet's office has a senior discount.  The reason I'm bringing this up is because the feline specialist we see has 2 senior discount days per week. 
The hospital does not offer senior discounts.

@Artiemom https://www.mspca.org/programs-resources/pet-care-assistance/ and https://www.mspca.org/angell_services/payment-policy/ (scroll to the end)

The one on TCS: http://www.thecatsite.com/a/no-money-for-vet-care-how-to-find-help-and-save-your-cats-life

Another one: http://massanimalcoalition.org/resources/pet-owners/

Glad the appointment went well otherwise
 

Margret

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Okay, so I've been looking up "functional heart murmur" online.  In humans, a functional heart murmur is also called an "innocent heart murmur," as in, it's considered to be a normal variation.  In cats, the concern is that it could be a symptom of some other illness.  We all know that Artie has plenty of those that could be causing it.

As for the PVCs, I used to have those myself.  It totally panicked me the first time I realized that my heart was occasionally skipping beats, but once it was diagnosed it didn't actually change anything about my life, except that my doctor eventually used it as a reason to send me to a cardiologist, who said they were gone (exactly as I told him) and that my heart was mostly okay; I just have to be careful with new medications.  I realize that this is worrisome for you, but it's not as if Artie is about to have a heart attack.  Artie has good doctors.  He's not dying, not right now, except in the sense that we're all dying from the day we're conceived.

You've been taking good care of Artie, and I know you'll continue to do so.  Please go ahead and get the financial assistance you need.  We don't want you having to make decisions about euthanasia based on financial issues.



Margret
 

artiemom

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I would never put an animal down due to financial issues. Never. Especially not Artie.

I am aware of functional heart murmurs. I have one myself. Kind of similar to Artie's.

I am much better now. I will deal with things. And do the best I can under the circumstances. I guess I needed to vent and just write my thoughts in a journal. I let it out on all of you and shared too much info. Sorry [emoji]128528[/emoji]

@lts3. Thanks for the links. I will check them out.

Artie is wiped out. Hardly any food today. I am thinking of giving him a cyproheptadine I need more. Wonder if N vet will prescribe it. Artie needs an appetite push.
Okay, so I've been looking up "functional heart murmur" online.  In humans, a functional heart murmur is also called an "innocent heart murmur," as in, it's considered to be a normal variation.  In cats, the concern is that it could be a symptom of some other illness.  We all know that Artie has plenty of those that could be causing it.

As for the PVCs, I used to have those myself.  It totally panicked me the first time I realized that my heart was occasionally skipping beats, but once it was diagnosed it didn't actually change anything about my life, except that my doctor eventually used it as a reason to send me to a cardiologist, who said they were gone (exactly as I told him) and that my heart was mostly okay; I just have to be careful with new medications.  I realize that this is worrisome for you, but it's not as if Artie is about to have a heart attack.  Artie has good doctors.  He's not dying, not right now, except in the sense that we're all dying from the day we're conceived.

You've been taking good care of Artie, and I know you'll continue to do so.  Please go ahead and get the financial assistance you need.  We don't want you having to make decisions about euthanasia based on financial issues.

:vibes: :vibes: :vibes: :rub: :hugs:

Margret
 

Margret

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I know you wouldn't put Artie down for financial reasons -- no one here would do that.  But I hear the finances "trying" to push you in that direction, and that's a heavy load to bear.  I'm concerned for you, not just Artie.

You are spending so much time taking care of Artie that you hardly have room in your life for anything else right now, which is hardly an ideal situation (not to imply that you should put any less effort into Artie).  It would be nice if, when you're not working on Artie, you could actually relax and enjoy a good book or something rather than stressing about money.  That's all that I meant.

Margret
 

verna davies

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I wish you could have had some good news yesterday, you are well overdue some. I know that we all would help you both financially and physically if we could but there is endless emotional help and support here for you. Artie has become part of our daily lives now.

He seems to have had more good days lately so that's a positive. Easily said but try not too worry too much and enjoy his good moments.
 

foxxycat

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*PRAYERS* and good thoughts for Artie (and you) tomorrow!  and hopefully after his visit, he'll be in a hungry mood again.  

There have been some champion snorers in this furmily -- for some reason, I love cat snores, but don't feel the same way about human snores...my dad and my ex used to snore like freight trains coming through the room.  Not cute at all!
  Speaking of snoring=my mother and Jon could win contests when it comes to snoring. I have been told I snore like a freight train as well. Honeybee has her little snores on occasion. Usually it's a wheezy because of the dry air...in the summer not so much.

Hope your appointment went well!!!
 

AbbysMom

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I am much better now. I will deal with things. And do the best I can under the circumstances. I guess I needed to vent and just write my thoughts in a journal. I let it out on all of you and shared too much info. Sorry [emoji]128528[/emoji]
Don't apologize. You needed to get it out and did. We all need to sometimes. :nod:

You sound a bit like me where if it is something having to do with someone else, I can be positive about it. If it has something to do with me, I immediately go to the worse case scenario. I wasn't always this bad, it's come about since my father died.

These test results yesterday aren't the end of the world. Sure, they weren't perfect, but they could have been an awful lot worse and this is something you can deal with.

Go back two months in this thread and read some of your posts -

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/331720/artie-and-his-issues/480#post_4190957

What a difference in two months. You have a team of vets now that you feel confident in. Artie is pooping regularly now. Things have gotten better. You can do this. :nod:
 

2Cats4everLoved

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I wish you could have had some good news yesterday, you are well overdue some. I know that we all would help you both financially and physically if we could but there is endless emotional help and support here for you. Artie has become part of our daily lives now.

He seems to have had more good days lately so that's a positive. Easily said but try not too worry too much and enjoy his good moments.
I agree with everything above.


From what you've posted more recently, Artie has had more good days than grim, and his schedule, even though not ideal -  is just that -  HIS schedule.  You've been able to get out to Mass and shopping a little bit more than you did back in January or even February.

Don't let this slight setback take away the progress - however small the steps, away from you.  Your posts state that Artie has been very happy, playful and has had energy unlike before, stay positive.  I know it's hard getting a break and then hearing differently, but please stay positive. xoxo

I'm not one for breaking Lent, but last year when Simon was sick, I only followed the no meat Friday.  I don't want to encourage drinking but have a tasty cocktail if its what you desire, curl up with a good book or watch a mindless movie.  Don't deny yourself things that may make you happy and relaxed.  In other words, take care of yourself


Be well, xoxohope
 

artiemom

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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. 
 

verna davies

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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.
 
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