Sometimes nothing goes right. Everyone out there who is having a hard go of it right now can understand what I am saying.
First of all, I am back in travelling mode so I'm not home as much as I would like, especially with my Smudge being so sick. Normally, this doesn't bother me or my wife. We took it as part of the career I chose. But weekends like this one, make me wonder if it was the right choice.
I arrived back home, barely off the plane, to get a phone call from my Dad to let me know that my uncle had suddenly passed away. I didn't even have enough time to decompress from the work week before getting hit with this brick between the eyes. The only thing that stops me from going over the edge is the fact that my wife and I had gone to see him several times in the last two months.
Then we finally managed to meet with Smudge's vet. For everyone who has had a CRF cat knows that the news is not good. Even though his numbers came back good, Dr. Nick gave us the worst case scenario, which is that, without surgery, Smudge has about 6 months left. If we go ahead with the surgery, we might be able to stretch that to 24 months. But even the surgery has risks. There is a chance that Smudge might not survive the surgery.
** Update: There was a question of why Smudge needed surgery for CRF. He has a urolith (stone) that is blocking part of his ureter on the right hand kidney. If they remove the stone, the excess pressure being caused on his kidney would be relieved and no further damage would be caused. If they leave it, it could move back into the kidney and do even more damage.
Sometimes that light at the end of the tunnel is a really big fricking train, and some joker has superglued your shoes to the tracks.
We are sotty to hear about your uncle. Purrs and headbutts. Momma says that she has had many cats with CRF but she has never had a doc recommend surgery and she is confused about what the surgery will do?
ReplyDeletewe're so sorry to hear all your sad news. our Lady thought your last sentence summed it up really well.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear about your uncle. You have a tough decision to make about Smudge. I guess the only thing you can to is get the best information you can and go with what your heart tells you.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your uncle. We'll keep you and your family in our purrayers. Headbutts, purrs and sandpaper kisses to Smudge.
ReplyDeleteThe Monsters and Mom
Vets always present the worst case so I would take what Dr. Nick has told you with a grain of salt. When he said that Smudge's numbers were "good" did he explain himself. Did he give you a copy of the blood work and UA? One of the key numbers is the BUN. How is Smudge's compared to a normal cat? Both diet and meds can help reduce that number over time. Our CRF baby is 18 months into treatment, but wasn't expected to make it past one year. Every cat reacts differently to a treatment and so the results will vary. When a vet mentions months/years remaining he is, at best, making an "educated" GUESS. There are a number of good CRF websites available to do your own research to expand on what Dr. Nick has said. As to his possible surgery, Smudge is healthy (except for the CRF issue) and is relatively young. Both of those points greatly improve Smudge's survival rate. Like Karen Jo said above the best advice is to get the best information you can gather and then make your decision. You know Smudge best.
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry to hear about your uncle. Our prayers are with you for your grief over your uncle, and the decisions you still have to make for Smudge. The boyz send headbutts to all of you and special purrs to Smudge. Hang in there Smudge.
ReplyDeleteSorry about your Uncle. We hope for the best for Smudge. Headbutts & Purrs.
ReplyDeleteThat is terrible news about your uncle, and you and your family are in our prayers. It's terrible that you have to worry about Smudge at a time like this too. It always seems that when it rains it pours. As for Smudge, he'll let you know what to do.
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts and prayers are with you as you make your way through this tough time. The stress from the holidays are bad enough and then your heart is greiving for your Uncle. Be strong and ask for the help you need to make your decision about smudge.
ReplyDeletePurrs to you on the passing of your uncle. Hope things work out ok with Smudge too. Bless you all.
ReplyDeleteRedcat is right. Momma has cared for lots of CRF cats and they've always done well. Georgia had 'good' blood values in February and they didn't change at all to the September values. Vets do have to tell you what can happen but also good things can happen.
ReplyDeleteOh man.
ReplyDelete::steaks the Woman's chocolate and hands it over:::
You need this more than she does.
So sad to hear of these troubles. We went through a long stretch of one after another a few years ago. Hang in there. Kisses to Smudge.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about your uncle. It is always hard to lose someone close to you.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Redcat as well. The V-E-T said that "at best" Moose would live four years. He ended up living five wonderful, healthy years. You love him and he knows it which is half the battle.
We're so sorry to hear the bad news. That makes us so sad for Smudge. Mom's first cat had kidney trouble that finally took him to the Bridge, but he was 19 years old and lived an adventure-filled life. I hope Smudge comes through and surprises you with better-than-expected results.
ReplyDelete--Jasper
our thoughts and prayers are with your family. take care.
ReplyDeleteWe & our people are very sorry to hear of your uncle's passing and Smudge's sad news. You are all in our thoughts and purrayers. Thinking all of our best kitty thoughts and crossing all of our paws for Smudge.
ReplyDeletewe are sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteabout Smudge. you sound like you trust Dr. Nick. but, even with that, have you considered a second opinion? though our many years of being owned by cats we have found that different vets can have radically different ideas, just as human doctors often do. we have more than once gone for more advice and were glad we did. or, if you don't want to consider that, if you decide on the surgery, has Dr. Nick done it before? how many times? what were the outcomes? information is good. good luck and just love him every day.
-Edselsmom
Oh - we's sorry to hear the bad newses :(
ReplyDeleteWe're sending purrrs and prayers your way.
Our hearts go out to you at this tough time. So sorry to hear about your beloved uncle.
ReplyDeleteOthers here have offerred lots of sound advice about Smudge. Everything carries a risk; whatever you decide will be based on your love for him.
Headbutts and purrs,
~J&B
That is a lot of stuff to have to deal with. Hang in there. The Kitty Bloggers are all on your side.
ReplyDeleteOwr thots and purrayers will be with Smudge on Toozday.
ReplyDeleteI've got the pee problims and the CRF stuff, so I can simputhize with Smudge. We're hoping serjery goze well on Toozday!
ReplyDelete