Timmy's real sick

[jenluckenbach]

Timmy's new mom called to tell me that Timmy is very sick. He was throwing up for a few days and today he threw up blood. When the vet had a look at him (this was his 2nd trip, she took him right away when he first started acting sick) they said he needed surgery. His bowels were inflamed. His gall bladder was enlarged. And his lymph nodes looked suspicous. They flushed his gall bladder but when they went to insert a catheter in his bile duct, it would not go suggesting possible stones. His lymph nodes were biopsied but results will take 1 to 1 1/2 weeks.
I feel like crying. I NEVER saw any signs of him being sick. And this lady's other cat is a very costly cat too, medically. (she told me how in his 8 years has probably cost her more than $7000 in vet bills) AND over Christmas he also had a mysterous illness to the tune of another $900. (She did not even venture to tell me Timmy's bill)
We (as in One by One) have already told her to send us the vet bills, but that does not help with the anguish.
The good part is how she just adores Timmy and has refused to simply return him to the shelter.
So before I go cry my eyes out for being a bad foster mommy, I'd like to ask for all the prayers you can muster to help Timmy pull through.

[slick]

Jen, you have absolutely nothing to feel bad about and as far as telling yourself you are a bad foster Mommy, STOP IT!!!! Those little ones have been very fortunate to have you to start off their lives and show them that huuumans are not bad. I'm so sorry that Timmy is sick and of course prayers are coming across the miles to you and Timmy.

She must be a very good Mommy not to give Timmy back knowing the cost. I'm sure Timmy is in very good hands and I know that God can perform one more miracle for him. I also think it's a good thing that One by One offered to pay the vet bills. I know of several rescue organizations in town here that would not do the same.

All the more reason to bump up that donations thread?????

[krazyaboutkatz]

Jen, please don't beat yourself up. You're a great foster mommy and have always done a wonderful job caring for all of your cats. I'm so sorry to hear that Timmy is very sick but it sounds like he's in great hands now. His new mother loves him very much and is willing to do whatever it takes to make him well. Prayers and positive thoughts are on the way for sweet little Timmy. Please keep us updated.

[bisi.cat]

OMG...what a sad story...but you're doing great work and these things simply happen...
Timmy has a wonderful new meowmie and he's in very good and caring hands now...when we got Nellie from the shelter she was healthy and happy, but within two days was very sick, too...
Sometimes certain ailments show up so unexpected with a change, they will go through this together...
I keep you all in my thoughts!!!

[Barbara]

Jen, a cat -or a human BTW- is nothing that comes with a guarantee like a car. You picked the right mommy for Timmy because she doesn't look at it this way.

I send my best thoughts and hope that Timmy will be healthy soon. As soon as something inflammatory is happening it is normal that lymph nodes be affected because they try to fight the inflammation.

All the best.

[HayleyRosie]

Prayers are on the way!

[sasvermont]

Jen, you are the best meowmie there is! You try, as many folks here do, to be the best you can do under the circumstances. How were you to know that Timmy would get ill when he was in such good shape while you had him. Be glad that his new mom is so responsible and is taking good care of him - so he has had TWO great moms so far in his life. He is lucky in many ways. We will keep him in our thoughts and prayers. And some stray prayers for all of the other kind and gentle souls who take on unwanted pets and take on their medical issues as well.

It would be nice if everyone took such good care of their pets. And took their pet's lives seriously......like you do.

Give yourself a hug JEN, you deserve it. XOXOXOXOX

[catlady1945]

Poor Timmy. It's sometimes very difficult to tell if an illness is imminent. I'm glad his new human is a responsible person.

[Killearn Kitties]

Aw, poor Timmy. I'm really sorry to hear this. As others have said though, it sounds as if you picked a great home for him. Sending lots of positive thoughts for you and Timmy.

[jenluckenbach]

I am sending this letter to Timmy's new mom (vis snail mail)

Dear Christine,
As I sit here crying about Timmy and pondering your situation I realize that there was a reason why Timmy sat at adoption day after adoption day waiting to be picked. All the other kittens were adopted. He was 8 weeks old once. Then 10 weeks. Then 12 weeks. Each week we KNEW it would be his turn and each week he simply came home with me again. You may not realize or even believe, but he wasn't picked all those many weeks because YOU were not ready for him yet. Now I am not a preacher nor am I an evangelist, but I know divine intervention when I've seen it. It has happened to me and it is happening to you. There aren’t many people on this Earth who would care for a sick pet in the same loving, selfless way.
I feel bad because I did not even know Timmy was sick. And I feel bad because I know you were afraid of taking on another cat and having him become a monetary burden. But I thank you for loving little Timmy and caring for him even though you’ve only known him a short while.
I’d say “God bless you”, but I know that he already does.
Jennifer Luckenbach

[sqwelch]

Originally posted by Barbara
Jen, a cat -or a human BTW- is nothing that comes with a guarantee like a car. You picked the right mommy for Timmy because she doesn't look at it this way.



Well said Barbara !!! Hope Timmy gets well soon !!!

[Sara luvs her Tinky]

Prayers on the way for Timmy!

I'll be believing that God is going to work a big miracle for this little guy!!

{hugs} on the way too! Hang in there and keep faith!!!

[Cinder & Smoke]

Hi, God ~

THANKz fur givin all us PT FurKidz such a nice Chrissmiss! :)

But sumhow wun kid gotz overlooked -
Poor lil Timmy Kat...
he gotz :eek: sick...

Wuld You paleeeze send him sum help fur New Year'z?
Maybee show da White Coatz da rite page inna Big Book?
Bee reel *nice* iffin he kuld get back to hiz New Meommie feelin gud.

'Preciate Your Help, God!!

/s/ the Prayer Pups

[jazzcat]

Prayers on the way for sweet little Timmy!

[kimlovescats]

Jen, this is certainly NOT your fault! You gave Timmy the best of care, and chances are he would have been much worse off without you!!! There is no way we can know or guarantee the health of our foster kids .... but we do the best we can, and we always pray for them!

Hugs to you, Timmy and his new mom ..... and prayers to God!

Kim

[PayItForward]

Oh my...I am sitting here in tears...

...For Timmy, get well soon honey

...For Jen, who should know better than to blame herself. These things happen and Timmy certainly has the best foster and furever mummy's to deal with this situation. {{{Hugs}}} to Jen.

....For Timmy new mummy, what a wonderful lady, sending {{{Hugs}}} your way too

....For OnebyOne, for offering to help with the vet bills

....For Cinder & Smoke being on the God line

...For everyone at Pet Talk, all over the world, coming together to pray for one special cat to get better.

[lailamara]

Jen you know you did all you could. It's cause you have a kind soft heart that you feel this way. A friend just adopted a foster who was going to be put down because of an eye infection.:mad: The eye needless to say is treatable but she also had cat flu and passed it on to her other cat. Timmy could have picked something up from just about anywhere. After many vet visits, hospital stays and tests for both they are on the mend and doing well. She does not regret in the least getting her new kitty . Apparently this cat flu spreads like human flu and you don't even realize that just petting a sick cat and then another can spread it.

[ChrisH]

Poor Timmy. Prayers and positive thoughts on the way.

Big hugs Jen

[CatDad]

Jen I realize that you feel responsible, but you know that you are not. Just remember that because of you Timmy has a chance that he may not have gotten otherwise. Thanks for doing what you do.:)

I also think that offering to help with the bills is fantastic. I have not heard of a shelter offering to do this and I think it is marvelous.

Prayers for a fast and speedy recovery for little Timmy. Also for the foster mommy to help her get through this tough time. Please pass along our hope for Timmy's recovery, if you can.

Jen, prayers of comfort for you too.

[Steffi N]

Jen, I am sad to hear that dear Timmy is so sick, but glad to hear he has such a loving new mommie.
I know you did the best you could when you were taking care of him. Please let us know how Timmy is doing, if you are able to keep in touch with his new mommie.
Hugs to you.

[Miss Meow]

Sending positive thoughts to Timmy and his new mum.

There's nothing you could have done, Jen. We all know you wouldn't have put him up for adoption if he was sick. Sometimes these things happen at the worst possible time and there's nothing you can do to stop it.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Oh no, poor Timmy! And poor Jen!!!

Jen, you know you can't blame yourself for any of this. The letter you wrote is the most beautiful letter I've ever read. I don't know how his mommy will be able to read it without breaking into tears - like I did.

We'll definitely be sending thoughts and prayers his way hoping he gets better real soon so he can go back to his wonderful furrever home and be with his new mommy who loves him so very much.

[rg_girlca]

Oh Jen, I am so sorry to hear that little Timmy has taken sick, but as you said, he didn't show any signs of being sick, so how could you have known. Please don't come down hard on yourself as it was not your fault. You didn't know. You are one of the best foster mommy's there is and don't you forget it.

Sending prayers and positive thoughts that Timmy has a complete and full recovery.

(((((HUGS))))) to you Jen for support and bless Timmy's new mommie for taking such good care of him.

[catcrazylady]

I just read this and I'm crying. Poor little precious Timmy. Not so long ago we all prayed for him to find a forever home and that prayer was answered by a loving caring Angel. Timmy went from the arms of one loving Angel right into the arms of another. How blessed little Timmy is. We will now say more prayers that Timmy will recover quickly so he can enjoy his new and wonderful forever home.
God Bless you Jen, and Bless Timmy's new meowmie, and a very special healing for little Timmy.

Please keep us posted when you get more info Jen.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Prayers on the way for Timmy and all who love him.
Thankfully, he has wonderful people who care for him and are willing to get him the help he needs. I shudder to think what his fate may have been if he got sick in a shelter.

((HUGS))
Timmy get well soon sweetheart. You are much loved!

[kittenwhiskerz]

Jen, just from the short time I have been on this board, I have learned what a caring, compassionate person you are. You couldn't have avoided this, it just happens. It's amazing that One on One offered to pay the bills. What a wonderful place that has to be.
Little Timmy.......I just have a feeling in my heart that you are going to recover and live a happy and healthy life with your very special new Mommy.
Now my two kitties are looking at me and wondering why I am crying.
Please keep us posted.
Darrolanne from CA

[Julie Grove]

Jen. everything I have read on this forum about you leads me to believe that you are a fantastic and truly wonderful person for caring the way you do, and you care so much because you love so much. Until my Gi got sick I never had any idea how hard it is to look after sick animals. All we can do most of the time is guess how they feel and they can hide illness well at times too. Please don't feel bad - you have nothing to feel bad about. Every day since Gigi died I have lit a candle for her. I have one burning now and also one for my friends cat Billy Bandit who died last New Years Eve. I shall now light one for all the other animals who are at RB and one for all the animals who never had anyone to love them and look after them. I shall also light a special one for Timmy and all the other sick animals in the world.

[jenluckenbach]

I haven't been able to get Timmy off my mind. So I just got off the phone with his new mom. He is home as of yesterday. He is eating VERY well. No vomiting. No diarrhea. He is playful and acting normal AND leaving his stitches alone. He needs to take 5 medicines. His mom said she needed to create a chart to keep track of them. Some of them are 3 times a day. :eek: He gets his stitches out in 10 to 14 days. And all we can do is wait for the tests results.
One by One will be paying for his surgery (I know that I myself will be donating my Christmas "buy a new computer" money to Timmy's cause). AND One by One will work out some sort of arrangement IF Timmy will end up needing long term medication (the test results will tell us that). I guess I picked the right organization to volunteer with, huh?


Here's what Timmy's mom had to say:
"In our cellar I had an old sock filled with catnip. Well, this morning I found this sock, upstairs on the 2nd floor, on my bed with the catnip spread ALL over the place......I know who did that! ;) " :D

She loves him!!!!!!!!
:D :cool: :D

[CatDad]

I appreciate the update. I am happy to hear that he seems to be doing well. Hopefully the tests will come back with good results. I can't imagine 5 different medications. I charted Joey's and she only had 2.

It is also very nice to hear that Timmy found a home that he is happy in and that cares for and loves him so much.:)

I will continue to keep little Timmy in my prayers.

Yes Jen, you did pick a fantastic place to do rescue work for.:D

[PayItForward]

Thanks for the update. I'm glad Timmy is happy in himself and back home.

I'll continue to pray that the new tests will bring good news.

Bless you Jen for donating your new PC money to the shelter what a generous and unselfish act.

[Killearn Kitties]

5 MEDICINES??!!! Poor Timmy. Poor everybody. I hope he is good about taking them.

I'm delighted to hear he is home and acting so well. Fingers crossed for good test results.

[carole]

oh Jen my heart went out to you and Timmy's mum when I read this thread, but I am so relieved to read your update, he is in great hands, and obviously very loved.

Everyone else has said it all, you are the BEST and I know I would be feeling just like you, if I were in your shoe's, but Honestly Jen you were not to know, nothing in life comes with guarantees, well nothing really important, so cheer up my friend, and I am hoping Timmy continues to improve, and you can feel joy in your heart again.:)

[jazzcat]

Thanks for the update Jen.

I can't imagine five medicines. I pray the test results bring good news!

[rg_girlca]

Oh Jen. I am so glad to read that little Timmy is doing much better and I pray that he continues to do so. Here's hoping his test results all turn out good.

[ChrisH]

Thanks for the update Jen. It is good to hear Timmy is home and feeling a little better.:)

Keeping him in my prayers.

[kittenwhiskerz]

Oh Yay Jen and Whoopee for Little Timmy!!!! Fingers, toes all crossed and prayers too......for good test results!
One by One is a wonderful place! :)
Darrolanne from CA

[krazyaboutkatz]

Jen, thanks for the update. I'm so glad to hear that Timmy is now back home and doing well.:) Too bad he has to take 5 different meds though. Prayers and positive thoughts are still on the way for a quick and full recovery. I also hope that his test results will be good. One by One sure is a great rescue organization.:)

[slick]

Jen that's wonderful news and I'm sure the Pet Talk prayers have helped alot!!!! Now you can finally put your feet up and relax.

Hmmm, I think I've found my new charity of choice :) :)

[Steffi N]

Jen, thank you for the update on Timmy. I am glad to hear that he is at home and eating well and playing. You and the people at One to One are so wonderful to help this little guy. Please continue to keep us posted about him, if you can. Timmy's new mommie is an angel and I hope her little boy is good about taking his five medies.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Yipeee!!! Wonderful news, Jen!

Although I'm a little confused - what sort of surgery did he have?

Doesn't matter really, I'm just glad he's feeling better and hopefully the surgery did it's trick and he'll be back to normal once everything is healed. :)

[PayItForward]

I was wondering Jen, seeing as both Timmy and her other cat have been sick recently, would it worth some expert cat owner going around her house and checking for any problems.

i.e. New plants in the house or if they are using any new cleaning products or something.

Or is Timmy's new mummy a knowledgable cat owner who would know all those kind of things anyway ?

I just worry a lot about Timmy.

[jenluckenbach]

Timmy's new "brother" has liver problems which are the root of most of his other problems. And I know that she knows about potentially poisonous plants because one of the leaflets that come with adoptions is a poisonous plant list and she said she knew all about them.
And T&P, I don't know if I know EXACLY what they did during surgery other than flushing of the gall bladder and checking for the inflames bowels they say in an x-ray. I guess I was too upset to get the explicit details.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Originally posted by jenluckenbach
I guess I was too upset to get the explicit details.

No problem, Jen. I went back and re-read your first post and saw that you had already mentioned the surgery. Guess my mind is just going on me.....:rolleyes: ;)

The only thing that matters is that he's doing much better now, and hopefully will continue to improve. :)

[catcrazylady]

I am so happy to hear that he is home!! Sounds like he is already into mischief!! What better news could there be?? Well, only that his test results are clear. I'm so glad he is feeling better. Little Timmy has crossed my mind several times since you started this thread. Poor little guy! I hope from here on out that it is nothing but good news! Little Timmy, Jen, and his new Meowmie really deserve it!!
BTW/One by One sounds like an incredible organization!!

[Cataholic]

Wow, how awful for little Timmy! That letter you wrote to Timmy's new mom made me cry, Jen. It was so touching, sincere, and true.

Prayers to Timmy, his new Meowie, and of course, you, for all you continue to do.

Love,
Johanna

[kimlovescats]

So wonderful to hear that little Timmy is back home, eating, and PLAYING with his catnip toy!!!! Sweet baby!!! I hope and pray for his continued health, and that the test results are "ok"!

[jenluckenbach]

Timmy's vet bills were $1800.00 :eek:

Still waiting for the test results, but he is doing well.

[Julie Grove]

Oh my word! Worth every penny!!

[Kirsten]

Just read the entire story (sorry, I'm late! :o), and I feel so sorry for Timmy and his new mommy. Glad he's doing better now, and hopefully this is something he can completely recover from!

Poor little boy! What luck did he have that he got such a loving and caring mommy!

And Jen, as the others have said, please don't feel bad, you did your best and you couldn't know how sick he was!

Please let us know about the test results!

Kirsten

[kittenwhiskerz]

Hi Jen and thank's for the updates on Timmy. :)
Would it be okay with this board if you posted the name and address of ONEbyOne so that we might be able to contribute to Timmy's vet bill? Or just to OnebyOne?
God bless..........Darrolanne

[jenluckenbach]

I have an on-going fund raiser. Please look here.
Fund Raiser (One By One) (http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=38322)

But the address is:

One By One
27 Garman Road
Kutztown, PA 19530

Still waiting on the test results.......What takes so long??????

[kittenwhiskerz]

Thank's Jen. :)

[K & L]

Jen
I'm so far behind on this thread but wish Timmy the best of luck. Please don't blame yourself, how were you to know. I will check more frequently for updates to this thread.

[jenluckenbach]

Timmy's test for cat scratch fever AND his biopsy results came back negative!!!!!!

He is eating like a horse and only threw up once recently after being taken off some medicine to stop nausia. So he is back on that temporarily and will have a change in food and we will see.

Now the vet thinks he must have an infecion (His mommy even sad :rolleyes: )

The overly sad part is that her other cat, Milton is going down hill. They think this might be close to the end. He has a liver shunt and even though she was told he would not live to be an old cat she fears that this is too soon. So if you could, please think about Milton in your prayers (Picture a shorter, stouter version of Timmy).

[kittenwhiskerz]

Jen that's good and bad news huh? My prayers for Milton and Timmy and their Mom will be sent out. Poor T and M's Mommy. She is going through alot right now too. I always feel so helpless when my furbabies are sick. But I still have this gut feeling that Timmy is going to be around for a loooooong time.
Thank you for letting us know!

Darrolanne from CA

[stacwase]

You obviously have done a wonderful job finding good people for your pets, and the fact that you're going to continue to pay his vet bills is astonishing. You shouldn't feel guilty - you should be very proud of yourself!

You didn't make him sick. You found him a good home and you're continuing to take good care of him. I think you deserve a big pat on the back.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

I'm glad to hear Timmy's tests were negative......just what is cat scratch fever anyway (beside a song by Ted Nugent ;) )?

I'm so sorry to hear about Milton though! How awful for mommy to have both of her kitties so sick at the same time. :(

Good thoughts and prayers going out for Milton and mommy, and continuing for Timmy.

[jenluckenbach]

Originally posted by Tubby & Peanut's Mom
I'm glad to hear Timmy's tests were negative......just what is cat scratch fever anyway (beside a song by Ted Nugent ;) )?


I wish I knew.:confused:

[Julie Grove]

Well done Jen - fantastic news about Timmy. I will say a prayer for Milton and his Mummy.

[kittenwhiskerz]

I don't know either, but I remember some years ago when my mother got a cat bite and the doctor said it was "cat scratch fever". She got antibiotics and it went away. Gosh I hope Ted Nugent doesn't have any cats. He's not really an animal friendly type person. eeeeee.

Darrolanne from CA

[ChrisH]

So pleased to hear Timmys test results were negative and he is eating well. I am so sorry to hear about Milton though, :( and I will add him to my prayers for Timmy.

Hugs

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

I did a quick search on google and this is the from the first result that I found here (http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic84.htm)
-------------------------
Background: Catscratch disease (CSD) is a self-limiting infectious disease characterized by edema and pain in the lymph nodes (ie, regional lymphadenopathy, lymphadenitis). Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may include malaise, anorexia, or both. Approximately 75% of cases occur from September through March. The first description is credited to Henri Parinaud, who referenced the condition in French medical literature in 1889. Dr Robert Debré was the first to recognize the cat as a vector for this disorder and coined the term catscratch disease in 1931.


Pathophysiology: Lymphatic and reticuloendothelial systems are most commonly involved, although constitutional and ocular symptoms are also described.
------------------------

They are discussing the disease in people here, but they go on to say that it can be gotten from scratches from critters (not just cats), so maybe they thought Timmy might have gotten it by being scratched....

[slick]

Oh Jen I'm so sorry for little Milton. Prayers on the way.

Happy news for Timmy though. I'll continue to keep Milton, Timmy and Mommy in my thoughts.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Originally posted by slick
Oh Jen I'm so sorry for little Milton. Prayers on the way.

Happy news for Timmy though. I'll continue to keep Milton, Timmy and Mommy in my thoughts. Ditto for me too.

[rg_girlca]

Oh gosh, talk about mixed emotions here. I'm so happy for Timmy's mommy, that the test results were negative, but so sad to hear about her Milton.

My thoughts and prayers will continue for Timmy, Milton, and T&M's mommy.

[catcrazylady]

So happy about Timmy but so sad about Milton. We will say prayers for Timmy's continued good health and prayers that Milton will be around for a while longer and in the best health he can be.
Thanks Jen for keeping us updated on these little ones.

[AvaJoy]

I'm so late in reading this thread, but please know that I echo everyone else's sentiments . . . glad to hear Timmy is better, but sad that Milton is doing poorly.:( I will pray that their Meowmy has strength to get through this and that both kitties will be fine.