UPDATE again - Mishi's Across the Bridge :(

[RedHedd]

I'm beside myself. This week it's Mishi's turn, however he's taken a really bad turn. It's been difficult getting him to eat in the past week and I've noticed a marked weight loss - he's a kidney cat and I know this is normal for kidney cats who are declining, but this is scary.

He's been hospitalized for fluids and syringe feeding. The minimum this will cost is around $900. I really don't have the money - I'm in a debt management program and trying to pay off my bills so incurring this kind of debt is going to place a financial burden on me. I can put it on the one emergency credit card I have, but I really can't continue to pile on the debt - that defeats the purpose of the debt management program and I can get thrown out of the program if I abuse it.

I do not qualify for iMOM - I've read their rules. I've talked to the vet and depending on what his bloodwork shows, I may be able to give him the care he needs at home - I'm fine with giving him Sub-Q's and syringe feeding. It will be stressful as I'm really pressed for time these days, but I can do it.

So, I guess, pretty much all I'm asking for is prayers and good vibes that Mishi responds quickly to the treatment. I know the big boy doesn't have much time left on this side of the bridge, but I'm not ready to lose him just yet.

[wolflady]

Lots of prayers and good vibes on the way for you and Mishi. Hopefully you will be able to take care of him at home, pending the results of his bloodwork.

Many, many **hugs** for you.

[kuhio98]

Prayers for you and Mishi. I'm so sorry to hear that he's ill.
If you haven't already, you might try Cats in Crisis. I think their procedure may be similar to iMOM -- in that they don't pay for existing vet bills -- but it's worth a try.

[Freedom]

Paws crossed for Mishi!

[Donnaj4962]

All paws and fingers crossed from us here in Indiana! We will also keep you and Mishi in our prayers. Please keep us posted!

[Barbiecat]

I'm so sorry for you. My guy is 12, and just starting to have his own health issues, so I certainly know what you and your little friend are going through. I'll pray for your buddy.

[RedHedd]

Thank you everyone. I'm waiting for the vet to call back with labwork results. This is the other vet at my vet's office that I don't really care for. She talks in clinical terms and makes no effort to sound compassionate; whenever she's in charge, my vet bills are more expensive.

Cats in Crisis is pretty much the same as iMOM. I guess I know where my non-existent vacation fund money is going this year Ah kids. I love the big bugger - well not so big; he's down to 10 lbs! - so much. I will keep you posted.

[Kirsten]

I'm very sorry to read these news on Mishi!! Fingers and paws are crossed here that he may make a turn for the better very soon!!

Sending positive thoughts,

Kirsten

[RedHedd]

The vet just called and he's perking up. They've given him fluids and got him to eat wet food, enticing him with Fancy Feast. So he's coming home tonight complete with Sub-Q fluid kit, appetite stimulants and a healthy supply of canned X/D.

His Creatinine and BUN levels are elevated, but we expected that; they aren't as high as the vet expected, which is good, but they're still not normal.

I'm hoping this is just another one of his kidney "episodes" that he has every few months. They seem to be getting a little bit harder to deal with each time as I keep wondering if this is the one that's going to send him over the bridge for good. He's such a spunky fighter; so far he's pulled through every time, but it doesn't get any easier and he's getting so thin. My poor boybee - I call him Mr. Bones, in a loving way.

[Cinder & Smoke]

HI, God ~

Boots, da KAT, here.

Wanna put in a Gud Wurd fur our buddie, Mishi.

Kan You take a *ppek* at his Lab Stuff; then help da White Coat
plan a fix fur him.

An maybe You kuld have a lil *talk* wiffa White Coat ...
give her a quick lessin in Bedside Manners and Creative Invoicing.

Tell Mishi to "hang in there" - we're all krossin Pawz & Klawz fur him.

THANKS, God!

/s/ Boots, da Purrayer Kat

[RedHedd]

Aww, thanks Phred - you have such a wunnerful way with werdz!

[kb2yjx]

The Clan sends lots of prayers for Mishi! Several of them are kidney cats, so thye know what Mishi is going thru!!!

[jenluckenbach]

PRAYERS for Mishi!!

[RedHedd]

Well, the big skinny goofball is home and he's eating and I'm $329 poorer. Came home supplied with all the Sub-Q gear, Periactin to jump-start his appetite if needed and a healthy supply of canned X/D which he is gobbling down.

We'll get more test results in a day or two and he goes back for follow-up next week. Gawd I love this boy SO much; it breaks my heart to feel him so skinny and see his fur so lack-luster, but he's still acting like his same goofy self, meowing and demanding that I turn on the bathtub tap so he can drink water properly

Thank you everyone for the purr ayers and good thoughts and kind words. They mean so much to us. I will keep you posted on his progress.

Thanks again - Georgia

[Prairie Purrs]

Keep eating and feel better, Mishi!