Update on Puddy; she's gone*9/29* see post #421

[Medusa]

Epogen is a drug used in humans, so you can order it on-line through a specialty pharmacy and they will deliver it to you door (that will save you the drive to see Dr. Lee).

There is a liquid form of iron supplements used for babies called Fer-In-Sol, you can also pick that up at your local pharmacy.

Thank you for the info about Epogen. I wondered also if perhaps Pet Meds would deliver it. As for the iron supplements, thanx again. I will definitely ask Dr. Lee how much I should give Puddy. I love Pet Talk!

[Grace]

FYI - if you start Puddy on any sort of iron supplement, you'll have to watch for constipation. That's one big problem with iron supplements.

There are iron preparations for humans that include a stool softener. Maybe something similar for animals?

[Barbara]

Mary I agree fully with you- for a cat at the end of her life you really have to decide through how much therapy you want to put her. As we know renal failure cannot be cured and I know that Filou would not like a life that gets him to the vet daily. He is now fine with going one time per week but you should see how he always jumps in the carrier from the table when he thinks it's time to go back.....
Let's hope you can get Puddy to be in hissing mode for some time with the iron.
Hugs....

[Medusa]

Thank you, Grace, I'll definitely remember that. And Barbara, thank you so much for your understanding. I fear that, in the beginning, I may have sounded mercenary where Puddy's treatment is concerned. I was just shocked at the amount of money that the injections cost but, as I said, money is secondary to Puddy's comfort and quality of life. If she was a kitten instead of 14 years old or wasn't in CRF or didn't have the host of other health problems that she has, if, if, if......However, I have to be realistic and along w/that realism I need compassion and I love this cat as I've never loved an animal before. If I have to help her to the Bridge one day, there will be a hole in my heart the size of Ohio. But I'm praying that Puddy will get her hiss back and that she'll have some loving and comfortable, sweet days yet w/me and the rest of the Fur Posse.

[carole]

Mary you can only do your best where puddy is concerned, and i think so far you have been so wonderful, puddy is indeed a very lucky wee kitty, i hope all goes well for puddy and you can make her comfortable ,HUGS to you and puddy. take care of yourself too you know, i know you have health worries, so meowmie must make sure she is well too.

PS my vet told me it is quite common for cats with renal failure to be anaemic.

You know sometimes it does come down to money, if you can't afford it to the detriment of your own well being and the other kitties,then maybe the decision is taken out of your hands, i understand your heart is breaking over this, but take comfort in knowing just how much you have done for Puddy, and that Puddy has had a good life with you, and still can for sometime yet.

[mamaducky]

You know sometimes it does come down to money, if you can't afford it to the detriment of your own well being and the other kitties,then maybe the decision is taken out of your hands, i understand your heart is breaking over this, but take comfort in knowing just how much you have done for Puddy, and that Puddy has had a good life with you, and still can for sometime yet.

I've been reading this thread since you put it up, and have kept quiet for lack of anything useful to add -- but I agree wholeheartedly with what Carole has said. And to quote another very smart lady in the PT forums -- it has to be "People First."

Yes, I'm sure there are some solutions you can probably find to make Puddy feel at least a little better for the short to intermediate term, but you just cannot endanger your own health by stressing yourself out trying to make it all better for her when ultimately that is just not possible. Right now, I'm worrying about you and how YOU are doing; please take care of Puddy's Mom!

Big hugs,
Diana

[Medusa]

I've been reading this thread since you put it up, and have kept quiet for lack of anything useful to add -- but I agree wholeheartedly with what Carole has said. And to quote another very smart lady in the PT forums -- it has to be "People First."

Yes, I'm sure there are some solutions you can probably find to make Puddy feel at least a little better for the short to intermediate term, but you just cannot endanger your own health by stressing yourself out trying to make it all better for her when ultimately that is just not possible. Right now, I'm worrying about you and how YOU are doing; please take care of Puddy's Mom!

Big hugs,
Diana

Ah yes, my own words coming back to bite me. LOL Yes, I've thought of that, too. I'm putting a call in to Dr. Lee's answering machine tonight so that he'll have the message when he first arrives at work and can return my call when he has some time to talk to me and not just when I call and he has to answer. I'll keep everyone posted. Thank you so much, friends. Your kindness and compassion mean the world to me.