Max

[kb2yjx]

I use the 18x1 and the fluids go in nicely....

[slick]

The fluids were very hard to get into him tonight. He fought and fought and wiggled and wiggled. Yes, it was warm but no, didn't freeze the needle. I tried giving him some treats during treatment but he wants none of it. He just fights and sticks his tongue way out and drools the whole time. After treatment, he hides and won't come for any treats. He's miserable and so am I.

Is this quality of life? Am I doing him justice??? I'm in tears over this. Taz: just tried to call and got voice mail. Didn't leave a message - decided I need to get myself together before talking on the phone. Perhaps another night.

I'm going to make myself some dinner now and settle down. Bless all of you who take this in stride. My hat is off to you and I wish I could be who you are.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Slick, I'm sorry to hear that Max is being difficult to handle while trying to give him his fluids. I wish that he knew that you're only doing this to help him.

I've only had to give sub-q fluids for short periods of time to my cats and I did manage to do it alone. I'd put them in my small bathroom and shut the door and then hang the bag from a hook that's on the back of the door. I'd kneel down and put them between my knees to help hold them so they wouldn't move as much. Luckily my bathroom's so small that they couldn't really run and hide if they wanted to. I hope that things will get easier for you both with time.

Maybe you should look into buying Max a klaw kontrol bag from Drs. Foster & Smith or a cat sack which you can buy online. I'll continue to keep you both in my thoughts and prayers. Please take care. (((HUGS)))

[Medusa]

I'm sorry that you're having such a hard time w/this, Slick. I wish I could pull a trick out of my bag but I got nothin'. Everyone here has given you such good advice that my comments would just be redundant. I'll continue prayers for both you and Max. That will be my contribution. Keep the faythe. (((HUGS)))

[Taz_Zoee]

Well, after reading your last post, I am very glad I called you back last night.

Hugs to you!! And to Max.

[Lizzie]

Those of us who have gone through this know exactly how you feel - the dread, the guilt, the anguish, the questions, the frustration, the tears, I'm afraid it's what you have to go through in order to help Max. He will probably get better about coping with the procedure in time and he will learn to separate the times when you have to give him fluids from the rest of his time with you. You will learn how best to handle him, and it will become a routine - not one you look forward to, but one that is part of your day. These early days are the worst time, except the much later time when your CRF cat gets so thin that you can barely get a needle in - then you wish he was bucking and writhing again.

I give fluids alone also, and I also kneel down with the cat between my knees. I've had cats that have bucked and writhed so frantically that the needle has come out and I had to learn to keep a few extra by me on the floor so I could put on a new one and start again. My cats have slashed, snarled, thrown themselves on their sides and backs, whirled like dervishes. Sometimes I've had to scruff them and hold up the pocket of skin in the same hand then push in the needle with the other, then grip their shoulders hard with my knees. I think I've had only one cat that simply lay there and that was a foster who was in late stage CRF.

Give both of you a treat after each treatment, that's what I do. A relaxing video, cup of tea and chocolate biscuit for me, and a cuddle session for them.

[phesina]

Thinking of you and Max, Slick, and sending you loads of love and encouragement.

{{{{{HUGS}}}}} and ~~~~~~PURRS~~~~~~.
Pat, Peony, Sydney, Poppy, Elmer, Bob, and Sparkler

P.S., and another candle: http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/...ng&cid=8785198

[slick]

the dread, the guilt, the anguish, the questions, the frustration, the tears,

Oh Lizzie, you must be lurking into my soul. Yes, I've gone through all of this and more. Bless you for all you do.

Phesina: LES. Thank you soooo very much. You are so sweet for doing that.

Mary: Any words are a help right now. Thank you!

Taz: I loved talking to you and felt much better for it. Thank you!
(gee, I've used alot of 's in this message...)

So how does this grab you for prices:
100 x 20 G needles = $7.35 (7 cents each)
3 bags of saline = $17.55 (5.85 ea)
Total = $32.17 incl taxes and delivery
I ordered all of this from Pacific Health Care this morning (Wed) at 10am and it was delivered at my work at 3:30pm same day. What incredible service.
I owe it all to you KB for finding that for me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Last weekend I purchased from Safeway 100 x 18 G needles but they are 1 1/2" long. I'll just insert 1" approx.

So I have 100 18 G and 100 20 G. That's fine with me. I'm going to try the 20 G tomorrow night and see how he tolerates it. I will get this right and hopefully in time Max will get it right too. Please know that deep in my heart I can never thank you enough or express my gratitude for your tips and tricks, advice and suggestions, love and support.

I'm so stressed out and not eating much. Trying to focus on work is hard. Pet Talk has proved to me yet once again, how loving and caring people who have never met, can bond together and help each other out. What saddens me is that don't have that much time for Pet Talk so I can't post much in the way of supporting words to you all when you need it the most. I'll try to do better, I promise.

You guys Rock!