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!

[Moesha]

I've been following but have not posted yet. I do wish you and Max the very best. That was a great deal that you received on your supplies! I look forward to your updates. I hope that as time goes on, both you and Max will get used to this necessary evil.

[Barbara]

I'm not that much help as I cannot see us ever give fluids ourselves to little wiggle worm Filou. I only hope that all the sorrows to go with it will be a little less once Max is more stable. It sounds terrible but you get used to it and now - after 4 years- we only look at Filou's weight. His levels are far above anything- but when you come home he'll jump on your shoulder and purr up a storm.
Let's hope Max stays fine in weight and behavior for a long time to come.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Lots and lots of extra big (((HUGS))) are on the way for you both from me. Extra prayers too.

[Lizzie]

I'm glad you have yourself organized to take care of Max. I got some 1-1/2" needles, 18 gauge, once and used only a few because I found it impossible to push it in only two-thirds of the way when the cat didn't want to have kind of needle in him. They are now gathering dust and I'm happy with 1". With a longer needle there is also a greater chance of it coming out the other side of a skin tent. Perhaps the 20 will be best for Max.

Now organize yourself into looking after yourself! Remember, if you get run down you can't care for Max as well as when you are eating and resting enough. Care for yourself for Max's sake.

[slick]

Tonight was a breeze because I used the smaller needle. He was only "in place" for about 10 min then all he** broke loose. I took the needle out and let him down. I figure 3/4 of the fluid is better than none.

Also, the bags of fluid I received through Pacific Health is wrong. There is Potassium in it and Max's potassium level is up. So I have to exchange them for .9. Will call them tomorrow.

Otherwise Max is hanging in there. He says Hi and thanks to everyone for your love and prayers.