Yesterday, we had to make the decision to let Miss Kitty go. She had done a little better when we started giving her fluids last week, but unfortunately it didn’t last. We didn’t expect we would have her too long since she was close to 20 years old.
She was an abandoned stray that hung around where I used to work many years ago. I started feeding her every day (even on my days off) and continued that for several years, until one day she decided she would let me pick her up. I brought her home and she lived with us ever since. She was a good little kitty and we will miss her, but we won’t miss the problems associated with her failing health.
We didn’t have a very good day yesterday and by the time we got home from the vet, I had a bad headache and was worn out. After about a three hour nap, I got up, watched some TV and went to bed. Al worked outside while I was napping, except for the frequent trip inside to disturb me. :)
Yesterday morning, we took Mom in for a barium swallow test. The ENT doctor is checking for reflux. She may have some reflux issues, but I don’t think this is what is causing these “spells” she continually has. She is unable to describe the the spells, except to say they make her feel really, really bad. Of course with no better description than that, it makes it hard for the doctors to diagnose what is causing them. I did a little Google search with the wording “indescribable spells” and it appears it is something fairly common. Unfortunately, I haven’t found the cause yet. Any ideas, or suggestions would be appreciated.
Next week, we take Mom back to the ENT for a follow up visit. We’re hoping for some kind of diagnosis.
Sorry to hear you've had a tough time, both with Miss Kitty and your mom. You did the right thing to let Miss Kitty go, as hard as that was. It's so sad to see beloved pets suffer.
ReplyDeleteHopefully the ENT doc will get to the bottom of your mom's problems and get her on to a good treatment quickly.
I'm so sorry to hear about Miss Kitty. It's not easy to decide to let them go. I went through some guilt with my old cat right before we hit the road. He wasn't doing well at all. I know they're in better places. Hope you figure out what's up with your Mom. That must be frustrating!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about the loss of her best bud!! I too lost one of our best buds on Wednesday past. It's very difficult, hurts so much.
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry to hear of the loss of Miss Kitty. I well know how you are feeling. That is the hardest decision to make yet is the last thing we can do for our beloved companions. Hugs to you. Hope the doctors are able to figure out what is going on with your mom.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about the loss of your Miss Kitty but it seems like you did the right thing for her. You will always have your memories of her and now she is up there playing with other friends.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your Mom.
Sorry to see that you and Al had to make that difficult decision. It's hard to let a good friend go but it's for the best.
ReplyDeleteHope your mother starts feeling better soon.
Syl
Very sorry to hear about the loss of Miss Kitty. It seems far too many friends have lost beloved pets lately.
ReplyDeleteSure hope your Mother's discomfort is diagnosed and she gets some help soon.
So very sorry for your loss. Miss Kitty was so cute. You now can cherish even more all the fun times you had with her.
ReplyDeleteHope mom is doing better today and they can quickly begin treating her for what is her major health issue.
I'm so sorry about Miss Kitty. It's always very sad to lose a pet, even when they are close to 20 and you know it's coming soon. I'm sure you made the best decision for Miss Kitty.
ReplyDeleteI hope they can find out what is going on with your Mom, that must be very frustrating. For her, of course, and for you and Al since it impacts your lives, too.
So sorry for the loss of Miss Kitty. But she had a good life thanks to you, and I'm sure she's happy running around at the Rainbow Bridge.
ReplyDeleteTough decisions to allow them to go peacefully.
Take care.
Ah, Karen...just so sorry for your loss of Miss Kitty, but of course you know you did the right thing. When I spoke of my Jeremy cat a few weeks ago I received a wonderful letter from a fellow cat lover, who had cats who lived a very long time. She said "don't wait too long...when a cat loses his dignity it is time". It is a hard choice, and yet I also understand the complexity of missing the dear pet but not the health problems.
ReplyDelete20 years is a long time, but I know it's always hard to let them go. Good thing Baxter came along to give you some comfort at this time.
ReplyDeleteWe are very sorry too about Miss Kitty. I enjoy reading your blog and I've learned a lot from it. Thank you for taking the time to share your RV full-time experiences. And, also hoping your Mom gets better soon as well.
ReplyDeleteAlley Cat is sad for Miss Kitty.
ReplyDeleteYou took such wonderful care of Miss Kitty through her entire life. She could never have lived as long without you. I know she is grateful for the way you cared for her right to the very end.
ReplyDeleteIs it possible to give your mother a check list sort of questions to try to find out more about the "spells" so the doctor might have a clue? Like is there pain? If so where? If not dizzy? Tired? etc You are so right that it is almost impossible to figure out what is wrong if the patient can't describe the symptoms. Hope these ENT guys have some luck. I feel really badly for you and Al with all of the responsibilities that keep you away from your place in Georgia especially now that he is finally retired. Thinking of you both!
Oh Karen - I am so sorry about Miss Kitty. I know she had a wonderful life and was truly loved but it's so very, very hard when it's time to let them go. Hugs to you. My Aunt Happy has been describing the same thing your Mom is talking about. And the doctor just told her it's age related and really nothing can be done. Of course, she's quite a bit older than your Mom. Hopefully they find out something to help her.
ReplyDeleteWe know all too well how tough it is to lose a pet. Little consolation, but you can take comfort in the fact that she had a long and loving life.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteRIP, Miss Kitty ....... What a lucky kitty to be a stray and find such a wonderful home ..... Know you both will miss her and how about Baxter.... Is he looking for her ?
So sorry about Miss Kitty...
ReplyDeleteand I think Sherry has a good idea
to help your mom ...with the check list
might help get to the bottom of her
problem...
20 years is a very long time! I am so sorry about the loss of Miss Kitty, making that "hard" decision is never easy but know you did the right thing. She had a wonderful family! Sending our love and hugs your way!
ReplyDeleteHope you can get to the bottom of what is causing your mom so much distress.
She was very lucky to have found you!
ReplyDeleteI would like to tell you also how sorry I am on your loss. I am sure if our pets could talk they would extend their appreciation for us not letting them suffer, even though it is the hardest decision for us ever. You were a wonderful person to give her a long and healthy life wow 20 yrs that is a long time.
ReplyDeleteIs is possible your Mom has panic attacks of some kind? Sometimes people refer to them as spells and they can make you very sick. Just a thought.
Oh, it's so difficult to say goodbye to a pet. I'm sorry.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear of your loss of Miss Kitty. You gave her a good home and she is at peace now.
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry to hear of your loss of much loved Miss Kitty. It must have been a very difficult decision. Your fond memories of her during healthier times hopefully will give you some comfort.
ReplyDeleteWe are really sorry to hear about Miss Kitty. It is so hard to make that decision but quality of life is important to all of us. You gave her a good home and did the right thing by her in the end.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry Al and Karen. You were so good to her.
ReplyDeleteSad to let our pets go...but Miss Kitty had a long wonderful life with you, that's a real blessing. Hope they can find what's ailing your mom. Sounds like a bunch of tests coming in order to do that...My mom used to talk about buzzing"noises" in her head, which we didn't really understand at the time, nor did she, but it turned out that those were prelims (little mini strokes) leading to a major stroke that came later. Hope the doctors can figure things out. It's such a guessing/elimination procedure most of the time, it seems, with doctors.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I hope your Mom can find out what's wrong so she can find relief from it.
ReplyDeleteAs so many others have said, we're sorry for your kitty loss. Glad you still have Baxter.
Take care.
RIP Miss Kitty. :-(
ReplyDelete