I’m Making Myself Ill March 12, 2005
Literally. Last month my oldest kitty, Dixie, was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. We decided to start her on a transdermal form of thyroid medicine applied once daily to the inside of the ear. This seemed like the best initial approach. She did not do well with the medicine, however. It made her head itchy, and as a result she scratched bald spots behind her ears, over her eyes, and under her chin. As if that wasn’t enough, she started vomiting a lot. Like 10-12 times a day. As soon as that started I called our vet, and we decided to take her off of the medicine.
The itching and vomiting stopped quickly, but without the medicine her hyperthyroidism wasn’t being treated. My husband and I have decided to have her go through the radioactive iodine treatment. We just can’t watch her waste away when there’s something out there that can treat her condition. It’s really expensive, but that’s ok.
The thing is that I’m having serious second thoughts about going through with it. I know it’s probably for the best, but I can’t stand the thought of her having to be away from home for a week. I’m making myself sick with worry. She’s just such a fragile old lady kitty. Just thinking about not being able to be there with her turns my stomach.
I want her to get better, but I don’t want to feel like this. I hate when my body fills up so much with worry and nervousness that there’s room for nothing else. I know I’m dramatic, but I just can’t help it.
She’s going in on Tuesday for the treatment. I went out today and bought her some things to make her stay a little easier. I stocked up on her food just in case she doesn’t like the kind at the vet’s. I bought her a new little stuffed mouse and a kitty sized pillow for her cage. She loves to lay on pillows, and I wanted her to be as comfy as possible while in kitty jail.
Next week is going to be really tough. I won’t be able to visit her since she’ll be radioactive. I really hope she will be able to handle the stress of being away from home for so long. I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to her. She’s been part of my life since I was 11, and I can’t imagine life without her.
- Posted in : my furry children
- Author : amanda
Comments»
Amanda, if I could have you as a substitute parent for my Sam (21 yrs old- got him before I got my first car much less my husband) I would. I’m sorry it’s so hard but pets, they give the good love and are worth it.
Ohhhh,,,,,,poor kitty. I totally feel your pain Amanda.
I hate to give assvice but I also had the vet tape on Chelsea’s cage when she was in the hospital for several days what her name was and that she was scared and loved to be coddled. I think it made the vet employees help her more and talk to her more than they would have normally - just a thought.
I hope next week is a good week for you and your little kitty.
Thinking of you.
Aw, Dixie. The separation’s impossibly hard, especially when a pet has already been ill — we went through exactly this with our cat a year ago. I called the vet’s office frequently (at least once a day, usually twice) to see how he was doing and to ask that someone go pat him. Best of luck to her and to you.
You’re breaking my heart with this post, Amanda. I know first-hand what you’re going through.
Try this…wear a T-shirt to bed the next two nights, then include it in her cage at the vet’s (perhaps wrap it around her new pillow?). The smell of you will help keep her relaxed during her stay.
Sending my best wishes to Dixie for a quick recovery and to both of you that the week passes quickly and with as little stress as possible.
Is there any chance of the radiation turning her into a superhero? Cause that would be pretty cool.
(Hope that’s not in poor taste– just trying to make you smile.)
I’m really hoping that Dixie pulls through this; we did the shirt trick that Deborah mentions when our puppy needed to be in hospital and I think that it helped. Your post pulled at my heart and I so hope that everything turns out okay.
I’m sorry about Dixie, Amanda. I hope she will be ok.
Awww sweetie. That really sucks. You are such a good mommy, though. You’ve thought of everything. Can you call and get daily updates on her?
I’m so sorry Amanda. I’m thinking about Dixie and wishing her well.
Thanks everybody. Amy, yes, I’ll be able to call in and check on her every day. I know someone that’s had the same thing done for her cat at the same facility, and she said they’re very good about giving out updates.