Topic: Swampy: it is his time now RIP little choc-o-late monster my love (Read 437718 times)

Corporal Smokey · « **Reply #773 on:** October 13, 2008, 22:40:30 PM »

I've only ever lost one cat so sadly and i felt she told me exactly what night she wanted to go to the bridge. I held her and told her it was ok and that was it. We cuddled for hours and I fell asleep holding her and protecting her. When I woke I knew I had to take her to the vet's the next day. She didn't make it to the next day

.

Up until that point though I had lots of questions and lots of doubts. As long as you have doubts I'm not sure whether the time's quite right.

Take care of yourself, oh and Max but especially Swamp, he'll let you know

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #772 on:** October 13, 2008, 21:43:54 PM »

i think that many words of wisdom have been said and i certainly would not try to tell you want to do because only you can decide along with Swampy. You know him so well.

What does disturb me is that you and your OH seem not to agree on the best course of action and although its not my business but it would be terrible if your OH, who obviously loves Swampy too, wishes to take a 'get out of jail free card' for himself hoping that maybe nature will take its course. I humbly suggest that this is not the best way for him to think and he must think of Swampy and his quality of life because that must be paramount.

Sorry off my soap box and hope that I have not caused any offence. I feel I know Swampy so well from all you have said about him and hope that he has a great birthday with you and Max.

Lots of good wishes for him tonight

Kirst · « **Reply #771 on:** October 13, 2008, 21:40:23 PM »

I can only echo what the others have said! You will know when the time comes - you are Swampys mum and you know him best. It is perfectly clear from all you have said that you love your boys dearly and have given Swampy (and Max) all the love they could possibly have.

Mark · « **Reply #770 on:** October 13, 2008, 20:45:03 PM »

I can only echo what Sue has said Kate - words of wisdom

You have done and are doing everything possible to give your boy the best quality of life and dignity.

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #769 on:** October 13, 2008, 20:09:55 PM »

Quote from: swampmaxmum on October 13, 2008, 18:35:08 PM

you're so right. You must be so fed up telling me those wise words (but I panic of course). to you and little Paddy

I expect that I will know when it is time. Doubt is probably a sign that it isn't. xx

Not at all, sweetheart.

And I still think that your gut instinct is the right one - if you think Swampy is good for four days, four weeks, four months, then you will use your instinct to guide you. All of us know you would give your right arm/greatest riches to have Swampy back to "normal" again, and whatever decision you make will only be taken after much soul-searching. Swampy will, I agree, let you know. Until then, hold the faith.

Each day as it comes, and one day at a time.

Paddy sends big whiskery Prrrfpppptss! for the brave Swampy.

Gillian Harvey · « **Reply #768 on:** October 13, 2008, 20:00:38 PM »

Quote from: swampmaxmum on October 13, 2008, 18:26:06 PM

he seems to enjoy grooming Max and still cleans himself.

When they are still grooming themselves, or even grooming another cat, I always take that as a positive sign. I think a very sickly, depressed cat wouldn't groom himself, never mind another cat. You will know if and when quality of life isnt there anymore because you know Swampy so well.

Teresa Pawcats · « **Reply #767 on:** October 13, 2008, 19:25:48 PM »

Just wish I could take your pain away

for you and Swampy

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #766 on:** October 13, 2008, 19:14:32 PM »

you are all helping me so much. I can't describe how much. give yourselves a huge purry

I just had some "light" relief. I put Max on the scales....!!!! (not that I can talk). 5.4kgs! Time to measure out that dry food methinks.

JackSpratt · « **Reply #765 on:** October 13, 2008, 18:48:46 PM »

Has to be said Kate, Sue is the best at helping with wise words at times like this.

Noone is fed up with you; if anything we're all frustrated we can't do anything to help you and Swampy.

Maddiesmum · « **Reply #764 on:** October 13, 2008, 18:46:08 PM »

Kate

Swampy

Sabrina (Auferstehen) · « **Reply #763 on:** October 13, 2008, 18:39:57 PM »

and all from my terrors on 4 paws.

Hope swampy has a good night tonight and hopefully a sunny day tomorrow as well.

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #762 on:** October 13, 2008, 18:35:08 PM »

you're so right. You must be so fed up telling me those wise words (but I panic of course).

to you and little Paddy

I expect that I will know when it is time. Doubt is probably a sign that it isn't. xx

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #761 on:** October 13, 2008, 18:30:05 PM »

One day at a time, hun.

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #760 on:** October 13, 2008, 18:26:06 PM »

I'm just not getting enough unhappiness or suffering from Swampy right now to say for sure that it is time. His purring is in response to affection or being picked up, so not pain purring. Being adventurous, he can't sit still so does wander around the room and that's when the stress of not knowing where he is, plus dizziness, makes him circle and become upset. He is eating, his weight is stable, he seems to enjoy grooming Max and still cleans himself. The tough bits are when he walks around. The last injection of steroids improved that in 3 days, with days 4 and 5 being the best and day 6 he had another episode in his brain. I'm not sure about the pills and how strong/weak they are in comparison to the injection. That is where we can be guided by the vet - he can tell us if there should be a better response to meds within a time frame.
The vet's already said that it is our call as he is only here a short time, Swampy doesn't enjoy his visit so he can't judge really on the merits. That's for us to discuss and decide. If there was unbearable constant suffering or loss of dignity like I've had with all my other cats, you have no doubts. Of course the current situation is unlikely to stay the same over the next few days.

JackSpratt · « **Reply #759 on:** October 13, 2008, 18:12:37 PM »

I know what you mean about the indescribable bond. My cats are....well I'd say my family, but even that doesn't seem quite expressive enough. These amazing animals have chosen to share their wonderful little personalities with me and I'm honoured to have that in my life.

Toby who we lost to CRF in June was probably the one animal that could encourage complete calm in me. Sometimes I think of him and miss that so much.

You'll know what to do for the best, honestly. Your love for Swampy will guide you, and there's no way Swampy could think you acted with anything other than love in your heart whatever you decide.

Ann Clarke (Tabby cat) · « **Reply #758 on:** October 13, 2008, 18:11:16 PM »

No advice really I just wanted to say I am thinking of you and sending

to all of you

Desley (booktigger) · « **Reply #757 on:** October 13, 2008, 17:17:24 PM »

I am sorry things are looking so dire - one thing I would say is that purring isn't always a happy thing, they also do it to comfort themselves, so not really a good indication. It is a lot harder when it isn't as clear cut, it was similar with Mabel, but you have to consider their quality of life all the time, not just when they are sitting, as that is when neuro problems are bound to be better. Ask your vet the honest question on Wed, my vet answers that now, although she shied away at first, and then have a chat with Swampy, I always ask mine to let me know when they are ready. Good luck, and we are all here for you

Liz · « **Reply #756 on:** October 13, 2008, 16:38:00 PM »

Having been through the ringer and everything with Gem in the last month it is a terrible dilemma

I think that you need to put your hat on your head though and not lead with your heart - harsh words but a very knd person on this board sent me the the right direction and then Gem looked at me and said Mum its time to let me go

hand on heart and lots of tears but the vet agreed that we couldn't go on with Gem much longer

I hope you enjoy his birthday and then have a long chat with Swampy and see what he thinks you should do

sheryl · « **Reply #755 on:** October 13, 2008, 16:31:53 PM »

Oh Kate Sweetie, I wish there were words to make you feel better but there just arnt - thinking of you the gorgeous Swampy xxx

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #754 on:** October 13, 2008, 15:12:46 PM »

nothing to say just a huge

from me and my boy who is asleep with his bro' Max. xx

clarenmax · « **Reply #753 on:** October 13, 2008, 15:00:54 PM »

I have no advice at all hunnie, just wanted say I'm thinking of you, and I know you'll do whatever is right for darling Swampy if and when the time comes

xxxx

Michelle (furbabystar) · « **Reply #752 on:** October 13, 2008, 15:00:14 PM »

Quote from: Maddiesmum on October 13, 2008, 14:13:04 PM

Perhaps if you ask your regular vet what he would do if it was his cat?

That is actually a very good idea and something i have done before.

Kate, I just dont know what advice to offer because i dont want to push you one way or another....its not my place to do that

And you havent asked for peoples opinions either
It would be very easy as an outsider to tell you want you should do but you are Swampys Mum and the decision has to come from you, all i can say is we are all thinking of you and know what a terrible place you are in at the moment

BIG kisses to our brave boy xxx

Christine (Blip) · « **Reply #751 on:** October 13, 2008, 14:52:44 PM »

Thinking of you all at this dreadfully difficult time.

xC

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #750 on:** October 13, 2008, 14:36:03 PM »

The vet is aware of how much we love Swampy. He says Swampy's the most loved cat (he's not really a cat see, he's the child I didn't have or something/one so loved that I can't really describe our bond) that he's had as a patient and he knows that this makes it so hard. But he keeps on saying we must discuss euthanasia. But then he tells me he's going away at Xmas, so I said that Swampy wouldn't make it that long and he said oh you never know.
I think OH is hoping that the decision is taken for him in that something awful happens like a big stroke, or else Swampy becomes miserable all the time. I don't blame OH for thinking like that and as Swamp purrs when we cuddle him, it would be wrong right now I think. I just would hate him to be dizzy and disoriented all the time. He's so pumped full of stimulants (steroids and Vivitonin) so we have to try to wait and see if they have an effect.
I just posted a long answer to someone desperate about fibrosarcoma (I've been there with Swampy in 05) which made me concentrate on something else, but can't do that for long. Thanks so much for helping me get through this. xx

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #749 on:** October 13, 2008, 14:25:06 PM »

Oh Kate, petal. It's so hard for you, and I can totally see where you're coming from, also your OH's arguments too.

Nothing will spoil before Friday, and Swampy's special day. Celebrate his birthday and enjoy the day with him.

If, after that, you still feel it's unfair on Swampy then have another chat with your OH and see if you can reach agreement, perhaps with the input of Swampy's vet on his visit on Wednesday. Tell him what both you and your OH have been discussing and see what his opinion is. At the end of the day, I'm a great believer in going with your gut instinct. If you feel deep down Swampy's quality of life is suffering, then letting go might be the kindest step. And the hardest.

Leanne · « **Reply #748 on:** October 13, 2008, 14:13:47 PM »

Your post today has had me in tears so I can only imagine what you are going though.

I have no real advice but

Maddiesmum · « **Reply #747 on:** October 13, 2008, 14:13:04 PM »

Hug for you Kate it is a terrible situation you are in. Perhaps if you ask your regular vet what he would do if it was his cat? It is difficult to make a decision when Swampy is so obviously fighting.

Dawn F · « **Reply #746 on:** October 13, 2008, 14:01:45 PM »

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #745 on:** October 13, 2008, 14:00:38 PM »

The locum vet's not coming. We try to hang on until wednesday with Swampy getting 2 pred pills a day from today to see if that helps. Vet sent a message saying that's all he can do, otherwise I must take Swamp for an MRI. He knows I can't do that as he wouldn't survive it. Swamps is ok when sitting or lying (hardly sleeps though) and purrs and seems ok, but as soon as he gets up to walk there is a problem. OH and I argued as OH says as long as he is happy in himself sitting or lying we can't take drastic decisions. I am becoming less sure that this is fair to Swampy. As he is physically robust, the decision is harder still. Plus if he makes it through to Friday, it is his 17th birthday. I feel a terrible mix up of emotions right now and think one thing one minute and then another the next. Sorry to go on again and we send

AliCat · « **Reply #744 on:** October 13, 2008, 13:58:20 PM »

Hugs for you and Swampy.

Maddiesmum · « **Reply #743 on:** October 13, 2008, 09:41:17 AM »

I am sorry to hear he is still circling - interesting that it is in the opposite direction to his earlier circling. Locum vet may cast a new eye over it and might not be a bad thing. Glad he managed some sleep and purring

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #742 on:** October 13, 2008, 09:10:33 AM »

many thanks Mark, I will forward on that link. It looks fairly innocuous to me but I'm not doing a thing without vet advice at this point.

Swampy had a reasonable night and has eaten and purred but he is still walking in right hand circles quite a bit and having to be rescued, although did manage to find the tray. I rang to find out if I can increase his steroid dose but the locum vet is on duty until wednesday unfortunately which increases my anxiety. I just suppose (?) that the steroid pills are a lot lower dose than an injection and wondered if Swampy shouldn't have an injection today instead. If I'd known, I'd have asked for a visit on saturday after surgery.

I got some sleep but had awful nightmares on predictable subjects. I'm sure you've all been there with that too. The sun looks like it may have hit a mist wall today. Hope to see it in a couple of hours.

xxxx

Leanne · « **Reply #741 on:** October 13, 2008, 08:55:03 AM »

What a lovely vet you have

More vibes for you and swampy xxxx

Mark · « **Reply #740 on:** October 13, 2008, 08:41:25 AM »

Hope he had a good night.

I have been googling about the vitamin D lamps again and all I can find are human sunlamp type things that you have to wear google with, fluorescent strips or bulbs that look like energy saving bulbs. I'm not sure if they consider them to be fluorescent or not?

http://www.amazinghealth.co.uk/ionising-light-bulbs.htm
(The bulb at the bottom is ionising + Vitamin D)

Kittybabe (Ruth) · « **Reply #739 on:** October 13, 2008, 08:29:13 AM »

Same here, some added

Maddiesmum · « **Reply #738 on:** October 13, 2008, 08:28:25 AM »

Happy Monday wishes to you and Swampy

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #737 on:** October 13, 2008, 07:58:33 AM »

Topping up the healing vibes for Swampy, and hoping you both had a good night.

ChrisB · « **Reply #736 on:** October 12, 2008, 22:27:11 PM »

Kate, hope you all have a restful night, X

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #735 on:** October 12, 2008, 21:05:09 PM »

Lots of love to Swampy tonight

Kirst · « **Reply #734 on:** October 12, 2008, 19:41:59 PM »

Jusr topping up the healing vibes for Swampy today - i hope you all have a peaceful night xx

Author Topic: Swampy: it is his time now RIP little choc-o-late monster my love (Read 437718 times)