Blastomycosis

[tlwtheq]

Stacey,

Other folks have suggested this before, but if you're getting to the point where you're financially strapped, there is an organization online called IMOM, dedicated specifically to helping people get treatment for their fur babies when they don't have the money.

I believe they're at IMOM.org, and you need to go to their community forum to apply for aid.

I'm so sorry for you and your dear family. I'm in the same kind of situation...DH has no job and isn't even looking. We lost our dear friend Lambert, 14 year-old Orange "Morris" cat to heart disease last night. I'm home with a sick heart (so to speak) myself.

I'm just glad we have the folks here on the forum.

Hugs and kisses for you and Bubba.

Tara, Olie and Teddy's Mom

[Lisad]

My heart aches for you Stacey, for your family and especially for your little Bubba. Always remember that - no matter what - Bubba absolutely knows that he is loved by you and your family and that is worth far more than what money could ever buy. Bless you and your little Bubba.

(tlwtheq, I am so sorry to read about the loss of your beloved cat. My heart goes out to you as well.)

-Lisa

[Tracy A.]

Stacey:

I re-read through the whole thread today, and it just breaks my heart. I found a link to the Wisconson Vet Med Assoc. Wi Vet Med Assoc I know that your at the end of the rope, maybe they can help find a specialist-

I wish I could do more for you, because I understand all to well what its like to have a sick dog, mounting vet bills and no health improvements to show for it.... hard doesn't describe it- My saving grace was a vet who needed a new roof and my father was a roofer... I'll keep you in my thoughts, and I hope that things start to get better.

Tracy

[Deasta]

I wish I could talk more today but things are not good..

Bubba would not lay down again to sleep and the whole night he sat up almost tipping over...it has become so distressing watching him...and we know and understand that if he is suffering we need to be selfless and do the right thing..BUT then the dgo gets up in the morning and pee's and poops..and sits down in the sun...and it seems ok for a gleaming moment

Iwent to the vet this morning..Dr Mike ..who has beeen a godsend so far. They did some more subq IV fluids. I just couldnt get the needle in myself..and it is becoming torterous to try to do so everyday...so he kindly said they would do it again...

Bubba then went outside and walked into the woods and scared up a dove...another gleaming moment....but since then..after I picked him up and drove him home..he is back in his kennel breathing hard and looking so sadly

Dr Mike thinks it may just be his pancrease...and we will wait another 24 hours to see...ohhh the waiting is so hard. I DONT want to give up now..but its like being between a rock and a hard place..what do you do?? When do you do it? Is this right??

I did call the UW this morning as some suggested to discuss the money/bill..I could barely speak I was so upset with tears..the lady was very nice...and suggested a credit card called carecredit...but then more diaster..they only approved us for 3000 dollers and that still needs to be paid in 90 days...

Then in years again I called the doctor at the UW and she offered NO help financially offers of seeing him for a discount..or anything...she just said it was going to cost more..and if he has pancreatitis..the cost will still keep coming

Oh what misery today....I have cried so much ..I feel so weak...and my poor Bubba...

24 hours we will wait...and then...we will ask God...and then..we will see

Thank you for allowing me to share my pain

Stacey

Bubba this morning...

[toomanypaws]

Oh my, this is such sad news! I will keep positive thoughts and say a prayer for Bubba.

[Lisad]

Stacey, I can no longer see through my tears. We all are all with you and feel your heartache. I will say extra prayers today for you and for your precious Bubba.

[CathyAnn]

Stacey....we are all here for you and Bubba.

I have been on this horrible rollercoaster with previous pets and the decisions are so hard to make. I have so many questions, but you sound so upset, not sure if I should ask.

If you need to talk, I can PM my phone number.

Cathy

[tlwtheq]

Stacey....we are all here for you and Bubba.

I have been on this horrible rollercoaster with previous pets and the decisions are so hard to make.  I have so many questions, but you sound so upset, not sure if I should ask.

If you need to talk, I can PM my phone number.

Cathy

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Same here, Stacey, just let me know.

Tara

[Scully'sMom]

My heart is just breaking - for you and for precious little Bubba. I don't even know what to say other than how sorry I am and I just wish there was more I could do for you.

Having been through this before myself I can empathize with the pain and agony of "what do I do?"....is this the right time....do I hold on??? I can remember way too vivdly laying on a cold tile floor in the basement with my first Cairn crying on her fur asking her to show me somehow what to do.

I believe with all my heart, you WILL know what to do. I too will gladly PM my phone number if I can help in any way.

[tena]

I think in the darkest of times you find the anwsers you are seeking. I've been on this walk and understand the pain. Not enough money, no clear prognosis, and no timeline when you could see improvement. It's torture. Do you let them go...or hang on. It's rough.

I am keeping you in our prayers and wish both of you the peace you are needing.

[Cairns2]

Stacey,

My heart goes out to you and Bubba. Been there too as so many others in this forum have. You will know in your heart what is right and when. You will know when it's time to give up and let go. I pray Dr. Mike has some good news for you today and that it won't come to that final decision. Please find some comfort in all you have done and are doing for Bubba. You won't regret it, I promise. Hang in there, we are all thinking of you, praying for you and sending our positive energy to you.

Cynthia

[Deasta]

Once again everyones concern and warmth is sooo overwhelming..so many times this forum has become a refuge..and a reminder that we are not alone!

Bubba actually SLEPT all night

What a relief to see him finally curl up in a ball and close his eyes..

As a nurse his symptoms and lab work DO point to pancreatitis...which is TREATABLE BUT very painful..

I think it was good that Dr Mike decided to not have Bubba eat or drink for 24 hours...

So with Pancreatitis everytime you take in oral intake your pancrease is stimulated and enzymes are released..YOU dont want this organ working when its inflammed...

Bubba was improving..in hindsite he had good and bad days..but he was indeed doing good...

I think this extreme exacerbation MAY be indeed his pancrease...

I am going to press the doctor about a BLOOD transfusion..he is still very anemic from the Amphotec and if we could get on the radio to the local community we might be able to find a volunteer to donate their dogs blood..

Its a stretch..and a far hope..but I know as a nurse this would help Bubbas overall health

Today we will wait and monitor...he is not in distress or pain...but I think we are soooo concerned with his every move that we overwhleme ourselves with his every breath..every blink..every sigh...

My husband was very upset this morning becasue last night someone pm'd us and basically told us to put bubba down. Unfortunalty this person had never posted before and didnt even have a profile. Just a harsh heartless opinion that broke our spirits...

I think all of you understand where we are with Bubba..so many of you have had the same tearful expereinces...and your compassion and understanding holds us firm...these are trying times..and WE know IF the time comes ..WE WILL do whats right. BUT as a nurse and our everyday contact with Dr Mike...the opinion is..Bubba is not hurting..he is fighting..yes..but for now..we will go on...and see.

I will try to update you tonight..I am going to call Dr Mike right now and see what the plan is...

I feel all of your prayers and postive thoughts..and thank you for your own tears and sharing of emotion...I appreciate the offers to call or pm..Right now I am so fixated on every second with Bubba that I WISH I had time to sit down and talk with one of you..prehaps this weekend...if I need a shoulder to lean on...I will take up the offer...

Until then..Bubba rests...and we wait

Stacey

Bubba getting his morning bask in the sunshine

[toomanypaws]

Thanks for the update. I'm glad Bubba had a good night of sleep. I'm sorry that you have to get a PM from someone with no empathy. Hang in there and stay strong for Bubba. I'll continue w/ prayers for his healing.

Beth

[binkyrab]

Poor little baby lamb ! thinking of Bubba and sending posative thoughts to you all

Binky and Rufus

[CathyAnn]

Like I previously said, I would be happy to chat with you. If you feel like meeting up this weekend somewhere between Chicago and WI, please let me know.

I have a good feeling this little guy is gonna make it. I don't know why, but I just do.

As far as the PM about putting him down, yes, IGNORE it the best you can. This is your decision and no one else's. Please show your hubby ALL of these wonderful posts. Might make him feel a whole lot better!!

Hang in there, I believe our prayers are beginning to work!!

Cathy

[tlwtheq]

Stacey,

I can't believe the heartlessness of the idiot who PM'ed you. Makes me wish I could find out who they are and put them down.

Please hang in there. We're all praying and hoping, and baying at the moon.

Tara, Olie and Teddy's Mom

[savannahsmom35]

If the vet siad Bubba is not hurting and is fighting, I would make the same decision that you have and not put him down. Don't feel bad for the decisions that you have made and don't let other people who do not know the situation try and tell you what to do. I know that you will do what is best for him and if you thought that he was suffering, it would be another story.

FYI- Last year, Savannah had a very mild case of Pancreitis and she was throwing up and pooping all over the place. The vet advised that we were lucky because Savannah had a really mild case, that he had seen dogs much, much sicker than she was. Hopefully, if they can figure out exactly what it is that is making him sick, they will be able to get him well. Please continue to keep us posted. I am praying for you everyday and constantly checking the site for updates.

P.S. - if you need to talk, PM me. I will give you my phone # or you can give me yours. I understand that you want to spend time with Bubba though. I would want to do the same thing.

[OzGirl]

I am so sorry you are going through this terrible time with Bubba. I too am praying that he will pull through this.

[Apollo8it]

Apollo and I pray for Bubba every single night!

Apollo has survived a bout of pancreatitis. He is on a strick diet (I/D Sci Diet) with supplemental green beans (he likes the frozen kind), lettuce, and the occasional carrot.

WE will continue to pray for Bubba's complete recovery.

Carole

[wags]

Thank you for posting the news about your "baby." I am so glad he's doing better.

[Scully'sMom]

Stacey, I am so sorry for the ignorance of whoever did that.

You and your family are bestowing so much love towards Bubba and are doing all in your power. What you choose to do, or not to, is your own business. A lot of us here have had to make the horrible decision to keep fighting or to let go. What's right for one is not right for someone else.

Forget that person - just keep loving your Bubba and doing what YOU feel is right. I know Bubba feels the love you and your DH are giving him.

[Deasta]

Shining Moments and Bad nights

Goodmorning.

To say the least it has been a trying day.

Bubba had a wonderful day yesterday. It was amazing seeing him up and about..walking around outside...sitting in the sun in his favorite spot.

My husband said he even "snuck a piece of chicken" to him "just to see what he would do.." and the booger ATE IT!

good signs!

He peed and pooped..and even slept again on his belly.

He got TWO IV fluid bolus's which I am sure helped..

The vet update was also a little better.

although he is painfully dehydrated...the one vet told my husband that "Bubba is a fighter...we can see that. You have to remember he has ALOT of things to deal with..the blasto is horrible..and the ehrlicosis to...but we wont give up on him yet. I dont think its time. He looks better today. So we will keep hanging in there. And rememebr BUBBA WILL let you know..it will be obvious if he decides its time"

This helped me personnally...

Unfortunyl all the shining moments were stifled by the time I got home at 1 am.

Poor Bubba..my husband said he noticed he started making "that noise" after the docters visit and wouldnt lay down.... By the time I got home I could tell he was having an acute attack of pain.

there was no doubt about it..he was hurting..so bad....

This was the first time I just didnt know what to do..

THIS was indeed clear and screaming pain..

He couldnt sit...stand..or lay....

He was restless..and his eyes..ohh I could tell his eyes were pleading...

I tried to hold it all together and think as a nurse...

Pancreitits is painful..and I WILL treat it like I do with my patients..So I gave him a subq pain shot..

Laying on my belly..reaching my hand in the crate to sooth him I was depserate..counting the minutes thinking "come on come on..pain shot PLEASEEEE kick in..please I need it now"

It took to long...it was unbearable..but finally..he waxed..weaned..fought laying down..until the full effect lulled him into sleep

It was a restfull sleep..

His small moans subsided..and by 2 am..he was resting

Thank you god for having the pain medication ..and thank you for allowing him to rest...

I am empty drained and feel exhausted...

He is still in his crate resting..and there I will leave him so his small body can recover..

I am DREADING today..I have to attempt to get the fluids in him on my own..sliding the needle underneth his skin will not be easy...its like I JUST CANT bear to hurt him anymore..even if it is suppose to help him

The vet was a godsend since they did it so easily...

But everytime we go they are charging us 48 dollers...ohhh that makes me so mad..NO one wants to work with us on helping with Bubbas financial crisis's..and this too adds to stress ....

The people at work couldnt believe they are making us pay...they made a good point.EVEN with sick people we allow payments ...why not with pets?

They were all stunned..and very upset..they are all so close to me and have been there emotionally too...One co worker suggested a MONEY can at the vet place for donations...I think I will make some of these cans up and do this...

Ohhh, I hope today will be ok...

Bubba is resting so nice...

CAN any of you who have gone thru the pancreatitis attacks...WHAT HAVE you done with the pain??? HOW MANY times were the attacks??

What did your pet look like..how bad did it get???

We will only do a fluid diet today...I am to scared to try any food for fear of disrupting that inflammed pancrease....

Once again thank you all for the support...our pets have brought us togther and we really need to remember how special these guys are...

Stacey

Bubba in his crate now...resting from the hard night

[Tracy A.]

I'm doing some fund-raising for Bubba - contact me offline for details or see my profile.

[tena]

Keeping him out of pain to me would be the most important thing. I'm glad you can do that.

I hate the way some vets refuse payments. It's like tieing your hands. I can only hope that some help arrives financially for you, and you accept it when it arrives.

This poor little guy has had a really hard time lately, as have you. I'm keeping you in my prayers.

[CathyAnn]

Mysticol/Tracy....what a wonderful thing you are doing for Bubba!!!

Cathy