My Pain Dr wanted to try the shots in my spine. I am on a drug called Plavix ( sort of blood thinner ). She wanted me to go off the Plavix before the shot. So I had to ask the Heart Dr. He said no way. So, the Pain Dr. said she could not give the shot.

She is very understanding and because the heart Dr would not take me off she was ok with it.
C

Ok,

My apoligies to Musician and Khilee, for not responding to this thread sooner.

Muscian, words cannot express the feelings I feel for having "Baby boy" put down. I have two very elderly cats, who I care for immensely and can't imagine life without them. Who can put a price on living with someone for 17 and 18 years (so what if it is an animal), I can't. So, I can really say what I feel for you is immense sadness. Am crying as I write this, I know, silly for most, including my hubby, who hates when they miss the litter box. I really don't care!!!

And to Khilee for noticing my post, thank you. Yes, I am still stalking daughter's Halloween stash. Yes, I know, bad girl.

Thank you Cindy.

I lost my cat and days later Squarepants lost one too.

I notice my cats miss Baby Boy. He had a good buddy across the street and the poor guy was looking under my car and in my garage. They always hung out together. We live on a dead end so it is safe here. Baby Boy always was the welcoming committee to all new cats. He was a sweet little man.

We miss him terribly.

Musician,

Your posts about "Baby Boy" brought me to tears. I cannot imagine life without my two very elderly cats, Razzy and Tom. My hubby and I get into many arguments about them missing the litter box or not finding it at all. Don't get me wrong, wouldn't trade hubby for anything. Just don't understand him on this issue. Been married 24 years and our cats have been with us for 17 and 18 years. It just breaks my heart that he does not have the feeling that I have for them. We live on a dead end too.

Anyway, to me they are humans, part of our family--regardless of their flaws (missing litter box, etc., and sorry IMO if you are part of the family you are accepted, regardless of so-called flaws).

Well, Musician, sorry for my rant--but I am a lover of animals.

And when I tell you that your post brought me to tears, it did. And am somewhat angry as I write this post, as my husband does not seem to understand my love of all animals. Heck, I have two strays who come to our deck in need of food and shelter, which I provide, to his dismay.

Please don't take me wrong, my husband is a wonderful man who has put up with me for 24 years. It's just that we don't see eye to eye on animals.

Also, to Stacy, I read your post and understand that you had to put down your cat of 21 years. I am sorry!!! Don't know what else to say.

Stacy, please respond, if you have any comment. Muscian, please contact me if you need to. I don't know Squarepants, and am unfamiliar with his/her posts.

Hi Cindy,

I understand. I am lucky my husband loves animals. Baby Boy was a feral cat and he tamed him. That cat turned out so sweet all of our neighbors loved him too.

As for your problem with the litter box as cats age their eye sight is not as great as it was and they can get arthritis too. We went to a store that sells carpets and flooring and we asked if they had any remnants and they did. We cut a large piece and placed it under the litter box and that makes it easier to clean if they miss the box and they sometimes do. We were surprised we had many styles and patterns to choose from and it cost us nothing. There are also those doggie puddle pads and they work well around the box.

Sorry Musician,

Just reread your last post stating that Baby Boy was sort of the "welcoming kitty" for all the new kittys on the block. It is nice that your neighbor was looking out for "Baby Boy". That is a nice neighbor, one you should be thankful for.

I am sorry, but your account of "Baby Blues" death is ringing all too true for my cats, who are elderly. And each time I read your story of his death, I get incredibly sad, cry, etc. Because, I know it is coming for my cats and I will get no sympathy from my husband, who I really thing is anxiously awaiting their death. YES, I am incredibly ashamed to admit that. But, unfortunately it is the truth. And yes, I do love him (hubby) more than the cats, but the cats, I love unconditionally---I don't care where they [censored] or poop--doesn't matter to me. They are very elderly and don't know.

Yes, I am P'od. Just because they just don't know where to use the bathroom. And I feel I am their only advocate. So--just shoot me, J/K kind of. Am a strong supporter of animal rights.

How's everyone this morning. I'm going to Chuck E Cheese's bright and early at about 10:30-11. Getting together with SIL and our 3 year olds can play. It's so quiet and deserted. No riff raff running about!

Good for you Tiades, but what is "SIL," yes, I know probably stupid question that everyone knows the answer too.

My guess is "Significant Informed Lover." Ok, probably way out there. But, please give me a break, and let me know what that title means. Thanks.

Sister in law?

Yep.

Significant Informative Lover?

Thanks Musician for your advice,

It seems our cats are attacted to carpet, as opposed to the litter box. I'll definately check that out, as it seems out cats are attracted to carpet. In fact, have gotten several "place rugs", which seemed to attract them. So much so, that we had to get rid of them.

Regardless, my main goal is to keep them alive, happy and comfortable as long as possible. So, I will check out blocks of comfortable carpet.

Sorry, admin, still PO'd at hubby, for his insensitivity toward animals.

Thanks again Musician for your advice. Just wondering what to do about our two "deck cats" with winter approaching. Will happily sneak them inside on days I don't have to work, but am worrying about days I am working and especially the night time. Don't want to sacrifice my marriage, but can't help but worry about these two "well cared for" outside cats.

Well I just have to say thanks to Taz...I KNEW I should NOT have talked to you via email, it should have been distant and on the board only!

I'm off to the Doc and I have to go in the "Congrats the Doc is afraid to treat you" special door and special waiting room.

I sound like a dying frog.....

I better NOT have that pig flu.

Oh, Stacy, I'll be praying for you!

Cindy. Hi. All of my cats now (my 2 old ones have passed on, 17 & 16) are feral/strays that I rescued by feeding them outside our garage. My first was a little female that I sat with when I brought her food and petted her as she got comfortable (she turned around and swatted me a few times but I lived)eventually when winter came I began leaving the door to garage (side door) open for her and I had a cat bed for her that she would use. Later when she came "home" one morning with 2 tiny little adorable kittens I did the same. when another stray found the food in the garage (he was just a living doll and seemed to love the kittens) anyway long story short all of them got comfortable enough for me to pet and at first chance they went to my vet for spaying and shots, one "kitten" unfortunately the one that was hit by car last week, she was 2.5 years old, i know since I raised them from when the mama cat brought them home, in the few "freeze" days we have here in south Fla I put a cat bed outside on our boat for her and/or the cat carrier with blanket inside and she was always in it when i would check on her on those cold nights. Try one of those litte cat beds that are covered and put on your deck for them.

Oh a CRACKberry in the doc's waiting room is great!

Cindy I did lose my cat last Oct and people here sat around and cried with me. People won't believe it but that cat was the actual and only 'Most Wonderful Cat in the World' and even my cats I have now know that.
It was as hard basically as when I lost my Daddy.

Stacy I hope you feel better.

Cindy you can use vinyl flooring too under that litter box.

I bought a heater that plugs in and my husband put in an electrical outlet on the porch. We bought a small wooden dog house and elevated it and placed the heater in it and it is safe for animals. We purchased it at the pet store. It is like a flat panel and the cord has heavy thick wire around it so they cannot chew it. Baby Boy would not come in the house but the last six months he did. He used the litter box and he got along with all my cats.

Now the neighbors cats are using that dog house. It has a blanket in it and it is warm in there.

I know I would be very unhappy if my DH did not love animals. THey love him more than they do me.

Ok, I'm back. Turns out the entrance and the waiting room for the people the doc is afraid to touch is GOOD. They want to hurry up and get your [censored] outta there!

I've been to the doc, two pharmacies, my regular pharmacy didn't have one the meds I needed, the grocery store to pick up a few comfort items and a stop to get some chinese soup I like to eat when my throat hurts and I can't breathe through my nose.

I JUST GOT HOME!!! My apt was 1.5 hrs ago and I saw the doc within 10 mins of my appt and I've done all that.

Hmmmm....wonder how long I can use the "flu symptom" deal to get in that special door?

No pig, bird or human flu, just one of the MILLIONS of viruses going around that has now caused me to have a secondary bacterial infection. Antibiotics, cough med and an expectorant and tapioca and chocolate pudding, my fav things when I'm sick.

Thanks Stacy, Squarepants and Muscian for all of the cat suggestions. Have already got a cat bed (unheated on the deck), which they both use.

Would like to look into something heated, like Musician mentioned. But can nearly quarantee husband will in no way go for that.

Stacy--you sound like you feel horrible. Hope you are well soon. Viruses can make you feel just as bad as the flu. Also sorry about yours and Stacy's loss of your kitty kats.

Again, thanks for all the good cat advice. Now, to figure out how to get around my husband.

Stacy, I feel your pain, 2 weeks ago Monday I went to doc to have him listen to my back and chest, turned out I had bronchitis. Got a zpac and some chest decongestion. The following days I was feeling worse kinda like I was breathing through water in my chest, very out of breath. Holding a conversation left be breathless, I used my daughters xopenex inhaler every hour, very little help. Went back to doc the next Monday and he said I was drowning in a pool of liquid in my lungs, full blown pnemonia. This time he gave me levaquine (sp?) a very strong antibiotic, steroid pack and tussinex. At day 3 I noticed I was feeling better and turned a corner. Today I still cough, a bit out of breath and tired.

Hope you get well fast, drinking lots of water and takeing extra vitimin C will help get you better faster.

Cindy, when I lived on a ranch, we had outside dogs. We put a heating pad on a timer in their doghouse to keep them warm. There was also a flap out of material on the opening, but it took them a bit to learn it's ok to go in. You might try that.

I'm sorry to hear of the losses of furbabies lately. I still cry over the cat that didn't come back after the fire May of 2008. I don't know if she's dead or alive. I swear the not knowing kills me inside sometimes. I still check the animal control website. The pain does get better, but never quite goes away.

Sweetz,

I remember how you were so tormented. I understand the not knowing is awful.

I have had that happen also. I had a cat disappear and I could not get over it. The problem is every time I went to the pound I would see a cat that was to be euthanized and I would take that cat home with me.

It annoyed me that I saved a life and they still made me pay the adoption fee. I had other cats at home. I am not fond of The Humane Society. In my city they are awful.

Khilee said to say hi to everyone.

She has had injections that have put her down the past few days.

She misses everyone.

She wrote only a few lines she was in a lot of pain.

hey all....wish i'd noticed this thread sooner, i'd have jumped in. stress because i'd let myself get too close to running out of my daily meds made me focus on only one thing - that problem. but all of you made it so much better, i realized i wasn't counting what the true blessing was - you guys.

so - my day? sinus infection. bleah. but, a HAPPY DAY because i hit my 200 posts and could post in public what several have seen in private.

heybob, stacy, taz - thanks with the help and support. the three of you deserve a big !!!!!

sweetz et al...those of you who knew me on VIP and here, i'm so glad i'm back involved in the board. it's too easy to forget there are wonderful people here. and me, a computer geek who set up the internet where i work - shame on me! so for all of you, particularly sweetz...

i go on and off here because of work. i'm in a slightly low-work period right now, but i'm gonna try to post at least once every day to make sure i keep up with the news and to give people feedback.

once again, after being here a long long time...i'm gonna try and be as active as possible. it's our only hope. now i feel like i'm in a star wars movie..."help me, obi-wan kenobi, you're my only hope!"

last but not least - mods, you are the glue. you handle a thankless job with grace and poise. thank you!!!!!

but the most important thing of all - all of us together. i'm going to try not to forget that ever again, or ever take it for granted.

...and notice, this is BEFORE i have received my shipments; i'm just so glad everyone has been as helpful as they could be. this is not me over medicated; in fact, have been careful (taking lower than usual) since i let myself run too low.

this is me clear-headed. the difference is that i *know* what all of this group does and i became aware of it over the last couple of weeks...

the last week or two has been difficult for me at work, i've had troubles with my daughter and school (puberty is annoying, and an artistic child just adds to the drama), but at least i know i'm not alone. panic disorder is difficult at the best of times. reading and writing here has helped me immensely.

hope everyone's evening is good! i don't often post with so many smilies, but after the last few weeks, you guys pulled me through more than i deserved. thank you, thank you!

Aw, thanks hon. I know about difficult teens. Mine is ADHD, and junior high was brutal. It is difficult anyways but moreso for her (and me). You got my sympathies there!

I've been in and out of the hospital. I started having seizures again and really messing up my body. I've still got a goose egg on my head and my fractured thumb is still healing. I took off the splint because I couldn't do anything with it on! You don't realize how much you use your thumb.

They had a fun time admitting me to do seizure monitoring. Basically, that means they try to induce a seizure. All the while you've got that EEG [censored] glued to your head and have to have someone with you to even pee. They take away your meds and sleep and do the flashing light thing. I couldn't take the lights, but the next day I performed with grand timing. When the doc came by in the afternoon, I said I felt funny and then seized for a few minutes. Bent my neck all out of shape and now I'm in PT. That was a few weeks ago. So, I've been scared to be on the computer since over half of my seizures I was on the computer.

Sinus infections suck bad! Glad you're doing better if only emotionally!!

This makes me realize how fortunate I am. I went through a lot with my two and I cried many tears but now that is history.

I am sorry Winterlongone that I could not be there for you. I guess I am not on the right threads.

Sweetz I had to give up my VIP membership because of medical bills.
That was not what I wanted to do.

I hope you all feel better and heal.

This thread is the perfect place to share and we do.

Sweetz I am so sorry about all that has happened to you. I know about migraines and I did have seizures as a child but now I don't.

Welcome to both of you and I hope to see more posts and let us know how you are doing.

Glad to hear your seizures stopped. Mine started as an adult which is rare. They say they started because of wellbutrin and that seizures begat seizures. So, I'm stuck now. And they know I'm still having them after my hospital stay. It's on tape and everything. There's no history of seizures in my family, unless my grandmother had one and she died when my mom was 12, so we'll never know.

The only thing that has helped me with losing my kitty is that we did everything we could to find her. We spent over 80.00 in color fliers to put up and put them up multiple times, gave them to local vets, pet stores, etc. Hubby drove me around because I was so upset. I just wish I knew one way or another. She was an inside cat and never left the yard. She also was not like a normal cat, she hated treats, tuna, affection (except from me when SHE wanted it), etc. So, she was not prepared for the outdoors and definately not a friendly cat.

Thanks for the kind words.

Winter made it here too? He/she's been postung up a storm trying to get to 200. Don't think I didn't notice!

oh, please do not take it that way!! i know your avatar, i've read your posts...and by being here, you are helping me. everyone is. recognizing someone makes me feel like i'm part of a community!

what's the smilie i'm looking for now....

yeah, that's it.

Nothing to be embarrassed about. Your post are informative and worth reading. That is how it should be.

Look at me, Musi brought me out of my shell and I haven't shut up since. It's nice to know when you have good friend here.

Lets get this thread back on track and enjoy ourselves. Lets see.

Since Halloween is over, what did everybody have left. I hid an extra bag of Reeses and snickers. Only I know where they are. LOL

Sneaky HUH?

Christmas candy is out already. This is the only time I see those mint M&M's, which are to die for. I need a bigger hiding place.
For drinks. I like the Sierra Mist with a splash of cranberry in it. I already got me a 12 pk of that. They should have it year round.

Maybe I'll have a Reeses with the Sierra Mist for breakfast. LOL