Hello,
My name is Heather and I have a 2 year old kitty, Helix. From 6 months of age he has been struggling with asthma, which we have maintained using a steroid, Prednisone. Last Friday 6/30, he took a sudden turn and fell extremely ill. The vet couldn't even get enough blood for a panel to test. He was diagnosed with autoimmune hemolytic anemia based on his symptoms and a low PVC (14%). We were told he wouldn't make it through the night. Five days later he is still here. He is eating drinking and using bathroom on his own, but we are still battling his severe anemia. He is on antibiotics just in case it was an infection that caused it and on a higher dose of steroid. I am begging for any advice, any insight, anything really about what to do. We have been feeding him liver and bone marrow stock. What else can we do? Please help me get my best friend back to me!

Hi, Heather, thank you so much for sharing with us your precious Helix's medical crisis. I can certainly understand how upset and frantic you are to try to help him come through this event. The fact he has survived five days now under your care is a testimony to your dedicated enduring love to help him. Have you considered a second opinion? This is not any negative reflection on your regular veterinary care provider, but perhaps a referral to a specialist might help. I know you are already doing everything in your power to take care of your precious Helix, and whatever you decide on his behalf will be the right decision.

Please know we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us, Heather. Please know your precious Helix and you are in my thoughts and prayers, and please let us know how he's doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

moon_beam,
Thank you for your kind words, they truly made me feel a little bit better. I would like to get a second opinion but Helix is so weak, I'm afraid the distress from the car ride would kill him. It's such a difficult situation, I'm afraid all I can do is pray that whatever is going on inside his little body passes.
Thank you again, Heather

Hi Heather,

How are things going now? I'm so sorry to hear about Helix's medical crisis. As moon_beam said, you are doing everything in your power.

I wonder whether a mild tranquilizer, prescribed by a vet, might be safe in the event you decide to seek a second opinion? (And, as moon_beam has said, WHATEVER you decide is truly in Helix's best interests. I understand about not wanting to put my cats through a *very stressful* car ride.)

Please keep us posted.

Sending you prayers of insight and comfort.

Kathy

Kathy and moon_beam,

My heart aches as I tell you that my sweet boy passed away after 14 days of fighting so hard to stay with us. My heart is torn into a million pieces. The hardest part right now is trying to cope with him not being around. I am most often by myself and I have never lived in my new apartment without him. Every single noise I hear my mind automatically thinks it's him. I don't know what to do with all of his stuff either. It hurts to look at it and I couldn't throw it away. What should I do?
Thank you, Heather

Hi, Heather, please permit me to offer you my deepest heartfelt sympathies in the physical loss of your beloved Helix. Losing a companion is never easy regardless of the circumstances or how long we are blessed with the privilege of their company.

Heather, this grief journey is one of the most painful experiences you will know on this side of eternity. It is a journey that is filled with many different emotions that can overwhelm us all at one time which is why it is frequently referred to as a horror roller coaster ride. One of the many emotions we all experiences is guilt / remorse for this comes from looking back and trying to reconcile all the whys, what ifs, and if onlys that haunt and torture our hearts when we are so emotionally vulnerable. From what you share with us there is no doubt that you did everything in your human and humane power to give your beloved Helix a happy and healthy earthly journey. I hope in time you will be able to find a peace in your heart that your beloved Helix knows that you love him.

The good news in the midst of all this pain is that the love bond you and your beloved Helix share is eternal - - it is not restricted by the physical laws of time and space. Your beloved Helix's sweet Living Spirit is always and forever a part of your heart and memories - - he is always and forever a heartbeat close to you.

As for disposing of your beloved Helix's belongings, this is not a decision you need to make at this time. When I have lost a beloved companion I have put their belongings away until I am ready to decide what to do with them - - keep them, donate them, etc.. This has taken several years for me to do, for which I am thankful I took my time. Some people dispose of their beloved companion's belongings quickly only to regret doing so later on. So take your time, Heather - - give your heart a chance to adjust to the physical absence of your beloved Helix - - however long that takes.

I know so very well from first hand experience that when our hearts are entrenched in deep sorrow there are no adequate words in any language that can soothe the searing pain of sorrow. Still I hope the words I share with you will offer you some measure of comfort, support, encouragement, and hope as you travel your grief adjustment journey.

Thank you so much for honoring us in sharing your beloved Helix with us, Heather. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam