Much to be grateful for.

My ma always says to live a life of thanks and giving, and it is most appropriate on Thanksgiving to share with you her thoughts on living with an attitude of gratitude and to give give give give give (all while expecting nothing in return).

This year, my sister and I are very thankful for our new home. It is warm and has plenty of space for us to roam. We are thankful for the food mamma buys us, and for all the love she gives us. We are grateful for her and God most of all.

I am thankful for the doctors at the animal hospital where I go very often.  I am thankful that I am healthy enough to spend another Thanksgiving with my family.

We are all grateful to our readers, and send to the web-universe blessings of Thanksgiving to all of you, your families and friends, too.

Thank you!

We celebrate it, but this was too funny not to share. 

Spironolactone

I went to the doctor on Saturday.   I had blood drawn, my blood pressure taken (it's fine!), and an x-ray (fluid has once again accumulated in my chest cavity). 

I am now 16.03 pounds. I am losing weight and I don't wanto. 

Today, my doctor called with my blood test results and they came back free of concerns.

She shared the test results with my cardiologist to see if I can up my Lasix dosage, since Saturday's x-rays showed fluid build up (they were not expecting to see so much fluid build up in two weeks). 

Instead of upping Lasix, they prescribed a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) which will prevent my body from absorbing too much sodium and will keep my potassium levels from going lower than we want.  Spironolactone is the name of the new drug I am taking, and it is for people and cats like me with congestive heart failure.

The pharmacist compounded it into liquid for me and asked ma if I wanted beef or chicken flavor. We selected chicken.

Here's hoping this works. 

We are happy the blood results came back positively, with no negative impact on my kidneys so that I can try another diuretic.  

I am tired a lot, breathing heavier than normal, but I still purr, and am happy being loved. 

Thank you for reading my update and for your continued prayers and thoughts.

Upcoming Status Check

In a couple of days, I am going back to the vet.

They will check my blood again to see how my kidneys and other organs are handling all of the medications. They will also take x-rays and my blood pressure.

I am feeling okay, relaxing, and getting as much meditation time in as well as all the affection from mamma as I can get!

 It is fall, the air is crisp, I long to be outside.  Mamma brings flowers in to taunt us.

Please keep your prayers coming. I appreciate them so.

Here is the latest video ma took of my little sister: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2vJsHswnak

Test Results & Weight Update

On Monday, my ma dropped me off at the animal hospital on her way to work.
She left me there all day while she was at her office.
At the animal hospital, they completed an ultrasound, and I was examined by a cardiologist.
The cardiologist drained 200 milliliters (0.0528344 US liquid gallon) of fluid out of my chest cavity.

They received my blood work & thyroid test results from Saturday.  My body is handling the medicines I am on and I do not have any issue with my kidneys.  The doctor increased my dosage of the diuretic I am on. 

I will be reexamined in three weeks: x-rays, blood pressure test, blood work.

My medicines are now: Morning = .625 mg Pimobendin (CHF medicine to strengthen muscular contractions of the heart & dilate blood vessels)
                                                         2.50 mg Enacard (CHF & blood pressure medicine)
                                                         20    mg Lasix (diuretic)
                                       Mid-day = 10    mg Lasix
                                       Evening = 10     mg Lasix
                                                         .625  mg Pimobendin
                                                         1.25  mg Enacard

My weight history since diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure: 

DATE:       WEIGHT:

March 19, 2016            21.70

April 08, 2016              20.50

Aug 01, 2016               19.11

Aug 16, 2016               19.04

 Jan 24, 2017                19.04

  March 27, 2017            19.06

 May 14, 2017               18.50

 Aug 10, 2017               17.90

 Aug 23, 2017               17.80

 Sept 30, 2017              16.80

I feel okay, tired mostly, trying not to be sad. 
My sister was mean to me until Thursday - hating my scent upon returning from the animal hospital.

Your continued prayers and good thoughts are a blessing to me. Thank you for them.

I am doing fine! And feeling great!

At the animal hospital with my doctor. 

Thank you, Readers, for all of your prayers! They worked. My tests came back that I am doing well on all my medicines! I am so happy.

My doctor is beautiful, smart, very friendly, and she takes great care of me.

I am so happy to report that I can continue taking my medicines and living my life - - - may I continue to live this wonderful life for a long time to come.