Again it's been a while since I made an entry. Guess I've been distracted by events at home. My sister died a few days ago. She was 74 years old and usually in good health until about 3 weeks before her death. I like to think she is now with our parents. She was a good person, good sister and I miss her so much already. I guess in time the pain will decrease as I remember happy times rather than dwelling on the sadness. Her name was Joan, she had 3 grown children all in very successful
careers. They will miss her, this I know, and wish I could help ease their pain of loss as I deal with my own. Her husband survives her, and I know it will take time for him to come to a place of acceptance and peace. She also has about 3 grandchildren who love her very much and will miss her, and the good times that children are supposed to have with their grandparents. I never had grandparents - all were deceased by the time I was 2 years old except for one and I do not remember him - my mother's father. Although I remember some of the stories she told me about her parents and the early years of marriage to my father. I always had lots of questions, and I think it made her a bit anxious trying to remember things. My only regret is that I didn't write those stories in a note book to keep them. What memories remain with me are scattered and incomplete, but they're something I'm at least glad to have. Now I will treasure my sister's memories and perhaps write some of them here in future entries. For now I'd like to encourage everyone to write what memories you have of your parents and other family members and friends too. You will be glad you did, and others such as sisters and family friends will most likely also appreciate them very much. Now make sure you call your moms, siblings and dad too just to talk and take notes.
Musings of a retired nurse, mother of one and grandmother of 3. Doing some part time work editing papers and writing stories. I Worked 34 years mostly in L&D and newborn special care, taught childbirth education classes, and worked with the VNA and did home fetal monitoring for high risk patients. I feel privileged to have shared such wonderful and private moments with so many families. I do miss the work that I did, but not the stress I experienced so often.
Famous Seamus
Love that belly
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Been quite a while between posts. Although I have been busy writing some letters, playing with my cats and trying to keep my house clean. The kitties are cute and such company. I wish I could take one for a walk without a leash on him or her, but they won't walk on a leash and it's far too dangerous to walk without one. Cats don't respond to verbal commands the way some dogs do (no response is the usual).
On another topic I have been losing things more than I usually do. I put something down and can't find it an hour later. I have always been that way. The nuns who taught in my elementary and high school were always punishing me which didn't help at all. In fact it made my anxiety increase and I got more forgetful. I always hoped I'd grow out of this losing thing, but no such luck. I do think it might have improved a little, but certainly it's not gone. I love the idea of a place for everything and everything in its place, but I was never able to manage that. My cats don't mind though unless I lose their food which doesn't happen - ever or their toys which does happen sometimes.
Animals are good for us. They keep us company, warn us sometimes, share our meals and sleep on the bed with us. While cats are not quite as demonstrative or obedient as dogs (or kids either for that matter) they are company and often one of them will have to sit right near me, purring loudly. Of
course when that happens I have to pet them and kiss them and talk to them and they seem to like most of it, but they don't like being picked up except for one, Seamus. They tolerate it a little and then squirm a bit until I let them go. But their most important job is simply being here and keeping me company every day and entertain me with their antics sometimes. The telephone is my other tool for relieving boredom or loneliness and taking a one mile run around the neighborhood at least once each day. I think I should find something more interesting to do..
]
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On another topic I have been losing things more than I usually do. I put something down and can't find it an hour later. I have always been that way. The nuns who taught in my elementary and high school were always punishing me which didn't help at all. In fact it made my anxiety increase and I got more forgetful. I always hoped I'd grow out of this losing thing, but no such luck. I do think it might have improved a little, but certainly it's not gone. I love the idea of a place for everything and everything in its place, but I was never able to manage that. My cats don't mind though unless I lose their food which doesn't happen - ever or their toys which does happen sometimes.
Animals are good for us. They keep us company, warn us sometimes, share our meals and sleep on the bed with us. While cats are not quite as demonstrative or obedient as dogs (or kids either for that matter) they are company and often one of them will have to sit right near me, purring loudly. Of
course when that happens I have to pet them and kiss them and talk to them and they seem to like most of it, but they don't like being picked up except for one, Seamus. They tolerate it a little and then squirm a bit until I let them go. But their most important job is simply being here and keeping me company every day and entertain me with their antics sometimes. The telephone is my other tool for relieving boredom or loneliness and taking a one mile run around the neighborhood at least once each day. I think I should find something more interesting to do..
]
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Saturday, March 11, 2017
Good Thing I'm a Nurse
My little diabetic kitty who is actually somewhat large is doing fine. He's sweet and gentle as always. He is on insulin twice a day and several other meds. I never knew the cost of insulin until I bought his first vial - more than $300.00 for a bottle of about a teaspoon of insulin. I'm not sure, but I think that makes it more expensive than gold. It does last several weeks Then there are syringes, and trips to the vet for blood checks. He's a mellow cat and that helps. He never resists the injections just looks at me with a puzzled expression. He seems to trust me which is good. He purrs when I pick him up and since being on the insulin he seems to have lost some weight which is good for him. He was a little pudgy which could have contributed to the diabetes. I know he needs more exercise, but I'm not too good at that. I run a mile every day for myself and would be happy to include the kitty, but he objects to that, ie he lies down and I have to carry him. I run in the house with a string to entice him to run. He looks at me as though I'v lost my mind. He's probably right now, that I think about it. He is getting older - I think he's about 11 years old now which means that he likes to sleep all day and get little exercise. I do have to work on that. Even though I have 3 other cats they don't play with each other. They are all olympic level sleepers. If I'm not careful they'll all end up as diabetic - what a horrible thought. One is really enough. So if anyone reading this has cats with illnesses or unusual behaviors write to me and I'll post some of the letters. It always feels better to share problems with someone so I might post segments of the letters. Thanks for reading my cat-centered blog.
Saturday, March 4, 2017
My diabetic kitty
Things have been OK with my special kitty. His diabetes has been handled by me with guidence from my veterinarian and he's doing well. I do worry about him though. I give him insulin twice each day and 4 pills in the morning. I hate pushing them into his mouth and trying to get him to swallow before freeing him from my clenched hands. He's a mellow, sweet, gentle kitty and so much more than that. I'm trying hard to keep his meds on time and watch him for any problems relating to the insulin. I also have pills to give him which I do in the morning and then at least those are done. He objects more to the pills than to the insulin. He's good though, so gentle and sweet. He doesn't seem to hold a grudge either.
When I do give him the meds etc he often looks at me with a surprised expression, as though he can't believe I did that. He is a lovable kitty - so gentle and trusting. I'm sorry he has this problem and sometimes I feel responsible because I didn't watch his weight closely enough. Animals are subject to so many of the same diseases as humans are subject to, and often the causes are the same ie not enough exercise & poor diet and sometimes heredity which can lead to obesity which then may lead to diabetes, CHF, sleep apnea and more, not to mention wardrobe problems as well. To some extent I think it is easier to control a pets diet than my own or a child's, husband, elderly parent etc. Most parents don't like to be controlled by their adult offsprings. My daughter is in FL and I am in New England so it's not much of an issue, though she does try to manage me from a distance thanks to the invention of that amazing thing called a telephone. So take some advice from me ie keep your weight within normal limits, eat a healthy diet with lots of veggies and some protein and little or no sweets, limit coffee or tea to one or 2 cups a day and alcohol should be limited but check with your physician about this last item. I'm inclined to think that even a small amount of alcohol could cause some problems especially as one ages or already is diabetic. All alcoholic beverages contain high levels of sugar even if they don't taste sweet.
Where I live (southern New England) winter is slowing down and the sun is shining, but it's still rather cool outside. Hat, coat, jeans or slacks, and gloves are mandatory for maybe another month.
But better days are just ahead. It's been hard trying to get my daily run in during these cold days. I need to buy one of those exercise machines to put in the basement, but I hate to spend the money.
An eliptical or treadmill might be great and I could avoid the freezing winter days in CT. I'll have to watch for sales and bargins on Craigs list. I don't have statistics, but I would bet that a lot of people buy these machines and don't use them as much as planned so eventually they sell them. I just wish they were more compact. That would be helpful for people with small rooms in small houses. I guess a jumprope would work but I'm not sure I'd have the energy for it. I guess I should give it a trial before I spend a large amount of money. Currently I just try to run up and down the stairs 4-5 times and when it's sunny and warmish running around the block works pretty well. I'd welcome some ideas about exercise machines, and running and anything related to exercise. In the mean time stay healthy and get some exercise.
By the way, I'm open to sugestions related to different topics. I'm running out of ideas.
When I do give him the meds etc he often looks at me with a surprised expression, as though he can't believe I did that. He is a lovable kitty - so gentle and trusting. I'm sorry he has this problem and sometimes I feel responsible because I didn't watch his weight closely enough. Animals are subject to so many of the same diseases as humans are subject to, and often the causes are the same ie not enough exercise & poor diet and sometimes heredity which can lead to obesity which then may lead to diabetes, CHF, sleep apnea and more, not to mention wardrobe problems as well. To some extent I think it is easier to control a pets diet than my own or a child's, husband, elderly parent etc. Most parents don't like to be controlled by their adult offsprings. My daughter is in FL and I am in New England so it's not much of an issue, though she does try to manage me from a distance thanks to the invention of that amazing thing called a telephone. So take some advice from me ie keep your weight within normal limits, eat a healthy diet with lots of veggies and some protein and little or no sweets, limit coffee or tea to one or 2 cups a day and alcohol should be limited but check with your physician about this last item. I'm inclined to think that even a small amount of alcohol could cause some problems especially as one ages or already is diabetic. All alcoholic beverages contain high levels of sugar even if they don't taste sweet.
Where I live (southern New England) winter is slowing down and the sun is shining, but it's still rather cool outside. Hat, coat, jeans or slacks, and gloves are mandatory for maybe another month.
But better days are just ahead. It's been hard trying to get my daily run in during these cold days. I need to buy one of those exercise machines to put in the basement, but I hate to spend the money.
An eliptical or treadmill might be great and I could avoid the freezing winter days in CT. I'll have to watch for sales and bargins on Craigs list. I don't have statistics, but I would bet that a lot of people buy these machines and don't use them as much as planned so eventually they sell them. I just wish they were more compact. That would be helpful for people with small rooms in small houses. I guess a jumprope would work but I'm not sure I'd have the energy for it. I guess I should give it a trial before I spend a large amount of money. Currently I just try to run up and down the stairs 4-5 times and when it's sunny and warmish running around the block works pretty well. I'd welcome some ideas about exercise machines, and running and anything related to exercise. In the mean time stay healthy and get some exercise.
By the way, I'm open to sugestions related to different topics. I'm running out of ideas.
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
For The Animal Lovers
For all the animal lovers.
I have 4 cats, I usually use the word kitty or kitties because it sounds more like what a cat is ie cute, busy, affectionate etc. Cat somehow sounds a bit derogatory as in"just a cat!" There are 3 males and one lonesome female who share my home. One of my male cats, Seamus has developed congestive heart failure and diabetes. A pretty serious problem for a cat. He's now at the vets and they are sort of keeping him because they need to keep an eye on him. They check his blood glucose, give him insulin, and good food and at this point they have not charged me anything, but they will. I miss him, and go to visit him every day. It's fortunate that they are about a mile from my house so I can go back and forth easily. I spend time with him and bring him catnip (which he ignored today), but then I have to leave and go home empty and sad. I want him home, but I also want him to be safe and cared for. I don't know how to bring it all together. The techs in the vet's office check his blood glucose levels periodically during the day before and after the meals. I am so attached to this kitty. He has the best personality of all the cats I've ever had: gentle, affectionate, easy to litter box train, and just plain cute, beautiful really. He's easy going, friendly and never scratches, but I don't have him with me anymore, just liberal visiting priviledges, The cost of the insulin is $350.00 approx for a small vial. I also feel a bit guilty because I might have over fed him which may have led to the diabetes.
It's so easy to spoil them esp. with food. Not so easy to help them lose the extra weight.
Few weeks later, Seamus is home and doing well. I give him insulin injections twice daily. He's very good about it, ie doesn't squirm, or resist, or try to escape and even purrs during the process. I don't think he knows how important it is, just that I've always been very gentle with him and he has in turn been very gentle with anyone with whom he comes in contact including even the veterinarians and sometimes little kids who aren't so gentle. But I'm usually right there to guide the kids to a more gentle activity. I must admit that sometimes I might hug one of my kitties a pinch too tight. But they all seem to tolerate it so it can't be that bad. Sometimes the cats come to me for attention ie hugs,
petting, scratching or food and of course I try everything until they seem satisfied. They are cute and great company. Everyone should have a few cats.
I have 4 cats, I usually use the word kitty or kitties because it sounds more like what a cat is ie cute, busy, affectionate etc. Cat somehow sounds a bit derogatory as in"just a cat!" There are 3 males and one lonesome female who share my home. One of my male cats, Seamus has developed congestive heart failure and diabetes. A pretty serious problem for a cat. He's now at the vets and they are sort of keeping him because they need to keep an eye on him. They check his blood glucose, give him insulin, and good food and at this point they have not charged me anything, but they will. I miss him, and go to visit him every day. It's fortunate that they are about a mile from my house so I can go back and forth easily. I spend time with him and bring him catnip (which he ignored today), but then I have to leave and go home empty and sad. I want him home, but I also want him to be safe and cared for. I don't know how to bring it all together. The techs in the vet's office check his blood glucose levels periodically during the day before and after the meals. I am so attached to this kitty. He has the best personality of all the cats I've ever had: gentle, affectionate, easy to litter box train, and just plain cute, beautiful really. He's easy going, friendly and never scratches, but I don't have him with me anymore, just liberal visiting priviledges, The cost of the insulin is $350.00 approx for a small vial. I also feel a bit guilty because I might have over fed him which may have led to the diabetes.
It's so easy to spoil them esp. with food. Not so easy to help them lose the extra weight.
Few weeks later, Seamus is home and doing well. I give him insulin injections twice daily. He's very good about it, ie doesn't squirm, or resist, or try to escape and even purrs during the process. I don't think he knows how important it is, just that I've always been very gentle with him and he has in turn been very gentle with anyone with whom he comes in contact including even the veterinarians and sometimes little kids who aren't so gentle. But I'm usually right there to guide the kids to a more gentle activity. I must admit that sometimes I might hug one of my kitties a pinch too tight. But they all seem to tolerate it so it can't be that bad. Sometimes the cats come to me for attention ie hugs,
petting, scratching or food and of course I try everything until they seem satisfied. They are cute and great company. Everyone should have a few cats.
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Seamus again
I've been visiting my cat Seamus every day, twice most days. I miss him. He is at the vets because he has some serious medical problems ie congestive heart failure and diabetes. He is a sweet, mellow, gentle little kitty and loves being petted and massaged and chin scratched. If you rub too briskly all he dose is bump your hand with his mouth. He's just so sweet, and now I have to leave my home to see him and hold him. It is breaking my heart and I cry every time I leave there. All I keep thinking is how do parents with seriously sick children cope with the worry, sadness, the separation, and scheduling visits. It's all so sad and complicated. When I get home I give some extra attention to the other feline residents. I no longer take their presence for granted. My mother liked cats to some extent, but never wanted to be bothered with caring for them, When we did have some I did most of the feeding and litter box cleaning because I thought it was important and I wanted to be sure they were happy and clean etc. And I'm still that way.
We never had a good place for the litter box in those days, but here I keep them in the basement and clean them several times a day. That's the part that many people don't think about when they are considering a pet. Who will walk the dog, clean up after the cats, feed them when the mom isn't home and for little kids teaching them to be gentle so they avoid serious scratches. It's a tall order that most people either over think or don't think about at all. Got to be a happy medium there some how. At this time in my life I do it all. I live alone with my feline roomies so I am responsible for everything cleaning up after them, remembering to feed them, sleeping with them, and taking them to the doctor. They don't complain too much about that, but they don't like the ride in the car.
Seamus is doing well now, allows me to give him his meds without a fight or scratches and bites. He's a really mellow little guy and great company too - when he's awake. His meds consist of giving him an injection and some pills. He's very good about it. But I still feel sad doing it. I also get a little hyper because I'm afraid I'll forget something or he'll bleed or it'll hurt him. I'm a whimp when it comes to my kitties. I love them and I spoil them. I kiss them, I invite them to sleep on my bed, and they seem to like that. I'm a little neurotic about the whole pet parent thing. But there is nothing like dozing off to the sound of a cat purring as he lies in the crook of an arm. However waking up to loud meows is not quite as pleasant. Fortunately they don't do that much if at all.
I truly believe that life is better with pets, any pets that one enjoys will work.
We never had a good place for the litter box in those days, but here I keep them in the basement and clean them several times a day. That's the part that many people don't think about when they are considering a pet. Who will walk the dog, clean up after the cats, feed them when the mom isn't home and for little kids teaching them to be gentle so they avoid serious scratches. It's a tall order that most people either over think or don't think about at all. Got to be a happy medium there some how. At this time in my life I do it all. I live alone with my feline roomies so I am responsible for everything cleaning up after them, remembering to feed them, sleeping with them, and taking them to the doctor. They don't complain too much about that, but they don't like the ride in the car.
Seamus is doing well now, allows me to give him his meds without a fight or scratches and bites. He's a really mellow little guy and great company too - when he's awake. His meds consist of giving him an injection and some pills. He's very good about it. But I still feel sad doing it. I also get a little hyper because I'm afraid I'll forget something or he'll bleed or it'll hurt him. I'm a whimp when it comes to my kitties. I love them and I spoil them. I kiss them, I invite them to sleep on my bed, and they seem to like that. I'm a little neurotic about the whole pet parent thing. But there is nothing like dozing off to the sound of a cat purring as he lies in the crook of an arm. However waking up to loud meows is not quite as pleasant. Fortunately they don't do that much if at all.
I truly believe that life is better with pets, any pets that one enjoys will work.
Seamus Has Problems
Hello to anyone who reads this blog entry. I hope you'll leave a comment even if it's critical. It's always good to hear the critics and then get on with the blog and maybe make some changes. It's been a busy and worrisome time for me. One of my cats has been diagnosed as diabetic and CHF (congestive heart failure), but the other 3 are not so that makes feeding a little difficult. Right now 3 are sleeping and look pretty sweet and cute, and the diabetic one, Seamus is at the vets waiting for me to pick him up. I miss him when he's gone. Weight loss is hard for anyone, but for me to help my cat lose some weight is near impossible. I guess I'll be giving him insulin injections which can be expensive and tedious. And on that note I must go pick the kitty up because they just called to remind me. This may be continued a bit later.
Later: So Seamus is home and right back to his sleeping schedule. He has been here for several days and I'm giving him the insulin and he just watches with a look of curiosity. He gets the insulin twice a day 5 units and it's expensive. The shot doesn't seem to hurt him although the first one seemed to startle him a bit. I also have 4 different meds in pill form to give him and that sometimes presents a problem. I have to chart the doses just like I did with patients when I was employed as a registered nurse. He clamps his mouth tightly and pulls away, but he never scratches or bites so I guess I can't complain. Of all the cats I've had over 30+ years he's the most gentle and laid-back kitty I have ever known. I think he's about 12 years old now so in cats age that is elderly and having diabetes is not unusual for a cat his age. I hope he'll be with me and feeling good for several more years, but
of course I don't know what will happen as he ages. I may have to make the sad choice when I think he is in pain or unable to eat, etc. I imagine my vets will provide some guidance at that point. Choosing to euthanize a beloved pet is not an easy thing to do, but for me it has to be about his quality of life, and not because I can't afford his medicine or vet bills or because I don't want to
deal with the difficulties etc. One problem is that I can't go away over night, one night maybe, but more requires a sitter who can administer the meds and observe for a negative reaction. So I'm home bound. I don't like traveling much these days so that's not a problem, but it also means that I don't get to see my daughter and grandchildren either. I wonder how things will work out in the next 12 months. I have hope that all will be ok, but experience tells me that if it can go wrong it will. And on that note I'll end this blog note.
Later: So Seamus is home and right back to his sleeping schedule. He has been here for several days and I'm giving him the insulin and he just watches with a look of curiosity. He gets the insulin twice a day 5 units and it's expensive. The shot doesn't seem to hurt him although the first one seemed to startle him a bit. I also have 4 different meds in pill form to give him and that sometimes presents a problem. I have to chart the doses just like I did with patients when I was employed as a registered nurse. He clamps his mouth tightly and pulls away, but he never scratches or bites so I guess I can't complain. Of all the cats I've had over 30+ years he's the most gentle and laid-back kitty I have ever known. I think he's about 12 years old now so in cats age that is elderly and having diabetes is not unusual for a cat his age. I hope he'll be with me and feeling good for several more years, but
of course I don't know what will happen as he ages. I may have to make the sad choice when I think he is in pain or unable to eat, etc. I imagine my vets will provide some guidance at that point. Choosing to euthanize a beloved pet is not an easy thing to do, but for me it has to be about his quality of life, and not because I can't afford his medicine or vet bills or because I don't want to
deal with the difficulties etc. One problem is that I can't go away over night, one night maybe, but more requires a sitter who can administer the meds and observe for a negative reaction. So I'm home bound. I don't like traveling much these days so that's not a problem, but it also means that I don't get to see my daughter and grandchildren either. I wonder how things will work out in the next 12 months. I have hope that all will be ok, but experience tells me that if it can go wrong it will. And on that note I'll end this blog note.
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