Day 3 - Eating Out

Another day ticking away in my limited time away from the office.  I have been peeking at email periodically on my phone.  Something happened today that I saw in an email and I had to reach out to one of my colleagues.  Things are helter skelter without me there and there is no question about it I will be walking back into a complete nightmare.  However, that is many days in the future and I’ll deal with it when I have to. 

I had some might strange dreams last night and I did have to remove Gator from the bedroom.  It was around 9 that I finally rolled out of bed.  She had me up a couple times during the night and my internal alarm clock had me up at 6a.  I took the prescribed dose of my sleeping pills so I am at a loss for where the strange dreams came from but it was kind of interesting. 

I sat around tending to Gator and looking to see what was going on in the world.  I turned my phone off last night before bed.  That is so liberating to know that I am completely out of touch and unreachable.  I also figure that one of these times I do that I will regret it because an emergency will happen. 

I got a shower and put on my hardly worn new jeans.  Then did a mobile check in for Cracker Barrel and off I went.  It was 11a and I was just eating breakfast.  Felt kind of odd but at the same time I wasn’t alone everyone there was having breakfast.  I was super stuffed so I came back home and chilled in front of the TV.  Watching NYPD Blue.  Gator passed out hard in my lap.  It was just peaceful. 

Around 3:30p I opted to check in to see what was going on at work and eventually had to get up.  It was next to impossible to wake up Gator and for a brief moment I thought she was gone.  Her mom started falling into these deep sleep cycles before she passed.  However, Gator yelled at me for waking her up and she was quite confused.  I finally got her back on the floor and I got up and looked at what I needed to.  Then it was time to head out for that BBQ Supper I was thinking about. 

Getting into the parking lot was a bit strange and I curbed my car, which was upsetting.  I didn’t realize the curb was there and this lady was pulling out and didn’t leave me much room.  I didn’t want to hit her but I also didn’t want to hit the curb.  Doesn’t look like any damage but I’m guessing it was probably enough to throw off the alignment. 

I was expecting to walk into a sit down restaurant and instead I wound up in more of what was a café.  There was a line to place your order, they gave you a number and you sat at the table and waited for your food to be brought out.  As soon as I saw that I wanted to leave it is a huge turn off for me.  However, I said I was going to eat at this place and I did.  I had some Brisket they only have their BBQ Sauce and it’s lightly drizzled on the meat, it wasn’t bad.  The sides were super small.  The price was a bit on the high side.  I spotted a cute guy so that kind of made the trip worth while.  I left not knowing that I had managed to get sauce on my hands and didn’t realize that until I touched the steering wheel.  Yuk.  I’m a neat eater for the most part but now and then something gets on me or my shirt. 

After that I headed off to Sam’s Club and just wondered around, taking my time.  I almost bought a small stand up table and may go back and get it.  For $29 it seemed worth it and would be handy when working from the couch.  I got some sweets, soda, paper towels and bottled water.  It doesn’t sound like a whole lot but it adds up pretty quick!  Then on to home where I unloaded.  Gator was passed out hard in my room and the commotion of me bringing things in was enough to jar her awake.  We greeted each other and then I passed out her supper for her.  I’ve got soda that will last me for a few weeks so I am happy about that. 

Worked out dinner plans for tomorrow evening.  The place I chose was one that I knew one of my friends viewed as his favorite place I chose it mostly for him but I am also curious how the Lasagna tastes.  I knew that the place didn’t open until 4p but he didn’t.  I don’t get waiting until the day before to make reservations but they are last minute people, which is why I take on the task for Thanksgiving.  If I didn’t we would never get into the place we normally go to. 

I accomplished everything that I had planned to today.  Tomorrow I need to work with the hose reel that I bought.  Depending upon how I sleep I may opt to get up early and paint but chances are good that I will put that task off.  It’s nice and cool in the morning but as the hours tick by the temperatures increase and before you know it your uncomfortable and dripping in sweat.  If I have to work outside I prefer temperatures be in the upper 60’s to say 72 but those kind of temperatures won’t be around until later in the month to early October.  I really want this painting task done and I will feel so much better once it’s done, provided that I do a good job.

As for the rest of this evening I am going to piddle around on the computer, put away some bills & paperwork and then head up to crawl in bed eventually.  Hope you had a good day.  Talk with you again soon. 

Day 2 – Splitting of the pants

I got to bed last night a little later than I wanted.  Gator’s stomach was empty and she woke me up a few times to fill it.  I knew there was no way in the world that I would be up at 7a to carry out my ideal plans for the day.  When I did get up and get out it was about 10:30a.  I drove by the DMV and saw people standing outside, it was starting to sprinkle and it was already hot out.  I made a large circle and wound up coming back home.

Back in front of ye old TV and eventually back in bed for a nap.  When I got up it was after 12:30p.  I grabbed a quick bite and passed out lunch to Gator.  I opted to go back out and check out the DMV again, this time the line was longer and I figured probably better to try my plan tomorrow morning.  However, I had a great idea.  I drove to a local park pulled out my phone and searched for another DMV in the area.  Found one that was about 45 minutes away.

I got to the other place, it wasn’t in a great neighborhood but there was no line.  I walked to the door and there was a sign that said to stand outside and someone would be with me.  I was baking in the sun but figured I would give it a couple minutes.  Someone came out and invited me in I sat and waited a short time.  I started the process, they had to take 2 photos but it didn’t look 1/2 bad for a DMV photo.  We started going through paperwork.  I had a funny idea that I should bring a backup document but didn’t.  Sure enough one of the documents I brought didn’t show my physical address.  I was told that if I was able to come back with additional documentation they would take me ahead of any line that might form.  Hell I just wanted to get this over. 

I drove back home, grabbed 2 additional documents (1 for safety) and then drove back.  I was let in much quicker.  I had to wait a couple minutes.  There was a man who was getting his photo taken.  He dropped a document and then went in a circle to try to figure out what happened to it.  I had already bent down to grab it and when I got up there was this loud rip.  My pants tore open in the crotch in the front.  I knew they ripped but didn’t know where.  I didn’t bother to look until I was back in the car.  No one said a word to me.  I guess it was a good thing I wasn’t free balling.  Once again proving that no good deed goes unpunished.  I got helped, they took my money never tested my vision and they skipped all of the usual BS questions like are you taking medication, is your license being held by a court, has your license been revoked.  I paid my money and was told my new license would arrive by mail in about 2 weeks.  I kind of amazed myself and was glad that I drove the extra distance, I got better service and didn’t have to wait long.  The only thing that I am upset about is that my full name has to appear on my license, I can’t just use my middle initial, I asked to have that changed but was told it had to be the same as it was on my birth certificate.  

It was around 3:30p when I was on my way home and went to check out a new BBQ place.  I just wanted to see where it was.  I would have stopped if my pants wouldn’t have been ripped open.  I came home with the intention of changing pants and then going back out but the little heat exposure that I had zapped me.  I opted to stay home with Ms. Gator. 

We watch the Vacation Friends movie on Hulu in between me dosing off.  Ate some supper and now we just started watching NYPD Blue.

Today felt way more productive and I am happy that I was able to knock the task of renewing my license off the list of things to do.  Now I need to grab breakfast out and plan to hit up that BBQ place tomorrow evening.  Not sure what else I will accomplish tomorrow but hopefully things will continue to be productive. I still have to make my Sam’s Club run so probably will knock that off the list tomorrow and I for sure need to fuel up the vehicle.  

I hope that you had a great day and are safe.  Talk with you all again soon. 

Day 1 - Let Freedom Ring

The Gator wasn’t terribly willing to let me sleep much last night.  I did wind up kicking her out of the bedroom early this morning.  That coupled with a low desire to accomplish much caused me to pass away the morning.  I did get something to eat and took my meds.  We watched a podcast and I fell asleep then the vet called to confirm our appointment for tomorrow which I was previously told was cancelled.  Not happy but I did manage to get back to sleep.

Once I woke up I opted to get moving, got showered and dressed.  First stop Target.  They had cat litter in jugs in stock this time.  I was frazzled in the store and couldn’t for the life of me figure out the Target app, so like an old person I asked the cashier for help.  I got the few reward dollars that I had accumulated off of my bill.  Then on to the grocery store as it started to sprinkle I sprinted inside and took my time.  I kept thinking I don’t need much.  Somehow I managed to rack up a $77 bill.  Then on to home as the rain began to fall. 

I got inside and began to unpack and put things away.  The thunder and rain just started pouring.  I wanted to rush back out and grab a bite to eat but opted to stay at home since it was pouring.  I gave away money (paid the bills) and found some new porn as well as worked on my computer. 

Gator started chirping after I was down here for a couple hours.  She normally greets me when I come home but she slept right through all of that commotion and I think the storm helped keep her asleep.  I went upstairs and thought I would hit up a local place for a burger, then I heard on the scanner that the place I wanted to go to though their roof was going to collapse so I figured that’s out of the question.  I stayed home and ate part of a sandwich that I got and downed a couple of Krispy Kreme.  Played on my phone and continued listening to the scanner.  Then played a couple rounds of video games and then it was time to come back to the basement. 

Grabbed the vacuum cleaner and got the basement taken care of.  Then I prepped for my drivers license renewal adventure that I am supposed to go on tomorrow.  Not really looking forward to this.  I looked on-line to see what documents were needed and the only thing that I can even think they will kick up a fuss about is that on every document but my birth certificate my middle name is just an initial, my birth certificate on the other hand has my middle name spelled out.  I sure hope that doesn’t cause a problem but I have read some horror stories on line and really want to avoid that.  This is all because I want a REAL ID so that when all of this pandemic non sense clears up I can jump on a plane.  The cost isn’t different than renewing my license normally so why not just do it now rather than putting it off.  I did get kind of nervous about a road test but I learned that unless your in your 70’s or have had some traffic infractions that a driving test would be required.  I am home free there.  My other hope is that I don’t get some Grumpy Gus who is pissed because he has to work for a living.  I’m used to a nice experience and I figure hopefully by showing up early I can zip in and zip out.  I could easily spend my day there and it wouldn’t make a difference in the world but that is just not my idea of fun. 

I got a note from my doctor.  He is not surprised that my employer wants to involve the government but he said we will get through this and it wasn’t a problem.  That along with my findings (see yesterdays post) make me think that this will all work out okay.  It’s just going through the process, facing the deadlines and being the guy stuck in the middle between my employer and my physician. 

I did check my email at work and see a few things already falling apart but I am just letting them fall apart.  I’m not doing a damn thing about it.  I do have a document from HR that they want me to electronically sign but I didn’t dare open that message because it probably has an auto read receipt on it, I will wait until I get back.  I did delete some junk to help cut down on the overall number of messages that I get and have to churn through when I get back.  No phone calls from anyone and it was a peaceful day. 

It’s nice to know that I can turn my phone off now and no one can reach me or I can chose to ignore if it if rings.  No email, text or phone call is uber important.  I am keeping myself available but mainly for personal business. 

I need to hit up Sam’s Club to stock up on soda as well as a couple other things and yes Pastry is one of those items.  I’m totally pulling out all of the stops this week and eating however I feel and to hell with the consequences.  Just one week then it’s back to normal.  I had planned on circling back if I would have went out for that burger.  Seems that during the week the place is not crowded. 

I do have a strong desire to take a trip just to drive and get away from the area but have no real place to go.  I do look forward to getting out with my friends but that will be towards the end of the week and well vacation will be almost gone by then.  Not looking forward to going back at all and this is only day 1.  Imagine how I will feel when we get to day 7 or 8. 

I hope that your safe and you or someone you know wasn’t impacted by the hurricane.  Stay safe, be well and I will talk with you all again soon.  Now off to see what other mischief I can get into before I have to get to bed. 

Hours from Freedom

When the clock turns over to 7a I will be on vacation.  The weekend has been a nice start to what is to come.  I spent plenty of time with Ms. Gator giving her attention, napping with her, feeding her and medicating her.  She has started to rebel against the medication but we have managed to get through it.  I do still hate to shove a pill down her throat, she doesn’t understand and although I tell her I don’t know that she gets it.  She does however understand the words food, lunch and eat.  She is still drinking plenty of water but primarily only from the fountain.  I’m glad that I had the foresight to bring it back but at the same time I will hate to clean it.  Plus I will need to buy more filters, they aren’t terribly expensive. 

I took some time to do research yesterday from my phone, never powered up a computer or go near one.  That was a Gator requirement!  Anyway I found an article that is spot on regarding remote working or telework for those who have Diabetes.  This for sure falls under the ADA and it’s a requirement of employers to accommodate the needs of workers with Diabetes because they are at increased risk, this is per a ruling  from the EEOC.  It’s a huge health issue.  I also found a note from the American Diabetes Association to employers that explains the same thing.  I also found a word template that my doctor can use that may help us when he has to fill out the paperwork.  I’ve got everything downloaded and saved.  I also found that they really don’t need a doctors note or contact with my physician but it helps to move the process along.  The doctor needs to certify that I have diabetes, according to what I read that is all that is needed under the law.  

This afternoon I wrote a memo to the twat that is handling this in HR letting them know that this has to be accommodated under the law and passed on the relevant information I mentioned above.  I got a response back that the paperwork will be sent on Monday.  I think it’s an easy request but the accommodation process set forth in the law makes it overly complicated.  I can’t imagine people don’t lose their minds while they run through the hurdles and I think that is by design they want you to give up or quit before you get to the end. 

In other news, it seems my lawn guy doesn’t know how to use a calendar.  We did get some storms on Friday and I figured that he would be by on Saturday after things had a chance to dry out but that hasn’t been the case.  I’ll also bet that when he sends a bill it will be for more work than he actually did.  Thank goodness I am keeping track.  I always have and always will regardless of who is doing the work.  You have to keep things honest and be able to call people out when they try to fuck you over.  My best guess says that this Friday is when he will show up.  If not then that is when I am going to call him.  The place looks like a forest.  There is actually a house fairly close to me that their yard looks far worse but we use different people to service our lawns.  I am keeping an eye out for the folks who tend to a neighbors yard, they do good work and seem quite dependable.  I’m going to hit them up if I manage to catch them when they cut her lawn.  I might not be able to switch this year but for sure next year I should be able to.  I hate this whole find a lawn guy process.  If I had the room I’d buy a mower and just suffer through it, at least I would be more in control. 

I treated myself today and went out for lupper which is a made up meal of Lunch and Supper.  I hit up a Mexican place.  There was some cute guys from Texas there that I got to look at for a bit until I got seated.  That by far was the highlight of the dining experience.  My food took forever [an hour] to get to me, I was at the point of leaving when it finally showed up. 

I got my haircut yesterday and while the web said that it would be $25 when I checked out I found out the price had changed to $30.  I think that is a bit much.  The lady tried to upsell me on a scalp massage but I declined.  I can massage my own scalp.  I at least look presentable presuming that I am successful at renewing my drivers license this week.  I also got it cut because I will be seeing my friends on my birthday and well why not.  I could have easily shaved my head but I’m actually kind of tired of it.  Presuming I work from home for the rest of the year I will probably turn into my own barber because it’s quicker and cheaper but you do get what you pay for and when I do it, everything looks okay but the back.  That’s when I start chopping off way too much trying to fix one mistake while making another. 

Tomorrow I plan to eat breakfast out and then hit up the grocery store.  Not exactly sure what else I will do with my day.  I plan to try for my drivers license renewal on Tuesday.  I’m watching the weather to see when I might attempt the painting task of the garage trim.  I do suspect I will get lots of sleeping done.  I just hope I don’t waste my time but it will be very nice not to have to be concerned with work. 

I went pen shopping on-line and was quick to fill up the cart but then looked at the prices and just couldn’t justify it.  There was two pens that I really wanted then I stumbled on this royal blue rollerball and had to wipe the drool from my face.  It was by far the least expensive but I just put a stop to it.  It will be circling around in my head but for now it’s a no go.  Speaking of which I took back the video game that I ordered that turned out to be something different than was advertised.  I got the one I wanted and have been playing with it a little bit.  Gator isn’t too keen on it.  It’s nice to have some form of an escape. 

Well guess I should get my meds, start the dishes and see what the Gator is up to.  She hollered for me a few minutes ago.  I was wondering how long I could be down here.  She has been quite tolerant and given me several hours alone.  Perhaps now that things are settling with her I will be permitted more time in the basement. 

Hope you had a nice weekend and that all is well in your world.  Talk with you peeps again soon!

Your Life or Your Job ?

Before I get into the nitty gritty here, just wanted to let you all know that Gator is doing okay still.  I almost forgot to give her a dose of medicine last night but thankfully I remembered even though it was a bit later than normal. 

Now on with the show.  I submitted the letter my doctor gave me and it’s pretty clear that it is dangerous for me to return to the office given COVID.  However, there has to be a reason that is protected under the ADA (Americans with Disability Act) that necessitates an accommodation.  COVID or being in high risk groups that make it more likely for one to get COVID is NOT protected under the ADA.  Diabetes is protected under the ADA. 

Where are we now?  I’m waiting for paperwork to take to my doctor and if he is “creative” or can use language that necessitates the accommodation for me to work from home, then I am okay.  If not then I may need to make a choice My Job or My Life. 

I had a chat with my boss after my call with HR and told him about it.  He’s just as upset as I am.  He doesn’t understand what the problem is.  It’s pretty cut and dry in his mind like it is in my mind.  Plus take into consideration that the organization mandated we all work from home to keep us safe & healthy during COVID.  Well, COVID hasn’t stopped and probably won’t for a while. He said that he would fight for me if this falls through the cracks and I get denied.  Right now we just have to wait for the process to complete and that can be 1 to 2 months and there will be plenty of back and forth dialog.  I kind of feel like I need an attorney to speak for me when I am talking with HR, because it feels more like an interrogation than an open dialog.  Do I want to change jobs?  Not really.  I work with all of the Executives as well as HR and deal with some complex and confidential stuff.  You’d think as much as I have done for them they could just gimme this one tiny ask that I have. 

I’ve reached out to my doctor to let him know what is coming down the pike and hopefully he will use the right words that compel them to grant my request.  I hate being stuck in the middle but unfortunately that is where I am at.  Not a fun place or a fun game to play. 

Here I thought that everything was coming up roses, well that was until today.  I also told HR that I am out next week, you’d think that would motivate them to get me the paperwork now but nope they are dragging their feet.  I suppose it will arrive while I am out.  Of course there is a deadline that will be on all of this and I would rather have time on my side than time working against me.  My doctor has other patients besides me and getting his time especially right now is proving to be difficult but that is only because of the pandemic.

Fingers crossed for now.  More to come as this unfolds. 

More good news

Last night I finally got a note from my doctor that says that I should stay working at home until the spread of the virus is at a minimal level.  That probably goes way beyond saying I will be here for the rest of the year, that could easily mean yet another year at home but it’s a wait & see situation.  This morning I reached out to my HR department and of course they have a process for this.  I’ve started the process but don’t yet have confirmation they are going to accommodate my request.  Hopefully, they will get their act together and we can push this through so I know before I go out for a week of vacation.  I did tell them that I was off next week so I can only hope they will move faster rather than at average speed. 

My Ms. Pac Man game arrived yesterday but unfortunately what was advertised on the web and what I got were two different things.  The one game that I was looking for besides Ms. Pac Man was not there.  Instead there were 3 other games I have never heard of.  While I am playing with the machine for a day or two I have already started the return process.  I found something that should have the other game but to compromise I have to have regular Pac Mac instead of Ms. Pac Man.  My late grandmother fell in love with Ms. Pac Man and ever since I learned that I preferred it over Pac Man but hey it’s essentially the same game but some different graphics.  The new machine should be here the day before my birthday so once again I a package to watch for and look forward to opening. 

Gator is still progressing right along but still waking me up at night.  She is finishing cans of food either in one sitting or takes multiple trips until she needs a new can.  This in and of it’s self is positive progress.  All systems are functioning normally and she is both eating & drinking.  I just hope this remains the case for the foreseeable future. 

That’s all I’ve got for now.  Need to get back to the fun that is work.  Hope all is well in your world.  Thanks for stopping by, your positive energy, prayers and thoughts.  Cheers!

Cautiously Optimistic

Her majesty had me up from 2a-4a.  She took in some additional baby food and the rest of the time was trying to get us both back to sleep.  Things would get quiet and I would start to settle and you know that is when she had to meow.  I watched some TV for a short period of time and then was able to get back to sleep.  She woke me at 5a and I removed her from the bedroom. 

This morning she ate a can of food and then retreated to my room and started screaming.  This was one of those foods that she really enjoys and I think the screaming is excitement from taking in a good meal.  That is the point when my optimism increased and I don’t want to sound overly confident to jinx things but I think she is back. 

She finally baptized herself in the water fountain this morning.  Overnight she wouldn’t drink for anything.  After some reading I learned that the second dose of Prednisone is when improvement can start to happen. That cemented it for me and I was able to get her pill into her with minimal trouble.  First time ever giving her medicine and she wasn’t terribly happy about it but it was over & done with quickly.  I can only hope for the same results going forward.  I know that she will eventually get wise to what I am up to and when this may turn into a difficult task.  Fingers crossed that doesn’t happen.

I’m back at work.  I was only out for 5 hours and that was plenty of time for chaos to rear it’s head and the pervertible bombs dropped.  I was logged in last night at 7p cleaning up the mess that was made.  If this is what happens with me out for 5 hours, imagine what it will be like when I am gone for a full 40 hours and not checking email in between to catch the bombs that drop.  Come next Monday everything work related grinds to an abrupt halt until the day after Labor Day for me.I fully expect to return to a complete nightmare but my focus isn’t on that right now and is more on getting away. 

Still no word back from the doctor.  I am ready to start my 2nd plan and ask my boss if he would grant me an exception.  He may or more likely I expect to be referred to HR.  They may also give into me but most likely I expect them to require a doctors note.  I am a little nervous about all of this and kind of half way expect to be told that regardless of my personal feelings, fears, etc. that I have to go back.  I don’t expect a lot of compassion and understanding absent a doctors note.  That piece of paper will be gold if I can just acquire it I do believe I am home free for the time being.  Plus staying home would permit me to better tend to Ms. Gator.  Stress is not good for her condition.

Let’s hope that good news keeps flowing for me.  Still have those fingers crossed.  Cheers!

Cognitive Changes

I was able to get some real rest but was still woke up a couple times during the night.  I fully expected a different cat this morning, one that was acting more like herself.  What I woke up to was a cat who had drastic changes in behavior.  She stares into space, walk to the water bowl and cries like she wants to drink but can’t remember how.  She eats but only a small portion of food.  Instead of being very vocal now she doesn’t speak nearly as much as she used to. 

To say that it’s heart breaking to watch is quite the understatement.  It’s like she has severe dementia now and has been forever changed but in a bad way. 

I brought back her drinking fountain and that has helped her, she is in fact drinking now.  Still eating very little.  A small part of me is wondering if perhaps this isn’t IBD and is in fact cancer.  However, she did just get a shot of a steroid and a has some mild anesthesia.  My thought process is to see how today plays out.  I most likely will not start her on prednisone tonight just to see if her behavior changes.  If so then perhaps we start on Tuesday night with her first pill.  This is a waiting game and patient is not something I have a lot of, especially considering what we went through yesterday.  I think that being there for so long was traumatic for her and that along with the medicine has made for this radical change in mental status. 

While I am hoping for the best, I still can’t help but think of that bad feeling I got that I am going to lose her over this.  If she continues to behave in the same manner I will have to give stronger consideration to ending her life.  I of course would rely on advice from my vet before I made a decision like that.  It’s not something you want to rush into because once it’s done there is no changing your mind. 

Since there has been some change since early this morning, I am hoping that the drugs continue to wear off and my little girl will immerge back to her normal self.  If tomorrow there hasn’t been enough progress I will be back in contact with the vet. 

I wound up taking 5 hours of time off because I just didn’t think I could make it through the morning and I was really wiped out.  A co-worker is covering on call for me today.  Plus my schedule really didn’t have anything on it so this was the best day if I had to take a day.  I have since had an hour long nap and the pain I had in my lower back has subsided.  I hope that we are on the recovery path and things will improve with just a bit more time, fingers crossed. 

What I am trying to avoid here is not only her dying but doing it so close to my birthday or even shortly after.  I don’t want my birthday associated with the death of my last cat or anyone that I am close to.  While I have little control over it, I think it’s about the greatest gift I can get right now. 

Speaking of my dreaded day of the anniversary of my birth, on Friday I opted to do a little mail order shopping.  No I didn’t mail order a man.  I did however get a few things that have been on my wish list for a bit.  I have a Ms. Pac Man machine arriving this week that also plays the retro game Galaga.  I got a hose reel to help tidy up the host that is in the garage to make things look a bit neater.  For whenever I have to go back to work I got a mouse to match the one I have at home so I can have the same  experience I have at home.  Razer makes a professional keyboard that is made similar to the gaming keyboard I have  at home, it’s actually the keyboard I wanted in the first place but no one has it in stock so it’s not like I can put my hands on it to say yes I like it or no I don’t.  I have it coming with a wrist wrest and am hoping that I like it.  It too is for work for whenever I wind up going back.  I didn’t want to buy any of this because I felt it would negatively impact the outcome of Gator and I do feel a bit guilty for going through with it but I know that it matters not what I buy or don’t buy Gator situation has to play out on it’s own.  The choices I make for myself as to what to buy or not won’t have any impact but somewhere in my mind I feel as if I am wrong.  I also wanted to get a couple pens, not as if I need them I have enough writing instruments to last a life time but it’s something I am into.  I opted not to buy them as the money I have spent on myself thus far is not a small amount.  It won’t bankrupt me and I can and do plan on paying cash for all of it but seeing a lot of money leaving my account isn’t something I am a huge fan of.  I need to keep a reserve for whatever rainy days may be in my future.  I don’t hope or plan for any but those situations do have a way of arising with little to no warning. 

Here’s hoping that I have better news to report on Gator when I make my next post.  Right now she is resting and I am hoping that she passes out for a nap.  She didn’t want to cuddle last night and I missed that so much, hoping that behavior comes back as I look forward to time with her and being close to her. 

Fingers crossed.  Cheers for now. 

Physically & Emotionally Spent

I made it to the grocery store around 2p and had just started my shopping adventure when my phone rang and it was the vets office.  They wanted to see us today and I was over the moon about that.  We agreed on a time and went in.  I went for answers and I left with answers and most importantly a cat that is still alive. 

I opted for the more expensive route on blood work and had it ran in house instead of sending it out.  I figured for sure that the blood work would tell the story.  Nope, everything is reasonable given her age.  Kidney disease has progressed a little bit but nothing to be concerned with.  Damn!

Next steps were to rule out cancer in the intestines, get a more definitive blood test for the thyroid and also look at what her stool says.  The ultra sound was mega expensive and I was able to have it done today.  I felt pretty certain that I was going to get bad news. We started with the ultra sound and were able to forego the additional lab work for now. 

She has IBD (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) or possibly Lymphoma.  The vet right now believes it’s IBD only because her lymph nodes were not massively swollen and that is something that is normally found with Lymphoma and is not present with Gator. 

IBD is treated with Prednisone, which is a steroid.  It will help shrink the inflammation in her bowels and will afford her body to absorb nutrition instead of just passing everything straight through.  The problem is that it will aggravate her kidneys and make her kidney disease worse.  So were fixing one problem but upsetting another one.  The hope is that she is better in 2 weeks. 

She got a steroid shot to help jump start the process, which was my idea.  She got fluids because she was dehydrated and she got some mild anesthetic to permit the vet to do the ultrasound.  The had to shave her abdomen and she looks horrible but there was no other way.   

Our appointment was at 3:30p and we didn’t get home until 7:30p.  The vet is less than one mile from my home.  It was freezing cold and both Gator & I were quite uncomfortable.  I also got hit with a very large bill but I knew that digging into this was going to be expensive, I just didn’t plan to spend as much as I did.  The upside to that is I have 6 months to pay it off at 0% interest.  I’ve got the money to pay cash but with an offer like that why part with the cash now, just pay a little bit each month until it’s close to the end and then pay it off so that I am not charged retroactive interest. 

I’m looking forward to getting to bed and hopefully finally being able to relax as I have been running on adrenaline all day.  I will still be woken up in the middle of the night for a while but the hope is that her appetite will decrease and that will mean less interruptions for me. 

Here’s hoping that it will be a good week ahead, I am on-call.  Right now I just want to collapse as I am spent both physically & emotionally.  For now I have some answers and I am not dealing with the unknown which was by far the worst part of this whole ordeal.  Were not out of the woods but if the vets diagnosis is spot on we are on the road to recovery and that is the road I want to be on!

Talk with you all again soon.  Cheers for now. 

Something went BANG in the middle of the night

The hits just keep coming here.  Gator’s appetite picked up a little bit more as we got into the evening hours.  She had some litter box activity so I know that things are flowing.  She woke me up twice and the last time was at 3a.  I gave her a packet of food and then went back to bed.  She came to get me to let me know that she needed more, I climbed out of bed and opened another packet.  She was so eager to dig in as soon as I had it plated she started meowing I barley had time to get it to the floor. 

This all got my mind working and thinking more about her issues.  I opted to call the vet, yes at 3a.  They run 24/7.  I talked with someone who has been helpful in the past.  It was about a 30 minute conversation.  Even if I switch doctors the soonest appointment they had for me was on the 31st.  I was told to call Monday morning between 7a-7:20a as that is usually when they do some juggling with cancellations.  They may get an opening that permits us to see the vet sooner, I have some hope but not a lot.  The nice lady was also going to send some information on to the doctors to see if anyone had any tips for me that would help tide me until the 31st. 

Last evening I opted to phone my friends that have a Diabetic cat to see what signs/symptoms they noticed before they got the diagnosis.  Their cat has a mildly increased appetite and if it’s not eating, it’s drinking water.  Outside of that it’s otherwise normal.  Their cat is older and since they have a plethora of them they opted not to treat the condition and will part ways with the cat when things get worse.  The treatment was insulin injections twice a day, every day for the rest of it’s life.  You can’t forget about a dose ever, it has to be at the same time each and every day.  That coupled with the cost, plus the fact the cat would probably hate them and be hiding when it was medicine time just made it not be worth the hassle. 

Animals, regardless of what you have are a great thing and can provide so much comfort, entertainment and joy but when they get sick and their life starts winding down it’s one hell of a rollercoaster ride.  Having to make choices about their care and get medicine for them.  It up ends your whole world and some how you manage to pull it together. 

Now for the fun part.  We were laying in bed after she finished her early breakfast and I was about to dose off when I heard a loud bang.  It wasn’t something that could be ignored.  I got out of bed and went to check on things.  Finding nothing I returned to bed.  However, it still bugged me after a bit and I got out of bed and the answer to what happened was staring me right in the face.  The door on the little fridge (used for chilling soda) was wide open.  Soda and frozen soda was everywhere.  1 can in the 12 pack burst because it was too cold.  The temperature was turned down but apparently not enough.  I had no idea that it was freezing things.  I turned it off and unplugged it.  Then the fun of cleaning up the mess.  By now the sun has risen and it’s a little after 6a. 

Since the fun that catapulted me awake I am unable to return to sleep.  I tried and laid in bed but my body is just too awake, I think it’s adrenalin between Gator and the mess I just feel like I can’t stop moving.  Like I needed this but I am trying to make the best of it. 

Final words in closing, the emergency vet visit has gone from $130 to $212 and that is the cost of walking in the door, the exam is included with that but not much else.  I know for sure they will tack on lab work and that would put us over $300 so if she is driving me absolutely crazy then I will take that avenue otherwise I just have to wait this out.  This is pure torture for me, I don’t think Gator is suffering but I can tell you that I sure am. 

Still have to get to the store, finish laundry, clean the house and deal with my stupid work report.  So much for Sunday being a day of rest.  Perhaps next Sunday will be better.  Cheers!