#unwell
Veterinary Update:
Luna had to visit the vet again today, for the third time this week. This time, we think we figured out the problem!
She developed an abscess on her back left leg. It’s likely that this was the source of her infection, which caused her fever the first time, and her fever again today. Over the last 24 hours, she has barely put any pressure on that leg, and it’s causing her pain and discomfort. She was dehydrated again, so the vets gave her more fluids, more antibiotics, and some pain medication. She is still eating, drinking water, and using the litter, but she’s very lethargic.
Unfortunately, we think that Juni may have brought bacteria with her from the shelter. The kitten is healthy and happy, but Luna will need a week or two to recover.
I’m glad we are getting her help. This has been a very stressful week. Thank you all for your continuing support and affection.
Luna is clear of diabetes or thyroid issues. She does have a mouth sore that is causing pain, and maybe caused her mild fever and high sugar levels yesterday. She has been given antibiotics, and the vet thinks she will be better within a week or two. She’s eating and seems more inclined to touch today.
I can’t say how relieved I am to know she’s going to be okay.
Labs came back. Thyroid is okay, but she has high levels of sugar in her urine. They think she may be diabetic. We have a follow-up appointment today to learn more and to check on her teeth.
I’ve noticed that Luna makes those painful sounding meows after she eats and tries to lick her teeth clean. I think she may have dental problems? Maybe the pain is making her slow down eating because it hurts to eat and caused weight loss? And maybe she got a mild infection from it?
It’s just a thought. We’ll know more tomorrow.
I don’t like waiting.
Luna is not feeling well. There’s something wrong.
Vet says she had a low grade fever, that she’s lost nearly 2lbs since her last visit two weeks ago, and she was mildly dehydrated. Her mouth has an odd scent, she’s lethargic and she seems like she’s sore. She is making a strained meow that doesn’t sound like normal, and she’s growling and avoiding hand contact with certain parts of her body. Its unusual because of how much she loves pets and affection. Vet gave her fluids, antibiotics, and a stimulant to help her eat.
She does still seem interested in food and water, and she’s still using the litter. She has mostly just stayed laying on my lap all day, and complains (more than usual, and in a strained voice) when I try to move. Vets are getting lab work for blood and urinalysis, which should be ready tomorrow.
I’m so concerned for her. We just lost Mattmatt, and now Luna is showing similar behaviors and symptoms. I hope I’m over thinking, but I’m so scared for her.
Please wish her well.
friendly reminder that you don’t have to be in a good mood for the holidays, you don’t have to be excited for the holidays, you don’t have to pretend that you’re not struggling. chronic illness doesn’t go away just because you’re meant to be celebrating. you’re allowed to feel like shit.
fatigue is: never being able to wake up at a reasonable time no matter how hard you try and hating yourself for it because you just physicallly cannot force your eyes open and no amount of alarms or early nights or fail-safes or tricks make any difference
a message that i think doctors need to hear:
not every treatment is right for every person
not every treatment will work for every person
some treatments will make some people sicker
understand that most chronically ill are extremely familiar with their bodies and their symptoms
understand that we are trusting you with our wellbeing and that places us in a very vulnerable position
understand that your actions can have major consequences in our lives
understand that you can do us immense harm
understand that we are not your guinea pigs
psa: you’re allowed to stop treatment. it’s okay to stop because it doesn’t feel right for you, because it’s not working, because you’re completely drained, because you’re sick of false hope, because you’re tired of feeling worse rather than better, because it’s costing too much, because it doesn’t feel worth it. some conditions are extremely difficult if not impossible to treat successfully. it’s okay to admit that and say, you know what, i tried my best, i’m done
facts of living with a chronic illness that able-bodied people are completely unaware of-
- sometimes we can’t afford our medication and supplements
- sometimes we won’t eat for a day or more because we’re physically unable to prepare food
- we develop obsessive, compulsive, anxious, harmful tics and behaviours as a result of our illnesses
- our welfare payments can prevent us from entering into a long-term relationship
- we can go for 7+ days without showering. this is not an active choice
- we can be in excruciating pain and you might never know it. we’re very good actors
- the majority of us would give anything to be able to work and/or study
- many of us have contemplated and even attempted suicide. many of us have succeeded
- we can feel a tremendous amount of guilt and shame every day
- the simplest of actions such as speaking, standing, sitting upright or opening your eyes can be unbearable
- we experience a thousand symptoms every day, many of which we will never mention because we would otherwise be speaking about them non-stop
- we eat junk food, we stop treatment, we smoke, we drink alcohol, we do things that are bad for our bodies, just like everyone else. we’re allowed to do this. it doesn’t mean that we are choosing to be sick
- some days we’ll be capable of running a mile, some days we won’t be able to lift a finger. we don’t get to pick which day is which
- sex with a chronic illness is usually really really difficult. so is dating
- mobility aids are not an all or nothing issue. some days we will need them, some days they’re optional, some days we might not need them at all. this does not invalidate their use or necessity
- for many of us the internet is the only form of communication and socialisation that we have
- we are not drug addicts or drug chasers because we require drugs to function
- many of us distrust doctors and the medical industry due to years of bad and sometimes abusive experiences. this does not necessarily mean we’ve given up on treatment or getting better
- we sacrifice a lot every day
how do you tell someone you’re not ok without it sounding like you want attention???
I am uncomfortable mentally and physically 90% of the time anymore. I can’t fake being ok or pretending I understand anyone or anything. Im to the point where I struggle to take care of myself anymore I’m so drained.
making me insane how arthur’s idea of comforing someone is to ‘lightly’ punch them in the arm and how positive interactions with his dad most likely never went past “you did well, son” and how this man probably never got hugged as a child and how when he’s having a moment with someone he cares about the most he’ll do is reach out and squeeze a shoulder
and just how he reaches out to hold the back of merlin’s head as he says his last words. how in his last moments all he asks is for merlin to hold him
