Steve and I were at the vet first thing this morning. The plan was for Dr Sarah and I to remove a chunk of poop that was stuck down low in Steve’s colon. Dr Sarah gloved up and went in. She felt the same thing I felt and tried like I did to remove it with no luck. She decided that she wanted to give Steve a pain med injection before proceeding any further and to take and X Ray to make sure that we were actually dealing with what we thought we were dealing with.
We weren’t.
Steve has megacolon. Her entire colon is filled with more poo than I’ve ever seen. I felt myself deflate and the tears well up. I’ve feared this for 2 years. Dr Sarah started talking and I don’t know how much of it I actually caught and processed. Then I realized that I needed to straighten up and make a plan for Steve. This wasn’t a death sentence. Dr Sarah was talking about things step by step. First, she’ll take Steve for the day and work on emptying her colon. Then, she’ll see where her colon’s elasticity is. Is it actually megacolon, or just a lot of backed up poop? She’ll get in touch with the surgeon who handles megacolon surgeries. She’ll send him the X Ray and get his opinion. Maybe Steve will spend the night while they work on emptying her out some more. If it is megacolon, we’ll talk post op prognosis with the surgeon. Is Steve going to live a happy life after surgery? Is she going to continue to be at risk for this again? Is it worth putting Steve through surgery?
I’ve cried a lot in the last 3 hours. I’ve accepted my cat’s mortality many times. I’ve prepared myself to say goodbye to her many times. I’ve also set up a youcaring page for her because Jay and I can’t afford surgery. I won’t link it here because I’m pretty sure that’s breaking the rules, but it isn’t private and it is searchable if you are interested in helping out. If we do not go through with the surgery, any funds raised beyond Steve’s current vet bill will be donated to the Guardian Angel Fund at Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, which paid for Steve’s amputation surgery.
I’ve had a lot of support from family, friends, and total strangers. I’m eternally grateful for that. Please remain positive for me that Steve will get to celebrate her 2 year adoptiversary on Saturday, even if it’s in surgical recovery.
This is bad news! We always hope it’ something simple but it’s not always the case.
I’ll have positive thoughts that there is a solution that remedies the problem without expensive surgery. We need to keep beautiful Stevie healthy and happy for a long time to come.
I’m happy to hear you have so much support. I will remain positive for you and Stevie.
Kerren and Tripawd Mona
Crap! Or lack thereof. I am so sorry Steve (and you and Jay) is going through this! Sending lots of Lucky 13 tripawd paws crossed juju that Steve gets through this as easily as possible. We love Steve!
xoxo,
Codie Rae and the OP
I applaud you for being able to pull yoirself together enough to go forward with a plan. You are stronger than you know! Clearly Steve is strong too!
I know Steve will feel so much better ince her colon is emptied. Perhaps that will make a long lasting difference and give you time to raise funds.
Just know the whole Tripawd Universe is cheering sweet Steve on and sending tons of positive energy!
Our replies are not going through very often right now. Hopefully, others eith more insight will be able to get their responses taken.
Just want to send you love and remind you what a feisty and determined kitty Steve is. And a really, really well @pved kitty too!
Hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
You guys are all a pawsome support team. I know that Steve’s troubles aren’t necessarily amputation related, but you have all been here cheering us on. Steve, Jay, and I definitely need a cheering section! The times when I want to fall apart because I suddenly lose faith in everything, I have so many friends, family, and complete strangers keeping me together in one piece!
<3 <3 <3
I’m really, really sorry too! Geez I’ve never even heard of that condition, poor Steve, it sounds painful.
We send lots of love and pawsitivity your way. Steve is a very strong kitty and I know she will bounce back in no time if she has to have the surgery.
Hang in there OK? And keep us posted, you are all in our thoughts.