Good Morning ALL! Today is Tuesday, January 24, 2023.
Yesterday we went to the vet for Alvin’s appointment to see if we could figure out what is causing his poop not to be in a group, so to speak. After a rectal exam and going over his file (yuck, poor Alvin – although I did not hear him cry, so that was good), the vet proclaimed there is a good possibility that it is “IBS” aka Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Now that does not sound very good. I know several people who have that and it is not much fun at all. I took a deep breath and asked “what next.” She said that she wanted to put him on a very low dose of prednisone to clear up the inflammation. To add to the liver disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and more. He had extensive tests done last summer when they found out he had liver disease. Anyway, I asked what some of the side effects are of prednisone and she said that he may pee often. I told her that I have to go to the office on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Her suggestion was that I give it to him at night (with supper) and hopefully that will help. Well we were in bed just before 10:00 p.m., up at Midnight and outside, back to the sofa and then up at 2:00 and outside (thank goodness it is warm out) and then at 4:00. I changed the alarm from 6:00 to 6:30 and at 6:15 he wanted to get up. I fed him his breakfast which is rice, pumpkin, his wet food and some chicken and Metamucil. Then outside and it was snowing. The warm wet fluffy flakes. The kind that I like until I have to shovel them. Oh well. It is warm so they will not stay long. I also noticed when going to bed last night that there is some ice out by the low point in the sidewalk that needs to be cleared. A task for today. I forgot to tell you that we walked to the vet. The sidewalks from our house to the walkway were brutal and then it was okay. Twice along the way, Alvin stopped and wanted to go home. I am not sure if he realized where we were going, I think so. Likely had a good idea why. Anyway, I managed to get him there and wondered about going home. When we arrived at the vet, I was checking texts and going to call them to advise we had arrived when I noticed a message from our friend Arlene. She let me know that she would come and get us. I am, we are so blessed to have such amazing, supportive and caring friends and neighbours. She is all of these things and more. Breath of relief. I actually felt better when I heard the IBS instead of something else. Not the best news but not the worst either by far. This is treatable and hopefully we can get his poop back to normal and try to put him back on his “real food” diet. I have a lot of his hard food that he has not been able to eat for awhile. Our story is a bit out of order but it is early morning and when the thoughts come to me, I write them down. After we got home, I quickly wiped off his paws to remove any of the salt (pet friendly) that may have got into his pads. I had wore my ice picks to the vet and was grateful. I definitely needed them.
I was glad that we had some downtime before I started work yesterday. Drank a bit more coffee and just chilled with my boy.
Although our lives have been up and down like a rollercoaster as of the last while, I am over the moon grateful that perhaps we have closure on this health concern and can get back to our life. Lots coming up but as long as Alvin is doing okay, I can get through anything. Dreaming of winning the lottery and retiring in this house with my boy at my side. Sleeping in when we have a crazy night. Walking whenever we chose. Writing more and going through my photos. That is my dream.
Time to get back downstairs. I am building up the muscles in my left arm. Will have to work on the other one otherwise the muscles are going to be off balanced, lol. Wonder if it is still snowing?
I hope that you have a great Tuesday. I know that this day working from home with Alvin at my side is going to be GREAT. I love being at home with Alvin. He is the best.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee. Thank goodness for coffee and I have lots.
Always, Carol & Alvin
I am grateful for my life with Alvin. I am grateful for this beautiful home that we share. I am grateful to be surrounded by the most amazing, caring, loving, supportive people. Thank you for this day.
My New Life @ 51 