Staying Positive

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Hey NAFC,

Trying to stay positive these past few days. Easier said than done. Bladder spasms have increased day-time wise.

School isnt starting until this fall as my paperwork wont be in on time for spring semester. Its better off anyway; gives me time to save up for a new laptop and things.

I went and looked at a cat the other day; things are going in a positive direction in that regard too. Hoping to get him a home here soon.

Mom and Step-Dad told me to keep my chin up regardless of the things going on in our life. Everyday i deal with bladder pain and urgency whether it is day or night - and ive never asked for pain meds for them (except on one occasion where i was in so much pain i had to see a uroligist the next day) - i just dont know how people can live with this condition.

Also, how do you guys handle waiting for things? Ive got a case thats been in a department for going on a full year - and its been slow movement. However; i am keeping faith that things will progress. The government is very slow; that much is for certain. I read @scififans posts and updates and can relate to his feelings and frustrations.

Finally, been watching movies, try to focus on the cat, and listen to my parents advice and plan for things to do this spring. I am very fortunate i am in a program for people like me so i can live independently, and still able to enjoy the nice things in life. Also hoping to get a car again at some point this year - just dont know when.

Blessings,
Honeeecombs

 

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Your post is very touchy. Your words sound sincere and reflect your humbleness. You are positive and accept your discomfort with a mindful thought. I believe if you wright a journal which you can convert it in a life story, your writing would be an open eyes for those who are unaware that despite all tribulations we go through how precious life is. And for that reason your writing would be much appreciated. Wishing you an easy and joyful life. You will accomplish everything you want with perseverance and staying positive.

 

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@Honeeecombs

Wow! I love your photo! You look just like I imagined you would; isn’t that fascinating?!!! Beautiful face!

Sorry to hear you have to wait for school until next year; I know you’re excited for it and we’re all rooting for it for you.

I can hardly wait for you to get your cat!!!!! I love my cat sooooooo much. He had been staying with my parents for a few years while I got some parts of my life together and because my dad needed a cat to help him get through two partial foot amputations. But now my cat is back with me and I can’t believe how less lonely I feel. I feel like if I’m having a bad day and feel like I have no purpose, I remember that he is easily my purpose and my responsibility, and that makes me feel really good. I call him my catpanion ant cattsisstant. He’s always waiting for me at the front door and that warms my heart. He cares about me and loves me, because I love him so profoundly. I play with him a lot and cuddle as much as he would like to. I think you will really enjoy having a cat again. Having a pet is one of the best mood boosters in the world I’m pleased you’ve made the decision to get one. Please send a photo as soon as you have made the adoption!

I’m glad you dad and stepmom are currently being supportive; good to hear.

Maybe for a class, you could go to one of the craft classes offered at Michael’s? I figure you have that store up there. They’re usually free but some do cost $20-$40.

You can also volunteer anywhere that you’d like to spread your joy. It doesn’t have to be at a homeless center; it could be at non/profit movie theaters, or the ballet. Or a school for young kids who need extra help. Volunteering really helps you warm yourself from the inside out!!!!! Volunteering can help you acquire occupational skills and connections, also. I can’t recommend it enough. Plus, you usually get a good meal and t-shirt out if it

It will be great for you to have a car again. America feels real small without a car. Life without a vehicle is a life with reduced liberty and freedom. But it’s still a life; it just alters one’s focus to the smaller details of living a local existence. You see the world differently when you’re on-foot and thus, appreciate things differently than somebody zooming by at 60mph. Still, I think we’d all prefer to have a car, and you will, soon enough

 

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Glad you touched base was thinking the winter is harrrd

 

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@Feliciaus: Thank you! I hope to; things have gotten better in the past 6 months - that's for sure - so hopefully things will continue to go in a positive direction.

@snow: Absolutely! The cat I am looking at is a handsome little fella - he's 5 years old; so definetly not a kitten, but just completely came and introduced himself to me when I met him. I hope to get him soon and pics will definetly come!

@Maymay941: Winter is definetly not easy; I hate the cold - so I am looking forward to the warmer weather in the coming months. How have things been with you?

Sincerely,
Honeeecombs

 

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@Honeeecombs Great to hear from you! Hopefully I'll be starting (or re-starting) school/uni around the same time as well!

And CAT! Echo the calls for photos. Love cats!

I'm awful at waiting for things. That's been the worst thing about the Long Covid era, it often involves long waits! One thing to do would be to prepare for school to keep yourself occupied - reading up on things. I don't know what level of study you're doing but trying to come up with ideas for research projects/dissertations before courses start is wise.

I've been trying to set myself little tasks and deadlines. I've been trying to grade a proper to return reading so I'm not too fatigued reading academic stuff and have found re-reading the Harry Potter books to be a real joy. I've found them perfect for a graded return to reading as the books get longer and more complex as they go on (they were designed that way so that kids would read the book when they were in the same year/grade as Harry's year at Hogwarts in each of the books). I don't want to get ahead of myself but I think I've found a sort of graded regime - sort of the 'couch to 2k' of reading as it were!

The hardest thing I deal with is being stuck in the house. Even if I wanted to I couldn't go out every day due to the fatigue but it is frustrating when plans get derailed due to access issues.

 

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Hi Honeeecombs.

One look at my avatar and I’m sure you’ll know what I have to say. Get a kitty! Everyone should have a kitty. I grew up with lifelong bladder issues and it was rough. But I always had a kitty. Animals like you the way you are.

I wish I had something positive to say about waiting on a case. Are you able to connect with a social worker, either through your medical provider or county? I have the utmost respect for social workers and I’ve seen them work miracles. Perhaps one can expedite your case. My state representative also keeps one on staff.

I’ve had my bladder issues all my life. I don’t know life without them. I got through all the rough times and I’m still here. I like myself the way I am. I don’t want to be any other way. I accept total loss of bladder control and do what I have to do. Good luck to you.

 

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@Jason: I suffered from bladder problems as child - up until I was around 9 years of age - suffered from Overactive Bladder at 15-16 then went away until I was 26.

I think a cat will definetly be a good addition to decrease my stress levels and something to love while living with my bladder condition.

In regards to the case, its something I cannot get expedited unfortunately - its in with the state at the moment and I'm just going to have to be patient until justice is served. There has been progress in some regard - so I can't say nothing has happened - it just feels like forever; especially when it can take years and you've been treated wrongly.

@Sci_Fi_Fan: Pictures of the cat will soon come! I am so excited to get him home.

In regards to being in the house, do you have access to Disney Plus or streaming services? Matilda: The Musical just launched on Netflix (great watch). I don't live in the greatest part of town, so I am stuck indoors until I get a car and it gets warmer out and I can enjoy my leisurely walks - so I can relate to the feeling of being isolated indoors.

Any good games you've been playing lately? Nothing here at the moment - just been watching people play them on the twitch platform.

Warmly,
Honeeecombs

 

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My cat (only 9 years old; my previous cats have all lived to be 17) has vomited (full meals, not hairballs) three times in 10-14 days. I’m freaking!!!!!!! out!!!!!! I’m giving him another week before I take him to the vet. If he throws up again in the next seven days, we’re going. I’m going to be very conscientious about not playing with him after meals in case anything like that is going on - in case he’s been getting dizzy after eating because our play may have coincided. I quit giving him tidbits of cheese or any human treats about a month ago. He’s had a very good life with tons of toys and high-quality food, with endless love and affection. I’ve had him since he was six months old. He has mostly been an indoor cat and has definitely been inside for the past six weeks. He’s never had anything wrong before. He doesn’t have access to anything poisonous to cats. At most times in my life, I’ve had a cat, but I’ve never had one vomit this much in such a short period of time. Last summer I had his “senior baseline levels” checked - his bloodwork labs - so they could compare them in his later years if necessary. He had one slightly elevated liver enzyme but they said that can happen from dental issues, and he was there to get some teeth pulled. They said they’d repeat that enzyme test again later, when his mouth wasn’t inflamed. If it isn’t from the dental inflammation, then it can be a sign of pancreatitis and/or early kidney disease. He’s too young for that But he hates the car and the vet so bad, I figured I’d wait a full year to go back. It’s a couple of months before the year mark. I can’t exactly afford it right now so I’d have to beg my mom for the money and that leads to so much shaming and blaming, it really isn’t worth it. I can’t tell you how many times I almost killed myself 5-7 years ago in my worst depression, but stayed alive because of my duty to, and love, of him, not to mention his love of me. I know this isn’t a cat forum, but you’re my friends and I trust you. Advice? Wait, or take him in tomorrow?

 

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According to this, I should start a log then wait, which is typically good advice I less of clearly dire emergencies:

Cat Vomiting: Types, Causes, and Treatments

Get info on chronic and acute vomiting in cats. What causes a cat to throw up? What tests can be done to identify the cause? How is it treated?

resources.bestfriends.org

 

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Yeah I would do all the steps you are taking @snow - it very well could be the coincidence of too much physical exercise after eating that is causing it. The last thing you want is to go to the vets for nothing; cause it is just money down the hole.

Maybe even try smaller food portions for the time being - I don't know if you tend to leave food out for them to nibble on. I hears hard food is good for cats to keep there teeth clean vs wet food.

The log is definetly a good idea - cause then if you notice a pattern in the case you do have to go to the vets you have the log you can bring with you. Also, any abnormal bathroom habits? You can tell alot about a cats health through its litter box too.

My thoughts are with you - I love the picture of the cats you posted - they are too cute.

Sincerely,
Honeeecombs

 

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@Honeeecombs Thank you for your support I feel quite a bit better now. I’m glad I reached out. I don’t do it often enough.

All’s well in the litter box - I think. I clean it every day so I do tend to notice. Maybe I’ll start paying closer attention to make sure there’s roughly the same quantity of both types of excrement in there from day to day. Good idea; thanks!

He gets 1/2 of a small can of wet food and 1/8 cup of biscuits at 6:00 a.m. then again at 6:00 p.m. I also give him a few Tablespoons of Catsip (a boxed cat milk) before bed - leftover habit from his kitten days. When he stayed with my parents until six weeks ago, unfortunately they snuck him quite a few people snacks against my directions, particularly deli meat at lunch with my dad. I’m giving him a bit of real cat food at noon now to wean him off that habit. See - spoiled! It’s mostly because I never had a human baby, I think, and because he’s too cute not to spoil.

But you don’t have to spoil them for them to love someone who loves them My aunt feeds her six orange tabbies the cheapest kibble out there and they usually live to be about 18, too, even though they’re outdoor cats. They worship her.

I think it’s wonderful that you’re considering adopting a cat with a few years of life already lived. He’ll really appreciate your special generosity. You know the adoption odds aren’t good for a non-kitten to be adopted. Good for you! Cats of any age are lovely!

 

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@snow To wait or not to wait...

I usually want to wait unless a dire emergency, because like @Honeeecombs said - just money down the hole. but...

Recently, my daughter begged me to take her cat to the vet We have two inside cats that we adopted from cat rescue). She was worried he would die if didn't get immediate attention. He had been vomiting, not eating, not drinking, etc...for a few days. This was a weekend night. I wanted to wait to see the regular vet Monday, but she begged me and I didn't want to be the reason her cat died, so I said to take him.

She had to take him to the only Pet Emergency Hospital in town and it ended of costing me thousands, but... the vet did say (both at the emergency hospital and our own vet on Monday) that if he wasn't seen when he was, he would have died. He was severely dehydrated, so they started an IV. He ended up having a urinary infection and said it was caused by the type of food he was eating. Our other cat still eats it and no issues, but now he has to have a special urinary diet, that is, of course, way more expensive - they have to be fed separately now also. Oh well, the cat survived and is healthy again and my 16 yr old daughter's hug afterwards made it all worth it!

Just don't wait too long. I almost did...

 

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We also have dogs!!

 

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@iuwogeo Excellent story; thank you for your perspective. My Loki, as soon as he vomits, is still immediately asking for more good, and is still his Friday self. Still drinking, though never as much as I would like him to. I think if he ever became ultra lethargic or couldn’t stop vomiting or wasn’t eating, or was vomiting daily, I would take him in right away, even if it was a weekend. I read an article that when a cat gets really sick (like a UTI) they progress to organ damage rapidly.

I am so glad you were a great dad and did the right thing! And I’m glad your daughter was grateful, too! Great story! GREAT photos!

 

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@iuwogeo: Your cats are absolutely adorable. They definitely have a loving and caring home. So nice to see!

Blessings In Christ,
Honeeecombs

 

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Thank you all sharing the beautiful pet pictures.

 

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@Honeeecombs Feel like I've reached peak TV watching. Plan on resubbing to Disney+ when the third season of Mando comes out.

In terms of gaming, waiting for Hogwarts Legacy. Given it's less than a month away, I don't want to get too involved in a long game (seems most are these days!). Counting down the days. Have pre-ordered it so get 72 hours early access.