Megan, I'm sorry that I can't help you! I understand your pain and frustration. It's a horrible place to be in when you don't know which way to go. Yes, ignorance is bliss, but you will benefit from this down the road even though it seems more appealing to be in the dark. You'll be a stronger, better, more compassionate and aware person of your world and your surroundings. I hate going through these situations. I think, "This can't be happening. I just want it all to go away." But, it won't, and although this list has caused you more stress, take peace in knowing that whatever you decide, you based your choices on education--and that is a wonderful thing.
Education and learning is power. Can you tell I've been a teacher? If you're thoughts and ideas and ways of thinking are never challenged, then you'll never form your own beliefs for your own reasons. If you make this decision on your own, with your own knowledge that you've gained, you form your own beliefs in the process and reaffirm your morals and life views. This is what makes you who you are and builds your character (to use a cliché). I know none of this helps you right now. Im sorry. I wish I could take your pain away. Hugs and prayers to you and Olive. Melissa -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Megan Heikkinen Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 1:08 PM To: felvtalk; wendy Subject: RE: Update on Olive: Dilemma... I am endlessly conflicted. I think I'll have resigned myself to something, then I'll change my mind, then I decide to do something else, and then I get on here and feel horrible for not doing anything, so I feel like I really need to now. I have to admit, the list has been helpful, but it's also been causing me a lot of stress. If I had never known about this group, then I could've just accepted the vet's word and been better able to cope with Olive's death. Now I feel like I'm little better than a murderer. It's no fault of you all. I just sort of wish I hadn't joined the list sometimes... It's making it so much harder to not do anything. I don't know why you brought up the doxy shot. That was never offered to me as an option... The problem with putting her on any meds is that she is going to have to have another transfusion, and it will probably have to be today. I don't know if my vet called around for blood--I think he might've called a few places--but a lot of the vets around here don't seem to have donors. I called about five other ones, and only one actually had a donor cat, and they didn't even know its type. The vet school has blood, but they won't send it to other vets. And I cannot afford going there. It's getting to the point where I'm going to be too late to help Olive. I want to help her, I really really do, but this is something that I obviously can't handle. I don't have tons of money, and I don't have tons of time because of classes. I'm also inexperienced in matters like this. Nobody is helping me, really, and it's making me have a nervous breakdown. >===== Original Message From wendy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ===== >Hey Megan, Make sure you do research on the doxy shot. The protocol for hemobaronella is 3 weeks of consecutive treatment with pills (not sure of the dosage). How long will a doxy shot last? I would pill her instead, especially if your vet doesn't know much about hemobart. I've never heard of just doing a doxy shot and nothing else. If he is doing the doxy shot in conjuntion with pills, and the treatment will last AT LEAST three weeks, that might be ok. Immunity doesn't always develop with Epogen. If it's hemobart, and the doxy works which it should, is Epogen necessary? Anyone have any ideas on this? I would do research on this as well. The stats for immunity to Epogen I think are 1 in 3 cats, but not sure on this. Still, if Olive needs it and is going to die without RBC's, I think a 33% chance of reaction is not a bad statistic. Why is it up to you to find a blood donor for your kitty? We don't go looking for a donor when we need blood. Can't your vet call around and see if he can find some blood at another vet's? Or can you call around and see if any vet's have a donor cat that they keep around? Many do. I can't say I'm 100% positive on this, but the chance that your other two are still at risk is small because one, they all came from the same litter, and I'm betting Olive got it from momma, and two, even if not, chances are they've already been exposed and I'm pretty sure they can't be exposed twice to the same strain. Not enough is known on strains yet. :) Wendy "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has!" ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~ ____________________________________________________________________________ __ ______ Need a vacation? Get great deals to amazing places on Yahoo! Travel. http://travel.yahoo.com/
