Juggling life through a bi-polar lens. Sometimes up, sometimes down. Mostly trying to tread water in the middle. Creating a likeness to a normal life. Whatever "normal" is...

Tuesday 14 August 2012

For Scooter

Well, I'm still here, and I've nicked Luvbug's laptop:)
Scooter is in the kitchen tonight, on mouse duty. We haven't had a mouse in the kitchen since the winter, but he has a long memory :)

Anyway.... look what I found! This is a poem about Scooter that I wrote five years ago...



I watch my friend rest
at my side, paws curled in sleep,
eyelids tightly closed.

A flicker of tail,
a shudder ripples through the
fur, betraying dreams.

What night-thoughts does he
see, that stay out of my reach?
Mice and birds and hunts?

Perhaps it was just
a shiver of old age, a
warning to me: be

ready for the time
when I shall search for movement
through tears, and in vain.

Never mind. Rest now.
I will not let that future
sadness soil this peace.

And so, I watch him
stretch, yawn, pad, roll, sigh, curl back
into precious sleep.
I wish I had known in 2007 that I would have at least another five years to share with Scooter. I'm glad to know that I told myself to enjoy him while I can and to focus on the present..... the poem is painfully relevant now.

Meanwhile, I have spoken to the v-t. He said that it sounds like Scoot is having a reaction to the prednisolone (steroid). He advised I cut the dose of one tablet (5mg) a day right down to a quarter. So, this is what I did today. He still had a bad reaction. He cries out as though in pain, he limps, he goes very lethargic (not the usual 'sleepy cat', something else, can't quite put my finger on it). I think the steroid is making his joints hurt worse. I know steroids did that to me once. I had them after a bad asthma attack years ago, and my joints grew swollen and painful while taking them.

So, I'm not going to give him any more of it. The v-t said that there is another steroid he could try, but I can't remember the name of it. He asked me to call and let him know how things are going, so I shall call him tomorrow and ask if we could try a couple of the alternative he mentioned.

Thank you again for all your love and support........


**** *** **** *** **** ***
Love, tea & cake,  
Helena

9 comments:

Angel, Kirby and Max said...

THat is a very sweet poem. Purrs coming your and Scooter's way!

MorningAJ said...

Give him a hug from me (if he'll let you. Barney would object!)

Everycat said...

I think you are right to leave off the prednisilone, if it's causing Scooter problems that outweigh the benefits it's wise to drop it, given the effect steroids have on the immune system of a cat with FIV. I wonder if there's another way of managing the seizures that doesn't involve steroids? I am sure that between you and the good vet you will come up with something.
Sending larger, rumbly purrs and love to you both and I hope the sun comes out so you and Scooter can enjoy his garden camp!

Oliver, Gerry, Mungo & The Ape xx

PS: That's a very tender poem, lovely :)

MISS PEACH ~(^.^)~ said...

Oh my heart is touched by your poem...one more week...and it will be that day my peach left...how will I ever make it through? I see little signs that I think come from her, I look at places she once was in the house...I know it will be well but I so wish it were next month...
I know Scooter is doing all he can to hold his own...old age is not easy for us humans or cats.
Holding you both so close to my heart...

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

What a beautiful poem.
Scooter is such a special boy.
We hope he is doing better today.
We are keeping him in our purrs.

purrs
>^,,^<
✿•*¨`*•. ♥Abby♥Boo♥Ping♥Jinx♥Grace♥✿•*¨`*•.

The Lee County Clowder said...

Sending comforting purrrrrrrss to Scooter. Hang in there, kittie.

Karen Jo said...

I sort of know what you are going through and I sympathize greatly. Herman has FIV and FeLV and the FeLV became active in 2010 and I almost lost him. I send hugs and prayers and the kitties send healing purrs. About the hammocks,
Forty Paws make them and they are 20" long by 14" wide and will hold at least 27 pounds easily. They cost $40 I think and come as a kit, easily put together.

Eileen said...

That is such a sweet and poignant poem, Helena. Having been through many difficult times with our family pets, I know how distressing these times are. If I had paws, they would all be crossed for Scooter. Sending love and hugs with tea and chocolate for you all. And take care of that ankle. Eileen x

Stardust said...

I'm so sorry for coming over until now, my friend. And it just hurts to know that Scooter is in such pain. :((

Be well, feel better again darlings. Praying that he overcomes this one and be healed. I know how much he means to you and every cry he makes must pierce you so.. Here am I, thinking of you.

I really wish I've come earlier! May things be restored soon. You keep well and take care while caring for your loved ones.

Thanks for sharing the beautiful poem.. Know that however you treasure the time with Scooter, he sure does in his purre way too.