old age sucks

[lynxlady]

I just got back from the Vet with Simba.. he has been dropping weight again and also drinking more then usual.. $200.. of test later, and he is Diabetic.. so he needs insulin injections 2 times a day 12 hours apart.. I guess at 15 I had to expect some problem,, after beating my brains out I may have another solution to the insulin but need to do much more research before I try anything else.. he is so worth it, as always I will do what it takes to keep him happy and feeling good as long as he is happy..

[Dan]

Well that's not good. I think I told you that my first cat, Forrest, was diabetic. He was diagnosed at about 12 years old. My second wife was also a diabetic. Here's something I remember one of her doctors telling her at a very young age. It's somewhat shocking, and I don't mean to be cruel, but it is the truth.

"Diabetes is a fatal disease, 100% of the time. Everyone that has it, eventually dies from it. Now, how long that takes is directly proportional to how well you manages the disease. If it's managed well, you will live as long, or longer, than anyone else. Manage it poorly, and you will die from it much sooner".

Forrest lived to about 16, IIRC. It eventually took his vision, and towards the end we were having a very hard time managing his blood sugar levels. I held him many a time, and rubbed honey on his gums when he had an insulin reaction. The best advise I can give you is follow your vets instructions to the letter, and manage Simba's insulin levels as best you can. Yes, it's going to take many trips to the vet to have the blood sugar levels read, a special diet, and and he'll probably have to be taken out of the breeding rotation (that's up to the vet). He is very special Arlene, and I fell in love with him before I met him. I see him every time I look at Scooter. Keep us informed, and watch those blood sugar levels. It's really not too hard once you get it figured out. Forrest responded quite well, I'm sure Simba can too...

[lynxlady]

Thanks Dan. I know all to well about it. I had a cat named "Mouse" yes, that was her name.. She was a diabetic, I managed her insulin and she lived a long time with the illness. She actually slipped into a coma one night before her shot time when she was 17, went to sleep ( she was on insulin for 12 years) just so fast.. She never had any problems connected to the illness, she was very healthy and normal to the end.

Right now Simba is doing a lot better, He goes tomorrow for his blood work check up, I will more then likely bring him in the house to live out his time.. or at least every night to sleep with us. I will not neuter him as he is a bit old for the surgery. He is such a sweet wonderful guy and has never sprayed so I think he can come in with us and then go play out in his area during the day when the weather gets better.. not sure yet, but he will have the best life I can give him for as long as he is with me. For now it is one shot in the morning and a nightly march out to the cattery in the dark for his night time shot. So far no change of diet was recommended..we may have caught it in time and at this stage the DR wants to try and reverse it so he doesn't need insulin.. never heard of it but he said he has done it before.. of coarse the animals were a lot younger then my guy. I will keep every one posted.

[lynxlady]

I am so happy I could dance!! We reversed Simbas diabetes!!!! He is back to normal and no more insulin for now.. I was so shocked but the Vet said we caught it early and with my OCD and being so exact with the timing of the insulin, food and everything .. for now he is back to normal and a happy boy again!!! And I am one HAPPY GIRL>> So fingers crossed he stays this way, but if not, well I will do it again, for now all is very good in Selma

[ron]

Wow. It's been a roller coaster ride for you lately Arlene. So happy for you and Simba. And of course the rest of the Gang.

[ron]

And by the way Dan, Thanks for the info. Opened my eyes on a few things. This forum is Great.