Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Health Update

Hi everyone:

Well, I found out why I have been so sick. It is a bacteria in my stomach called "bacterium Helicobacter pylori," the same bacteria responsible for ulcers (which I probably would have gotten.) It seems this bacteria is in many of us, lying dormant since childhood. It was verified with the biopsy they took during the endoscopy. I am on very heavy doses of antibiotics (two kinds) because it is very resistant. I have 10 days worth of pills, then a month to see how I feel, and an appointment with my Dr. at the end of March, when I, hopefully, get a clean bill of health.

I can actually say "I am glad" that is what it was, easily treatable and now I KNOW. Now, I feel I can get on with my life, (I will probably have ups and downs) and feel great today, although I know it is too early for the meds to be working.

Getting back to a regular routine at the shelter is so important. I have learned many sad facts about humans, mainly that they aren't very humane! If the way we treat animals reflects on what a society we are, it is very disturbing. So many animals are "owner release" or just dumped in the hallway or outside (we have a waiting list because we are a "no kill" facility.) I am not going into details, it is just too upsetting and heartbreaking, however on the flip side, I do meet many wonderful animal lovers.

Thanks to all of you for being so supportive in this long ordeal of mine. You are all wonderful friends and the CB means so much to me. Hugs to all.........

CalioMom Toni :)

Pee Ess: The girls are all fine, and Mistrie came through the winter fat and sassy and waits every night before supper to come inside and rub noses with Patches, then runs out to "her domain."

22 comments:

Rosemary B❤️ said...

I am glad to hear that this doctor finally made a proper diagnosis and you are on the way to recovery. Follow any dietary needs advisories with those medications! I know you will feel well soon!

Congratulations as well on being a great gramma! wowie! Wonderful

purrrrs for all of you

Gemini and Ichiro said...

It is good to hear that the kitties are well. We are very glad to hear that you have something fixable and htat you are getting treated. YEAH.

KC and the Giggleman Kitties said...

Yay! So glad it is something that can be treated. Very relieved to hear this.
And glad to hear all your kitties are doing well.
Bless you for your shelter work, it is not an easy thing to do. Somehow, someday, maybe we can change the way animals are treated.
Love & Purrs,
ML & KC

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

we are all glad that your health mystery was solvable and treatable. we work with ferals and also with an adoption group, the plight of animal treatment is not good, and it's very sad.

purrs
abby

Lone Star Purrs said...

So glad to hear that you are on the mend! And that the girls are all well too.
::purrs::
~Meeko & Kiara

Jans Funny Farm said...

We're glad you finally have something definite. It's tough to not know what you're dealing with.

It's nice the kitties are doing well. Volunteering at a shelter can be tough.

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

You will get better now, that is certainly a bright spot in the news!

I work at a feline only veterinary hospital and we see a lot of helicobacter when doing endoscopies. As in people, often the symptoms of IBD (Crohns in people) and ulcerative colitis is from Helico.

We avoid touching our face or mouths with our hands when assisting with the procedures and are acutely aware of any body fluids that could contain the bacteria.

In a shelter situation, you might want to keep that in mind, though as you said, it could have been lying dormant in your system for many many years.

Here's a good link on info about it in animals:
http://www.vin.com/proceedings/Proceedings.plx?CID=WSAVA2006&Category=2674&PID=15822&O=Generic

Shaggy and Scout said...

Wonderful news Toni! We are glad it is identified and we hope the antibiotics take care of it altogether!!!
How cute it must be when Mistrie comes in! How long it has taken her to do it!

Max said...

Awesomeness!!! I mean, not that you have H. Pylori, but that that's all it is! DOuble glad you didn't get ulcers from it, as those are (the Woman tells me) all kinds of ouchie.

The Island Cats said...

Oh we hope the antibiotics helps and you are feeling better soon!

Karen Jo said...

I am so very glad that you found out what the problem is and how to fix it. I hope that your treatment goes well and that you get your clean bill of health in March. I think it's really neat that Mistrie comes in each night to touch noses with Patches. I wonder if some night she might decide to stay for a while.

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

That is great news that the doctor has at last found out what is wrong with you. It must be such a big relief to know that it is treatable with antibiotics.We hope you are soon feeling much better.

Karen said...

We are so happy they figured it out. Knowing is half the battle.
I am glad they have a treatment and all will be well soon

Anonymous said...

We're happy to know that your problem is no more serious than it is. We hope the meds work fast and work well, and we're sending tummy-healing vibes and purrayers your way.

Robyn and The (Mostly) Badass Cat said...

Yay MomToni! It's sooper yoo know what it is and how to fix it! We's furry happy yore getting it fixed up so yoo'll feel all better! Gree is on her way over to cellybrate with Mistrie (and tell secrits I bets).
Purrrrrrrrrrrs!
Sanjee and the resta the Hotties

PDX pride said...

I'm glad you found out what it is now. Daddy had that last year. It's a long battle to take care of it, but it's doable. Good luck and take care!

Unknown said...

Glad they found a diagnosis. My little sister was diagnosed w/ H Pylori when she was in high school. Seems to be under control now, but she's very careful of what she eats.

Glad to hear everyone is well!

Mom Jennifer
and the Cyclone Cats

The Tower Hill Mob said...

We're relieved to hear that your illness is easily treatable. We have heard that, contrary to popular belief,spicy foods actually HELP with ulcers. maybe you could try some?
Mum says the inhumanity of humans is why she doesn't volunteer at a shelter. She salutes your moral courage( and all volunteers), remembers all good deed doers in her prayers, and writes a check when she can.
We're happy the kitties are well. Cupcake sends her very best calico greetings to the Calico Girls and we can imagine Mistrie purring as she rubs her thick, soft fur against us.
We heard the cardinal this morning, so we hope Spring is coming!

Daisy said...

I am glad that your sickness is something that you can treat with medicines! I hope, now that treatment is underway, you will feel much better soon.

My Mommie's shelter is no-kill, too. We can't believe the number of people who adopt a cat and then want to bring it back a year or two later. Once, someone left a cat in a box at the front door with a note saying "I don't care" on it. We have a waiting list, too. Especially around kitten season. But at least the adoptions are very heartwarming.

Fat Eric said...

Good to know you have found out what the problem is. Hope it clears up soon with medication.

The shelter here where Hattie & I were adopted from has a waiting list too, always more cats waiting than they have space for. It's sad.

Mark's Mews (Marley, Lori, Loki, and Binq) said...

We are glad ta hear it is the little stomachs critters. The Big Thing says their are treatable.

We also glad ta hear the kitties are doin fine too...

ZOOLATRY said...

So glad they've found the source of your problems and that it's treatable; hopefully it will be gone-for-good real soon. Our Mom just had the "endo" thing yesterday; she gots some problems too, but not the same ones.
So, we think she kind of knows how you been feeling...
Take care, Get well.