Just diagnosed with CRF

[Elaine]

Hi Matron, I can completely understand how you must be feeling, I was exactly the same when Winston was diagnosed and the vet was very negative.
First off, if there is more than one vet around, where you live, call them and ask what experience they have with CRF cats. Tell them you are looking for a supportive vet who will work with you in helping Willow.
Please do read as much as you can and get yourself as informed as possible about CRF, I think Candice posted the link to the CRF bible.
Now onto Willow, you say she isnt urinating much, CRF cats are more prone to urinary infections so this may well have to checked out but if she isnt drinking much or eating much then she probably wont have much by way of waste products to eliminate.
Is she vomiting at all? Or lip smacking? If so this is an indication of an excess tummy acid build up, this itself is enough to stop a cat from eating. Its a catch 22, they feel squeamish and dont eat but if they do eat, this will probably help them more than anything.
Also try raising her bowls so she doesnt have to bow her head so low to eat and drink, this helps reduce reflux.
Wet food is always considered best for CRF cats due to the water content but it is also true that it is better for them to eat anything than nothing at all, so if she can be persuaded to eat some dry food then so be it.
Your vet can prescribe some antepsin to help with her excess tummy acid but I warn you she will not like it. I personally used to use slippery elm bark, I found it to help and Winston didnt mind it at all.
Also B vitamins are invaluable to CRF cats, they are water soluble and she will not over dose on them.
Do you have a copy of her blood test results?
I think Pat may have pm'd you my mobile number, please feel free to ring me at any time as i am not at home over the next 4-5 days with no internet access.
Jusyt popped to my mums to use hers so that I could respond to you.
Stay possitive and stay calm, for Willows sake. Not easy i know but all is not lost yet. xxx

[Moli]

I have pm'd the number Elaine...

[Natalie]

Thank you Elaine and to you Moli for the PM. I am truely touched by your kindness and concern.

I have seen a different vet at the practice who was lovely. Most helpful and very positive in the fact that we can explore various options if such needs arise. However she did dismiss the suggestion I gave to her that Willow may have acid reflux and she said not.

I am trying to hand feed Willow which is 50% successful. She is frail and thin but her beauty still shines through although her gorgeous green eyes have lost their sparkle.

I am a staff nurse by occupation and I care for the terminally ill which I manage with fine but animals especially my own then I fall to pieces.

I know the renal diet would extend her life but if she doesn't like it then Im going to give her what she likes, sod it. If you cant have what you want in the last days/weeks of your life then when can you have it? I hope to be in bed with the remote in one hand and a box of fererro rocher in the other

The vet did suggest some IV diazepam and then to give her food immediately???? didnt understand this concept but Willow is so stressed going to the vets (hardly been in her life) it's a catch 22 situation.

Can you tell my mind is mush

I can't tell you how much I appreciate your help and advice. I haven't phone you Elaine for fear of disturbing you and I would be far too embarressed to sob my heart to a complete stranger on the phone.

I hope you understand.

Will see how she is tomorrow

[yola]

Oh - maybe it's hormones but I'm sitting here reading this in a bit of a mess Natalie, I hope you and Willow can find a way through this, but it's good to know, because of your profession, that you fully understand the need to not prolong suffering. Again, may I wish you and Willow all the very best . . .

[Phoenix]

I'm currently helping my girl with CRF. Again, I'm of the mind if you can't spoil them you shouldn't have them.

I think everyone else has posted everything to help, all I can advise is you hang on in there. I'll PM you my email address so you can email me if you need to, OK?

[dandysmom]

Natalie, don't hesitate to call Elaine. she won't mind!! Yes, technically we're all strangers, but this a small close-knit forum, and as cat people we're "family" too. We know what you're going thru ...many have been there .....and we care. It does help to talk.....((( hugs)))

[Moli]

I have just spoken to Elaine she said please phone her, you will not be disturbing her...

[angieh]

Comforting vibes for Willow and (((HUGS))) for you Nat.

[Kazz]

Go for it ring Elaine .....

[Kazz]

Hello

Sorry you found your way hear through the sadness of your diagnosis (and thats right isn't it it feels like you have en diagnosed along with your cat) when my Oscar was diagnosed I tried the diet and he hated it so I reverted back to what he liked....I figured better to eat than not eat. Eventually he was PTS due in no small part to the CRF but also to old age he was 23 years and 4 months when PTS he has CRF for over 2 years (diagnosed not sure how long he had it before) its a hard condition to come to terms with as you have so much information and so much heartache to deal with.

I have to say you know your cat best and a vet who agree's with that is a gem. Best of luck with Willow the descision to PTS is harder than the actual act. Its like giving up that which you love but its because you love her so that you are willing to give her up......as I say all the best and welcome to the board Karen