Last Wednesday was a pretty crazy day for me. First, I left work early so I could be with my husband at our older cat Chloe’s doctor’s appointment. Chloe is 14 years old and always been very healthy, but she has been losing a lot of weight lately and we knew it wasn’t normal. My poor baby was so scared in the short car ride and even more so waiting in the exam room. Even though Chloe was getting her blood drawn and the doctor got a urine sample from her, she was surprisingly very well behaved. Chloe has a very unique little personality and does not put up with anything she doesn’t like, but she is also incredibly sweet and lovable.
The results from all of Chloe’s tests were not horrible, but they were not great either. My husband and I did some research prior to the appointment, so we would be prepared for the results. However, there is NO amount of research that could have prepared us for the results. Our 14 year old sweet baby girl has early stage kidney failure. We are trying to start the new food that will help her, but so far she doesn’t like it. This is just going to take a lot of patience and persistence to get her to eat the new food!
The evening part of Wednesday was not all that great either. Well it was more the late night part of Wednesday. For the first time in my life, I had two falls. The first fall happened around one in the morning and wasn’t that bad because I landed on my knees. The second fall happened shortly after the first around 1:30 am and it was horrible. I still do not know 100% what I hit my head on, the only thing I can think of is the window panel.
I immediately had a huge lump right above my left eye. My husband was so worried he took me to the emergency room. I was still pretty out of it when we were talking to the nurses and stayed that way when the doctor finally came in. The ER doctor had me wipe the sore that was showing, I guess so he could see if I needed stitches. Thankfully, I did not need stitches. After that, the doctor said we needed to do a CT to make sure there wasn’t a brain bleed. I am relieved the CT did not indicate a brain bleed or anything else that could be dangerous. I was released from the hospital with the directions to rest. It seems that the only thing that helps a concussion is rest!
I was having a lot dizzy spells before the fall, but now it is every time I stand up from the couch. I am not sure if the increased dizziness is from hitting my head or from the MS. I am also having some memory issues and tend to get confused easily.
In my 37 years, I have never had a black eye or a concussion. I hate how awful the nasty black eye looks and have not been able to cover it with make-up. I am going back to work on Monday, but will be sure to take it easy. Hopefully, the nasty eye will be better by then. Everyone knows my favorite color is purple, but I do not want my eye to be all dark purple! I am trying to listen to what the doctor said about reducing screen time, but I am still trying to do some in the blogging community. I of course will love reading your comments, but it may take me a little longer to respond.
I hope you are enjoying your weekend and of course feeling the best you can. Please never forget that I am always sending y’all LOTS of love , comfort and many positive vibes!
Always, Alyssa
Reblogged this on Survivors Blog Here.
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Damn that sounds like a rough day indeed. If chloe wont eat the wet food because it’s so bland, maybe sprinkle a bit of cat nip on it, or see if you can mix it with her regular food. I have had more than my fair share of black eyes and concussions. Are they not still advising that you be woken up every few hours for the first 48 hours? Take it easy! Trying to do too much too quickly will end up causing you more pain
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Oh my goodness it really was awful! My poor baby girl has early stage kidney failure. I will do whatever it takes to keep her around and feeling okay. I thought about putting the new food in a bowl with warm water and put it in the microwave. If I can turn it into soft food, she may like it better. She ate the Fancy Feast tonight, I just need her to eat the other food as well. I just have no idea how to keep our other cat away from it. Funny thing is, they didn’t give me any direction when I left the ER or at least I don’t remember it. I did try doing very little, but I ended up going to the grocery store for a few things. Do you have any tips on covering the black eye up? I am planning to go back to work Monday, but not work too hard! My head is still throbbing and I keep having dizzy spells. Thank you Grace, you are wonderful. I hope you and the grand babies are doing great!!
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I’ve heard that make up can cover a black eye though to tell the truth I dont wear makeup and I have never tried to hide my battle scars. I wonder if you could add the juice from a can of tuna to your cats food also (small amounts) I am wishing the best for your baby. When my daughter’s cat Reba was diagnosed with renal failure, she still lived another couple of year expensive years, but pain free….best of luck!
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Oh no!! I’m so sorry to hear these things about your health and the kitty cat!! 😦 I hope things get better soon!!
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Thank you Meg! I am going to do everything I can for my baby girl! Chloe is a sweet little girl with an attitude if you make her mad. I am way more concerned for her than myself. I only hope my black eye will get better before I go back to work Monday. I hope you are having a great weekend!!!
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So sorry about your kitty & you falling. Feel better ASAP. ❤
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Thank you Casey! It has been a crazy few days and I am trying to think positive. I hope you are having a good weekend!
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It will get better! I’m doing pretty good, just the usual. Lol.
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I am glad you are doing well. Just remember, keep your chin up!!
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You too, lady!
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Thank you sweetie!!
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oh my goodness Alyssa………do I need to come down there and visit you and wrap you up in bubble wrap?! 🙂 I am so very sorry to read about your fall, it must have painful and scary! I wish I could bring you some soup and a dvd for us to hang out and watch. please be very careful……..my daughter had a concussion and she also has a neuro disorder, it is not something to mess around with…….she ended up in physical therapy which helped a lot.
about your kitty……..i am so very sorry. one of our cats has kidney issues and resisted the food for a while too.
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You are so sweet Wendi! The falls I had were the first I have ever experienced. I have had dizzy spells before and almost fell, but I was always able to catch myself. It was so crazy and honestly, I do not remember what I hit my head on. The falls are kind of a blur. How old is your daughter? I know the head isn’t something to ignore, but honestly if it wasn’t for my husband I would have ignored the fall.
I think I will be able to find a way to get Chloe to eat the special food, it is just going to take time. She is stuck in her ways and hates being told what to do. I think Chloe and I are a lot alike! I promised her I will do whatever it takes to help her. How is your kitty doing with the kidney issues? Thank you so much Wendi for just being your sweet and amazing self!!!!
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My daughter is a teen and she is a lifeguard and sustained a head injury on duty. We did not realize the after affects for a couple of months and without PT I am not sure her recovery would have been complete.
Our kitty is doing ok, he hates the food he is suppose to eat and held out for a long time………but now he begs for people food and loves to eat “with” us. We do feed him people food, which is a huge no-no but he is happier this way and we decided quality vs. quantity in his life.
I am sorry you are going through all this my friend. 🙂
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WOW, I didn’t know you had a teen. She is so lucky to have you for a mother! I am glad she is doing well after the head injury.
Knowing that your kitty is doing well gives me so much hope. The funny thing is, Chloe is stubborn, but she will eat the food when we are not looking. Chloe LOVES people food. Especially turkey, ranch dressing and Doritos. She is silly! I will do anything I can to keep Chloe happy and with us. We have had her for 14 years and she is the light of our lives! I just hope she stays well. Seriously, she has always been healthy, so this took us by surprise. Wendi, I really appreciate you more than words can even begin to explain!
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you are so very kind Alyssa……..I actually have 4 teenagers 🙂 this house is a little nuts most of the time.
I understand how much you love your Chloe as we love our fur babies too………it is heartbreaking to see them unwell……….but I have faith that she will going to be with you a lot longer! 🙂
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WOW, I didn’t know that about you. I don’t know how you find time to do anything with 4 teens! You are amazing Wendi!!! My baby girl, Chloe, is resisting the new food, but I think she will accept it in time. I am actually giving it to both cats, which will get expensive, but if Chloe sees Sundance eat it, she will follow his lead.
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yeah…….my life is a little crazy.
i am so very sorry that Chloe is resistant. i am sure the food does not taste as good and i do know how expensive it is. here’s to Sundance taking one for the team! 🙂
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Even though your life can be crazy, you are an amazing mother and one of the nicest people I know. Chloe is as stubborn as they come, so her and I are a lot alike! I am trying to add the juice from their Fancy Feast treats and I only hope she will come around. Sundance is a very loving cat and he LOVES his sister so much!
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such kind words my dear, bless you!
I think she will come around because through all the years of having many types of animals, they will not starve themselves…….so hopefully Chloe is NOT that stubborn! 🙂
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All the kind words I say to and about you are nothing but the truth! You really are amazing Wendi and please never forget that!
I think Chloe will come around with the new food and if she doesn’t I will increase the wet food because she does like that! Chloe is a funny and very stubborn baby girl!
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thank you again Alyssa! 🙂 i do really appreciate your super, duper kind words.
My kitty loves the wet food too……….and will mostly only eat that so, we take that as a win. 🙂
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You are more than welcome! I mean every word Wendi! I ended up giving Chloe more wet food tonight, but she threw up a little.
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so sorry…….here is to Chloe eating what she is suppose to and feeling better!
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Chloe is a great little girl with a HUGE personality! I am sure we will get her to where she needs to be. I would do anything in the world for that little girl!
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she is a very lucky kitty! 🙂
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Both of our cats are spoiled rotten! I think we are the lucky ones to have them in our lives!
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🙂 then it is mutual………..you are both lucky!
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So true!!
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🙂
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Hi hun, dont panic. I have two cats one is 17 and a few YEARS ago was on onset early kidney disease down to drugs the vets gave her, metacam. They said i had to give her this special food and like yours Biscuit was very fussy. I found an article about it which i have copied over to you the relevant information on how to encourage yours to eat it.
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When feeding cats with kidney disease, introduce their new diet very gradually so they can slowly adapt to the blander flavours and different textures. Unless your vet says otherwise, blend the new diet thoroughly into your cat’s original diet. Then increase the quantity of the new diet by very small amounts every day while, at the same time, reducing the amount of their original diet. You might find that the quantities differ from your old food to the new cat food, so check the packaging or ask your vet’s advice about portion sizes.
While your cat’s getting used to their new regime they may prefer smaller meals more regularly rather than one or two larger meals. You’ll need to avoid giving them treats when they’re on their special cat diet, so more regular feeding might help.
You can also try to make their new cat diet more palatable by warming wet food in a microwave (never hot) to release aromas and soften its texture. If your cat’s new diet is dry and they’re used to wet food, try soaking it briefly in warm water to soften it slightly.
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This method really worked for me and she is now 3 years on and was 14 at the start and her function has levelled out to safe levels now. Its important to keep them well hydrated you might need another kitty litter box as at the start Biscuit was peeing for England Lol. Then recently my Tom Cookie was loosing weight he is 14 now, and eat and drinking so off to vets, bloody tests NOTHING. Vet cant find a thing wrong with him we were convinced it was kidney or thyroid. So at the moment its a wait and see. Biscuit however, is well and looks great. she came off her food last year refused to eat it anymore so i give her less protein food but keep her well hydrated and her kidneys are still ok. Its a bonus for us she is 17 and the vet finds her fascinating as she has arthritis too, and it was the metacam which caused her kidney issue in the first place but she is still active and i caught the naughty girl the other chasing birds lol.
Go slow with the food you will get there.
As to your fall. The most worrying aspect for me is why did you fall? what were you doing up at 1am for a start? why were you on your own? If its for a potty break I would suggest you use a nice modern commode by the side of your bed. I have used one for several years now as i was constantly falling getting up in the night and hurting myself. My doctor almost insisted I did this, i only ever use it for pee but it saved my life. I only have to transfer from a small area and i have things to hold onto.
Have you had your BP checked, it could be low, or even the heat, and you need blood tests too, to make sure your not deficient in something. I find stress can trigger anything like this off, just going to the vets would do it.
Now when they say REST they mean rest ok, but get checked out and have a proper examination to make sure nothing else is going on.
Big hugs. xxxxxxxx I hit my little toe the other day i did a classic stumble walking to the bed, and the same commode I love was in the way the cleaner had moved it slightly and I hit it full on. OUCHIE OUCHIE OUCHIE lol……what a baby I was really. its better now though but my legs are still tingling. xxxxx
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Please forgive me for my late response. Thank you so much for what you have shared. I do appreciate your kind ways and knowledge.
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Oh dear, that all sounds aweful.
I’m so sorry about your cat.
How are you doing now? How’s your bump?
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It definitely wasn’t pleasant. My sweet little girl is a lot more stubborn that I am, which is a lot! I am doing okay. My black eye is getting better, but still looks awful. I am still having some dizzy spells. I just hope everything will be much better by tomorrow because I have to go to work.
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Me too. Keep us posted ok? And try to rest some.
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I will definitely keep y’all posted! I know you will fuss at me because I didn’t rest as much as I should have, but I am just bad at resting. The black eye is less swollen, but still really ugly.
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I’m so sorry about Chloe, but I’m glad she has you there for her, to know how loved she is. I hope she comes around to the new food soon.
I hope you’re able to rest up this weekend as much as possible (and no more falls!) Sending lots of love ♥ ♥
Caz xxxx
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Thank you Caz! Chloe has a strong little personality and it takes her a while to do what needs to be done. We are a lot alike and hate being told what to do. I have been finding sneaky ways to get her to eat the new food and I must believe she will come around!
Honestly, I did not rest as much as I needed to. I ended up going grocery shopping, which was tiring, but there were no more falls! I just hope my nasty looking black eye will get better soon. I looked up ways to cover it with make-up, but I don’t think it is working. Thank you so much for your kind thoughts!!xxxx
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Oh Alyssa. So sorry to hear about Chloe’s early stages of kidney failure. And your fall which resulted in a black eye! I am so glad you are ok. Are you keeping a cold press on it to reduce swelling and blackness? I’m not sure what make up you could use to cover it. Thinking if you all and especially with Chloe.
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Thank you! I am glad we caught her onset to kidney disease early. It gives me hope that we can stop it from progressing. I have kept ice on my black eye and the swelling is better. I looked up how to cover it with make-up, but I don’t think it is working. Chloe and I thank you for your kind thoughts! We also hope you are doing well!
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Glad the swelling is going down, and give Chloe a little hug from me!. Wishing you a lovely day. Hope the weather is kind to you also as a heatwave is hitting all over I believe!
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Thank you so much! The swelling has gone down, but my eye is still colorful. People at work, the residents at the community, stare at me and then ask what I did to my eye. It gets rather annoying, but I am dealing with it. I will gladly give Chloe a hug and tell her it is from a friend! The heat wave is horrible, but today and tomorrow should be better because of the rain. I hope you are doing well with the nasty heat wave. Thank you so much for the love you have sent to my sweet baby girl!
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Godspeed dear!😍🙏
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Thank you so much!
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Any chance the falls were heat relatedness? I can get lift headed in the extreme heat, and I know how brutally hot it is up here. Can only imagine what it is like down there. Glad you are okay.
Sorry to hear about Chloe. We had to put our cat of 15 years down a little over a month ago. Unfortunately, once things like this start cropping up they tend to linger. Hope you still have a lot of enjoyable moments with your little sweetheart
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The falls happened late at night and I think it had something to do with medication. Although the heat would make a lot of sense because it has been insanely HOT. I guess the falls could have been a lot worse, now I just have to deal with a black eye for a little while.
Thank you so much for your kind thoughts for Chloe. She is a strong will little girl and I think she will be okay as long as she stays on the new diet. We have had her for 14 years and she has always been healthy, so I think or shall I say I hope we caught the kidney issue early enough to help her!
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Poor you and poor Chloe—what an awful time you’re having. Sending you positive thoughts and hugs❤️
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Thank you so much! It definitely has been challenging, but I am sure we will both get through this somehow. My baby girl is so tiny and doesn’t like the new food, at all!
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Can you put a little of the juice from canned salmon on it? My Raven used to love that!
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I have tried adding the juice from their Fancy Feast treats, but she is still being stubborn. I think she will get use to the new food. Does your Raven have a kidney issue? This has been so hard for me because Chloe is my baby girl and I have a hard time telling her no.
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Poor thing. Yes, Raven had kidney issues 😞
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I am so sorry that Raven has kidney issues as well. How old is Raven? Most people think I am insane, but I will do anything I can to keep Chloe happy and comfortable!
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She was 14–she was on special food for a long time❤️
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Please forgive my next questions, was Raven 14 when she was diagnosed with kidney disease? How long was she on the special food for?
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Oh about 4 years—she was around 10 when she started it😊
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Again, please forgive me is Raven still here? Chloe is 14 and just diagnosed and I am terrified of what may happen.
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Oh no Alyssa – when it rains, it pours as that saying goes. Take good care of yourself and report any symptoms to the doctor regarding my bump on the head. My friend took a nasty tumble last year and has to go for follow-up on a regular basis to ensure everything is okay. I hope Chloe will bounce back on the diet. My friend has older cats and diet changes often will perk them up and stabilize any existing issues.
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That statement is so true, when it rains it pours. I just need an umbrella! I am going to see my MS NP on Thursday, I try to avoid the MD because she isn’t all that great. So far, Chloe is resisting the new food, but I am sure she will come around. Both cats get 1/2 can of fancy feast daily, so today I tried putting some of the juice on top of the new food.
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I hope you both rally back Alyssa – hopefully it is just the heat that was causing you to feel dizzy and end up taking the two falls, but you were also distracted by Chloe’s health as well. Good luck.
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Thank you! We are both doing okay, Chloe is still not thrilled about the new food. I think the falls were a combination of many things, but I am doing better now.
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Glad to hear it Alyssa.
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Aww, poor kitty. Get well soon to both of you 🙃
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Thank you! So far Chloe is resisting the new food, but I am sure she will come around!
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It is my pleasure! I hope she does 🥰
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I do hope you are already feeling better, dear! May the new week is full of health, ease and hapiness for you!
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Thank you so much! I really do appreciate your kind words!
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Hi Alyssa – I know you have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow. A friend of mine, who does not have MS, but has a friend who does, posted this story on her Facebook wall. It looks like it was published earlier, but updated yesterday.
https://theheartysoul.com/cambridge-scientist-on-verge-of-curing-multiple-sclerosis/?utm_source=WUW&fbclid=IwAR2hPEZT5fb120TBKjKfZWdUV8WOvQKuFiRfX8gYNxhsJ4samR5KpMMhThE
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I didn’t remember sharing I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow, but my memory fails me often. Thank you for sharing this Facebook post!
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You’re welcome Alyssa – you mentioned it to me I think a few days ago – I’m quite behind in Reader, storms and having to work late … I caught up on the weekend and am behind again. You’re welcome – maybe the studies they mention at the bottom are of interest to your doctor and he can follow them as well.
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My memory isn’t all that great at times! I am actually pretty behind myself and every time I am caught up, I fall behind again!
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Well let’s blame the memory thing on the heat okay? Was your doctor able to give you insight into that info – hope so? It is inevitable – I spent two hours last night and am still 2 1/2 days behind … behind with the U.S. bloggers, but have bloggers I interact with in the UK mostly and one in Sweden and so a half-day usually on top of the two or three days behind.
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I can definitely agree with blaming the memory loss on the nasty heat! I saw the NP and I like her. I have known the NP for about 20 years because she worked closely with my neuro that retired. She was kind of helpful. Being behind on blogging seems to be normal, but at least we are trying. I hope you have a lovely weekend!!!
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That’s good – glad you have a good rapport with her Alyssa – yes, it is the norm and harder in the nice weather months when there is more to do if it is not “stinkin’ hot” … I went on a long walk at a big park this morning – wanted to go for five weeks, but first the garage door broke and couldn’t get the car out, then I smashed my finger, then it was either very hot and humid or raining.
But it was already 75 or so degrees at 8:00 a.m. – that is too much … it’s too much trying to catch up here near midnight, but I did a long post today and didn’t get done until later. Enjoy your rest of your weekend as well.
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Of course there are things I will disagree with the NP on, but overall I trust her. If I am being honest, I only trust her because of how close she worked with my previous MD and is actually still in stays in touch. Obviously he trusts her, so why shouldn’t I.
I hope you were able to get even more caught up in the blogging world, but don’t push too much pressure on yourself if you are not able. I do hope summer will calm down soon and not be deadly HOT! Enjoy the last part of your weekend!
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That’s good and I need to get a good GP – I am on Obamacare and they give you a recommendation for a clinic nearby, but I don’t especially want to do that – I would like the same doctor each time I would go. Next year, I’m going to scout around for a doctor and have a complete physical. I had one done when I turned 40 as heart disease runs in the family (my grandmother and her 8 siblings all had it) … I did the stress test on the treadmill, Holter Monitor and some other tests. I did okay so never followed up again. I may be overdue – I am 63. 🙂
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Oh dear! I hope you are recovering well. Send my paw kisses to your kitty.
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Thank you so much Kally. The healing process been slow, but I am much better. My precious baby girl thanks you for your paw kisses!
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Good to hear that you are much better. Get well soon!!
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Thank you so much Kally! I really appreciate your kind words!
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Aww, im so sorry! I hope all gets better…
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