Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Marvin battles on

I've been absent for a time. Depression has once again been having a way with me, which makes many things more difficult.

On the kitty front, it's been a good season, although Marvin is back in a space of once again fighting for his life. He was seeming off last week, so we took him to the vet. We learned he has hypertension, most likely as a complication from the kidney failure. The vet wanted to do blood work but was unable to get a sample because Marvin was so cranky and resistant. He's so little that using a lot of force to restrain him could easily injure him and his little heart is so fast right now, they had concerns of stressing him too much into heart attack. He's showing signs of retinal-detachment, so he's on his way blind if we can't quickly get his blood pressure reduced.

I'm taking him back to the vet today, where they will try a pain medication with sedative effects and then try to get the sample. Once we know more of what's going on we can see options. It's hard seeing him so uncomfortable.

enjoying lap cuddles, never knowing when it might be the last
The people at the vet's office love him, which is such a gift. They really enjoy his strong personality. One of the vet techs fell in love with him but then later moved away to Wyoming. She has followed his progress from afar and even sent Marvin a Christmas postcard!

I like our vet and the people there, but I'm really struggling with the rural vet scene. Before we moved out of the city, we lived next door to a 24-vet that had everything in house. Now, trying to adjust to a vet that is 8-5 and has just the basic diagnostic offerings has been tough. Even sending lab work out here takes forever, which is tough, when I'm used to having the results the next day. Having had such a high level of vet care as our standard, suddenly working with what we have available here feels barbaric. I'm grieving the loss of the amazing gift we had.

Marvin soaking up the sun this morning


  1. Oh, poor Marvin. And I too have been battling winter; I seem to be angry at it! I've learned that my anger is really sadness, however, and am taking steps to get outside often enough to breathe in fresh air, and taking walks to use as mini-meditative times. I feel your pain with the vet issue. Sending you warm thoughts during this tough...and cold...time.

  2. I'm so sorry so hear that Marvin is having so many challenges. Purrs and prayer from all of us.

  3. Lots of hugs and purrs to you and to Marvin.

    I have struggled with depression in the past, though it's been about 8 or so years since I've really struggled with suicidal ideation (my personal criteria for medical intervention). Winter, and the current lack of daylight, exacerbate the problem for us all, I suspect. Please just remember that "the darkest day lived till tomorrow will have passed away." A quote (or close enough) that got me through many years. Hugs and peace to you.

  4. sending lots of purrs to Marvin and all of you

  5. I love my vet and think it's always hard to change Dr's for us or our pets. Sending Marvin much love well wishes. Poor guy has been through a lot. I fight that old depression also and know how it takes over your life at times. Sending you positive thoughts and hugs!

  6. Purrs to you and to Marvin.

    I know what you mean about the vets around here.. I don't understand why no one seems to have better facilities.

  7. sending purrs and prayers to Marvin and to you too!

  8. Marvin, bless you and I so wish you could start feeling better. Yes, you did have a wonderful set up with a vet right next door to you. I would be missing that too. I used to think how totally fortunate it was for the kitties. I have missed seeing you and the kitties here with fourwhitepaws. So good to see you now and I was sad to see that you are feeling so down. Things are just still all topsy turvey I'm sure, and what with Marvin...I hope some sun comes into your life again soon. Hugs to all of you.

  9. Marvin is always in my prayers. Poor guy has been through so much.


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