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This is my kitten Imari and he needs help. I'm a strong believer in rescue, but I inherited some money late last year and used it to treat myself to a cat that I've wanted for many years. He's everything I could've hoped for, and in the 10 months I've had him, he's already become my best friend. He turned one year old on August 11th, and on that same day he showed positive for potential Feline Leukemia. He had severe anemia and was given a blood transfusion and an overnight stay in the ER. In this last week, I've spent almost $5,000 in testing and treatment, and yesterday he crashed again with another round of severe anemia.
I'm about to max out my Care Credit card to give him another blood transfusion so he can be stabilized until the rest of the test results come in. We're still not 100% sure that it's leukemia, as a different test came back negative. We need all tests to agree on negative or positive. In the mean time, he needs blood, medication, and antibiotics in case the anemia was caused by an infection.
Once my Care Credit is maxed out, I'm done. My bank account is empty, and my husband is also not financially able to assist me currently. I'm already behind on commissions and I owe so much.. but I don't want to give up on my baby. If he dies, I want to know that I've pursued every possible option to save him. I don't want to have any regrets.
I hate to ask for money, and I can't promise I will be able to pay it back, but if you feel so inclined, please consider a donation toward my cats medical expenses. I would be forever thankful. I don't know if I deserve it, but I know he does. He's so sweet, and just a baby.
I am not at home right now, but I can provide receipts to prove that I've spent lots on him already, I can show my care credit limit, and I have test results that show his poor health. I can provide this information later when I am at home. I will post a journal when I have that information compiled. It may take awhile because I haven't been very organized.. but until then, here's my info.
Paypal is srstudiosart[at]gmail.com
Or www.paypal.me/ajna
If you send anything at all, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will do what I can to return the money sent to me in the future, however long it will take. My CareCredit payments will take priority. I cannot promise I'll pay you back so consider it a donation, but if I can, I absolutely will.
I'm about to max out my Care Credit card to give him another blood transfusion so he can be stabilized until the rest of the test results come in. We're still not 100% sure that it's leukemia, as a different test came back negative. We need all tests to agree on negative or positive. In the mean time, he needs blood, medication, and antibiotics in case the anemia was caused by an infection.
Once my Care Credit is maxed out, I'm done. My bank account is empty, and my husband is also not financially able to assist me currently. I'm already behind on commissions and I owe so much.. but I don't want to give up on my baby. If he dies, I want to know that I've pursued every possible option to save him. I don't want to have any regrets.
I hate to ask for money, and I can't promise I will be able to pay it back, but if you feel so inclined, please consider a donation toward my cats medical expenses. I would be forever thankful. I don't know if I deserve it, but I know he does. He's so sweet, and just a baby.
I am not at home right now, but I can provide receipts to prove that I've spent lots on him already, I can show my care credit limit, and I have test results that show his poor health. I can provide this information later when I am at home. I will post a journal when I have that information compiled. It may take awhile because I haven't been very organized.. but until then, here's my info.
Paypal is srstudiosart[at]gmail.com
Or www.paypal.me/ajna
If you send anything at all, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will do what I can to return the money sent to me in the future, however long it will take. My CareCredit payments will take priority. I cannot promise I'll pay you back so consider it a donation, but if I can, I absolutely will.
Thanks for looking! Comments appreciated. :)
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Category Photography / Portraits
Species Housecat
Size 650 x 901px
File Size 68.3 kB
There will be 4 files once they sync. Better proof later.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7i2l62wz.....QxkXCHd2a?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7i2l62wz.....QxkXCHd2a?dl=0
I need to take him to the hospital soon for the transfusion, which is an hour drive away. This will delay my updates. Hopefully what I've provided so far is adequate. I have added an overall balance of my CareCredit account showing what I have left to spend. This transfusion and hospital stay is going to take most, if not all, of that remaining balance.
Thank you a million times to those who have sent money so far. I am more appreciative than I can put into words right now.
Thank you a million times to those who have sent money so far. I am more appreciative than I can put into words right now.
I've been unemployed for 4 months. I had to cash out my 401k so I don;t loose my brothers house. and I just found out that I will be unable to return to truck driving for at least 9 more months, possibley as long as three YEARS.
I'm sorry, but I'm in no position to help, and have been begging for help from ANYONE for four Months now.
I hope people like you a lot more than they like me cause I ain't got a single penny out of anyone.
I'm sorry, but I'm in no position to help, and have been begging for help from ANYONE for four Months now.
I hope people like you a lot more than they like me cause I ain't got a single penny out of anyone.
I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling so much. Unfortunately for many, it comes down to statistics. If more people know of you, you're more likely to find someone who wants to help. It's a privilege that I have that I am well aware of and thankful for because I know not everyone is as fortunate.
I would suggest that in the mean time, to look into a raw meat diet for your cat. In addition to that, you can give him a high dose of vitamin C and a Chinese herb called astragalus root to help with immunity system deficiencies and (most importantly in this case due to anemia) rehmannia for balancing the blood work. Just remember to do your research before using this method, because every cat is unique with underlying circumstances. It's best to look online and write an e-mail beforehand. However, according to what I know, the things I listed above are safe - but still, be safe about it should you do this route :)
To clarify, when I say underlying circumstances, I am mostly referring to potential interactions between current treatment and the herbs. In most cases, it's perfectly safe to use both the herbs and vet prescribed medication. It's just that in rare cases, some times the interactions could give an "over dose" of one property or another. It's rare, but it happens so, that's why I suggested to ask questions before doing it.
He was actually on a raw diet for awhile, but because feline leukemia affects the immune system, I'm very hesitant to continue that. His appetite is so poor that I'm giving him otherwise whatever he'll eat. Right now he's eating Orijen dry food. I did offer some raw liver, but he had no interest.
I'll look into the herbs, thank you~
I'll look into the herbs, thank you~
Well I don't like cats :( I do like animals in general though and surely think their lives are at least equal to a humans. Also, as a pet owner myself I more than appreciate your devotion for his help, so I sent you 100 bucks. Can't do more this month, maybe next one no promises though.
Just please, if it's clear, that he can't be helped, don't overdo it. Sure, when theres still hope, do what you can but please don't let him suffer, if it's of no use - especialy when you ruin yourself financialy by that...
Just please, if it's clear, that he can't be helped, don't overdo it. Sure, when theres still hope, do what you can but please don't let him suffer, if it's of no use - especialy when you ruin yourself financialy by that...
Yes, I'm trying to be realistic, without giving up too early. There are still possibilities we need to explore, and until the tests are in agreement, I'm not giving up on him. Right now he's tired and not feeling well, but he's still very happy. He cuddles with me, purrs, grooms himself, etc. He's not giving up yet, but I will be making sure we're fighting for hope, not just extending his pain.
Thank you for the generous amount, even though you don't like cats. I'm the same way with dogs. I don't hate them, I just don't like them at all, but I care about them as living creatures. I think that's very important.
Thank you for the generous amount, even though you don't like cats. I'm the same way with dogs. I don't hate them, I just don't like them at all, but I care about them as living creatures. I think that's very important.
The place we were planning to take him to doesn't have any blood until tomorrow. So we're going to wait it out and if he has an overnight crisis, we'll find an ER that hopefully has blood. If he's stable overnight, we'll take him to the internist in the morning, then down South to the transfusion specialists, who can do a cross match on the blood donors for a better chance at a successful transfusion.
I sent a bit your way, but on the last glimpse I saw something about an unusually high amount..
so if you got a huge sum, don't get your hopes up, that was an error. But the confirmation email looks right, just saying as I can't check yet, it's not on my activity as of now
EDIT: appeared now, all's in order
so if you got a huge sum, don't get your hopes up, that was an error. But the confirmation email looks right, just saying as I can't check yet, it's not on my activity as of now
EDIT: appeared now, all's in order
No, I considered making a GoFundMe but I decided against it. Sites like that usually take a percentage, right? So does Paypal, if the money isnt sent as a gift, but I figured the rate is probably better if just sent directly through PayPal. I've already had some very generous people so far. <3
Fortunately, Imari has improved a bit since the weekend so we are holding off on the transfusion for now. We're going to recheck him on Thursday to see if he'll be stable over the weekend. If not, we'll set up a transfusion for Friday, or if he's stable, we'll get the last test results on Friday that should HOPEFULLY give us a better direction. If the results don't give us the answers we need, then we've got some more pricey tests to order and more waiting to do..
So right now we're just waiting and watching his levels, hoping he'll stay stable until we can find the true cause to this awful mess. We've got him on an antibiotic in case it's a blood infection, and we've got him on steroids to help him fight the anemia himself (which we think is what caused him to improve since the weekend. I think the steroids are working!). Til we know more, it's all we can do right now, without ordering 10 more tests that might end up being unnecessary.
Fortunately, Imari has improved a bit since the weekend so we are holding off on the transfusion for now. We're going to recheck him on Thursday to see if he'll be stable over the weekend. If not, we'll set up a transfusion for Friday, or if he's stable, we'll get the last test results on Friday that should HOPEFULLY give us a better direction. If the results don't give us the answers we need, then we've got some more pricey tests to order and more waiting to do..
So right now we're just waiting and watching his levels, hoping he'll stay stable until we can find the true cause to this awful mess. We've got him on an antibiotic in case it's a blood infection, and we've got him on steroids to help him fight the anemia himself (which we think is what caused him to improve since the weekend. I think the steroids are working!). Til we know more, it's all we can do right now, without ordering 10 more tests that might end up being unnecessary.
My wallet is empty right now but I should have some extra funds on Saturday. I've bookmarked this page to remind me to send you some dollars, but in the meantime have my best wishes and hopes for a speedy recovery. Socrates sends her best positive vibes too: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi54mlt.....arorenightclaw
No worries, he's currently stable! We put him on steroids which have completely resolved the anemia! Unfortunately, it's causing bad side effects so we need to wean him off and hope the anemia doesn't come back. Still a ways to go, but we're okay atm. Thank you for the kind offer~
Yes! We did a second IFA test that also came back negative. We're pretty dang sure that he does NOT have feline leukemia.
However, his immune system is destroying his blood cells. Unfortunately, the ER did not run a detailed enough blood test before they did the blood transfusion, so we're not sure if this immune response is BECAUSE of the blood transfusion and secondary to whatever caused his initial anemia, OR if it's the primary cause of the anemia and why he had to go to the ER in the beginning.
He has only had one overnight stay in the ER, that was on the 11th-12th. He has been home with me since, but is mostly confined to a room away from the other cats.
He is very sensitive to the steroid that he's on, which is really unfortunate. The steroid is controlling the anemia, but it's also causing liver issues and putting him on the fast track to diabetes. We're currently making a slow switch to a different steroid in the hopes that it can still control the anemia, while also bringing his sugar, fat, and liver levels down to a more normal level.
So to summarize, his anemia is totally stable. He's at 35% which is perfectly normal. However, the medication that is keeping him stable is wreaking havoc on other parts of his body, so we're trying to find the right balance. Once we get his sugar/fat/liver levels stable, we can continue trying to find an exact cause. We're learning towards Primary IMHA (basically a faulty immune system that attacks itself), but it's hard to say at this point.
He's very happy at the moment though! He's playing more than he has since getting sick. I'm feeling more optimistic, but we may unfortunately be dealing with a life long condition.
However, his immune system is destroying his blood cells. Unfortunately, the ER did not run a detailed enough blood test before they did the blood transfusion, so we're not sure if this immune response is BECAUSE of the blood transfusion and secondary to whatever caused his initial anemia, OR if it's the primary cause of the anemia and why he had to go to the ER in the beginning.
He has only had one overnight stay in the ER, that was on the 11th-12th. He has been home with me since, but is mostly confined to a room away from the other cats.
He is very sensitive to the steroid that he's on, which is really unfortunate. The steroid is controlling the anemia, but it's also causing liver issues and putting him on the fast track to diabetes. We're currently making a slow switch to a different steroid in the hopes that it can still control the anemia, while also bringing his sugar, fat, and liver levels down to a more normal level.
So to summarize, his anemia is totally stable. He's at 35% which is perfectly normal. However, the medication that is keeping him stable is wreaking havoc on other parts of his body, so we're trying to find the right balance. Once we get his sugar/fat/liver levels stable, we can continue trying to find an exact cause. We're learning towards Primary IMHA (basically a faulty immune system that attacks itself), but it's hard to say at this point.
He's very happy at the moment though! He's playing more than he has since getting sick. I'm feeling more optimistic, but we may unfortunately be dealing with a life long condition.
well I'm glad he has passed the worst part or it... if it his system attacking the transfused blood unfortunately that is one sad effect of having a rare breed of kitteh, it would be a lot harder to find adaptable blood.. as long as his bone marrow can make its blood cells it should eventually replace all the transfused blood so he shouldn't reject it forever.. however idk how long that would take
if his system is attacking his own blood cells, that would poses a much deeper issue.
but regardless i hope you raised enough to cover everything and i am glad he is doing better
if his system is attacking his own blood cells, that would poses a much deeper issue.
but regardless i hope you raised enough to cover everything and i am glad he is doing better
Unfortunately, we don't know which it is, but I'm thinking it's the latter (his immune system attacking his OWN blood cells). We can't find any way to explain why he got so anemic in the first place, and so severely.
Fortunately, his anemia IS regenerative, so that is a much better outlook than the alternative, but it is no guarantee. I've read about pets that had to be put to sleep because of their issues, and others that lived to be 10 years old. I've also read that it can go into remission, so if that's what he has, I hope remission comes soon.
I raised more than I expected, but not nearly as much as I've spent on my kitty. That's okay though, as anything helps. The money I raised is keeping me afloat until I can start making my own money again, which is really nice.
Fortunately, his anemia IS regenerative, so that is a much better outlook than the alternative, but it is no guarantee. I've read about pets that had to be put to sleep because of their issues, and others that lived to be 10 years old. I've also read that it can go into remission, so if that's what he has, I hope remission comes soon.
I raised more than I expected, but not nearly as much as I've spent on my kitty. That's okay though, as anything helps. The money I raised is keeping me afloat until I can start making my own money again, which is really nice.
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