I stuck Jewel once and I was supposed to transfer the syringes with the needle still in her so I didn't have to stick again, but I accidentally pulled it out! :( So I had to stick her a second time, which didn't make either of us very happy.
I think I will be okay once I figure out how to transfer the syringes without accidentally pulling out the needle. I think I will just grab the needle while it's inside her so it doesn't slip out. Hopefully that will work. I guess I'll find out if it does later when I have to give her fluids tonight.
I really hate sticking her. The vet gave us 18-gauge needles which I think are rather big for a human, let alone a tiny cat! So I'm working on getting her some 22-gauge needles of the same brand/type. Hopefully that will cause her less discomfort.
She cries when I give her the fluids which makes ME want to cry. I cannot stand the thought of causing any of the babies any pain or discomfort whatsoever.
That mean human stuck me with a needle - not once, but TWICE! Even so, I decided to forgive her. But she better not do that again!
Jewel hasn't been eating much the past few days. I'll be giving her another appetite pill.
I'm so sorry you and Jewel have to go through this - but at least you both are hanging in there and doing what needs to get done! Purrs to both of you.
ReplyDeleteWe think you are doing splendidly learning how to do this. That was just your first session, it will get easier.
ReplyDeleteBig purrs of encouragement to you!
Gerry & Mungo
Sending purrs to you both. I am sure you will find it easier with practice.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you're going through this. I know that the CRF message group can advise you about which needles are easier on Jewel. I seem to recall from the distant past when I was reading up on this that even in the same size, some are sharper (maybe their shape?) than others, and were therefore considered less uncomfortable.
ReplyDeleteBoth you and Jewel will do well once you get the hang of this. You can do it!
We're sorry that you and Jewel are having such a hard time. But things will get better soon.
ReplyDeleteThe Paw Relations
We are also sorry that you and Jewel have to go through this but you are both quite brave, and sometimes the loving things that we HAVE to do, hurt :(
ReplyDeletePoor sweet little Jewel. Purrs and hugs to you both.
ReplyDeleteWe are purring that you both get used to doing/having it done and just get used to it as part of routine.
ReplyDeleteLuv Hannah and Lucy xx xx
Hang in there...it will get easier. I'm going to admit to something...the first time I gave my cat Bogart sub-qs, it went terrible (I kept having to stick him because I wasn't sure I was doing it right) and I sat and cried for an hour. It does get easier as you become more accustom to the procedure.
ReplyDeleteThe CRF group is an excellent group for support. Smaller needles will help (I used 20 gauge.)
Is there anything you can give Jewel to distract her from what's going on? A treat or some catnip or a toy? This might help.
Hugs to you...it will get better.
Island Cats' mom
Good for you to be doing this. Glad you got it all worked out. We are very proud of you doing it and we know it will help Jewel a lot. Sending lots of purrs to both of you.
ReplyDeleteWe think you are doing good too and we are always sending our best purrs to sweet Jewel. I did repost about Snowball and Skip over at foreverhomewanted.com
ReplyDeleteYay! Great job then :) although they make much larger syringes and I'm not sure why they aren't giving you like 60cc syringes? They will always give you the largest sized needle for fluids because the fluids will go faster, taking less time that the pet has to sit there receiving fluids. I know many people did not like this though and requested smaller needles.
ReplyDeleteOops! misread 3 35 as 3.5! Those are a good size :)
ReplyDeleteYou are both so brave! I know how much it hurts us when our babies are hurting!! Sending more purrs and prayers for Jewel! xx
ReplyDeleteYou and Jewel will both be more comfortable with this, in time.
ReplyDeleteWe think Jewel knows you are sticking her to help her feel better. We're purring for both of you.
ReplyDeleteglad you connected with the CRF group. It helped me a ton.
ReplyDeleteWe had difficulty with seeing the markings on the bag due to where we hung the bag, so we used a black marker to mark off on the bag how much we needed to use. That helped us.
And regarding the tears - more often than not I cried. When he cried out I was sobbing. It was just too hard seeing my boy suffer. Poking him with needles was not fun for any of us.