|
Post by bouncy on Aug 3, 2022 11:15:13 GMT
Please don't panic, but I wonder if there's some sort of aggressive growth involved?
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on Aug 3, 2022 11:16:14 GMT
Yeah, I'll try to call the vet this morning. I'm worried about actually bringing him in, since that could b a lot of stress.
I checked his undercarriage, much better. It was apparently cleaned overnight. I also checked his ankles, I feel no fluid (not trained, but I feel like this is an easy thing to feel). I did check his belly, it feels a bit bigger than his brothers, but they are slightly different body shapes. I did poke around to see if his abdomen felt hard, but I don't think it feels any different from Newts.
I know this probably doesn't mean anything, but I did just weigh him again (I always weigh at night). He was back to his weight from two days ago, so perhaps he drank water and just needed a big wee?
Anyway, I might ask the vet to see if a low dose of diuretic might be called for here.
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on Aug 4, 2022 18:52:33 GMT
Ah Bouncy, just saw your post! Don't know how I missed that earlier.
It's possible, for sure. The thing that makes me think/hope that's not the case is that his weight is sort of tracking with his brothers since the middle of the month.
If it is a growth, I'm not sure what we would do. Surgery would be incredibly risky due to his heart condition.
I haven't heard back from the vet, I'll probably try calling again this afternoon.
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on Aug 4, 2022 19:14:16 GMT
Ok, just called the vet again.
I've got an appointment booked for this coming Tuesday. She said we could monitor weight + food intake for a bit or schedule and appointment.
I need to weigh how much stress this is going to be vs what they can do.
Edit: realized that last sentence was a bit defeatist. If nothing changes/he continues to gain weight, I think going to the vet could be very informative. I think she'd be able to tell quite a bit even without an x-ray. Since they've been able to get several x-rays without sedation previously, hopefully that would hold true on Tuesday. It could also be good to know how far he's progressed, since they haven't seen him since November or December I believe.
All in all, I'm worried and working on the anxiety thing in general, but this could be a very helpful vet visit.
|
|
|
Post by bouncy on Aug 5, 2022 0:42:23 GMT
All the best! He's always been on the light side, so perhaps there's something about the new place that makes him feel comfortable and happy enough to start eating in line with his brothers? If that's the case, you should see him plateau soon
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on Aug 5, 2022 23:39:52 GMT
Thanks Bouncy Fingers crossed it's just something like that! He weighed in again at 267g, but drank water pretty much immediately beforehand. I think I'll go to the appointment, even if nothing changes for Pickett. It could be informative. I guess I'll make the call on Monday though!
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on Aug 5, 2022 23:47:17 GMT
I was trying to think about why I would be so much more anxious recently. I've been much better since defending and starting a job that actually pays a decent salary. And then I remembered that life has actually been a bit more hectic lately. There was moving drama! Old landlord wouldn't let me out of the lease early (fair enough) so I was going to be paying through August 10th. They also said I was responsible for utilities the whole time, even if I turned in the key (again, fine). I did confirm that they would not be sending anyone in to make repairs during that time though. I turned in my keys about two weeks ago. Stopped by again last Saturday just to check none of my mail was delivered to the old place. So glad I did! All lights were on, the AC compressor was blasting, and there were paint buckets on the porch... I emailed on Monday, basically said since they had taken occupancy they should waive my August rent. And they did (honestly surprised by this)! So that was a happy ending to a bit of drama
|
|
|
Post by moletteuk on Aug 6, 2022 13:49:51 GMT
Moving house is stressful enough without extra drama, well done for getting your rent back. How is the job and new apartment going?
I always found it difficult deciding when to hold out on the anxious feelings and when to get them to the vet. I never regretted taking them.
|
|
|
Post by deguconvert on Aug 6, 2022 20:01:15 GMT
How many moves have you had in the last two years? Moving is so stressful! Not only that, but there have been issues with bugs and mice, and other things that you have had to chase your previous landlords about that never seemed to be addressed. Those things are also stressful. Starting any new job is stressful because you have to deal with the new environment, the new position, the new people, and often the new/different methods that you have to learn and adjust to. New home(s) and a distance move was part of that, new job, degu health challenges . . . that's a lot to deal with. Anxiety is a nasty "companion." I would not wish it for anyone. Sending you big hugs, love! Give yourself permission to rest and to let go of the anxiety. You have already overcome so many of these things . . . you don't need to hold on to them anymore. I hope that is not something that you are struggling with . . . I know it is something I have done. Almost like there is something in my mind that somehow believes that the anxiety is a protective shield. It isn't, and I have to tell myself to actively drop it, not give it power or position in my mind or thoughts or time. Which, in saying this right now, I am reminding myself to do just that. Kick the anxiety out.
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on Aug 7, 2022 0:26:32 GMT
Thanks both It's been three moves in the past three years! I'm really really hoping this is it until I can buy in the next few years. Job and the apartment are wonderful! I of course have imposter syndrome and when things don't work it worries me, but I couldn't ask for better colleagues. And it's such a wonderful company (cares tremendously for employees, community, and the environment) I couldn't have found better. I'm enjoying the apartment, its so nice to be within walking distance of the (small) downtown area. I'm also working on getting the place decorated and putting together the guest room. Which is kinda fun, if expensive, haha. Thanks DC. I'm hoping you're able to let go of the anxiety as well, I know you've got a lot going on. I've honestly always been an anxious person, but I'm working on coping methods for when it gets bad. I'm trying a few online shadowboxing classes--maybe I can visualize knocking out anxiety, haha!
|
|
|
Post by deguconvert on Aug 7, 2022 23:51:49 GMT
I'm so happy for you! It sounds WONDERUFL! I pray you can rest in it, instead of waiting for something to go wrong. I know that is hard to do . . . when there have been so many challenges one after the other, you begin to be on constant alert, literally looking for something to break or go badly. There is a lot going on in our home, and there are some really hard days, or days when I look ahead and the future is intimidating. I do a lot of praying, and running to God. He keeps me going.
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on Aug 9, 2022 0:13:00 GMT
Thank you Yeah, I definitely struggle with accepting good things and not just waiting for the other shoe to drop. Working on that! I'm sorry so much is going on in your house but I'm so glad you've found your way to keep going.
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on Aug 9, 2022 23:50:46 GMT
Good news today!
This wasn't a traditional appointment, they were just able to squeeze me in since the plan was just an unsedated x-ray (dependent on if the vet felt he would be ok with the stress). So I didn't get to talk to the vet, but the tech was awesome and knowledgeable.
First thing she said was that he was adorable and so well behaved. Vet was really happy with how healthy Pickett looks. His lungs sounded good and since he was behaving, they did a quick x-ray. No fluid retention. Apparently his heart hasn't increased in size since his x-ray in early December either!
The vet asked that I just continue to monitor him, but he's doing really well. So the weight gain could just be from multiple factors and doesn't seem to be bad!
|
|
|
Post by moletteuk on Aug 10, 2022 8:53:03 GMT
Woohoo that's such good news! I hope you can bask in delight at his weight gain now I'm really happy to hear the job and apartment are both great
|
|
|
Post by bouncy on Aug 10, 2022 10:18:58 GMT
He obviously loves the new place! Can you buy it?! This does mean, of course, that he'll need to come with you for any future viewings for the Pickett seal of approval;)
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on Aug 10, 2022 23:15:31 GMT
Haha, I had just started basking when it occurred to me that this could be diabetes! So the basking did not last very long. Thanks Molette Hah, given that my friends who I'm renting from just bought the place, probably not And clearly yes, he'll need to come with during the house hunt!
|
|
|
Post by moletteuk on Aug 11, 2022 8:46:17 GMT
I think diabetes would cause weight loss. Resume basking!
|
|
|
Post by deguconvert on Aug 13, 2022 19:11:40 GMT
I was going to say the thing as Moletteuk . . . diabetes would cause weight loss. FEEL THE SUNSHINE!! Without the burn.
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on Aug 13, 2022 23:32:48 GMT
Oh, I thought there was an initial period of rapid weight gain followed by weight loss. Don't know where I came up with that, haha. Trying to bask! I'm working on it! It helps that he's adorable
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on Oct 11, 2022 23:20:25 GMT
Hi all! It's been a bit since I've posted on here.
I'm concerned for Pickett. I was away for the weekend (out of state funeral) and when I got back he seemed off. He ate his medicated oats slower last night, this morning, and just now. He was slow this morning as well. I also think he's breathing a bit harder. His weight has dropped again.
All of that potentially pointed to his heart condition worsening (fluid build-up in lungs?). But then I noticed he was scratching his ear a lot. Maybe 3 or 4 times in a few minutes, which is not normal.
The vet gave me ear drops for him a few months ago, which I started him on this morning. Hoping its just an ear infection. And this does remind me of his previous ear infections.
I've got a vet appointment booked, but its not for a while yet. If Pickett doesn't start doing better in the next 2-3 days (or he gets worse) I'll get him in on an emergency basis.
|
|