congenital kidney failure

[Twice]

That's what the specialists told me it was. She was born this way. This was not my fault. There was nothing I could have done to prevent it and nothing that I have done in the 5 weeks we have had her has made it any worse. If that's true, why does it feel like I broke her?

I have to say, this Tinton Falls hospital... outstanding group of people. They had 3 doctors to look at Abby. Each of them said the same thing. They wanted to be 100% sure so they did another ultrasound FOR FREE. The first one was over 600.00.

I am meeting with the nutritionist next week. She is going to devise a special diet using organic foods for Abby. I don't like her on this canned stuff. I don't care how good they say it is for her. How good can it really be with all those preservatives and artificial flavors working through her broken little system. Her kidneys can't filter that junk out.

They taught me how to administer the subQ fluids on my own. I can't believe my beautiful little Abby has her own little IV bag now

The price wasn't nearly as steep as I expected either. The exam by 2 internal medicine doctors and one surgeon. The IV fluids, tubing and needles. A case of this Purina Renal Health stuff to hold her over until I see the nutritionist. Plus the free ultrasound. It only came to 229.55.

None of them could tell me how much longer we will have with her. It could be a month or a year. But not longer than that. Her blood pressure is good and the kidneys are still producing urine so that's at least positive. I'm taking her back on the 6th for another blood panel. This time she won't eat for the required 12 hours before the test so we have accurate results. Hopefully between the diet, IV fluids and amphojel the levels will have dropped some. Maybe it will buy us a little more time.

My heart is completely broken but there is nothing more that I can do other than to love her to pieces and try to keep her comfortable. My son is in complete denial even after hearing all that was said tonight. He refuses to believe that as young and active as she is, as playful as she is... he refuses to believe that she will die soon. I can't believe it either.

 

[Bella'sMom]

I am so sorry to hear this. You are doing the best you can for her and if any one else had her, she most likely wouldn't have as long of life she will be having. You are a great bully mom and never doubt that.

Keep us posted on how she does. You just never know, miracles happen!

 

[cowsmom]

[MENTION=4225]Twice[/MENTION] i was wondering as i know you have some home cooked meals in mind for abby but have you checked into dehydrated or freeze dried food? i know grandma lucys freeze dried atisan is low phosphorus. its 25% protein so not sure if thats to much. there is the honest kitchen and sojos. much better than canned. not sure about the phosphorus for them though but i think its low. just wondering.

 

[2BullyMama]

Bev -- I'm so sorry. I wish it was all different and prayed so hard that you would get better news today. I'm glad you had such a great experience at Tinton Falls and it wasn't that expensive.. it really does help when you have such caring people that truly want to do what is best for the pup and treat you with respect.

I agree too... that canned food has got to be crap, let us know what you will be cooking up for the Little Princess! I also agree that you need to love her to pieces, enjoy her and keep her happy and comfortable every minute of every day.

If there is anything you need... please do not hesitate to ask.

 

[JAKEISGREAT]

I'm so very sorry. I've done the fluids on a cat...really perks them up after they get it. Now...look at this as Abby was chosen for you to have for a reason. You might not know what that reason is for a year or maybe 10 years...but I know this...you will love her and treasure her. She will return that love and so much more. Your heart will be broken...but as I have learned from being in shoes a lot like yours, you will end up with a much bigger heart than if Abby had never entered your life. And what bigger gift is there than love. Your son will come around. It's a process and he will learn to love her in this moment. I'm very happy you found a great partnership with this vet and hospital.

 

[Cooper11]

Well God gave her to you for a reason. She needed a good momma to make her life,although short, the most outstanding loving short life she can have! I think that she has this with you and she knows she is loved! You love her and get as many memories as you can with that sweet little girl!

 

[Twice]

@Bella'sMom Thanks. Abby is 4 months old today. I have decided that we're going to celebrate every Friday as her birthday I found a recipe for cookies that I can make for her parties

2 cups rice flour or white all-purpose bleached flour (these two are lowest in phosphorus, which is best for kidney disease)
1 tsp. garlic powder, or fresh ground
6 Tbsp low sodium, low fat chicken broth (organic or homemade is best)
1 cup cooked vegetables ground up (winter squashes, zucchini, and sweet potatoes are low in phosphorus, which is best for kidney disease)
cold water

Combine flour and garlic; mix in chicken broth and vegetable(s); add enough cold water to form a ball; pat dough and cut into desired shapes; place on non-stick cookie sheet and bake in preheated oven at 350F for 25 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Freeze what is not eaten within a week.

I'm going to try to find a bone shaped cookie cutter. I think she will like those I might even get her a party hat.

@cowsmom I checked out those foods when you first suggested them (I thought I replied to that. I'm sorry) Abby's food can't have more than 17-18% protein. If I remember right, Honest Kitchen has more than that. Sojos lets me add my own protein but I can't find phosphorous levels for it.

@2BullyMama Tomorrow Lady Abigail will be dining on Beans and Tofu My shipment from caninekidneyhealth.com came today. I am going to memorize the directions and start tomorrow afternoon. I'd start tonight but with the crazy day I have had I haven't had a chance to go grocery shopping for the organics she needs. I've already started the hydrotherapy. She likes that.

@JAKEISGREAT Thank you for that. I think Abby came to us for a reason too. I just can't imagine a reason where the end is so sad. But in time, you're probably right. I'll figure it out.
The SubQ wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be. But seeing that big bump on her back appear then disappear so quickly was a little creepy

 

[cowsmom]

[MENTION=4225]Twice[/MENTION] thk has one that lets you add protein to. well we can email or call the company and find out. hm 17-18% sounds like a challenge for me. whatever i can do to help.

 

[ChanelnBrutus]

Oh my I am sorry to hear this! I will continue to pray for sweet Abby! Miracles do happen!

I'm glad you had a good experience at Tinton Falls! I'm glad they were able to give you answers(not what you wanted) but let you know! Please keep us posted and if you need anything let me know!




---
I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=40.658952,-74.233518

 

[Twice]

@Cooper11 that's the plan! To give her the most outstanding, happy life imaginable. When her time comes, she can close her eyes knowing that she was loved.

@cowsmom 17-18% protein is a challenge for me too! Low protein, low phosphorous AND low sodium. What's that leave us? Boiled potatoes?

@ChanelnBrutus you know what I found the most amazing? They didn't just say eat this, take this liquid and good luck. They gave us the fluids, ran another test to be sure they were right, they explained why dialysis wasn't an option, and talked about diets. There was no "eat this and be happy". It was "if this food doesn't work we'll try this". I walked out of there knowing so much more than I walked in there knowing. I didn't get the answer that I was hoping for obviously, but I'm still glad that I went.

 

[cowsmom]

[MENTION=4225]Twice[/MENTION] i will work on something if its possible. you maybe able to mix things. ok so thk is 21% protein so dont give her a whole cup. just half cup and then potatoes or whatever. but you see what i mean. and im so glad you got some actual help like my vet is doing with sarah. its so comforting when you dont just get shoved out the door.

 

[luseaann]

I think you should not use the garlic powder for the cookies. Garlic is a no-no for dogs. Or were you advised to feed it to her?Bless you and little Abby.

 

[ChanelnBrutus]

[MENTION=2291]cowsmom[/MENTION] It's the hospital that did Brutus's surgery! Thy are good people there and really care about us! Just wish they had better news for Abby! You are a dear for helping with the food! Wish I knew more to help!

[MENTION=4225]Twice[/MENTION] glad you had a good exp there and that they can help with Abby! Again I am so truely sorry for your family! I pray that things work out for you all! ANYTHING YOU NEED JUST PM ME! Im in Union County about 1hr from the tinton falls hospital! When is the next appointment you have? I go on Monday for a surgery follow up?


---
I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=40.659072,-74.233517

 

[Davidh]

So sorry for the news, it's hard to believe looking at that cute, happy little face on your avatar. It's just a shame that little beauty is having such a short life. but like people have said this is for a reason, we just don't know what yet. At least she has you and you are giving her the best life possible. Make everyday count and we will keep her in our prayers.

 

[RiiSi]

I'm so sorry for you. Know that your story has touched hearts in different continents.