Fell Down and Broke My Crown
Thursday, May 18th, 2006 at 11:24 pmThe last 24 hours will go down in history as being some of the worst hours of my life.
It all started when my eldest cat Turbo started panting and salivating at 12:30am, so Dave and I rushed her to the nearest animal emergency center. Unfortunately, we found that the center was closed down and after several calls, the closest place that could take us was in uptown Manhattan about 20 miles away.
Once at there, Turbo was examined and it was found that her lungs were filled with fluid. From the initial tests, it appeared that she was suffering from heart failure. Turbo is 15 years old and blind, and from what we were told, even with treatment, in the near future we’d lose her.
We could not see putting her through days of testing, then painful treatments, and having the fluid be drained from her lungs frequently. We’ve gone through this thing before with two other cats, and we had since agreed that if faced with this situation again, we would opt to spare our cats the suffering.
As if things couldn’t get worse at this point, while waiting for the vet to bring Turbo in for us to say goodbye, I passed out and smashed my head against the metal examination table, and then again on the floor. I came to gasping for air, because I had stopped breathing when I hit the ground.
The rest of the story involves an ambulance ride, a long emergency room stay, chest x-ray, CT-scan, EKG, blood work, and several hours of severe dizziness, stomach cramping, and vomiting. The dizziness was like nothing I’d ever experienced. Picture your worst drunken room-spinning experience: this was 100 times more intense. Oh yeah, and I felt like I was hit in the head with a baseball bat.
Luckily, I received amazing care at the hospital — far superior than I’ve ever experienced (and believe me, I’ve been to my share of emergency rooms). But I couldn’t get my mind off Turbo, so we decided that Dave should go back to her (it was 8 blocks away) and be there with her in her final moments. He said she was her usual loving self, purring, and licking his arm, and that it was over very quickly.
Eventually, I recovered from my injuries and was discharged. My poor husband had sat in a hard chair for most of 15 hours, minus the brief time he spent with Turbo. It was when I had gone the whole day without eating or drinking that I realized that Dave had done so also. This isn’t the first time he’s been stationed at my bedside for hours on end. He’s a real strong person; I would have never made it through all this without his constant support and care. I’m a very fortunate woman to have this man love me so devotedly.
We’re finally back home now and in need of some serious sleep and, on my part, much recuperation — and a life without our sweet Turbo. Our other kitties, Sixx and Ace, know something is wrong and are walking around looking for their sister. At least I know she’s not suffering, and am comforted knowing that she’s somewhere right now with Uncle who loved her so much.
R.I.P. Turbo, we will miss you always.
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I’m so sorry, honey. Lots of love to you and Dave. I’m thinking of you guys. XOXO.
My heart is with you Eve, I’ve been through two of my pets being put to rest in the last three years.
Rock On Turbo \m/\m/
\m/\m/
Oh, sweetie. I am so very sorry to hear of all of this. Many hugs to you, and to Dave, and to Ace and Sixx, too.
So sorry to hear about Turbo.
Feel better.
I’m so sorry. I hope I’m strong enough to make that decision when the time comes.
Now is the time in the blog world where someone is supposed to say something about the Rainbow Bridge, which always reminds me of a Ritchie Blackmore guitar solo.
Poor little Turbo. I’m glad he doesn’t hurt anymore. I’m sorry you still do.
Sorry about Turbo. It’s not easy losing a pet. I’ve done it a couple times and am now hesitant to go through it again. Hope you feel better as well.
Eve, I am so sorry lady. I know that you and Dave are the greatest kitty parents and how much you love all of your cats. If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know. And take care of yourself! You and Dave of all people can’t go without eating ever! Even if it’s just some bee pollen, you should make sure you eat something. I know an awesome recipe for vegan energy balls (you can make them in big batches and save them) with bee pollen, spirilina, rolled oats, honey, coconut, nuts, and lots of other good things that are perfect for those crazy days when you’re running around with too much to do and no time to eat. I’ll hunt down the specifics and give it to you asap. *hugs to both of you and to all the kitties*
Holy crap, Eve. I’m sorry you lost Turbo, but I’m glad you’re okay now. Did they happen to say exactly what it was that caused you to react so badly? Or was it just the fact that you happened to hit your head just right?
Oh Eve, I’m so sorry to hear about Turbo. Losing a pet is hard, but it sounds like it was time… and every living thing has a time. At least Dave was with Turbo when that time came. I’m even more sorry to hear about you! Take care of yourself and I hope you get better soon!
Hey,rockin new oufit!
Oh my gawd, my dear, that is much too much. I think it’s been a bad week for kitties, as one of my elderly cats is ill (with a massive, aggressively growing tumor off of her liver). It sounds like your Turbo had a good life, but what a stressful way to say goodbye. Feel better.
Thanks to all of you for the good thoughts and words. It means a lot. It’s been a rough time for Dave and me, very emotional. I’m still trying to recuperate, and have been getting a lot of calls from friends and family. Everyone’s support has been very helpful. You guys are great.
I’m coming into this late (Saturday), but just wanted to add how sorry I am… both at the heartwrenching decision regarding Turbo, and your unfortunate fall with resulting injuries. Gads, that’s quite the dual experience in so short a time! I hope you won’t suffer any lingering effects of your accident. I also wish you peace and strength, as you cope with your loss. *HUGS* to you, Dave, and the cats. Thinking about you… again, so sorry you’re going through all this.
Thank you so much, Serena. I really appreciate it. I’m feeling better today, not 100%, but much improved since the accident. I’m just trying to recuperate as best as I can, and possibly cheer up, too.
So sorry to hear about Turbo. Kitties are so very important in any family. Glad you were okay. Sheesh, what a craptacular day.