My poor Taz seems to be suffering from his bladder issues again. We've gone through this so many times that we're doing a bit of wait and see- we've given him some medication to ease the discomfort (Amitriptyline HCL)and checking to see is his bladder is full/hard (indicates blockage.) He seems OK, more or less- just subdued and whenever he sees the litter box he HAS to go in there and try to pee. If it's not in his visual range, he doesn't tend to go there so much. Like, I think he slept through the night.

The last time this was an issue, he actually passed a bladder stone/crystal, which was great (as it negated the need for pretty hardcore surgery.) Since we've been through this a lot, we aren't inclined to run to the Emergency Pet ER, hopefully keeping an eye on things and bringing him to his regular vet tomorrow. Anyone have any thoughts/advice?

In better news, *I* slept through the night without coughing! And I can breath and stuff. I think I should still take it easy today which means skipping the Satchmo second line later this morning.

Nora, my big measure for Emergency Vet vs. waiting till Monday with Harvey is - is if there is any pee coming out. Even if it's just a few drops at a time, it's better than a complete blockage. I have been informed (by the person who told me when this was all new to me, "Oh, no, don't let the new receptionist tell you to make an appointment for tomorrow - call back and make her tell one of the veterinarians that your male cat is visiting the litter box every five minutes, they WILL fit you in today" and she was right) that with a complete blockage, it is only a matter of hours before it is too late. And since pain can be a reason on its own for an emergency trip, observe for signs of pain such as lethargy, reduced appetite, sleeping in unusual (for the cat's habits) places. All that to say, yes, I think Taz is perfectly fine to wait until office hours on Monday.

I have a couple questions for the Hivemind. First, the requirement to notify a supervisor within 24 hours of an injury at work, that's regular business days, right? As in, if something happens on Friday afternoon, calling the boss first thing Monday morning is sufficient, right? Second, I got hit in the nose on Friday hard enough to knock my glasses off, not hard enough to cause a nosebleed (there was a little blood the next time I blew my nose, but it did not flow) - the stiff neck I woke up with on Saturday morning, the was from the hit, right? Gentle neck stretches, a neck rub from Daniel, and sleeping with a rolled up towel under my neck, they only seem to help a little.

Sending ~ma to Taz, Nora. Don't have specific advice, but it sounds like WS has that covered.

WS, I dunno about the neck. I find my neck can hurt if I sleep on it wrong. One thing that can help, whatever the cause, is to gently stretch it and exercise the muscles a little. Lean over an exercise ball and do a few gentle head lifts, even just 5 or 10.

Kitty~ma, Taz

smishing bubblewrap through the tubes to Pix

smonster, I forget where I saw the original recipe for winter veg soup. I start with onions sauteed in olive oil, then add garlic, sautee, then add broth, then chopped veggies in the order of how long they take to cook. Potatoes, tomatillos, carrots & whatever else looks good. Fresh herbs, (usually dill) and stir a tiny bit of cream into each bowl before serving. Is that enough info?

edit: forgot to say shir: thanks for posting. It's all we have been talking about this morning so of course I forgot to mention it here.

Thanks guys- he doesn't seem to be in any pain, and is chilling out- I think the medication is helping him relax. I checked on him to make sure he's not too lethargic, and he's not. Also, his bladder is definitely empty, and not backed up. One of the vets at the emergency place told us that if there was blockage, it would be evident from external checking, and showed us how to check.

I check every once in a while to make sure, and he doesn't even mind me touching the area so much, just general cat suspicion of why the human is touching his underside area. But he's definitely not in pain, and is chilling in his usual spot, guarding the front door.

I'm SUPER paranoid about blockage, I know how fast it can go downhill.

Anyway, thanks for the kitty-ma!

Poor kitty! I hope he feels better soon.

WS, I think -- and I'm no expert -- that employer's want any employee to fill out an incident report ASAP for any work-related injury, preferably the same day, unless you're in the hospital.

So do it first thing on Monday morning, and if any co-workers saw the hit, or if you can get a statement from any client witnesses, make sure to include it. I don't know how hard a hit it was, but if you bled, and are feeling neck pain, it could or could not be related to that incident.

CYA, baby. CYA.

Much Taz~ma.

Goodness, I'm sleepy today. Luckily I don't need to go anywhere or accomplish much of anything (except laundry).

I hope your neck feels better soon, WS.

So do it first thing on Monday morning, and if any co-workers saw the hit, or if you can get a statement from any client witnesses, make sure to include it.

It was documented immediately in the individual's behavior program notes. It didn't occur to me until yesterday that there might be lasting effects for me.

You should be golden, then, WS.

BTW, those sticky heating pads things are made by GOD/DESS.

WS,

good grief. how the heck are you doing?