Ringworm

[missy]

That face...omg...

Here's another for you @Mamabean and @Iwanttosparkle and anyone else who is following Oliver's development.



He is quite the terror to his brothers. We are letting him out a few hours each day under supervision and so far he likes to run after and hit his brothers who aren't defending themselves but running away and then hiding. Not a great start.

@missy Sorry for the delay, I hadn’t been on the forum in a few days. The antibiotics didn’t agree with my digestive tract. I think I’ve turned the corner now.

Thank you for the photos ❤ We were oohing & aahing over here. Fred looks so sweet lounging on his back. That’s the life! We’d like to reach through the screen and rub his belly. My little boy has lots of allergies and asthma so we can’t have cats. We are living vicariously through you! And all the kitten calendars that my daughters get. (Although I did read your posts about allergy shots helping your husband’s allergies so maybe my son will be able to do that someday).

Still praying for the ringworm fungus to die and never come back!

P.S. I cant get over the persistence of that stuff. Do you remember in school when the teachers would say that in a post-nuclear war there would only be roaches left on earth? After reading what you have been through I now imagine it as roaches and ringworm spores :-/

Thank you for your continued good wishes. How are you feeling now @Iwanttosparkle ? Hoping with each day you are feeling much better. I am sorry your little boy has so many allergies and if/when you are interested I can share what I know about immunotherapy. It really did wonders for Greg. He couldn't even be in a room with my family's animals for more than a short while without his throat closing up and him not being able to breathe and now no problem whatsoever. Anyway if I can ever be of any help please do not hesitate to ask.

Yes I remember that about roaches and the post nuclear survival and I have to agree RW would probably survive too. It's surreal in every way. And if we missed any areas in the house the cats will get it again. It's not a pleasant thought and we do have 2 rooms where the carpet has to be (safely) removed before we can open those rooms up again. RW is lurking in both those rooms and it is scary thinking about it.

We are still not RW free officially and there is a troubling area on Bobby's foot but praying it isn't RW. Please send collective prayers and good thoughts our cats way. Please let RW gate nightmare be over. Pretty pretty please.

Tommy and Oliver last night. Before the chasing and swiping (on Oliver's part) began.

hello sweet little NYC/ NJ kitties
thinking of you
and sending sweet purrs back at you

Thank you @Daisys and Diamonds and hope all is going well with your furbabies.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

I've said it before and I'll say it again: RW GET LOST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope Oliver becomes better mannered with his brothers!!

cheers--Sharon

 

[missy]

HI:

I've said it before and I'll say it again: RW GET LOST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope Oliver becomes better mannered with his brothers!!

cheers--Sharon

Sharon, from your mouth to g-d’s ear.

So, I had a Gyn appointment this AM and as I’m getting ready to leave the office after I saw the gynecologist I hear “their cultures are still negative.” I turn around and it’s the veterinarian who just came in for her Gyn appointment. Haha. How funny we had appointments at just the right time to run into each other. She recommended this office to me but we had no clue we had an appointment the same day almost the same time. Lol. Anyway fingers crossed it remains negative. She wants us to do a third culture but we aren’t. It’s just been too much and hoping and praying they are negative.

So after much hugging and chatting with the veterinarian after the good news Greg and I left her at the office to have her appointment. We were all smiling. But for some reason I am still anxious and not feeling relieved yet. @Tekate mentioned it might be that way and I’m hoping it is just my nerves. And not that anything is wrong. Technically we are supposed to wait 4 weeks and it’s only been 3 weeks but I’m going to focus on the good news and try not to be anxious.

We just shampooed Fred however. Just in case. Greg thinks I’m being overly cautious but after all our cats and we have been through you cannot be too careful imo.

Thank you all for your support whether posting or liking or just letting me know you are here rooting for us. Happy holidays and hugs to all of you. ❤

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Good news! I think you must have PTSD. It will sink in soon and you'll be able to relax. Hugs.

cheers--Sharon

 

[Iwanttosparkle]

He is quite the terror to his brothers. We are letting him out a few hours each day under supervision and so far he likes to run after and hit his brothers who aren't defending themselves but running away and then hiding. Not a great start.

So Oliver is being a wiseguy, huh? It's ususally the cute ones because they can get away with it. Just kidding. Poor Tommy! I hope it's just a phase and that Oliver grows out of it soon. Lots of ooh and awwws as I showed my munchkins the pictures.

So, I had a Gyn appointment this AM and as I’m getting ready to leave the office after I saw the gynecologist I hear “their cultures are still negative.”

THAT IS WONDERFUL NEWS!!! I wish we could all be there to jump up and down with you in a PS group hug! May it stay that way for another week and then party time

My sore throat is not all the way resolved, but mostly. It is much better. And thank you for the offer about the immunotherapy. When we get to that step, I will certainly contact you!

@missy I was on amazon this morning searching "20 dollar gift ideas" and the most random gift ideas came up. One of them was a pizza cutter that is a bicycle and the back tire is what cuts the pizza. It reminded me of you & Greg so thought I'd post the link to make you smile.

Amazon.com: Bicycle Pizza Cutter - TOUR de PIZZA - Dual Stainless Steel Non-Stick Cutting Wheels - Display Stand - A very Cool Gift for the Kitchen by SoHo Kitchen: Home & Kitchen

Online Shopping for Kitchen Utensils & Gadgets from a great selection at everyday low prices. Free 2-day Shipping with Amazon Prime.

www.amazon.com

 

[MamaBee]

@missy I just got to Maryland and popped in and saw the cultures are still negative! Omg! I think you do have PTSD...I agree with Sharon that it may be a while before you can relax...I’m so happy for you both! xxxxxxxxooooooo THE BEST NEWS!!!

 

[Slickk]

@missy I am doing a happy dance for you and your family
Still sending healthy vibes your way for this to be over! I agree about the PTSD, hopefully you’ll feel more at ease as the weeks pass!

 

[missy]

HI:

Good news! I think you must have PTSD. It will sink in soon and you'll be able to relax. Hugs.

cheers--Sharon

Yes I agree. Thanks Sharon for being here through it all sharing encouragement and support. I appreciate it so much.

@missy I just got to Maryland and popped in and saw the cultures are still negative! Omg! I think you do have PTSD...I agree with Sharon that it may be a while before you can relax...I’m so happy for you both! xxxxxxxxooooooo THE BEST NEWS!!!

Dear Joanne, thank you! I am still not feeling relieved and just praying the cats are and remain RW free. So much left to do re those rooms that need the carpet ripped up and total disinfection/sterilization and today we are heading to our Brooklyn home to clean and disinfect there just in case Greg brought any RW with him the few times he had to go back there during RW gate to attend the board meetings. But yes so grateful that this RW gate chapter (so long a chapter) might be winding down for the cats and us. Fingers, toes and everything crossed RW gate stays gone.

So Oliver is being a wiseguy, huh? It's ususally the cute ones because they can get away with it. Just kidding. Poor Tommy! I hope it's just a phase and that Oliver grows out of it soon. Lots of ooh and awwws as I showed my munchkins the pictures.




THAT IS WONDERFUL NEWS!!! I wish we could all be there to jump up and down with you in a PS group hug! May it stay that way for another week and then party time

My sore throat is not all the way resolved, but mostly. It is much better. And thank you for the offer about the immunotherapy. When we get to that step, I will certainly contact you!

@missy I was on amazon this morning searching "20 dollar gift ideas" and the most random gift ideas came up. One of them was a pizza cutter that is a bicycle and the back tire is what cuts the pizza. It reminded me of you & Greg so thought I'd post the link to make you smile.

Amazon.com: Bicycle Pizza Cutter - TOUR de PIZZA - Dual Stainless Steel Non-Stick Cutting Wheels - Display Stand - A very Cool Gift for the Kitchen by SoHo Kitchen: Home & Kitchen

Online Shopping for Kitchen Utensils & Gadgets from a great selection at everyday low prices. Free 2-day Shipping with Amazon Prime.

www.amazon.com

Thank you @iwantsparkle, I appreciate all your good wishes and support. I am sorry you aren't all better yet but glad you are almost there. Love that random gift idea, thank you for sharing. 2 things I love. Cycling and pizza. Yummmmm. Hope you have a lovely weekend and feel all better by the time you read this.

@missy I am doing a happy dance for you and your family
Still sending healthy vibes your way for this to be over! I agree about the PTSD, hopefully you’ll feel more at ease as the weeks pass!

Dear @Slick1 I so appreciate all your loving support all these months. I know you are doing a happy dance. You are a true friend. And with all you have been going through to take time and be here for me means everything to me. Hoping your dental coverage comes through and all is taken care of for you. (((Hugs))).

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Me and Borris are having a virtual group hug for RW free
You and the kitties definatly in our thoughts and prayers

 

[Tekate]

@missy I don't want to add to your stress Missy girl but I think what you have been thru, going thru and hopefully getting read to totally end will cause PTSD, if anyone I know you would be the strongest person to get a handle on it, living in high stress mode for months on end changes our brains, you are very very smart and I like how you take relaxing baths, I think that is so damn smart, my problem is I need a crane to get out ! but candles, maybe music that soothes your heart and soul.. I know you allergies but baking helps.. you are going into January and the operation, Missy I am available you got my number ANYTIME, having had both my hips replaced I know one thing, GREG the wonderful MUST take his pain meds on time, they won't give him many anymore anyway, but being able to go to PT with a pain med is one of the ways one heals... I know you guys will be back in the city for the operation which is good news imho.

You are the strongest woman I know.. all that love you have for everyone else? give it to yourself marvelous Missy! you deserve it. xoxoxoxoxo

 

[missy]

@missy I don't want to add to your stress Missy girl but I think what you have been thru, going thru and hopefully getting read to totally end will cause PTSD, if anyone I know you would be the strongest person to get a handle on it, living in high stress mode for months on end changes our brains, you are very very smart and I like how you take relaxing baths, I think that is so damn smart, my problem is I need a crane to get out ! but candles, maybe music that soothes your heart and soul.. I know you allergies but baking helps.. you are going into January and the operation, Missy I am available you got my number ANYTIME, having had both my hips replaced I know one thing, GREG the wonderful MUST take his pain meds on time, they won't give him many anymore anyway, but being able to go to PT with a pain med is one of the ways one heals... I know you guys will be back in the city for the operation which is good news imho.

You are the strongest woman I know.. all that love you have for everyone else? give it to yourself marvelous Missy! you deserve it. xoxoxoxoxo

Dear Kate, thank you. Your support and love has meant the world to me this past year. I cannot even express adequately what your friendship means to me and I am looking forward to the day we get together in person again. And your too generous words bring tears to my eyes. I do not feel strong though looking back on the ordeal of 6 plus months I realize we went went through so much. We are still acting as if RW is a possibility and cleaning and disinfecting the house and shampooing the cats and doing lots of laundry every day. I just need a bit more time with no evidence of RW to feel more secure. I still am quite anxious and don't feel relief. I hope it is just PTSD and not my intuition kicking in that something is still wrong. I know no matter what comes our way we will have to deal with it but just hoping and praying the RW chapter is closed. And that Greg can have his successful knee replacement surgery this January. Fingers and toes and everything crossed.

And yes my daily baths help. I recommend them to everyone. I can only do them at the beach house but that is fine. In Brooklyn I don't like the tubs so will not take baths there.

Thank you for all your love and I am sending bucketloads of love and hugs your way dear Kate the great. XOXO.

 

[missy]

Me and Borris are having a virtual group hug for RW free
You and the kitties definatly in our thoughts and prayers

Thank you dear @Daisys and Diamonds and hugs to you and all your fur baby crew plus sending good wishes to Gary and Melanie and you too Nicky dear. (((Hugs))).

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

I pray for the day the kitties are RW free and you and Greg can sleep in and let the human washing pile up in the laundry for a few days and give the vacuum cleaner and the mop the week off

 

[facetgirl]

I think when you are forced to confront a threat everyday you can start to get used to operating under threat brain- and its not a good thing at all. Life is too short- find the opportunity to celebrate and put each milestone behind you in your rear view mirror. RW free in 2020!

Thinking of you and checking in on this thread for progress often- Oliver looks great and seems to be very social!

 

[foxinsox]

OMG the end might finally happily be in sight!!! this is very good hopeful news @missy!

All fingers and paws crossed here in NZ

 

[mtsapphirelovingannie]

missy, I am happy to read things are looking up!!!

 

[missy]

I think when you are forced to confront a threat everyday you can start to get used to operating under threat brain- and its not a good thing at all. Life is too short- find the opportunity to celebrate and put each milestone behind you in your rear view mirror. RW free in 2020!

Thinking of you and checking in on this thread for progress often- Oliver looks great and seems to be very social!

Thank you @facetgirl.

Yes it has been a very difficult 6 months starting with our darling Francesca's untimely death and then bringing RW into our home unwittingly via Oliver. I definitely have been running on adrenaline more than anything else with the flight or fight response coming into play and you are right. That is not good at all. I know I have to relax and ease up on the routine for the sake of our sanity and my dh's well being. He has aged quite a bit these past 6 months and I need to let him relax. It's been non stop go go go.

I just wish I could feel completely sure RW is gone but I am not completely sure. However I am going to ease up a bit and hope for the best because you are right in that life cannot continue like this. The unrelenting punishing nature of what we have been doing for the past 6 months has caught up with all of us.

Thank goodness the cats seem to be almost back to normal (with the exception of Fred not being able to move much due to his severe arthritis and again as soon as we are a full month out from being RW free we will start him back on his steroid meds probably) and are not holding all the months of torture against us. They are loving and sweet again.

But Oliver is the wild card here. He is chasing Tommy and "attacking" (playing? or a combo of both?) him and we cannot let Oliver out unsupervised (and there is also the food issue as he never seems satiated). This is a whole different challenge and we are to blame for keeping Oliver isolated for the past 5 months. I hope we can overcome this challenge because I don't know what we will do if we cannot. Tommy needs to be able to enjoy life without being attacked by Oliver and hide under the couch while Oliver is out.

Thanks for listening and for your support and encouragement.

 

[missy]

I pray for the day the kitties are RW free and you and Greg can sleep in and let the human washing pile up in the laundry for a few days and give the vacuum cleaner and the mop the week off

Thank you Daisy. I know my dh hopes for that too. LOL. Maybe today we will start easing up and not do our full cleaning and disinfecting and laundry routine. Maybe. Thank you for all your kind support over these many many months. It means a lot to me. (((Hugs))).

 

[missy]

OMG the end might finally happily be in sight!!! this is very good hopeful news @missy!

All fingers and paws crossed here in NZ

Thank you @foxinsox! Appreciate the good cheer and fingers and paws crossed.

 

[missy]

missy, I am happy to read things are looking up!!!

Thank you @mtsapphirelovingannie!

 

[missy]

Hot off the presses little Oliver right now. Looking like a sweet angel but he is very devilish too.

 

[TooPatient]

Still waiting for the official word to breathe again!

Maybe you can change your cleaning schedule to every other day? Or half today, half tomorrow? That would probably still keep any possible spores under control (as in heading to death) but let you both relax a bit more.

 

[missy]

Still waiting for the official word to breathe again!

Maybe you can change your cleaning schedule to every other day? Or half today, half tomorrow? That would probably still keep any possible spores under control (as in heading to death) but let you both relax a bit more.

Thanks @TooPatient. We *only* (lol) vacuumed the house today (no mopping, no disinfecting, no dusting) and for the first time since July 21st did not wash the sheets and comforter cover. Am I uneasy? A little bit but I am, and Greg is, exhausted so hopefully this is sufficient and praying the cats are RW free. As of now, we are heading back to NYC beginning of January and Greg's surgery is scheduled in January at HSS.

How are you doing? How are your kitties doing? Any updates?

 

[MaisOuiMadame]

Missy, I so hope it's over!! keeping fingers crossed. Hugs to you and Greg

 

[JPie]

@missy I am keeping my fingers crossed that your family is in the clear! I don't think your fur babies could have better humans to take care of them through this nightmare. I hope you and Greg are able to relax finally.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

The washing machines and the mop will have withdrawl
Ollie looks such a darling
There is just some thing about the naughty ones
Tinky used to always make sure we were looking before he scratches the furniture
That's not good Ollie is nearing up/ rough housing with his brother, but hopefully they will sort some sort of a friendship/ polite acquaintance thing out
Maybe its a Rangers Vs Devils kinda issue

Once all this is over you should shout yourselves a new bath if the NYC one isn't to your liking
We didn't have a bath in our old place, just a shower
ive had this bath bomb for like 20 years
We both hate the bath in this house - so disappointing

 

[MamaBee]

@missy I completely understand being nervous about it being gone..If it hasn’t shown up by now I think you guys are in the clear! What an ordeal this has been for you and Greg...not even to mention the furries..You guys are the best fur parents ever!

 

[MamaBee]

Here's another for you @Mamabean and @Iwanttosparkle and anyone else who is following Oliver's development.



He is quite the terror to his brothers. We are letting him out a few hours each day under supervision and so far he likes to run after and hit his brothers who aren't defending themselves but running away and then hiding. Not a great start.



Thank you for your continued good wishes. How are you feeling now @Iwanttosparkle ? Hoping with each day you are feeling much better. I am sorry your little boy has so many allergies and if/when you are interested I can share what I know about immunotherapy. It really did wonders for Greg. He couldn't even be in a room with my family's animals for more than a short while without his throat closing up and him not being able to breathe and now no problem whatsoever. Anyway if I can ever be of any help please do not hesitate to ask.

Yes I remember that about roaches and the post nuclear survival and I have to agree RW would probably survive too. It's surreal in every way. And if we missed any areas in the house the cats will get it again. It's not a pleasant thought and we do have 2 rooms where the carpet has to be (safely) removed before we can open those rooms up again. RW is lurking in both those rooms and it is scary thinking about it.

We are still not RW free officially and there is a troubling area on Bobby's foot but praying it isn't RW. Please send collective prayers and good thoughts our cats way. Please let RW gate nightmare be over. Pretty pretty please.

Tommy and Oliver last night. Before the chasing and swiping (on Oliver's part) began.








Thank you @Daisys and Diamonds and hope all is going well with your furbabies.

@missy I don’t even have a cat and I’m searching for ways to keep him from eating their food...They only mention separating them during mealtimes which I know won’t work because the other guys graze all day. You could get him a little muzzle..Only kidding! Maybe not! Haha He is sooo cute though!

 

[missy]

Missy, I so hope it's over!! keeping fingers crossed. Hugs to you and Greg

Thank you @kipari! (((Hugs))) to you and your family too.

@missy I am keeping my fingers crossed that your family is in the clear! I don't think your fur babies could have better humans to take care of them through this nightmare. I hope you and Greg are able to relax finally.

Thank you @JPie! I so appreciate your support throughout these months.

The washing machines and the mop will have withdrawl
Ollie looks such a darling
There is just some thing about the naughty ones
Tinky used to always make sure we were looking before he scratches the furniture
That's not good Ollie is nearing up/ rough housing with his brother, but hopefully they will sort some sort of a friendship/ polite acquaintance thing out
Maybe its a Rangers Vs Devils kinda issue

Once all this is over you should shout yourselves a new bath if the NYC one isn't to your liking
We didn't have a bath in our old place, just a shower
ive had this bath bomb for like 20 years
We both hate the bath in this house - so disappointing

LOL the mop and washer/dryer might be having withdrawal love it and I sure hope so! If I never have to pick up another mop or vacuum cleaner it will be too soon.

Yeah the Ollie roughhousing situation is upsetting. I spoke to Elaine last night and she suggested we get a harness and slowly introduce him to Tommy and not let him roughhouse (ie beat up Tommy) with Tommy. It's troubling because Oliver is a baby and Tommy is 12 years old and why is Tommy letting Oliver take over? Tommy was the mouser at work and he is super good natured and is friends with all the cats. He brought everyone together. The glue so to speak of the cat family.

So yeah this is just another issue and I don't know how this is going to shape up. Oliver can be so sweet. He was sleeping with me next to my face on my pillow and being an angel in the early hours this morning. Purring. And now he is on Greg purring as we have coffee in bed. We slept late this morning as it is storming outside and quite the mess and it was nice just to stay in bed later than usual under the covers all comfy and cozy.

But I know as soon as we let Oliver out later it's going to start again. So I have to go out today and buy a harness and I have a feeling Oliver will not like that. I have to google videos to see what exactly we need to do to introduce them in a better way and hopefully Oliver will stop attacking Tommy. Greg says he is playing but that is not an acceptable way to play. Tommy cries and fights to get away and then runs away and hides under the couch. Not acceptable.

For some reason, so far, Oliver s leaving Fred alone (he sometimes goes after Bobby who fights back). Oliver goes over to where Fred is laying in front of the fireplace and sniffs him and walks away. I wonder why? Maybe Oliver senses Fred is very old? IDK.

@missy I completely understand being nervous about it being gone..If it hasn’t shown up by now I think you guys are in the clear! What an ordeal this has been for you and Greg...not even to mention the furries..You guys are the best fur parents ever!

Thank you @Mamabean Joanne! I so appreciate your comforting words and support throughout this ordeal. I am not breathing relief yet but fingers and toes crossed. This RW business is nasty and can incubate for a full month so not only do we need the cats clear the environment has to be clear and I know I will feel a lot better when the 2 rooms with carpet that are closed off in our home are taken care of and carpet removed and everything in the rooms fully disinfected or thrown out. But not sure when we are going to be able to do that. In the meantime the rooms are closed off and just hoping there is no areas we missed in the rest of the house. It's scary because we are fighting an invisible enemy that doesn't want to die. Like someone (@iwantsparkle I think said this) wrote upthread in a nuclear war cockroaches and RW will be the only 2 surviving things on earth. LOL and

 

[missy]

Fred last night hanging out with us after we had to banish Oliver back to the bedroom because he wouldn't leave Tommy alone.



His hair is still growing in brown where the RW was which is puzzling as none of the vets (sister included) understand why that is. But thank goodness the hair is growing back and so far knock wood no bald areas that could mean trouble.

And Oliver yesterday morning.



Looking sweet and innocent.