Heaven Help Us Animal Refuge
Sharing Jesus Love Through The Hearts of Animals
Isaac The "Miracle Monkey" Part IV
Isaac The "Miracle Monkey" Part IV
August 11th, 2010
August 11th, 2010
Wow it has been awhile since I have updated.
Over a month!
As always, never a dull moment around here.
Isaac went back to the vet a few weeks ago.
He was supposed to have a treatment, but had x-rays,
blood work and other follow up
stuff done...$500 worth!
I was a little aggravated when I got their to pick him up
and found that he
had not had his treatment. They were stressing on the
phone that we needed to get those done.
I was beginning to feel like Isaac was more a research
project then a family member.
but what do I do..I'm at their mercy!
I spoke with one of the head people at the university
about my concerns.
She was at least comforting.
She explained a lot about how things work their.
It helped me understand some things better anyway.
I won't even go in to all of it...it would take forever,
and just get me more frustrated.
I'm trying to focus on the good things, have faith,
and know that God is in control.
Anyway..after 2 weeks of waiting, I finally got a call
saying that his results showed
some improvement with his pneumonia,
that he is growing and gaining muscle mass.
So that is good...yey!
He will be going back in the next week or two for another
set of x-rays, blood work, a skin biopsy & to check the
status of his stricture.
They feel that Isaac may have an Immune system deficiency.
It is always something.
Anyway..after 2 weeks of waiting, I finally got a call
saying that his results showed
some improvement with his pneumonia,
that he is growing and gaining muscle mass.
So that is good...yey!
He will be going back in the next week or two for another
set of x-rays, blood work, a skin biopsy & to check the
status of his stricture.
They feel that Isaac may have an Immune system deficiency.
It is always something.
We are over $10,000 in medical expenses now.
Thank God for a wonderful Group of people from
monkey groups that I'm involved in.
They had 2 auctions for Isaac, that raised $2000!
The Dr's are saying that If Isaac's stricture has closed
any..it could take another
8-10 balloon treatments.
I can't see that happening, not at $600 a pop!
I have faith that God is going to bring Isaac through this,
and provide what he sees fit.
For the most part, Isaac is doing pretty well.
To look at him playing and and ripping through the house
...you would never know there was anything wrong with him.
He still has to eat soft foods, and formula.
Thank God for Mashed potatoes...lol
He eats about 4-5 small meals a day, that take about
a half hour each feeding. He has to lick a little at a time.
Other wise, he eats to quick, it gets lodged, and then we
have issues with regurgitating.
He still takes 2 meds twice a day for acid & bile reflux.
I also give him mylanta sometimes.
He seems to be doing pretty good.
We just take it day by day, and are grateful
for the good days.
Sorry this was not one of my better updates,
but I'm just really exhausted and haven't had much time to write.
Will try to update after we get the results from his next visit.
In the meantime, Keep us in your prayers.
Thanks and God Bless...
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We are over $10,000 in medical expenses now.
Thank God for a wonderful Group of people from
monkey groups that I'm involved in.
They had 2 auctions for Isaac, that raised $2000!
The Dr's are saying that If Isaac's stricture has closed
any..it could take another
8-10 balloon treatments.
I can't see that happening, not at $600 a pop!
I have faith that God is going to bring Isaac through this,
and provide what he sees fit.
For the most part, Isaac is doing pretty well.
To look at him playing and and ripping through the house
...you would never know there was anything wrong with him.
He still has to eat soft foods, and formula.
Thank God for Mashed potatoes...lol
He eats about 4-5 small meals a day, that take about
a half hour each feeding. He has to lick a little at a time.
Other wise, he eats to quick, it gets lodged, and then we
have issues with regurgitating.
He still takes 2 meds twice a day for acid & bile reflux.
I also give him mylanta sometimes.
He seems to be doing pretty good.
We just take it day by day, and are grateful
for the good days.
Sorry this was not one of my better updates,
but I'm just really exhausted and haven't had much time to write.
Will try to update after we get the results from his next visit.
In the meantime, Keep us in your prayers.
Thanks and God Bless...
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
September 16th, 2010
September 16th, 2010
Where to start....
Isaac's last test results show that his pneumonia was pretty much gone, that he is starting to grow more muscle mass,and that his blood work was overall pretty good.
There is some concern about an immune system deficiency.
He will have to have some additional blood work and test to see exactly what is going on.
Isaac finally went back to the doctor last Tuesday.
We made our early 3 1/2 journey to Gainesville, in which seemed like an eternity. I had not missed this drive..that's for sure.
I had a tuff time keeping my eyes open.
Just to re-fresh...It had been over 8 weeks since Isaac's last visit.
After his last treatment in late June, he developed pneumonia and was in ICU for a week. The doctor said to give him a few weeks to re-coop.
Well, between the recoup period, and the $2400 ICU bill,
he did not get back for another treatment.
The ICU bill drained all of what I had gathered for his next treatment.
Anyway...to make a long story short...the auction money from a wonderful bunch of friends from a monkey group I'm proud to be apart of...put us back into play for a bit.
It took care of his last visit, and this visit, but with not much to spare.
The visit last week was another review of blood work, x-rays, and some skin biopsies. I'm still waiting to hear back on that.
I get him checked in at 9am, then I go spend 6-8 hours at the Ronald Mc Donald House, until I get that call that Isaac is ready to go home.
When I went to pick him up, we sat down and went over what was done & what they found. She explained that Isaac's stricture had gone from the 9mm that it had been stretched to, down to a 3-4.
They couldn't even get the normal scope in. She explained that after balloon dilation treatment, we have to continue the treatments, even after we reach our goal of 10mm..at least once a week for a few weeks to keep it open as it heals.
It had been so long since his last one, that it scarred and the scar tissue cause it to close some.
She explained that Isaac would need about 8-10 more treatments to get him to 10mm, and where he could eat normal.
She said because he is starting to grow now, the nutrition intake is very important. Without out it, he can develop bone & skeletal problems, as well as very poor growth.
The real knife in the heart, was when she told me that if continuing treatments, this time he would need steroids with each treatment, and with all that needed to be done, that each treatment would cost approx $800.
My heart was in my throat as I did the math. $800 x's 10...that's $10,000!!!
My eyes instantly swelled with tears, as we paused in silence. I knew there was just now way that I could come up with this kind of money. She explained that if we were to continue the treatments, it would have to be done consecutively to keep the stricture open as it heals. so saving up for one or two, then having a 3 week break due to lack of money..was not gonna help Isaac or the situation.
Then she went on to express that the other option, is just to do the best I can at home as I have been & let him live his life until his quality of life leads us to say good-bye.
Her concern with that was his nutrition intake, due to the fact he can only eat liquid and semi-soft food.
She told me to just go home, and really think things over. She told me that I have done far more for Isaac then most would have or could afford. She said " I don't know any of my clients that could afford this kind of expense!"
I told her I was numb, and really had to think about all this.
I couldn't hold back the tears any longer....As my lip started to quiver, and the tears rolled down my face.. I said "Do you know what it is like to sit and stare at him smiling, playing & wrestling in his cage..and think of letting him go? All because you don't have enough money?....putting a price tag on the life of something you love so much?"
Where to start....
Isaac's last test results show that his pneumonia was pretty much gone, that he is starting to grow more muscle mass,and that his blood work was overall pretty good.
There is some concern about an immune system deficiency.
He will have to have some additional blood work and test to see exactly what is going on.
Isaac finally went back to the doctor last Tuesday.
We made our early 3 1/2 journey to Gainesville, in which seemed like an eternity. I had not missed this drive..that's for sure.
I had a tuff time keeping my eyes open.
Just to re-fresh...It had been over 8 weeks since Isaac's last visit.
After his last treatment in late June, he developed pneumonia and was in ICU for a week. The doctor said to give him a few weeks to re-coop.
Well, between the recoup period, and the $2400 ICU bill,
he did not get back for another treatment.
The ICU bill drained all of what I had gathered for his next treatment.
Anyway...to make a long story short...the auction money from a wonderful bunch of friends from a monkey group I'm proud to be apart of...put us back into play for a bit.
It took care of his last visit, and this visit, but with not much to spare.
The visit last week was another review of blood work, x-rays, and some skin biopsies. I'm still waiting to hear back on that.
I get him checked in at 9am, then I go spend 6-8 hours at the Ronald Mc Donald House, until I get that call that Isaac is ready to go home.
When I went to pick him up, we sat down and went over what was done & what they found. She explained that Isaac's stricture had gone from the 9mm that it had been stretched to, down to a 3-4.
They couldn't even get the normal scope in. She explained that after balloon dilation treatment, we have to continue the treatments, even after we reach our goal of 10mm..at least once a week for a few weeks to keep it open as it heals.
It had been so long since his last one, that it scarred and the scar tissue cause it to close some.
She explained that Isaac would need about 8-10 more treatments to get him to 10mm, and where he could eat normal.
She said because he is starting to grow now, the nutrition intake is very important. Without out it, he can develop bone & skeletal problems, as well as very poor growth.
The real knife in the heart, was when she told me that if continuing treatments, this time he would need steroids with each treatment, and with all that needed to be done, that each treatment would cost approx $800.
My heart was in my throat as I did the math. $800 x's 10...that's $10,000!!!
My eyes instantly swelled with tears, as we paused in silence. I knew there was just now way that I could come up with this kind of money. She explained that if we were to continue the treatments, it would have to be done consecutively to keep the stricture open as it heals. so saving up for one or two, then having a 3 week break due to lack of money..was not gonna help Isaac or the situation.
Then she went on to express that the other option, is just to do the best I can at home as I have been & let him live his life until his quality of life leads us to say good-bye.
Her concern with that was his nutrition intake, due to the fact he can only eat liquid and semi-soft food.
She told me to just go home, and really think things over. She told me that I have done far more for Isaac then most would have or could afford. She said " I don't know any of my clients that could afford this kind of expense!"
I told her I was numb, and really had to think about all this.
I couldn't hold back the tears any longer....As my lip started to quiver, and the tears rolled down my face.. I said "Do you know what it is like to sit and stare at him smiling, playing & wrestling in his cage..and think of letting him go? All because you don't have enough money?....putting a price tag on the life of something you love so much?"
We sat in silence for a moment as I tried to pull myself together.
She told me to go home and think things over, and she would call me as soon as the other results were in.
I told her I was gonna go home and do a lot of praying!
I have not heard back on his results yet.
We did decide to try Isaac on a different reflux medication.
Isaac and I headed home. He slept most the way..I was in deep thought & crying out to God.
About 2 hrs into my drive, to the left of me, in the sky, appeared a double rainbow & the song "If I ever needed you", by Casting Crowns came on.
(If you have never heard this song....you need to!)
This same thing happened to me the day I drove home and had to leave Isaac ICU.
All of a sudden, I felt a sense of peace come over me.
I remembered the saying: " Don't tell God how big your storm is...Tell the storm how big your God is"
I got home about 9:30 pm, did my normal routine,then we went to bed.
I'm just taking it one day at a time. Making the best of each day.
With Gods help, I have beat the odds, and Isaac has made it to
14 months old now. 9 months past what the first 3 vets expected.
Why? Because Jesus is good & He loves monkeys too!!
I have started experimenting with his diet. I get fresh fruit, (stuff with little to no acid, like melons & berries) almond milk, monkey biscuits soaked in berry Juicy-juice, and vanilla flv whey protein drink mix
& I blend them in the blender. He loves it!!
He also love his formula mixed with a little chicken bullion and jar sweet potatoes.
So I try to give him a variety of a nutritional diet, in decent amounts about 4-5 times a day.
He still has problems with swallowing, so I have to sit with him at each feeding, and give him little licks of a spoon or my finger..a little at a time.
He has learned to take a little drink after each bite to help wash it down.
He is still on 2 meds for reflux, some vitamins, and gets a dose or two of mylanta and/or mylacon drops each day.
For the most part..he is a pretty happy little man!
He plays like there is no tomorrow, gets into everything, and is to smart for his own good...lol
so...pretty much the typical little monkey!
He is just a little over 2lbs now, still pretty small for his age...but has a mighty attitude!
All-n-all...I'm leaving this where it has always been...in Gods' hands.
I will be the first to admit...if he makes it through all this...It will be a true Miracle!!!
Maybe that is God's reason for all this!
Maybe some of the staff at the University or some who follow Isaac's story...need this miracle!
I know Isaac being in my life, has opened my eyes to a lot of things, re-newed my faith, and taught me allot about myself and life.
It has also taught me a lot about other people.
It has taught me, that we are never in control, God always is!
It has taught me a lot about the fruits of the spirit. Especially
love, faith, & patience .
It has taught me allot about how complete strangers can become friends, and what we can do when we pull together!
God, through Isaac, has taught me more then I have time or room to list!
Thank all of you for continued prayers and concern.
We will continue to take each day as it comes, do the best we can, and make the best of it.
We are working on a few fund raisers as well.
So...until the next update...God Bless You
(You can look Isaac up on his "Face Book" too!
Issac Walck or paradisepetsandplants@hotmail.com)
************************************
September 27th, 2010
September 27th, 2010
Not much has Changed, But we did get Isaac's test results back!
His CBC (Blood work) showed no signs of infection or inflammation. YEY!
His x-rays confirm the pneumonia is all gone..whoo-hoo!
He doesn't appear at this time to show any real Immune deficiency :)
His skin biopsy did show that he is having an unusual reaction to dome demodex mites found from his last Biopsy.
Demodex is a type of parasitic mite that live in or near hair follicles of mammals. There are about 65 species of them.
They are among the smallest. Two species live on humans.
Infestation of these mites are common & Usually do not cause any symptoms or problems.
Sometimes a suppressed immune system caused by stress or illness, can cause an increase in population, which can lead to itching or skin inflammation or disorders.
When Isaac started having severe itching, we wondered if is was due to the mites and poor immune system.
Only time will tell.
We also found his calcium & Phosphates are off, which indicate vitamin & mineral defficencey.
Now that his body is starting to grow, we really have to try to keep up with his nutrition.
Lack of nutrition, can cause poor bone development, poor growth, and skeletal issues.
So..we are doing more "out in the Sun therapy"..to get more vit D3 & phosphates!
We are making some pretty cool recipes in the blender with with calcium magneeseum, soaked monkey biscuits, almond milk, formula, fruit & protein drink mix.
We also dabble a little of "Slippery elm " powder for reflux and gas...and dome DGL to help heal those intestines!
Of course no one told Isaac he had issues!
He is still is active, feisty, get-into-everything self!..lol
Just they way I love him!
Not much has Changed, But we did get Isaac's test results back!
His CBC (Blood work) showed no signs of infection or inflammation. YEY!
His x-rays confirm the pneumonia is all gone..whoo-hoo!
He doesn't appear at this time to show any real Immune deficiency :)
His skin biopsy did show that he is having an unusual reaction to dome demodex mites found from his last Biopsy.
Demodex is a type of parasitic mite that live in or near hair follicles of mammals. There are about 65 species of them.
They are among the smallest. Two species live on humans.
Infestation of these mites are common & Usually do not cause any symptoms or problems.
Sometimes a suppressed immune system caused by stress or illness, can cause an increase in population, which can lead to itching or skin inflammation or disorders.
When Isaac started having severe itching, we wondered if is was due to the mites and poor immune system.
Only time will tell.
We also found his calcium & Phosphates are off, which indicate vitamin & mineral defficencey.
Now that his body is starting to grow, we really have to try to keep up with his nutrition.
Lack of nutrition, can cause poor bone development, poor growth, and skeletal issues.
So..we are doing more "out in the Sun therapy"..to get more vit D3 & phosphates!
We are making some pretty cool recipes in the blender with with calcium magneeseum, soaked monkey biscuits, almond milk, formula, fruit & protein drink mix.
We also dabble a little of "Slippery elm " powder for reflux and gas...and dome DGL to help heal those intestines!
Of course no one told Isaac he had issues!
He is still is active, feisty, get-into-everything self!..lol
Just they way I love him!
So..we just keep chugging along.
Hoping to raise the money to get some more treatments done.
Until then, it is step by step, praying, and having faith!
So..we just keep chugging along.
Hoping to raise the money to get some more treatments done.
Until then, it is step by step, praying, and having faith!
We Love you Isaac!
We Love you Isaac!
=====================================================================
October 31,2010
October 31,2010
Happy Halloween Everyone!
Happy Halloween Everyone!
It's been a little while since I have updated. Isaac is doing about the same. He is still very active..playing...jumping...
getting into everything..ya know..the typical young monkey.
It's been a little while since I have updated. Isaac is doing about the same. He is still very active..playing...jumping...
getting into everything..ya know..the typical young monkey.
His eating habits however, have become more difficult.
Spitting up is an every day, every feeding issue.
Sometimes it is due to eating to fast for what his stricture will allow to pass through.
Other times it is because he has found something to put in his mouth and it has become lodged or gags him when he tries to swallow.
He finds every piece of anything and shoves it in his mouth.
SO... even though this is frustrating for me...monkeys are natural foragers...so this is typical behavior that is encouraged.
We just deal with it the best we can. Most of his diet is mixed in a blender and is given in tiny bites, with drinks in between to help wash it down.
I try to take each day as it comes, and focus on the good.
I have to remind myself that it is in Gods Hands.
I continue to pray about it, and have faith that Jesus will give me what I need to get through all this..no matter what is to come.
I have touched on his treatment status..but will again.
The Bottom line is, Isaac needs at least 8-10 more balloon dilation treatments to get his stricture in is lower esophagus opened back up to 10mm.
When we first took him to the university..his stricture measured 1mm. The opening was about the size of a coffee stirring straw.
Obviously that made it near impossible to eat or drink anything.
To make a long story short..after 2 serious cases of pnuemonia..many trips to gainesville, and 5 treatments..Isaac was opened up to 9mm.
Then he got sick and could not be treated for over 2 months.
During this time..while healing..the stricture closed up to 3mm.
It is very important that after the goal of ballooning is met, that we continue ballooning once a week, for about 3-4 weeks to keep it open as it heals. The acid & bile reflux have to continue being treated and controlled..as well as a strict diet.
Isaac's immune system is a little weak..but we are supplementing for that.
At this point, Isaac gets a suspension of previcid every morning, metoclopramide 2x's, gas drops a few times a day, sensitive -lactose free formula that I mix in vitamins, whey protein, and calcium.
I also blend in soaked monkey biscuits, fruit and veggies ect.
He also takes a daily immune system builder daily.
He is growing..but is very thin. The vets concern is getting enough nutrition to meet his needs as he grows.
His blood work and ex-rays have been great. I am trying to save & raise money to continue his treatments, but saving $8000-$10,000 is not easy. Especially when you are barley staying afloat.
Isaac's treatments need to be done consecutively. so there is no sense in starting them unless I can keep going.
So..we just take it as it comes.
I know in the back of my mind, that should Isaac's health decline and his quality of life become an issue....I'm going to have to say goodbye.
I have to keep reminding myself that I'm doing all I can.
I have been for over a year.
I love Isaac so much. I have never loved anything like I do him.
Many people make remarks about him being "just an animal"
or question the time and money invested in him.
These are the people that re-enforce why I love animals more then humans.
They obviously have never been loved by a monkey!
On a good note...I guess....lol
Isaac has a lil buddy!
His eating habits however, have become more difficult.
Spitting up is an every day, every feeding issue.
Sometimes it is due to eating to fast for what his stricture will allow to pass through.
Other times it is because he has found something to put in his mouth and it has become lodged or gags him when he tries to swallow.
He finds every piece of anything and shoves it in his mouth.
SO... even though this is frustrating for me...monkeys are natural foragers...so this is typical behavior that is encouraged.
We just deal with it the best we can. Most of his diet is mixed in a blender and is given in tiny bites, with drinks in between to help wash it down.
I try to take each day as it comes, and focus on the good.
I have to remind myself that it is in Gods Hands.
I continue to pray about it, and have faith that Jesus will give me what I need to get through all this..no matter what is to come.
I have touched on his treatment status..but will again.
The Bottom line is, Isaac needs at least 8-10 more balloon dilation treatments to get his stricture in is lower esophagus opened back up to 10mm.
When we first took him to the university..his stricture measured 1mm. The opening was about the size of a coffee stirring straw.
Obviously that made it near impossible to eat or drink anything.
To make a long story short..after 2 serious cases of pnuemonia..many trips to gainesville, and 5 treatments..Isaac was opened up to 9mm.
Then he got sick and could not be treated for over 2 months.
During this time..while healing..the stricture closed up to 3mm.
It is very important that after the goal of ballooning is met, that we continue ballooning once a week, for about 3-4 weeks to keep it open as it heals. The acid & bile reflux have to continue being treated and controlled..as well as a strict diet.
Isaac's immune system is a little weak..but we are supplementing for that.
At this point, Isaac gets a suspension of previcid every morning, metoclopramide 2x's, gas drops a few times a day, sensitive -lactose free formula that I mix in vitamins, whey protein, and calcium.
I also blend in soaked monkey biscuits, fruit and veggies ect.
He also takes a daily immune system builder daily.
He is growing..but is very thin. The vets concern is getting enough nutrition to meet his needs as he grows.
His blood work and ex-rays have been great. I am trying to save & raise money to continue his treatments, but saving $8000-$10,000 is not easy. Especially when you are barley staying afloat.
Isaac's treatments need to be done consecutively. so there is no sense in starting them unless I can keep going.
So..we just take it as it comes.
I know in the back of my mind, that should Isaac's health decline and his quality of life become an issue....I'm going to have to say goodbye.
I have to keep reminding myself that I'm doing all I can.
I have been for over a year.
I love Isaac so much. I have never loved anything like I do him.
Many people make remarks about him being "just an animal"
or question the time and money invested in him.
These are the people that re-enforce why I love animals more then humans.
They obviously have never been loved by a monkey!
On a good note...I guess....lol
Isaac has a lil buddy!
His eating habits however, have become more difficult.
Spitting up is an every day, every feeding issue.
Sometimes it is due to eating to fast for what his stricture will allow to pass through.
Other times it is because he has found something to put in his mouth and it has become lodged or gags him when he tries to swallow.
He finds every piece of anything and shoves it in his mouth.
SO... even though this is frustrating for me...monkeys are natural foragers...so this is typical behavior that is encouraged.
We just deal with it the best we can. Most of his diet is mixed in a blender and is given in tiny bites, with drinks in between to help wash it down.
I try to take each day as it comes, and focus on the good.
I have to remind myself that it is in Gods Hands.
I continue to pray about it, and have faith that Jesus will give me what I need to get through all this..no matter what is to come.
I have touched on his treatment status..but will again.
The Bottom line is, Isaac needs at least 8-10 more balloon dilation treatments to get his stricture in is lower esophagus opened back up to 10mm.
When we first took him to the university..his stricture measured 1mm. The opening was about the size of a coffee stirring straw.
Obviously that made it near impossible to eat or drink anything.
To make a long story short..after 2 serious cases of pnuemonia..many trips to gainesville, and 5 treatments..Isaac was opened up to 9mm.
Then he got sick and could not be treated for over 2 months.
During this time..while healing..the stricture closed up to 3mm.
It is very important that after the goal of ballooning is met, that we continue ballooning once a week, for about 3-4 weeks to keep it open as it heals. The acid & bile reflux have to continue being treated and controlled..as well as a strict diet.
Isaac's immune system is a little weak..but we are supplementing for that.
At this point, Isaac gets a suspension of previcid every morning, metoclopramide 2x's, gas drops a few times a day, sensitive -lactose free formula that I mix in vitamins, whey protein, and calcium.
I also blend in soaked monkey biscuits, fruit and veggies ect.
He also takes a daily immune system builder daily.
He is growing..but is very thin. The vets concern is getting enough nutrition to meet his needs as he grows.
His blood work and ex-rays have been great. I am trying to save & raise money to continue his treatments, but saving $8000-$10,000 is not easy. Especially when you are barley staying afloat.
Isaac's treatments need to be done consecutively. so there is no sense in starting them unless I can keep going.
So..we just take it as it comes.
I know in the back of my mind, that should Isaac's health decline and his quality of life become an issue....I'm going to have to say goodbye.
I have to keep reminding myself that I'm doing all I can.
I have been for over a year.
I love Isaac so much. I have never loved anything like I do him.
Many people make remarks about him being "just an animal"
or question the time and money invested in him.
These are the people that re-enforce why I love animals more then humans.
They obviously have never been loved by a monkey!
On a good note...I guess....lol
Isaac has a lil buddy!
His eating habits however, have become more difficult.
Spitting up is an every day, every feeding issue.
Sometimes it is due to eating to fast for what his stricture will allow to pass through.
Other times it is because he has found something to put in his mouth and it has become lodged or gags him when he tries to swallow.
He finds every piece of anything and shoves it in his mouth.
SO... even though this is frustrating for me...monkeys are natural foragers...so this is typical behavior that is encouraged.
We just deal with it the best we can. Most of his diet is mixed in a blender and is given in tiny bites, with drinks in between to help wash it down.
I try to take each day as it comes, and focus on the good.
I have to remind myself that it is in Gods Hands.
I continue to pray about it, and have faith that Jesus will give me what I need to get through all this..no matter what is to come.
I have touched on his treatment status..but will again.
The Bottom line is, Isaac needs at least 8-10 more balloon dilation treatments to get his stricture in is lower esophagus opened back up to 10mm.
When we first took him to the university..his stricture measured 1mm. The opening was about the size of a coffee stirring straw.
Obviously that made it near impossible to eat or drink anything.
To make a long story short..after 2 serious cases of pnuemonia..many trips to gainesville, and 5 treatments..Isaac was opened up to 9mm.
Then he got sick and could not be treated for over 2 months.
During this time..while healing..the stricture closed up to 3mm.
It is very important that after the goal of ballooning is met, that we continue ballooning once a week, for about 3-4 weeks to keep it open as it heals. The acid & bile reflux have to continue being treated and controlled..as well as a strict diet.
Isaac's immune system is a little weak..but we are supplementing for that.
At this point, Isaac gets a suspension of previcid every morning, metoclopramide 2x's, gas drops a few times a day, sensitive -lactose free formula that I mix in vitamins, whey protein, and calcium.
I also blend in soaked monkey biscuits, fruit and veggies ect.
He also takes a daily immune system builder daily.
He is growing..but is very thin. The vets concern is getting enough nutrition to meet his needs as he grows.
His blood work and ex-rays have been great. I am trying to save & raise money to continue his treatments, but saving $8000-$10,000 is not easy. Especially when you are barley staying afloat.
Isaac's treatments need to be done consecutively. so there is no sense in starting them unless I can keep going.
So..we just take it as it comes.
I know in the back of my mind, that should Isaac's health decline and his quality of life become an issue....I'm going to have to say goodbye.
I have to keep reminding myself that I'm doing all I can.
I have been for over a year.
I love Isaac so much. I have never loved anything like I do him.
Many people make remarks about him being "just an animal"
or question the time and money invested in him.
These are the people that re-enforce why I love animals more then humans.
They obviously have never been loved by a monkey!
On a good note...I guess....lol
Isaac has a lil buddy!
My daughter found this starving kitty & brought it here. It could not even stand!
We worked every few hours for 2 days & one vet visit to keep him alive and get him on his feet.
He is about 5 weeks old, and doing better everyday.
Isaac is beside himself. He wants to wrestle with him so bad..lol
He is learning how to be gentle. I tell him "in a few weeks..the cat is gonna kick his butt!"
So now..we have 2 special needs boys..lol
God had to go and give me this soft -mushy heart!
well..i have lots to do..so I'm gonna run.
I will update soon.
Don't forget to check Isaac out on Face Book :
paradisepetsandplants@hotmail.com
Here are a few pics of him and his new buddy:
My daughter found this starving kitty & brought it here. It could not even stand!
We worked every few hours for 2 days & one vet visit to keep him alive and get him on his feet.
He is about 5 weeks old, and doing better everyday.
Isaac is beside himself. He wants to wrestle with him so bad..lol
He is learning how to be gentle. I tell him "in a few weeks..the cat is gonna kick his butt!"
So now..we have 2 special needs boys..lol
God had to go and give me this soft -mushy heart!
well..i have lots to do..so I'm gonna run.
I will update soon.
Don't forget to check Isaac out on Face Book :
paradisepetsandplants@hotmail.com
Here are a few pics of him and his new buddy:
===============================================================
December 13th, 2010
December 13th, 2010
Merry Christmas!!
Merry Christmas!!
Hi everyone!
I know it has been a long time since we updated.
First let me say I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Hi everyone!
I know it has been a long time since we updated.
First let me say I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Not a lot has changed since the last time I posted.
Isaac is still about the same in weight. He has grown some, but not much. Hard for me to tell since I'm with him everyday.
He was back to the doctor just before Thanksgiving. He had become very sick with pneumonia again.
The doctor did blood work, an exam & x-rays again.
Isaac was running a high fever, had lost some weight, and was very weak with no appetite.
When I came back to get him , she explained that Isaac looked as though he was on the decline again.
She expressed that she felt we should really start thinking about letting Isaac go.
She advised that Isaac had been coming there for 7 months, and that we had invested over $12,000 in medical expenses for him.
She felt that at this point, we were headed back to where we started & our options at this point were limited, as well as our funds.
She explained that Isaac would probably have recurring pneumonia due to the stricture. That because his stricture was down to 3-4mm from the 9mm we had it ballooned it to, that eating would continue to be difficult.
With eating being difficult, so would proper growth & development.
She explained that we would have to do at least 8-10 more treatments to get him where he needs to be. This would mean making the 3 1/2 hour ride to gainesville, (one way) twice a week for about 3-4 weeks, then once a week for 4-5 weeks.
So we are looking at a minimum of another $8000-$10,000!
She told me that was if all went well and there were no complications in between. Last time he suffered pneumonia twice and had to stay in ICU for a week each time at $2400 a pop!
She told me that I have done more for Isaac then anyone else would have been able to do. She expressed her concern for whether she felt it was fair to put Isaac through all this again...would he make it?...would we be able to afford it?.. & what guarantees are their it would be resolved with all the other obvious issues he has, not to mention some underlying concerns. I was so overwhelmed! A feeling that you would think I would be well accustom too! Nedless to say, I fell apart. If I could just get Isaac'c reflux under control...then & the balooning treatments all done with no road blocks..then I think things would be fine.
She mentioned that if & when the time comes to say goodbye, that I may want to consider letting them do a necropsy. She said this would maybe help them find and understand any underlying issues or some answers as to why Isaac had so many issues & such a hard time staying well. The though of him leaving my life, much less being "Disected" really hurt. At the same time..if it would help provide answers that could help save another life, then it would be the right thing to do.
When I left, I was in tears and feeling hopeless. The whole drive home was long & full of painful thoughts.For the next 2 days, Isaac barley ate, and slept most the day. Discussion about how to say goodbye, became the main topic. How do you look at something you love sooooo much, and is such an enormous part of your being..and know you have to let go?
How would I make that long drive, knowing what was going to happen? Worse yet, how would I make that long trip home without him?
How would I come home to a house that every room screams Isaac...but he's not there?
The questions were endless & so were the overwhelming feelings in my heart and the pit of my stomach.
I decided that enough was enough. This whole 16 month journey was in God's hands . It always had been & always would be. Just as everything else in my life. I told myself as I had countless times, that God's plan for Isaac was no different this time then it had been all along.
I decided that I would take each day as it came, and do the best I can for Isaac. I had ran out of money a long time ago. We are still making monthly payments on Isaac's bills. We still owe $5000.
If Isaac becomes extremely ill again & his quality of life becomes poor, then I was gonna have to say good bye this time. I'm tired of him not being able to eat & digest like he should. Tired of him having reflux and spitting up several times each meal. He is 17 months old now, and still only weighs just a little over 2 lbs.
Jeanette, a very close freind of mine called me one day and mentioned that she had something she wanted me to try.
She showed up at my door with 2 cases of stuff called "Jevity". She explained that it was the stuff her husband had lived on for 2 months when he was being tube fed. She explained that it had been sitting there for a while, and they were trying to figure out what to do with it. Sh remebered that Isaac can only eat liquid and semi-soft food. I read the can..this stuff has everything!
So, I made Isaac's favorite mashed potatoes with it. He wasn't sure at first, but he ate it, and the following day was up and around.
He eats about a 1/2 to a can a day now. seems to be working very well :)
Issac is still having a lot of difficulty swallowing. There is not a day that goes by that he doesn't spit up some. He finds any & every little thing to put in his mouth. I'm convinced that if he can't find something....he makes it!..lol
I vaccum, sweep and scan the house, check counter tops, and tables and "child proof" the house before I let him out. He still finds stuff. Peels stickers of things, tags of everything, snatch an thing he can and put it in his mouth. Especially paper! Drives me nuts!
Anyway, he is still on 2 meds each day that run $150 a month & some other supplements.
For the most part he acts like a typical little monkey.
Tater, his kitty..has been a God-sent!
They wrestle, play, an take turns chasing each other all over the place. Tater has turned out to be a gorgeous healthy little kitty. He acts more like a monkey then a cat...lol. He is finally big enough to give Isaac a run for his money!!
Not a lot has changed since the last time I posted.
Isaac is still about the same in weight. He has grown some, but not much. Hard for me to tell since I'm with him everyday.
He was back to the doctor just before Thanksgiving. He had become very sick with pneumonia again.
The doctor did blood work, an exam & x-rays again.
Isaac was running a high fever, had lost some weight, and was very weak with no appetite.
When I came back to get him , she explained that Isaac looked as though he was on the decline again.
She expressed that she felt we should really start thinking about letting Isaac go.
She advised that Isaac had been coming there for 7 months, and that we had invested over $12,000 in medical expenses for him.
She felt that at this point, we were headed back to where we started & our options at this point were limited, as well as our funds.
She explained that Isaac would probably have recurring pneumonia due to the stricture. That because his stricture was down to 3-4mm from the 9mm we had it ballooned it to, that eating would continue to be difficult.
With eating being difficult, so would proper growth & development.
She explained that we would have to do at least 8-10 more treatments to get him where he needs to be. This would mean making the 3 1/2 hour ride to gainesville, (one way) twice a week for about 3-4 weeks, then once a week for 4-5 weeks.
So we are looking at a minimum of another $8000-$10,000!
She told me that was if all went well and there were no complications in between. Last time he suffered pneumonia twice and had to stay in ICU for a week each time at $2400 a pop!
She told me that I have done more for Isaac then anyone else would have been able to do. She expressed her concern for whether she felt it was fair to put Isaac through all this again...would he make it?...would we be able to afford it?.. & what guarantees are their it would be resolved with all the other obvious issues he has, not to mention some underlying concerns. I was so overwhelmed! A feeling that you would think I would be well accustom too! Nedless to say, I fell apart. If I could just get Isaac'c reflux under control...then & the balooning treatments all done with no road blocks..then I think things would be fine.
She mentioned that if & when the time comes to say goodbye, that I may want to consider letting them do a necropsy. She said this would maybe help them find and understand any underlying issues or some answers as to why Isaac had so many issues & such a hard time staying well. The though of him leaving my life, much less being "Disected" really hurt. At the same time..if it would help provide answers that could help save another life, then it would be the right thing to do.
When I left, I was in tears and feeling hopeless. The whole drive home was long & full of painful thoughts.For the next 2 days, Isaac barley ate, and slept most the day. Discussion about how to say goodbye, became the main topic. How do you look at something you love sooooo much, and is such an enormous part of your being..and know you have to let go?
How would I make that long drive, knowing what was going to happen? Worse yet, how would I make that long trip home without him?
How would I come home to a house that every room screams Isaac...but he's not there?
The questions were endless & so were the overwhelming feelings in my heart and the pit of my stomach.
I decided that enough was enough. This whole 16 month journey was in God's hands . It always had been & always would be. Just as everything else in my life. I told myself as I had countless times, that God's plan for Isaac was no different this time then it had been all along.
I decided that I would take each day as it came, and do the best I can for Isaac. I had ran out of money a long time ago. We are still making monthly payments on Isaac's bills. We still owe $5000.
If Isaac becomes extremely ill again & his quality of life becomes poor, then I was gonna have to say good bye this time. I'm tired of him not being able to eat & digest like he should. Tired of him having reflux and spitting up several times each meal. He is 17 months old now, and still only weighs just a little over 2 lbs.
Jeanette, a very close freind of mine called me one day and mentioned that she had something she wanted me to try.
She showed up at my door with 2 cases of stuff called "Jevity". She explained that it was the stuff her husband had lived on for 2 months when he was being tube fed. She explained that it had been sitting there for a while, and they were trying to figure out what to do with it. Sh remebered that Isaac can only eat liquid and semi-soft food. I read the can..this stuff has everything!
So, I made Isaac's favorite mashed potatoes with it. He wasn't sure at first, but he ate it, and the following day was up and around.
He eats about a 1/2 to a can a day now. seems to be working very well :)
Issac is still having a lot of difficulty swallowing. There is not a day that goes by that he doesn't spit up some. He finds any & every little thing to put in his mouth. I'm convinced that if he can't find something....he makes it!..lol
I vaccum, sweep and scan the house, check counter tops, and tables and "child proof" the house before I let him out. He still finds stuff. Peels stickers of things, tags of everything, snatch an thing he can and put it in his mouth. Especially paper! Drives me nuts!
Anyway, he is still on 2 meds each day that run $150 a month & some other supplements.
For the most part he acts like a typical little monkey.
Tater, his kitty..has been a God-sent!
They wrestle, play, an take turns chasing each other all over the place. Tater has turned out to be a gorgeous healthy little kitty. He acts more like a monkey then a cat...lol. He is finally big enough to give Isaac a run for his money!!
Anyway, we just keep doing what we have been. Get up each day and make the best of it. Knowing God will provide what we need..where is will leads.I love Isaac sooooo much, but his care is very trying most of the time. I took for granted how much easier a healthy, normal animals are to care for. At this point there aren't really any other options then to take it day by day. Isaac and everything about him...are one of a kind!
================================================================
January 30th, 2011
January 30th, 2011
Not much has changed with Isaac. He is growing slowly, but is still very small for his age and thin.
However...he can "monkeyaround" with the best of em!
His thick fur makes him look a lot bigger then what he truly is.
With Isaac....Size definately doesn't matter....lol
His eating habits, medications, & diet remain the same.
He still has more tuff days then smooth days when it comes to eating...but he has some great days too & other then the stupid stricture causing swallowing issues...he is a happy & ornrey little monkey!
He loves his kitty & making new friends.
Issac is not just a another cute little monkey.
He is a miracle & his life remains in God's hands.
With that being said...we just take each day as it comes..and count it as a blessing.
Not much has changed with Isaac. He is growing slowly, but is still very small for his age and thin.
However...he can "monkeyaround" with the best of em!
His thick fur makes him look a lot bigger then what he truly is.
With Isaac....Size definately doesn't matter....lol
His eating habits, medications, & diet remain the same.
He still has more tuff days then smooth days when it comes to eating...but he has some great days too & other then the stupid stricture causing swallowing issues...he is a happy & ornrey little monkey!
He loves his kitty & making new friends.
Issac is not just a another cute little monkey.
He is a miracle & his life remains in God's hands.
With that being said...we just take each day as it comes..and count it as a blessing.
"Hey...be nice to ur sister!!"
====================================================================
May 7th, 2011
May 7th, 2011
Not A whole lot to Update on Lil' Man Isaac.
For the most part all is the same.
Still paying on his medical bills!
He has good & bad days...same medicine...same diet...still about the same size and weight. Still has reflux and eating issues.
Everyday is taken as it comes, and a blessing from God.
Isaac is still great with all the "foster critters" that come through and the ones that stay.
He does well with almost all the new human friends he meets.
I would say he is a typical little monkey...but he is not.
He is a vary special and unique little guy..with a story like no other.
He amazes me everyday, and is a daily reminder of what faith and fighting is really all about.
God has taught me a lot through Isaac & I love him dearly.
So with that being said, will share a few recent pictures and end with that.
Thanks for the continued emails, calls & prayers!
God Bless
Isaac and his "Bling"
"Can I come out now?"
"Can I come out now?"
Isaac checking out Noah
Isaac checking out Noah
June 26th, 2011
June 26th, 2011
A week ago..I brought home Isaac's new 3 month old Spider Monkey sister..."Hannah".
As most of you know..this is a dream come true for me. I owe an incredible thanks to my oldest son tyler. He made it possible.
Tyler was in a very serious truck accident 18 months ago. Shortly after God performed a true miracle & he was released from the hospital..he came back to florida to live with us.
We adopted a little spider baby "Naomi"...and 2 months later..Isaac became deathly ill. This started our long & expensive relationship with Gainesville Universities vet-med hospital. You know the story...if not go back a few chapters..lol
Anyway...Isaac's 1st visit was a week long stay in ICU and 24 hr treatments, feeding tubes and IV's. First vist was $4500.
Needless to say We had to place Naomi. We had to have all the money to help Isaac up front. Not to mention I spent all my time back and forth from Gainesville...4 hours one way!
Blessed for me...an Incredible family from South Carolina, who had been awaiting a Spider baby for a long time...drove Immediately to meet her. They fell in love, adopted her & are still loving and spoiling her.
Anyway..i was heart broke. My son told me..."DOn't worry momma..we'll find ya another baby. I took it lightly and put my focus on saving Isaac.
So long story short...to have Hannah is just an answer to an long time prayer. Isaac thinks she's pretty neat and wishes she could play a little more..lol
She is such a joy. I love my evenings, when all is done around here. Dinner done and cleaned up, birdies tucked in, Dogs curled up on their blankets, coffe pot set and the whole family is in the living room..watching Tv..playing on the computer and I sit on the floor & play with Isaac & Hannah.
" Oh! can I try some?"
"Hey dad, what flavor is this?"
Brothers at play!
Warms my heart and everything seems j-u-s-t right!!
Isaac is doing pretty well. He did give us a major scare back in the begining of may. We really thought we were on the road to the final goodbye, But our Gracious Heavenly Father..showed his mercy and miracles once again.
Isaaac still has the same reflux issues and still battles eating difficulties due to his stricture. He will always be on meds for this and a special diet..but other then that his small size doesn not hold him back.
He will be 2 yrs old next month and still weighs around 3lbs. Don't tell him though..he thinks he's 6ft tall and 200lbs..lol
He recently started eating small pcs of papaya and melon cut up the size of a small pea. He just loves it! He keeps it down pretty well. I sometimes toss it in a little vanilla flv protein drink powder. Hannah like it too..lol
So..anyway not a lot of changes with little man. Just day by day and in Gods Hands. Thanks for continued thoughts & prayers.
He's my Mighty -Miracle Monkey =)
So..we jst take each day as it comes and praise God!
================================================================
March 31st, 2012
March 31st, 2012
It has been a long time since I updated on lil man....
I've had a few emails asking how he was, so I figured an update was in order.
All-n-all he is doing very well. He still has the eating complications. His food still has to be liquified. He does however eat papaya very well, as long as i chop it into "Pea-size" pieces & feed him a few at a time.
I make up my own diet for him and he seems to putting on weight and growing. It was a year this past November since Isaac has been to the doctor! YEY!!
Great News! He no longer has to take omeperazole for his acid reflux!
I started him on aloe juice a few times a day & it works great!
I soak his monkey bisquits in it. Then I throw them in the blender with a little vanilla almond milk, a little flax seed oil, cut up papaya, a little jarred baby veggies, and some jevity. Sometimes I add a little yoguart.
I Blend it all together & he gets that in a bottle 4 times a day. I also give him fresh papya twice a day, and a few cheerios through out the day.
I give him 1 dry zupreem monkey bisquit everyday to chew on.
He mostly plays with them or gives them to the cats..but his nibbling on them does help keep his toothies down a little.
Not sure what he weighs now..he won't sit still long enough...lol
Hard to believe he will be 3 yrs old in June! Pretty good for his prognosis from several vets & for all he has been through.
Thank You JESUS for still working miracles!
Isaac truly is a "Miracle Monkey"
Hard to believe he will be 3 yrs old in June! Pretty good for his prognosis from several vets & for all he has been through.
Thank You JESUS for still working miracles!
Isaac truly is a "Miracle Monkey"
I guess in a nutshell, other then his esophogus issues, and him being small for his age and specie...he is a typical little capuchin monkey!
I guess in a nutshell, other then his esophogus issues, and him being small for his age and specie...he is a typical little capuchin monkey!
He investigates & Plays with everything, steals & chews up everything he can get his lil hands on...loves a good game of tag! He gets into lots of trouble....ya know..the normal monkey stuff...lol
His lil sister Hannah just turned a year old last week. She has been so good for Isaac. Having her here has made a huge difference for Isaac!
She is really growing!
He investigates & Plays with everything, steals & chews up everything he can get his lil hands on...loves a good game of tag! He gets into lots of trouble....ya know..the normal monkey stuff...lol
His lil sister Hannah just turned a year old last week. She has been so good for Isaac. Having her here has made a huge difference for Isaac!
She is really growing!
It seems so weird to have a monkey kid, that eats totally normal...and growing so fast & can do so much for herself that Isaac couldn't.
It seems so weird to have a monkey kid, that eats totally normal...and growing so fast & can do so much for herself that Isaac couldn't.
Hannah & Isaac are finally starting to really play together. They restle and chase each other all over the living room at night. It's really great when the cats join in...lol
Hannah & Isaac are finally starting to really play together. They restle and chase each other all over the living room at night. It's really great when the cats join in...lol
Meet "Molly"
She is our
newest family
member. She
thinks she's a
monkey too!
...well "Tator" ...he knows he's a monkey!
When all four of them get started in the evening...it's pure entertainment and laughs! Never a dull moment here!!
So...as of right now, we are counting our blessings & leaning on our heavenly father for any obsticles that come our way.
Thanks for all of you who keep us in your thoughts & prayers.
Feel free to contact us anytime!
God Bless
When all four of them get started in the evening...it's pure entertainment and laughs! Never a dull moment here!!
So...as of right now, we are counting our blessings & leaning on our heavenly father for any obsticles that come our way.
Thanks for all of you who keep us in your thoughts & prayers.
Feel free to contact us anytime!
God Bless
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
December 2, 2013
December 2, 2013
Sorry its been so long since we updated..!!
Isaac is doing very well. :)
Nothing has really changed in his health over the last year. He has definitley grown.!
He has not had to go to the doctor for anything since we walked out of Gainesville 3 yrs ago.
God is good!!
Isaac has a baby brother of his own specie now. His name is Levi... They are just now starting to play together. I know this was a great decision and in Isaac's best interest.. He thrives when he has a playmate
I will have to take some more pictures of them together and share them..
Isaac's main diet is still my "special Blended" diet made up in the blender and he takes 3-4 bottles a day. Loves tiny pieces of diced fresh papaya and melon. I make him v8 fusion popsicles in the Ice tray....lol
He loves them and it gives him a little serving of veggies & fruits.
He is still VERY high maintenance!!
He hates having his diapered trained, he hates a bath, and now that he is hitting sexual maturity, he becomes quite frustrated more often. we are working on a time frame to get him neutered.. Will be better health wise and temperament wise.. He plays well most of the time with his sibling spider monkey hannah, but can get quite fiesty too..
I will have to take some more pictures of them together and share them..
Isaac's main diet is still my "special Blended" diet made up in the blender and he takes 3-4 bottles a day. Loves tiny pieces of diced fresh papaya and melon. I make him v8 fusion popsicles in the Ice tray....lol
He loves them and it gives him a little serving of veggies & fruits.
He is still VERY high maintenance!!
He hates having his diapered trained, he hates a bath, and now that he is hitting sexual maturity, he becomes quite frustrated more often. we are working on a time frame to get him neutered.. Will be better health wise and temperament wise.. He plays well most of the time with his sibling spider monkey hannah, but can get quite fiesty too..
Thank you once again for your prayers and support for our little miracle monkey!
Im still amazed & feel so blessed, when i think about all he has been through & hearing over and over that he would never survive.
Then to have so many wonderful people come to our rescue in prayer, donations and uplifting words..
God bless all of you!
We will do our best to keep you updated..
You can also follow us by way of facebook
Thank you once again for your prayers and support for our little miracle monkey!
Im still amazed & feel so blessed, when i think about all he has been through & hearing over and over that he would never survive.
Then to have so many wonderful people come to our rescue in prayer, donations and uplifting words..
God bless all of you!
We will do our best to keep you updated..
You can also follow us by way of facebook
Take Care & God Bless
Take Care & God Bless
===============================================================
May 22, 2015
May 22, 2015
Such a Huge loss to our family....
We had to lay our Sweet Isaac to rest on
May 13th, 2015...
Such a Huge loss to our family....
We had to lay our Sweet Isaac to rest on
May 13th, 2015...
September 4th,2015
September 4th,2015
In 10 days it will be 4 months since we were forced to say goodbye to our "Miracle Monkey" Isaac. What a painful and huge loss.
I am not quite sure where to start, as I have attempted to write this several times, but the emotions that come over me make it hard to put into words. As many know, putting your feelings into words is no an easy task.
Many reading this have been following Isaac's story from day one and although so much has been written, I could never really cover it all.
In 10 days it will be 4 months since we were forced to say goodbye to our "Miracle Monkey" Isaac. What a painful and huge loss.
I am not quite sure where to start, as I have attempted to write this several times, but the emotions that come over me make it hard to put into words. As many know, putting your feelings into words is no an easy task.
Many reading this have been following Isaac's story from day one and although so much has been written, I could never really cover it all.
Issac's life was a "roller coaster" as far as health, but his will to live was always strong & steady, until the end.
Isaac became ill in March 2015. The same week that I came home and found our friend Dave had passed away of a massive heart attack in his room, in our home. It was a tough month.
Issac showed the familiar signs of not feeling well. This was always scary to me because we just never knew.
Issac's life was a "roller coaster" as far as health, but his will to live was always strong & steady, until the end.
Isaac became ill in March 2015. The same week that I came home and found our friend Dave had passed away of a massive heart attack in his room, in our home. It was a tough month.
Issac showed the familiar signs of not feeling well. This was always scary to me because we just never knew.
Isaac had so many underlying issues that we were never able to address due to the risks of his size and ability to live through certain exams and procedures.
One issue in particular that was discussed 5 years ago, was his liver.
The only thing we did know, was that it appeared abnormal and in scoping internally, noticed it was secreting an unusual fluid.
Unfortunately, the doctors could not scope into his liver, because the opening was to small & in trying would rupture his liver & kill him instantly.
So we had no choice but to leave it a mystery and pray for the best.
After about a week Isaac was not making much improvement, which concerned me. I did the things I normally did, by offering him various liquids, foods & supplements that generally helped him bounce back. Within a few days it seemed as though he was making a little improvement, but not like usual.
Isaac had so many underlying issues that we were never able to address due to the risks of his size and ability to live through certain exams and procedures.
One issue in particular that was discussed 5 years ago, was his liver.
The only thing we did know, was that it appeared abnormal and in scoping internally, noticed it was secreting an unusual fluid.
Unfortunately, the doctors could not scope into his liver, because the opening was to small & in trying would rupture his liver & kill him instantly.
So we had no choice but to leave it a mystery and pray for the best.
After about a week Isaac was not making much improvement, which concerned me. I did the things I normally did, by offering him various liquids, foods & supplements that generally helped him bounce back. Within a few days it seemed as though he was making a little improvement, but not like usual.
I could see in his eyes, then shortly after by his actions, he was getting to tired to fight and this time something was different.
He continued to lose weight, play less, and lost interest in playing with Levi.
As hard as I tried to be strong and hold it together, on the inside I was falling apart.
I knew deep down in my core that I was losing Isaac. I didn't want to believe it.
Throughout the end of May & all of April Isaac still showed some interest in eating and drinking,
I could see in his eyes, then shortly after by his actions, he was getting to tired to fight and this time something was different.
He continued to lose weight, play less, and lost interest in playing with Levi.
As hard as I tried to be strong and hold it together, on the inside I was falling apart.
I knew deep down in my core that I was losing Isaac. I didn't want to believe it.
Throughout the end of May & all of April Isaac still showed some interest in eating and drinking,
but he became more thin, fatigued and restless. I noticed his breath begin to stink and he developed diarrhea. I then had a feeling his liver was failing.
There wasn't a day that went by that he didn't do a little something that made me feel as though he wanted to fight, but I could tell he was getting to the point he just didn't have it in him.
It was as if he was trying to hang on for me.
I know he could see and feel my fear & hurt.
He didn't want to let me down.
It got to the point where I prayed to God every night.. "God if it is your will to take Isaac, please take him tonight in his sleep! Please don't let him suffer. I don't want to have to make that choice of letting go. I don't want to lose him, but you have given me over 5 years past what every vet said he would live. For that I am grateful! I just feel like I can't handle this !"
but he became more thin, fatigued and restless. I noticed his breath begin to stink and he developed diarrhea. I then had a feeling his liver was failing.
There wasn't a day that went by that he didn't do a little something that made me feel as though he wanted to fight, but I could tell he was getting to the point he just didn't have it in him.
It was as if he was trying to hang on for me.
I know he could see and feel my fear & hurt.
He didn't want to let me down.
It got to the point where I prayed to God every night.. "God if it is your will to take Isaac, please take him tonight in his sleep! Please don't let him suffer. I don't want to have to make that choice of letting go. I don't want to lose him, but you have given me over 5 years past what every vet said he would live. For that I am grateful! I just feel like I can't handle this !"
My daughter and I talked daily about Isaac's condition, our feelings, and the decision we soon knew we would have to make.
On the morning of May 11th, I called the doctor and talked & cried with him about Isaac's worsening condition. He had known Isaac since the day I brought him home at 7 days old.
He expressed to me that Isaac had many odd's against him from the very beginning
(mildly putting it) and re-assured me that I had done all I could and that it was a total miracle that he survived at all, much less this long.
We discussed what was right by Isaac.
I explained to him that if I had to say goodbye to Isaac, that I wanted it to be done in my home, in his cage, on my lap. I wanted Isaac to be where he was comfortable and his last memory to be falling asleep in my arms.
I didn't want him being in a strange place, stressed out & afraid.
The doctor gave me a pill that would help relax and make Isaac sleepy, so that he could administer the medication that would cause him to go into a deep sleep, then pass peacefully.
I was having a real hard time finding ANY peace in this whole situation!!
Wed morning, May 13th , after not sleeping all night (not that I had in weeks) I was tired, sick to my stomach and the feeling that overwhelmed me was indescribable.
My close friends Terri & Gail came over & my son Todd, and daughter Tiffany also came, as we helped each other through this devastating moments to follow .
I'm so grateful for them being here and helping me on the worst experience in my life so far!
My daughter Tiffany has been by Isaac's side through his short life almost as much as me.
Isaac absolutely adored her!!
My daughter and I talked daily about Isaac's condition, our feelings, and the decision we soon knew we would have to make.
On the morning of May 11th, I called the doctor and talked & cried with him about Isaac's worsening condition. He had known Isaac since the day I brought him home at 7 days old.
He expressed to me that Isaac had many odd's against him from the very beginning
(mildly putting it) and re-assured me that I had done all I could and that it was a total miracle that he survived at all, much less this long.
We discussed what was right by Isaac.
I explained to him that if I had to say goodbye to Isaac, that I wanted it to be done in my home, in his cage, on my lap. I wanted Isaac to be where he was comfortable and his last memory to be falling asleep in my arms.
I didn't want him being in a strange place, stressed out & afraid.
The doctor gave me a pill that would help relax and make Isaac sleepy, so that he could administer the medication that would cause him to go into a deep sleep, then pass peacefully.
I was having a real hard time finding ANY peace in this whole situation!!
Wed morning, May 13th , after not sleeping all night (not that I had in weeks) I was tired, sick to my stomach and the feeling that overwhelmed me was indescribable.
My close friends Terri & Gail came over & my son Todd, and daughter Tiffany also came, as we helped each other through this devastating moments to follow .
I'm so grateful for them being here and helping me on the worst experience in my life so far!
My daughter Tiffany has been by Isaac's side through his short life almost as much as me.
Isaac absolutely adored her!!
We all sat and spent time talking about memories of Isaac, and shed tears of hard this was going to be.
I mashed the pill up in some juice and administered it with a syringe. He drank most of it and within minutes became very disoriented, but it did not make him as sleepy as the doctor had assumed.
This killed me soul! Tiffany went in the cage and sat on the floor and tried to cuddle him and keep him relaxed.
We all sat and spent time talking about memories of Isaac, and shed tears of hard this was going to be.
I mashed the pill up in some juice and administered it with a syringe. He drank most of it and within minutes became very disoriented, but it did not make him as sleepy as the doctor had assumed.
This killed me soul! Tiffany went in the cage and sat on the floor and tried to cuddle him and keep him relaxed.
I had to walk away. I just could not handle it!!
Soon the doctor arrived. He was totally surprised to see Isaac still alert and trying to walk around. With a little effort and convincing, he was able to administer a little more medication to make him relax little better.
Then the moment had come, I had to try and be strong for Isaac as he had for me the last 5 1/2 years.
I entered Issac's cage, sat on the floor and laid him across my lap. With tears flowing down my face, and my heart feeling like it was being torn in half, I cried as I stroked Isaac's head and told him over & over how much I loved him and how sorry I was!
The doctor checked Isaac over as he prepared to give him the medication.
He put his hand on my shoulder, with a quiver in his voice, he told me.."Gena, you are doing the right thing! Isaac's liver is failing as well as his kidneys. His whole buddy is shutting down. There is nothing more you can do. I'm really sorry! You have done more for him then anyone ever would have!! He is not in pain, but he is suffering and it will get much worse for both of you!"
Through injection, doc slowly administered a little at a time, the medication that would cause me to say my final goodbyes.
How do you ever prepare for that?? How do you say goodbye to something you love so much? A love so different & strong that you have never felt before!?! How do you let something slip away that you have lived & breathed everyday for almost 6 years!?!
As Isaac's little body became more limp, he looked up at me, right into my eyes as though he felt like he was letting me down.
Doc said.."wow, he sure is a fighter! It usually doesn't take this much medication for a lil guy his size."
I knew then that I had to try and hold back the tears a little, and let Isaac know it was okay to let go and that mommy would be okay.
As he continued to look in my eyes I kept running my hand across the top of his head, and my fingers around his face. I began to tell him that it was okay, he could go to sleep, that mommy would be okay.
A few breathes later, he took his last breath.
I pulled his little limp body up against my chest, with his head resting on my shoulder.
I held him and I CRIED LIKE I HAD NEVER CRIED BEFORE!!
My daughter had to take him from me, I could not bare to hand him away. She wrapped him in his favorite blanket, and walked out with the doctor. I had to jump out, run outside and say goodbye one last time.
Honestly, so much of the day after that was a blur.
Everyone had to leave and go to work.
Me, I crawled into bed with Isaac's favorite baby/stuffy and cried myself to sleep.
I had to walk away. I just could not handle it!!
Soon the doctor arrived. He was totally surprised to see Isaac still alert and trying to walk around. With a little effort and convincing, he was able to administer a little more medication to make him relax little better.
Then the moment had come, I had to try and be strong for Isaac as he had for me the last 5 1/2 years.
I entered Issac's cage, sat on the floor and laid him across my lap. With tears flowing down my face, and my heart feeling like it was being torn in half, I cried as I stroked Isaac's head and told him over & over how much I loved him and how sorry I was!
The doctor checked Isaac over as he prepared to give him the medication.
He put his hand on my shoulder, with a quiver in his voice, he told me.."Gena, you are doing the right thing! Isaac's liver is failing as well as his kidneys. His whole buddy is shutting down. There is nothing more you can do. I'm really sorry! You have done more for him then anyone ever would have!! He is not in pain, but he is suffering and it will get much worse for both of you!"
Through injection, doc slowly administered a little at a time, the medication that would cause me to say my final goodbyes.
How do you ever prepare for that?? How do you say goodbye to something you love so much? A love so different & strong that you have never felt before!?! How do you let something slip away that you have lived & breathed everyday for almost 6 years!?!
As Isaac's little body became more limp, he looked up at me, right into my eyes as though he felt like he was letting me down.
Doc said.."wow, he sure is a fighter! It usually doesn't take this much medication for a lil guy his size."
I knew then that I had to try and hold back the tears a little, and let Isaac know it was okay to let go and that mommy would be okay.
As he continued to look in my eyes I kept running my hand across the top of his head, and my fingers around his face. I began to tell him that it was okay, he could go to sleep, that mommy would be okay.
A few breathes later, he took his last breath.
I pulled his little limp body up against my chest, with his head resting on my shoulder.
I held him and I CRIED LIKE I HAD NEVER CRIED BEFORE!!
My daughter had to take him from me, I could not bare to hand him away. She wrapped him in his favorite blanket, and walked out with the doctor. I had to jump out, run outside and say goodbye one last time.
Honestly, so much of the day after that was a blur.
Everyone had to leave and go to work.
Me, I crawled into bed with Isaac's favorite baby/stuffy and cried myself to sleep.
I am so grateful for my friends and kids who came and held me & cried with me on the hardest most hurtful day of my life!
God Bless you!!
I am forever grateful for all my friends that have been here for Isaac and I over the last 5 years. So many prayed for him, sent cards, emails, helped raise money for his massive medical expenses and donated.
There is just no way I could ever express my heartfelt gratitude!! God Bless You!!!
Dear Heavenly Father,
I am so grateful that you blessed me with Isaac and the time I was able to share my life with him. He was more then a monkey, animal, or "pet", he was my child.
He was my inspiration!
Through him you taught me so much about myself and life. Through him you taught me more and helped me more then any human could have even began to scratch the surface!
Selfishly I never wanted to let him go,
but selflessly, I had to let him go.
I will NEVER let go of what he is to me, how much I will always love him, nor the memories.
I Pray that the ministry, that the life of this little "Miracle Monkey" is to me, will also be to others...Amen
I am so grateful for my friends and kids who came and held me & cried with me on the hardest most hurtful day of my life!
God Bless you!!
I am forever grateful for all my friends that have been here for Isaac and I over the last 5 years. So many prayed for him, sent cards, emails, helped raise money for his massive medical expenses and donated.
There is just no way I could ever express my heartfelt gratitude!! God Bless You!!!
Dear Heavenly Father,
I am so grateful that you blessed me with Isaac and the time I was able to share my life with him. He was more then a monkey, animal, or "pet", he was my child.
He was my inspiration!
Through him you taught me so much about myself and life. Through him you taught me more and helped me more then any human could have even began to scratch the surface!
Selfishly I never wanted to let him go,
but selflessly, I had to let him go.
I will NEVER let go of what he is to me, how much I will always love him, nor the memories.
I Pray that the ministry, that the life of this little "Miracle Monkey" is to me, will also be to others...Amen
