Catspaw: The relapse

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: Tony Burns
Date: 13 May 99 - 10:06 PM

I'm thinking good thoughts for you Catspaw. I didn't get much chance to meet you but I miss you.

For you Mudders are curious about the diagnosis go to The Mayo Clinic and put diverticulitis in the search field.

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: Susan A-R
Date: 13 May 99 - 10:10 PM

Wow! go away for a little while and look what happens. I've gone through a little rain shower of tears because of the news and this group's response. So relieved, and I was all ready to go out and donate a little O pos, just for the paw. P'raps I'll go ahead. Now watch out for all them nuts and seedy things paw. stick to a steady squirrel (or was it rabbit) diet.

Susan

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: Jeri
Date: 13 May 99 - 10:15 PM

I wonder if his original symptoms were caused by the diverticulitis, and they just happened to...nah.

I'm glad it's something they can easily deal with, even though it's still unpleasant. If I remember correctly from when my mother had this, 'Spaw better like Jello!

Still beaming out Good Thoughts...

Jeri

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: Banjer
Date: 13 May 99 - 10:17 PM

I think it was possum he craved the most. Straighten out the tails and give 'em 'bout five hours in a freezer and ya got yerself Possum on a Stick....Gotta eat fast, 'afore the tail thaws out....

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 14 May 99 - 12:20 AM

Damn, I never thought diverticulitis would sound like good news! Heal fast, Buddy - oh,and Thelma up at the cafe would like you to sign a release absolving her biscuits and country ham of any blame in your current intestinal predicament.

Love ya man, Leej

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 14 May 99 - 12:28 AM

When is bad news good news? When we learn that what's goin' on is certainly treatable! I'm gonna run right upstairs and tell Caroline. Thanks, Clarence. Talk with you later, folks.

Sandy

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: SailormomRita (inactive)
Date: 14 May 99 - 12:29 AM

Wow...nice news...been hanging out in CCU myself around the clock with my mom...heart problem...she's doing better and my sister Kathy is spelling me right now so I thought I'd check in on Catspaw....I have several friends who have had that divertic...and yup..it's definitely fixable. Boy that's nice to be able to say...love to all the spaws and Connie & Wayne too from "friends" in Salinas, Cal. Rita Gatti

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 May 99 - 12:36 AM

Love and Light and Healing Energy to your mom, your sister and you, Rita. We have plenty to share, here at the Mudcat.

katlaughing

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: Mikal
Date: 14 May 99 - 12:45 AM

Catspaw, you will get better, hear? I will not spend the rest of my days wondering what you are really like outside of this electronic gab-fest we participate in! I have to meet you!

My father, the Rightly Reverend James Benjamin McLeod Shew, (Now heading up the Scots Baptist Church in Heaven, most likely,) would pray for the sick in the most straightforward language. As I am no better than the one who taught me, I would do the same for you:

Lord, We like this one. He's been trouble at times, but we need that kind of trouble. He's been good for us as well. Now I know you might have decided you need him up there a lot more than we do, but you have a lot of folks up there already, and your patience is a lot longer than our need. So let us get this one back, Lord. There's songs yet to sing and stories yet to tell. You can save a seat for him, if you want. But let us get him back home and get back to doing what you built us for. No disrespect, Lord. Just need.

Mikal

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 May 99 - 12:59 AM

Mikal! Nice to see you on hear again! That was perfect!

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: Night Owl
Date: 14 May 99 - 01:40 AM

Mikal...that's REALLY WELL SAID!! Thank you for posting it.

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 14 May 99 - 03:07 AM

I suspected it might be diverticulitis--my brother was watching the US Open (tennis) with some friends about ten years ago. He got up to go to the bathroom and his chair was filled with blood--bright red, which I guess means his was lower on the colon than Spaw's and didn't get mixed up with all that other stuff. They pumped about 20 pints of blood into him before they got the busted pipe sealed up, and even with that he had a long recovery, but he did recover completely (for those who don't know, diverticulitis is a burst blood vessel--and we ain't talkin' capillary here--in the wall of the colon--I suppose it could be in the small intestine, too. Bleeding to death from one is a real possibility if untreated--I'm glad Pat's healers caught it, and I expect he'll be back spreadin' his own special brand of colonic product here in the threads. Clarence, thanks for the good news (and I recall someone else asking you before, but I don't recall your answer: How in heck did you get named Clarence? Did your daddy want a son? And even if he did, why in heck would he call him Clarence? NOI to anybody out there bearing that name, but I'd just as soon be named Sue. --seed

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: Helen
Date: 14 May 99 - 03:44 AM

Catspaw, and all the other Paws. So good to hear that they know what's wrong and that it is teatable. I haven't been clogging up the communication channels with my thoughts and feelings, except for my first posting on the first thread, but I have been reading (and weeping, sometimes) every day to get the updates.

Some of the 'Cats have more chance than me to meet you all, because I'm over here in Oz, but who knows, maybe one day it will happen. In the meantime just hang in there, all of you.

Barbara, I think you have the best object for bribing 'sPaw to get better. Just keep up those creative threats and he'll be out of that hospital in no time flat. Threatening to make road-pizza out of his possum. What a giggle!

You are surrounded by love and light, You are breathing in love and light Love and light are flowing through you Love and light are radiating from you.

Love (and light) from Helen

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: alison
Date: 14 May 99 - 04:49 AM

Hi,

I'm like Helen. Been here several times a day to check on you, but everyone else was saying what I wanted to say anyway.... and a lot better than I would have worded it...

you sure had us worried, hurry up and get better.

Slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: Banjer
Date: 14 May 99 - 05:59 AM

Mikal, that was beautiful. I think prayer doesn't need to be a lot of fancy words. Just a few well placed, simple thoughts are excatly what's needed. Reminds me of something I read somewhere a long time ago, about a very simple prayer, attributed to an old farmer: "Lord, prop me up in all my leaning places" Just about says it all, doesn't it? Our thoughts and prayers go out today to Catspaw and family...
BTW, Has anyone heard from Big Mick lately?
Rita, know that our thoughts are also with you and yours during your hard times.
Sandy said it right! Imagine, here we are rejoicing about diverticulitis!

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 14 May 99 - 07:38 AM

I think Big Mick said he was getting tied up in some union business for awhile.

And I'm still missing Bill D. and Ferrara. Could Bill D. have been G.A.S.P. and that was his last gasp? Surely not without a *grin*!

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: Bert
Date: 14 May 99 - 08:57 AM

Glad to hear they can patch you up guy. Hope you start feeling better soon.

Helen claims you are 'teatable' which should cheer you up no end. I'm not sure whether she means 'teat-able' or 'tea-table' though. I know you would prefer the former.

Bert.

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 May 99 - 09:36 AM

Yea, Big Mick said he'd be working 7 days a week, 12-14 hrs per day, out of motels etc. for about three weeks. Big ratification thing.

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: annamill
Date: 14 May 99 - 09:41 AM

Catspaw and family,

I'm so glad. I was afraid to open up when I came into work this morning. Now, get well, and get back to the Mudcat.

with good feelings, Anna

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: Alice
Date: 14 May 99 - 11:23 AM

Well, Catspaw, I guess this means I should hold off from having the special order fedexed to you from the Road Kill Cafe in McLeod, Montana. Better lay off the scrapple and possum for awhile to let your pipes heal up. TAKE CARE of yourselves, we need you to hang around with here. ~alice

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: Alice
Date: 14 May 99 - 11:23 AM

Well, Catspaw, I guess this means I should hold off from having the special order fedexed to you from the Road Kill Cafe in McLeod, Montana. Better lay off the scrapple and possum for awhile to let your pipes heal up. TAKE CARE of yourselves, we need you to hang around with us here. ~alice

Subject: Lyr Add: DO NOT GO GENTLE INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT
From: John OSh
Date: 14 May 99 - 12:53 PM

Catspaw, Do Not Go Gentle into that good night!

The news of the relapse is very sad, but this great community has, and still is, giving great support to one of their own.

For some reason, this poem always instills a sense of "fight" into me whenever life is getting tough. Hopefully 'Paw will find it the same!

Get well soon!

John OSh

DO NOT GO GENTLE INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT By Dylan Thomas

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: Curtis & Loretta
Date: 14 May 99 - 01:18 PM

Sending our thoughts and prayers for your speedy recovery! Curtis & Loretta

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: Bev Lawton
Date: 14 May 99 - 01:56 PM

Great to hear the news - I've been to 12 funerals in the past 18 months and another good fiddling friend died on Friday so it's REAL good to hear some good news. This is one event that has just GOT TO BE POSTPONED ya hear? That frozen possum got me thinking .... don't they use freezing techniques to seal wounds? now a frozen possum inserted anally may actually work :) If nothing else it will test if the legs are still working!!! Gods speed for a quick recovery. Bev Lawton

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: Bert
Date: 14 May 99 - 02:32 PM

Bev,

When he hears the treatment you have in store for him he'll be up on his feet in no time.

Bert.

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: Spaw's Maw-in-law
Date: 14 May 99 - 06:24 PM

Spaw is not doing well. It seems as though they really cannot find the bleeding. I talked with Karen this morning and Pat was done having another blood scan and was on unit #10 of blood. There are no lower bowel sounds, I am not sure exactly what that means but I know that it is not good. The Dr. pretty much told Karen that it (the bleeding) has to either stop on its own or we are going to lose our beloved one. I just called Lancaster and talked to one of the ICU nurses and Karen was down in the imaging waiting room as Pat is going thru yet another test. Maybe we could give him some cheat sheets and he would pass one of these pesky tests. The nurse told me that he had had no additional units of blood since #10 but that he is a very sick man and the prognosis is not good.

I am very worried about Pat and also about Karen. I know that she is very tired and so heartsick. She loves Pat so dearly and this is such a rough time. Just to make a little comic relief, the mortgage co. sold their mortgage and of course neglected to inform them so the last three payments have not been cashed and Karen got a threat just to brighten her day. We were actually able to laugh about that. She will call the co. and get it straightened out but for Heavens sakes did she really need this right now? I know that when it rains it pours but we seem to be deep into the monsoon season here. Oh yeah, the principal of Mike's school gave him detention for being late. Connie liked to turned his head right about for that one.

Keep the beautiful thoughts, prayers, and love heading their way. Even if Pat cannot respond right now, we know that on some level it is a great comfort. It has certainly given my darling daughter comfort, strength and an occasional smile.

Why am I Clarence? Well I guess Spaw is not going on line today so I will tell you. Being MudCATTers, you will understand. I get so very annoyed by calls from people selling everything from hair restorer to cemetery plots that I decided I would like an unlisted number, you know, to keep rabid ex lovers(wishful thinking) and such from bothering me. Not to mention the occasional times that I don't pay for the cat food and run afoul of the bill collector person. I digress. So, the phone co. charges some exorbitant fee for an unlisted #. I am listed in the Atlanta phone book as Clarence O'Doyle. Clarence was my cat who is now scratching that great litter box in the sky. So when someone calls and asks for Mr. O'Doyle, I simply say that he is dead, accept their words of sympathy and get on with my life. I automatically deep six all mail that comes for him also. I have been doing this for years. Enter that pesky invention, caller ID. Pat and Karen have that annoying little feature on their phone. When I call, I come up as Clarence O'Doyle and Pat has adopted that as my name.

Karen just called. They have found the pain reliever of choice for Pat, a new drug called NUbain and his humor has improved and he is feeling much cheerier. They had him swallow barium and are going to go back down to imaging to see how far it gets. Man that sounds like loads of fun. Been there, done that one. Yummmmm. Karen sounded better tonight. She will be staying at the hospital with Pat and Wayne is there with her so I feel better that she is not alone.

Will send more news as I get it. Thanks again you can never know what a comfort it is to log on and know that we are not alone in this mess. If Pat has no lower bowel sounds, does that mean he will not have to scratch the litter box and can eat broccoli and not offend? Guess I need to read up on that. Keep the faith, whatever faith that is. Love........Clarence

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: bill\sables
Date: 14 May 99 - 06:51 PM

To all catters. To each one during life there comes a time of waiting, When every hour seems an eternity and you are left debating. If hope and faith can span the great abyss, Between knowing and not knowing when something is amiss. Be still O fluttering heart, and rest awhile, God is with you before and when you reach that stile; And after, He will still be waiting there. Take comfort, fret no more and ease your mind in prayer.

come on catters send him good thoughts we can help him get better if we try

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: Banjer
Date: 14 May 99 - 06:54 PM

Ah, Clarence, such a wonderful story! I had been watching closely to see how that name came to be attached to you. It does seem like the season of the monsoon is upon Karen, 'Spaw and the boys. Give them all our love and good thoughts. They are in our prayers. If there is anything we can do, whatever is in our power shall be done. I think I speak here for ALL of us in the cybercommunity known as Mudcat. Please continue to keep us posted, and DO NOT hesitate to let us know if anything is needed, ie:a donation collection, anything....Tell PAT we all love and miss him...and hope for his speedy recovery an dreturn to our midst...

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: The Shambles
Date: 14 May 99 - 07:04 PM

You've got to shake your fists at lightning now
You've got to roar like a forest fire

(Joni Mitchell)

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 May 99 - 07:08 PM

How about we all send whatever amount we can to help with whatever expenses? Snidely Whiplash at the door with the mortgage, long-distance telephone charges, hospital and doctors' bills. Remember the old story from the Bible about the widow's mite? Well, a little from a lot, adds up and it sounds like they could put it to good use.

Bill/Sables: thank you for those beautiful words. They pretty much sum it up and helped me tremendously, to be able to read them right after Clarence's posting (Love that story!).

Now is not the time to despair, but indeed to wait and give thanks for the perfect outworking for the highest good of all concerned.

kat

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 14 May 99 - 07:08 PM

We're here for all of you, and we are bloody UNITED. Paw will make it.
Love
Rick

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: Banjer
Date: 14 May 99 - 07:24 PM

Can someone set up an account of some kind to which we can send our help? It may be easier to have a central location to send to and for them to have acces to it.

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 May 99 - 08:27 PM

Banj,

I was just going to send it to their snail mail address. I don't feel comfortable giving it out without permission, though. Maybe Connie or Wayne could help us?

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: Banjer
Date: 14 May 99 - 08:42 PM

You are right, Kat, I wouldn't put it out for general publication...That's why I thought a neutral location, like a bank's address and an account number would be more beneficial. If someone could set up such an account we could all just send our donations to it, and the Karenspaw could have easier access to it. I'm sure there are unforseen hurdles, such as tax laws and other inane BS that always raises its ugly head when folks try to help one another. Can someone advise? Would we be better off sending to someone's PO Box and thereby circumvent the Tax folks? HELP.......Pleeeeeze....

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: bet
Date: 14 May 99 - 08:44 PM

Catspaw, keep fighting, Karen hang in there we're all with both of you. I don't have the beautiful words but positve thoughts are sent your way. You are in my heart. bet

I would like to send what I can, where? I wonder if we can donate blood long distance. No this isn't a joke, maybe the blood bank could credit their account. Does anyone know if that works?

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: dwditty
Date: 14 May 99 - 09:13 PM

In January, my mother lay deathly ill in intensive care. The problem - internal bleeding. Her "crit" - the measurement of how much blood a person has, or something, kept dropping. She is much too frail for surgery, and to make matters worse, the fact that I showed up concerned her even more. Finally, I told her that she had no choice - she simply had to stop the bleeding on her own. She said, "OK" and she did. So, Spaw, get to it. Stop that bleeding! In the meantime, I'll continue pray to God throughout each day for your full recovery and peace of mind to Karen and your loved ones. We're pulling for you, bud.

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 May 99 - 09:50 PM

Well, I called the hospital to find out about the blood donation thingy. They put me through to ICU, who then put Karen on the line because she works in the blood lab there! She thinks we can all donate where we are and have it credited but she wasn't sure. I told her we would all just check with our local blood banks and not to worry about it.

He is doing a little better tonight. His blood count has only dropped a tiny bit and the pain meds are helping. She said his attitude is better. If his blood count stays stable through the night, they will continue to observe and hopefully it will heal. It is in the small bowel. The lower and upper GI's were clear.

I mentioned to Karen my idea of everyone sending wahtever donation they could. She will talk it over with Connie and/or Wayne and see what they can set up. She said the phone bill was really going to be astronomical, so even just helping with that would be good. One of them will let us know. Karen has been home only once to throw clothes together for the kids who have soccer tournies tomorrow. She felt badly about not posting more to us. I told her not to worry about us, to take care of herslelf and Pat and to let us know if there is anything we can do to help.

Through this crisis she has come to know what 'Spaw was always telling her of us. She is really grateful we have been here for them all. She has a beautiful, loving voice and heart. These people are blessed as are we for knowing them and each other. Thank you, Mudcateers.

Katlaughing

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: Banjer
Date: 14 May 99 - 10:03 PM

Thanks Kat for breaking the ice here....I had proffered this idea to Mick a while back, about monetary help, and he was going to get with Connie and Wayne to see how they thought it would be received. Some folks don't take kindly to what they percieve as "handouts", foolish pride, dontcha know. BUT, since you have talked to Karen and SHE said a little help would be appreciated we are there!! Have her go and establish or use someone's PO Box # and we can all just send our contributions there! That way no home addresses need be published, and no paper trail ie:bank accounts need be established. We are all eagerly awaiting your reply to this one. Call her at your earliest convenience and let's get the Mudcat ball rolling....

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: bbc
Date: 14 May 99 - 10:06 PM

Praying in NY--thanks for the updates.

bbc & Duane D.

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: Anne
Date: 14 May 99 - 10:22 PM

Catspaw: Hang tough and stop that damn bleeding. I am thinking and hoping and praying. Karen, stay strong we're praying for you and the boys too. 'Catters, give blood, all donations are needed even if they don't directly go to Pat, it helps to keep the supply up. "Cast your bread upon the waters and it shall be returned to you seven times seven..."

Anne

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: Bert
Date: 14 May 99 - 11:05 PM

What an up and down day, don't know how many times I've cried for you. We are with you all the way, I know some of us are praying and some of us are singing. Just think of us there beside you. If love can help you've got all of mine. Wish I could give you all a hug to stop that empty feeling of fear inside you.

Bert.

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 May 99 - 11:24 PM

Banjer, thanks for your enthusiasm! Please remember, though, that I was paraphrasing. Karen sounded okay about it and said they would talk it over and did mention that the phone bill was going to be high.

I will give them a day or two before calling back. I don't want to be a bother. My calling and actually talking to her tonight was totally unexpected. I just was looking for info about blood donations. And Anne is right, phoaks, blood donation is always a good civic thing to do.

I forgot to say the hospital he is in right now is their local one. Karen knows most of the people who work there; they've been letting her go with him for all the testing etc. If things are not better tomorrow, though, he may be transferred.

I will find out more this weekend, if Karen or somebody else doesn't post something here about donations. Even sending phone cards, as suggested earlier, would help, I am sure. Those you could send in a card directly to the hospital. The address is in an earlier posting in this thread.

You are all so wonderful. Keep up the good thoughts, prayers, and singing. .....kat

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: The Shambles
Date: 15 May 99 - 02:16 AM

Rick decided to continue to be positive and has started a new thread

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: The Shambles
Date: 15 May 99 - 02:18 AM

NEW THREAD

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: Banjer
Date: 15 May 99 - 02:41 AM

I suggest that in the temporary absence of Joe Offer we appoint Shambles the Interim Blue Clicky Thingie Creator In Charge Of Creating Blue Clicky Thingies! Good Job, Shambles...!!!

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: Banjer
Date: 15 May 99 - 04:55 PM

****WRONG ADDRESS!!!****
The address that Gargoyle posted above is NOT where Pat is now!! The correct address, as taken from the relapse thread is:

ICU Fairfield Medical Center,
401 N. Ewing St,.
Lancaster, OH 43036 [phone]

The Atlanta PMB is provided by Pat's mother-in-law so that she can gather all the moneis and forward them as one lump sum to Karen. That will relieve karen of yet another detail. Clarence will see to it that all funds are directed to Karen. Thank You all for you participation in this effort!!

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: Banjer
Date: 15 May 99 - 05:01 PM

Just an afterthought: we probably don't need the phone # in the address....didn't notice that til after I had hit the button of no return!

We sent Paw and Cletus alookin' an' they in their inimitable fashion are draggin' tail in a little burg called Lancaster........in MICHIGAN!!! My daddy used ta say "Them fellers couldn't find their ass with both hands an' a roadmap!" I had no idea he knew this crew...and so long ago, too! Well, we'll get 'em headed in the right direction here afore too long, I hope....

Subject: RE: Catspaw: The relapse
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 22 May 99 - 04:43 PM

If you are reading these threads in order, Rick Fielding decided to move us onto a more positive note with Catspaw, the Recovery.

Roger in Baltimore