misunderstood instructions- worried about vet visit

[totes]

Hi, I'm hoping to maybe gain some advice or peace of mind until I can get to the vet tomorrow-It would really help me calm down since the vet is closed today.

About 2 months ago my cat had dental surgery and had some teeth extracted. I have some underlying attention and anxiety issues, and tend to misunderstand information unless it is written down, and in this case, I misheard or misunderstood the post op-check up timing, which I am confident was not on the instructions sheet I was provided with the antibiotic medication for his recovery. I thought I understood every instruction, followed every direction on the sheet provided, yet was not aware of the need to check back in with the vet so soon. I had planned to take him in this week anyway for this very reason, but doing a little research on dental cleaning I discovered that I should have taken him in much sooner. Now I am both worried for him, feel overwhelmingly guilty, and am worried for what the vet's response will be.

I love my cat to death, I work at home and he never leaves my side. Aside from this, I feel like I am a good caretaker to him, give him attention and given that he is a CH cat, attend to his needs every time he need help. I realize how dumb a mistake this is in retrospect but given that my cat has been healthy and happy, and I have not had previous experience dealing with pet surgery recovery, I didn't realize I had missed this important step. I am having a hard time resolving a way to explain this misunderstanding to the vet and am worried that they will turn me away or worse. Has anyone ever made a mistake like this? Any advice to help calm nerves a little? Thank you in advance.

[special]

Hello and welcome to pet lovers. You followed the post medication instructions?

Is your cat showing any signs of discomfort? Any bleeding from his mouth, not eating, pawing at his mouth? Any lethargy or other unusual behavior?

If he is normal in every way, I think he will be fine until tomorrow.

If stitches were needed for the extractions, most vets use dissolving stitches now, anyway.

Keep us posted!

PS It's not like you left your cat to suffer all these weeks, I'm sure your vet will understand. There are many people who don't "bother" with follow up appointments. I know you don't come under that description, but I think everything will be okay.

In future, carry a notebook with you and write down all your questions before hand, and write down the answers when you get them, and any other instructions, at the time of the vet visit, or ask the vet to type out the instructions and print them for you.

[totes]

thanks very much for your response, it helps a lot. I followed the medication instructions very carefully, and kept a close eye on his gums and face to watch for any redness or swelling. As far as I can tell he looks fine in that way. No bleeding or pawing or signs of discomfort. Otherwise he's been totally normal, adjusted to his new diet easily, no symptoms of sickness, energetic, happy, curious, vocal (haha, always), and always happy to eat.

Thank you again I really appreciate it. Hopefully the vet will be as understanding tomorrow and willing to help
*Edit
I agree completely, that is good advice. In light of this mistake I will always make sure everything is written out and double checked. Also considering a more relaxed vet, since this one is always rushed and busy and not good for needing to take a little extra time to go over things. Good advice, and appreciated very much.

[sheltieluver]

your cat should be fine. At our clinic they don't make the cat come back for a follow up appointment. I think its a good idea tho. At the clinic I work at they call a few days later to check.

As long as the cat is acting normal there is no swelliing, bleeding of the gums, pawing at the mouth hes eating and drinking normally he will be fine till tomorrow.

Let us know how it goes.