what can i say, man? you started this post by saying the cat was a 'pretty healthy and happy cat'. then , 'last time i left a cat at the vets, i never saw her again'. so now, you're in deep w/some vet(who very well may have accurate lab results[may not as well-be aware]), but be less than adept at prognosticating the future based on lab results or anything else). the site you referenced appears to take a sensible approach. spend what money you can afford and do what you can yourself. feeling 'poorly' is more of my life than i would like, but i'm by no means without reason to live. terrible never to end pain is another story(though i wouldn't opt for suicide). intelligent informed support for the cat will probably bring you a continued relationship with a valued companion who values her relationship w/you.
a quick true story. some time ago, i had an older cat and had just gotten two kittens. i came home one night and the old cat and one kitten were greeting my arrival as was their wont. the other kitten had come out, but he was listless and hanging his head-yet he had still come out. he was obviously sick and feeling 'poorly', very "poorly'. i carried him inside and laid him out on the bed next to my chair where i do my nightly reading, etc. he was feverish, weak and just plain sad looking. it was about 2am and 90 miles from any possible 'vet' operation. since he didn't seem in agony, i kept him w/me(comfortable and safe) and let him sleep(a good sign to me). the next day, he was not 100%, but was much improved and upon looking him over, i found the cause of the problem-he had been bitten by a snake(copperhead most likely and not too big from the fang spacing). he survived what was a scare for me and is sleeping on the same bed next to the same chair as i type ten years later. i'll never forget that cat coming out to greet me, sick as he was, and i'll just have to trust God to grant us both a happy death when the time comes, as i trusted Him to look after that little kitten years ago. good luck and God bless Lucy.
