There was a time I went to work for a week while feeling bad, then when the weekend came and I had a chance to think about it, I realized I had pneumonia and probably should have been in the hospital that entire time :D.

At work there's one cat that comes in weekly for fluids for her kidney disease. She's been doing it for probably three years now, and she's still every bit as feisty as when we started. And by feisty I mean the moment you aren't paying attention she will cut a bitch. :D
Anyway, what I'm saying is that if your kitty will tolerate it, it is possible for her to live comfortably a long time with regular fluids. If your vet goes for things like pepcid, maybe ask him for a dose to have on hand for those days your kitty's tummy is bothering her.