Me too with Zoe so I totally understand.
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Me too with Zoe so I totally understand.
Patti, everyday I see Keesh's face in the morning I thank God for another day with him. I don't know either how much longer I have, after all he's almost 14 and that's really good for a dog his size, at least I think so.
I am pretty much finished with trying to find out what is wrong with him. He is comfortable, loved, fed and completely spoiled, so I know I've done everything I could for him and just letting him live out whatever days, weeks or possibly months he has left without being prodded anymore is my goal.
I know that I could spend much more if need be, but at this point in his life I'm just not going to. I've had to accept the fact there are fewer days with him ahead then there are behind us and enjoying each and every day that I have left with him. When everything seems to be going ok, there are subtle reminders that come out of the blue that he isn't the boy I used to have anymore.
Even writing this it brings tears to my eyes, knowing what lies ahead, but I have to accept it and there just isn't any other choice.
You have done way more then most anybody else ever could or would, so please take comfort in that knowing Tipper has had the best life a dog could ever wish for and a Mommy who went to the ends of the earth for her.
Judi,
I like your philosophy. I like to think the same thing. You know the words from a Little House in the Prairie, said it best when the dying widow of three children on an episode said, "Remember me with smiles and laughter, for that is how I will remember you all. If you can only remember me with tears, then don't remember me at all."
So enjoy your dog(s) while we have them, they are angels from heaven!
There's another saying to, but it pertains to people with a "woe is me" attitude.
Valerie Harper dying of brain cancer said "Don't go to the funeral until the day of the funeral- live this day " - good attitude.
Sending hugs and prayers!!!
Patti,
I have been there, done that, with Buddy, and it was all about him. You will do what's right by Tipper when the time comes. In the meantime, be thankful for every precious minute you have with her. Once you have your plan, try to let as much stress go as possible and spend that time loving on her. You know her best. You know when she's had enough. That's the time to stop pushing. I won't kid you. It is not easy. It is damn hard! :o you can do it though Patti. We have all seen how strong you are.
Sending much love your way,
Patti,
every one of us feels the same way and would do exactly what you're doing.
Prayers for Tipper and you. I am so glad that you had a "spa" day :)
Hi Everyone:
Well last nite was bad. Tipper moved around the bed all nite. I am also hearing that congested throaty noise coming out of her again. I know she is not being controlled on this dosage, and I have to do something about it now, before it causes her more problems. I am going to call Dechra and possibly set up an early ACTH to see where her numbers are. I know her best, and I can tell the split 10/10mg is not working for her. I am exhausted as she kept me awake all nite and got up at 5:30am with sort of a stomach ache starting. I am going to call the vets after I talk to Dechra and see if it is too early to test her she has been on the split for 10 days, but on the lower dose of 20 mg 21 days ago. This cortisol has done such terrible things to her body I am afraid to let this go any longer, so I must get on it immediately. It is only 42 here this morning so Tipper is enjoying that. We are due for storms on Saturday unfortunately. I am exhausted mentally and physically from this disease. I will however persevere. Blessings
Patti
Hi Everyone:
Well I just spoke to Dechra. They agree with me that we need an ACTH done again before doing anything to see where her number is. I have it scheduled for Monday. God I am going to be broke. I had a lot of heavy bills this month car insurance etc., and I am struggling. I wish in a way I was still working so I had no money worries, but in another way I don't because I would never leave Tipper. Some of these bills are just going to have to wait. Her health is more important to me than stupid bills. I just gave her some Benadryl to see if it helps with the congested sounds I am hearing from her. She is starting to stick her tongue out a lot again and swallowing a lot so there is some kind of drainage going on. She has not done this for a while. If her cortisol is up though you would think the opposite if it were allergies or something similar. I must have spent way over 3500.00 on ACTH and blood panels so far this past year, not counting urine tests ultra sounds, ct scans, xrays, drugs, and supplements etc. Oh well like the AMEX commercial says "priceless." Blessings
Patti
Hi Patti,
I just posted on my own thread that I was thinking of you this morning when I heard our morning temp was 57 degrees!! I see you had much cooler weather than that. Perfect for our pups. Trixie was not even panting for most of our walk. The cool weather will really make a difference for these dogs!
I'm sorry to hear that 10/10mg dosing isn't cutting it for control. I know that feeling when you just "know" that the cortisol is running too high. We are also going to have to to an acth in the next 2 weeks. I am completely unsure right now about where Trixie is. She seems well controlled until about 2-3 hours before the next dose is due. We'll have to see what the numbers say. I can totally relate to worrying about the expense. It's terrible that this important acth has to be so expensive, it really makes me angry but it has to be done.
I hope Tipper does not have another restless night...maybe the nice walk in the cool air will help her have a decent night's sleep.
Barbara