VetNet®
VetNet® AIHA discussion forum
VetNet® Forum
Lifelong Learning Network
www.vetnetlln.ac.uk
Veterinary Recruitment
Premier Partner Program
Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - AIHA survival tips
| Since there are quite a few new people on the list, I thought I post Sheila's survival skills again. She posted them in 2003. I am sure some treatments have changed, but some things are still the same. *We spend so much time and energy focusing on our beloved canines with AIHA, I thought I would throw out some survival tips for their human family* AIHA is a marathon, not a sprint, so pace yourself physically -- eat properly, exercise, try to get enough sleep. AIHA is an emotional rollercoaster complete with hopeful highs and crushing lows -- seek support, acknowledge and talk about your feelings. AIHA is random and unfair, it can test your spirit and faith -- now is the time to lean on your beliefs, to find strength and peace in them. AIHA is life altering, but it is only one part of your dogs life -- it doesn't take away 'who' your dog was/is or erase the 'before' time and memories, try to call on thoses positives and allow that joy to bolster and fill your heart. AIHA requires us to be an advocate for our dogs, with almost no warning or prior training we must become a doctor, scientist, researcher, financier, counselor, and cheerleader. Even the most confident person can begin to question past choices and actions, and that can shake your confidence badly. Do not give into fear and doubt, separate facts from feelings and try to stay focused on the future. ~*~*~*~*~ Bless each of you for being such a wonderful friend to your dog, it takes such a loving strong person to fight this disease. We each talk about how special our furbabies are, and they are, but I think their 'owners' are just as special. I believe that our dogs know just what we are giving and doing, and I think that that means more to them than whatever the outcome of this evil disease may be. Your dog thinks you are the greatest, so please take care of YOU today!! ~Sheila, lucky mom to Dakota, Nuggett, Harley and Radar (my current gang) I hope Sheila does not mind me posting this again. Best wishes to all of you, Brigitte & Kahlu |
| Brigitte BC Canada |
| Thank you Brigitte - how true Sheila's comments are! Brought a tear to my eye. Silka |
| Silka Melbourne Australia |
| Brigitte, I am sure Shelia would not mind because those words are what everyone who fights this fight must learn. It does change you forever. Who of us would have ever thought we would ever know so much about PCV/HCT's Platelets and everything else involved? |
| Penny Lytle Creek Calif |
| I needed to read that right now. Thank you. |
| Darren Long Beach |
| Thanks to you Brigitte for posting it and to Sheila for writing it. Even though I read it before it was sure nice to read again. Really reminds me of what things were like the months after Alex was diagnosed. No one really could understand what we were going thru except for the people on this board. That article really captures it. Chris & Alex |
| Chris Pa |
This thread was discussed between 02/01/2010 and 05/01/2010
Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) forum index
This thread is from the Vetnet archive. The live Vetnet forum is active now.
