Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - One LLLLOOONNNNGGGG YEAR!

One year ago today Tessy got sick with the terrible, horrible, disgusting disease AIHA/IMHA and my life as I knew it was flipped upside down. It was a relatively bad year with many ups and downs (more downs) but just reaching this milestone is a relief and a blessing. Losing my job a month and a half before all this took place hasn't helped. My comfy nest egg I had saved was used to help treat this (well over 20g!) and keep us going. Most people probably wouldn't do the things I did and I'm sure most of you are the exact same way! There's nothing I wouldn't do for my precious girl. There's days still that I eat rice and noodles so my girl can get the treatment she needs. There's absolutely nothing easy about this disease and I feel for anybody who has to deal with it. Thankfully I found this site and because of that and the wonderfull people here Tessy is still here with me today! Thank you everybody!!! Valentines Day!!! This day will never be the same for me. It will always be associated with this disease and will be looked upon accordingly. I'll celebrate this day as the day Tessy and I grew closer together and the day that changed my life forever. I'm happy with most of the decisions I had to make, some harder than others, but for the most part things are finally looking positive for my little trooper. She's a fighter, that's for sure, and so long as she has her ball in her mouth she's happy. I'd do it all again if need be and have very little regrets. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Johnny, That is so great. I am so happy for you and Tessy. I know how much sacrifice it takes emotionally, time wise, and financially. You are Tessy's hero and inspiration to others. I am just so happy for you. -Darren

Darren

Johnny & Tessy Congratulations on this milestone anniversary. I am so very happy for you both. I know you have been an inspiration to so many. For anyone who is interested you can see Tessy wearing her Meisha's Hope Bandanna on the Bandanna photo page at the Meisha's Hope Web site: http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/bandannaphotos3.htm

Joanne MN

Congratulations Johnny and Tessy! I cannot believe it has been a year for you guys - time flies! Johnny, you have done so well with Tessy, as I know how much trouble you had getting her stable. You have also helped so many on this forum, I always appreciate your sound advice. Wishing Tessy and all your gang continued good health. Samantha and Millie.

Samantha Geelong Australia

Congratulations on your one year anniversary...in some ways it seems odd to celebrate the anniversary of a terrible disease, but on the other it does give us some unexpected gifts, and our furkids are so strong, of course we have to celebrate their lives and spirit. I too can hardly believe it's been a year! You're always such a good advocate and you've both been a comfort and inspiration to so many here. We're so happy that you have Tessy today and every day. Incidentally, today is Tiggs 6th Birthday. We went on a walk, and he's gotten lots of treats. I almost celebrate July 16th now as his new birthday, the anniversary of his diagnosis- it's just so significant for us now as well. To many more anniversaries with Tessy! melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Johnny - I'm so happy for you reaching this milestone - Tessy was blessed to have you going through this with her. You've shared all your knowledge and helped so many others with what you've learned here. I know I've benefited from what you and Tessy have gone through and I hope with all my heart you have many many more anniversaries with Tessy by your side. Thank you Johnny -

Lisa TX

Johnny, congrats on Tessy's 1 year anniversary! Best wishes! Wendi and Calypso

Wendi Ohio

dear Johnny and Tessy Congrats on your one year anniversary. Tessy is so so lucky to have you. I would do the same for my Bud we spent 14000.00 dollars before he died. So I know how you feel. But you know something they are worth every cent. there is nothing more precious to have this little human like baby follow you and look upon you for every single need. And your right about the people on this site they are so supporting. I wish I could have found this site before Buddy died maybe i could have done something different. Maybe he still would have been alive. Well again congrats and i wish you much love, happiness and most importantly good health. give her a kiss for me. Lucy

lucy ny

Dear Johnny and Tess, Congratulations on you your first year anniversary!!! Yayyyyyyy :) Smmochies to Tess from Keiko and Hushi Jess

Jess BC

Johnny & Tessy, Congratulations! You really fought hard and I am so happy for you. You have learned so much in this year and have graciously shared your new knowledge with everybody. Thank you for that, your good advice and your sense of humor! Best wishes to you, Tessy, her furry siblings and your whole family, Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

Johnny, What a very special Valentine your Tessy is. An expensive one but well worth every cent. I am so happy for you both. Canine kisses from California!

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Johnny, Give Tessy a huge anniversary hug from me. Your dedication to her is an amazing inspiration to all of us. Heres to many more anniversaries!!!! Kelly,Max and Tito

kelly Redding

Congratulations on Tessy's 1st anniversary of her diagnosis. I will always remember when you took your girl Tessy to a veterinary hospital several hours away in the middle of winter and stayed in a nearby hotel room while she received the proper care, I was moved by your dedication to her. I am so delighted to hear that she is doing well. Johnny you have been so helpful to many on this forum by sharing your experiences, opinions, prayers and just giving of your time to help someone who is now going through the same things you have. Tessy and this forum are very lucky to have you. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pinevile Pa

Johnny, Congratulations!!!! You have fought the good fight throughout the entire year and been absolutely unbelievable in your resolve to beat this ugly disease. And along the way you have helped so many of us here at the forum, even at times when Tessy was at her worst. You truly touched the hearts of each of us and we will always be grateful. Keep up the good work my friend and may your best days still come before both you and Tessy. Ron & Cooper

Ron Florida

Congrats on your milestone. Tessy is more proof that this can be beat. We wish you many many more years together. My Casper also fell ill near Valentine's Day. So the years after we take extra precautions during this season just to be sure since we do not know what triggers this.

leslie ca

Im so happy for you both to reach one year! it feels good doesnt it!!! doodle hugs charlie and carol

Carol

Johnny -- so happy for you and Tessy. Your commitment to each other is wonderful and inspirational. Many of us know what you mean about spending money to give our beloved dogs the best treatment possible to fight this disease. Love is priceless. But don't underestimate the impact of your love as part of the treatment, because Tessy knew you were always there for her. May you and Tessy have many more years together. Celebrate!

Brenda VA

Because of your big heart Johnny; your Tessy is still here after one long year.Congrats and happy anniversary! Dolores

Dolores Wi

Johnny, that is indeed a great milestone, Tessie is so blessed to have you and you have been awesome with witht the knowledge you have gained and sharing it. I look forward to posting Wylies 2 year coming up in April HIgh five paws to Tessie Laurie and Wylie

Laurie CA

Hi Johnny! I had posted a message a few days back but just noticed for some reason it didnt actually post.....Anyways, here it goes again: A Big Congrats to you and Tessy! That is wonderful news. What a milestone! Tessy is blessed to have such a wonderful dad, just as you are blessed to have a such a tough girl. This wicked disease cannot win against that combination. The two of you have fought so hard. I cannot wait to see Tessy's success page up. Also want to acknowledge you for the wonderful support you give everyone else on here as well. To be going through the battle yourself with Tessy and still come on here to offer advice, support, or just an ear is what this terrific forum is all about.THANK YOU! :) Wishing you and Tessy many more Happy, Healthy Anniversaries together! Teresa (and my Angel Boys Jacob and Rocky!)

Teresa va

Yay for Johnny & Tessy! How fantastic for you to have reached the 1 year anniversary, and all very deservingly. You work so hard Johnny, and you help everyone else and generously share your experience and advice. Congratulations Silka

Silka Melbourne Australia

Thank you everyone for the congrats and well wishes. They mean so much to us both. I'm just happy to be able to share this milestone with you all. I have MANY MANY of you to thank for helping me through this past year. Even the smallest amounts of support helps in the largest of ways as I'm sure you all know. Thank you again. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Congratulations to you and Tessy on your major milestone!!!!!!

Leslie Philly

Johnny, My dog Brinnie was just diagnosed with this horrid disease this past week and I'm struggling to get information on what to expect the first few days. My vet doesn't know alot about this disease so I'm trying to educate myself. People on here have been helpful and I just need to get them her labs for more info. However, my question currently is how long does it take for the Predisone to kick in? She's been on it since Thursday and she still isn't eating. My husband is hesitating in taking her to the ER vet, but I think we should, but if this is normal behavior till the meds kick in then I will wait. Just don't know what to do. Please help! And, congrats on the anniversary! I hope to be posting that same news this time next year. Christina

Christina Nashville

Christina, It takes 5-7 days for prednisone to "kick in", so if you are not seeing any results as yet, that is not unusal. In fact many times the PCV will continue to drop and the dog will appear to be worse the first few days after diagnosis. If you have not read my Web site on canine AIHA/IMHA as yet I would urge you to do so when you can. The URL is: http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/ Be sure to follow the links on the first page to other sites on AIHA/IMHA that will be very helpful to you and do read the SUCCESS STOIRES pages. They will show you what has worked for other dogs in terms of treatment optins as well as give you a lot of HOPE. By the way when are you seeing the vet again, at the onset of the disease it is very important to have blood work done often in case other measures such as blood transfusions need to be done.

Joanne MN

Johnny, Do you think I should call my vet and have them prescribe Azathioprine to Brinnie's regimen? I was reading some other posts and it looks like alot of people are prescribed that in addition to the pred. Thanks! Christina

Christina Nashville

This thread was discussed between 14/02/2010 and 16/03/2010

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