I am so burned-out on caretaking. But here goes..... Okay, my 13 year old dog, Sammy, is diabetic and he requires two human insulin injections daily (approx. 12 hours apart) followed 30 minutes later special diabetic dog food. Just last month poor ol' Sam has was diagnosed with active hepatitis in addition to the diabetes (which is quite common in elderly dogs and puppies) . So now Sam is on two medicines a day in addition to human insulin ( 8 1/2 units two times daily---morning and evening).
When Sam was originally diagnosed with diabetes our vet said there "will be no more sleeping in" which was 2 1/2 years ago. My day starts promptly at 5:30 a.m. forcing his medicine down his gullet (this has to be given on an empty stomach ). This continues day after day...night after night....insulin injections, medications, special food and blood work regularly oops grooming too. Frankly, poor ol' Sam is burning me out in addition to my spouse. I love Sam so much, but I am also his sole-caretaker.
Sam diabetes is under control with good glucose readings and now with the liver meds. he's an active and happy boy so he does have a quality of life but geez I am just so tired of this in addition to the demands of my spouse. Putting him down at this time is now not an option because he's doing well and besides it would probably send husband into the next stage.
I will plug on and continue this ...thanks for allowing to me whine again..lol...I am sure I will be back again soon...maybe tonight with wine!
I just want to send you some support. One of the most challenging times for me was medicating one of my guys with subcutaneous fluids. Yes, I continued as long as I was blessed with his life. Sometimes I was so tired that I would scream in my head that I could not possibly do just one more thing.
Do you have the chance to snooze a bit after Sam's meds? Or maybe some other time during the day? Even though it is not without complications, you and Sam have each other!
In my opinion you are not whining, you are sharing.
So sorry that this is so hard for you. You just get so tired after awhile with caregiving.
Just this week my 11 year old dog had to see the vet. Her eye is not looking good. We believe it is sinking into the eye socket. And after some meds that did not help, I stopped in to talk with the vet. I told her that with DH on Hospice and the care I have to give him, that I just can not afford the time or money that advanced care my dog will need. She is not in any pain and acts like nothing is wrong. She already has several medical problems and to treat yet another problem is just not to be. So I am only doing comfort care at this point. This is so hard to face. But I can't take on any more at this time.
We also have a 10 1/2 year old dog and two cats one 14 and the youngest 9. So I could lose several at the same time......
I know how it is to take care of a hubby with " special needs" and a pet with "Special needs" too. I had a wonderful cat, Cookie the Tuxie Cat, that had hypertropic cardiomyopathy. She was on a series of meds too...and it is hard to keep all the balls going for two like that. Cookie loved my husband and as it turned out, first she was my cat and then his..maybe she knew he too has heart issues..She had a good run with us for 17 months ( we inherited her when our daughter's family had to move to Iceland) and when she went down, it was fast. She displayed no outward symptoms of heart disease. Our vet would say that the xrays of this cat do not match her outsides. She had a glossy coat, ate well and played. The day she went down is the day I found our newer kitties, Xena and Gabrielle who are now 15 months old. They had a rough start being tossed from a fast moving truck onto the grounds of animal control. Upshot, Gabrielle was injured and she does have litter box issues...she dribbles getting in and sometimes, well most of the time, she leaves a pooper on the run so she is a special needs kitty too. She was the runt of the litter and is slower in her development into an adult cat.. So I hear you loud and clear about how tiring it is to medicate two..but the rewards are worth it. If your dear hubby has a relationship with Sam, that is a good thing for him especially and the pooch..Best of luck..
Abby, Thank you so very much for your support. Our pets are so comforting and give and ask for so little in return for their unconditional love. I really felt guilty for "sharing" this when so many have so much great problems than this. Yes, he is my little companion and we do have each other and in the evenings he's really all I have. I have spent a small fortune on him this month with meds...ultrasounds (vet thought we had an liver tumor) and my prayers were answered that it was only---oh did I say only? active hepatitis ---I have never been a napper...always a busy-bee...but the last week in the mid afternoon I have accidently dozed off out of fatigue. Really, Abby, I think my fatigue and lack of tolerance is due to depression. So much to deal ---emotional, financial, life changing decisions. I really appreciate your response and added support!!!!! ((hugs))
Blue, Oh my gosh....I am so sorry that your dealing with so very very much. ((cyberhugs)) to you. I am so sorry that your DH is now on hospice, but then the added strain of your dearly loved dog and cats. This is so much on your plate dear one. I hope that your little guys eyes clears up soon. They are so dependent on us . I can understand why you "can't take on any more at this time" . and more ((cyberhugs))....send you prayers for strength and wisdom to do what is necessary.
If they have to be 12 hours apart I would slowly shift to 8-8 or something more reasonable.
I grew up on a farm, fell in love with almost every animal we had, but had to face life and death early. If it was not to slaughter, it was the train that got them or my dad killing them just to spite me. I have always said I would never tolerate big vet bills just for a beloved pet. We did use monthly acupuncture for our last dog which gave us 3 more years but when they no longer worked or he said she would need them a couple times a week, that was it - she went on to doggy heaven. The people next to us has a dog almost identical in looks and even in his manners which makes me miss her still after 5 years. In fact she went to doggie heaven about the same time hb was diagnosed. Kind of ironic huh?
Mimi, Cookie sounds like she was a sweet dear. Yes, when you husband bonds with our pets its wonderful. There are many therapeutic benefits to owning an animal in dementia and other disorders and this would be so hard on him if we lost him. He gives me companionship, greetings, and licks no matter what! Oh gosh, Xena and Gabrielle sound adorable. Heck, what's cleaning up a little piddle here and there....we are used to it by now. lol Best regards and hope you have a nice weekend.
Charlotte, In order for his glucose levels to remain satisfactory his insulin injections must two exactly 12 hours apart. I do mean exactly because I am a very much of a perfectionist ---definitely type A! Going out to dinner, movies etc. all must be taken in to consideration with this in mind! It's been a commitment I made when I purchased him and I will provide for his needs as long as I can. Perhaps if I had grown up on a farm rather than the 'burbs I would feel differently. I never thought I would tolerate big vet bills either, but as the adage goes..."never say never". Yes, when they travel over rainbow ridge they are still missed. I still carry a two holes in my heart from the loss of my previous pets. Thank you for your perspective on pet ownership. Please enjoy your evening and blessings.
But I just have to say how much my heart goes out to Charlotte. Charlotte, what you said about your father killing the animals you loved in spite...I know there is nothing I could ever say or do to make that better. You are so kind and rational, perspective and insightful. I'm just so sorry that that had to be part of your childhood.
No, you did not highjack, but chimed in. My heart, as well, goes out to Charlotte's childhood experiences. Death and violence at any age (especially an impressionable child----whether it be human or animals) is a life altering experience. There are times in life that I wish we could just hit the "delete" button of life and move on as though it never occurred. This is one of those.