Grieving

[Cordillia16]

Lately my Crohn's has just been getting worse and worse. I'm managing the pain and fatigue with work, school and planning a wedding, but then...... my best friend died. My dog of 10 years was run over someone who was backing up and didn't see him. I was/am very attached to my dog and I'm not dealing with it very well. I miss him all the time and the stress of it has worsened my Crohn's.
How have other people dealt with a loss and their Crohn's at the same time?
Thanks for your help.

 

[Gwen pippy]

Im so sorry to hear you lost your best friend, it is understandable that you are upset 10 years is a long time. it's a very difficult thing to go through especially with having so much going on in your life right now. I have gone through dark times, going through sadness and stress making it more difficult when people around you don't see the extent or tell you to man up. You need to take it day by day, be sad when you need to be, get plenty of rest and try to get your crohns to settle. I planned my wedding while working and in a major flare so I am sending you hugs and strength.
I'm here if you need a shoulder.

Gwen xxx

 

[Terriernut]

Oh, I'm am really upset that has happened to you! I'm not one to tell you how to cope I'm afraid, but I sure can lend you a shoulder. My sig line will tell you plenty. In 1997 I lost my girl Ziggy to bone cancer, the most beautiful Irish Wolfhound you ever did see. She was only 5 1/2!

In 2009 Chase my Irish Terrier got ill, diagnosed Atypical Cushings.

In November 2010 Chase died. My heart dog. I crashed into major flares every time. 3 months ago, Jobey my 19 1/2 year old German Shepherd died. Guess whos flaring??

Grief gets you in the guts. No getting around it. I can only send you some major HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS,
and wish that you see your dog in dreams. Also, do contact an Animal Communicator. It has really helped me.

 

[Jennifer]

I'm not sure there is a way to manage the Crohns with stress like that. Best you can do is watch out for new symptoms and get treated as soon as possible. I went through stress that couldn't be avoided as well and I'm pretty sure that's what caused my recent flare. I noticed mucus in my stool but instead of ignoring it to see if it would go away I went in for treatment and am now on Entocort to get my flare back under control. So far its been helping but the point is that everyone will have to deal with stress that cannot be avoided at some point and the only thing we can do Crohns wise is to do our best to take care of ourselves in the process. Good luck and contact your GI asap and I'm sorry for your losses.

 

[archie]

I'm so sorry for your loss I too am a dog lover have had dogs for years and I also lost a dog when she was knocked over and it is unbelievably up-setting and hard to come to terms with. I didn't have crohns at the time so I can't comment there but it might be useful for you to chat to a councillor about it and try and come to terms. It DOES get better trust me time will heal. ..hugs..

 

[xJillx]

I am so very sorry to hear about your dog. My dog is like my child; it would crush me if anything happened to her.

I certainly hope the stress of losing your dog doesn't stir up your Crohn's. Like Crabby said, just keep a close eye on things and be proactive if you notice any new symptoms.

:hang:

 

[25times]

I am so, so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it can be. People say things like "they're just animals" but pets can be more like family than your real family can. I know I treat my cats like my kids. Last year, my cat broke his leg somehow, and the vet bills were too expensive. We almost lost him like, 4 times. He was given to the humane society without my consent, and I literally choked the vet who told me. I threatened to burn down their clinic if they didn't get my cat back.
I took a really, REALLY bad job in order to get the money, and eventually I was able to pay for his surgery and get him back. But it was one of the hardest things I've ever gone through. I had no support from anyone, and no money to get him back. It was terrible, knowing that if I didn't come up with $3000 within a week, he would be put down. I couldn't stand it. Everyone kept telling me to just put him down, but I couldn't.
I don't know what I would do if either of my cats died. Especially if I was already dealing with a flare. That kind of stress and sadness would probably send me to the hospital. I'm so sorry that you have to go through this. I'm not sure what else to say. Obviously you will get through this, but I know it's gonna be very difficult. Just know that we're always hear for you if you need to vent, or whine, or complain or just talk.
Take care of yourself <3

 

[Cordillia16]

Oh wow everyone! I am floored by the response. Throughout this process, I really felt alone or like I loved my dog too much. I am so happy to know that there are other people out there that understand. Thanks everyone so much.

Gwen - That's great advice, really. I need time to be sad because pretending to be happy just makes me sadder. No one really wants to talk about him and I do so I'm trying to make that happen right now. I don't ever want to forget him. He was with me my entire adult life, there isn't anything I haven't done without him. He went everywhere with me and now he's gone. When the Crohn's was really bad we would take naps and he would cuddle right up next to my tummy. I swear it made me feel better.

Terriernut - my heart broke when I read about your dogs. Now that DIesel is gone, I'm really trying to figure out how I could ever own another dog. How did you do it?? And what is an animal communicator????

Jill - My dog was just like my child, I'm so happy you understand!

Samantha - oh my goodness! I am so sorry about your cat. i hope it worked out in the end. i can't believe they gave him to the humane society without consent! i can totally understand your rage at that point. last year i faced almost the same thing with diesel when we were faced with a 3000 dollar thryoid surgery. luckily in my case we had a month to figure out finances and my family is full of dog lovers and they helped out a lot. i'm still paying it off though

thanks again everyone. would love to start a post about the good times we've had with pets that have since moved on.
will keep in touch.