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I am so very upset and worried right now. About a month and a half ago we brought home our delightful, wonderful, amazing little Irish Terrier pup. We waited for this little pup for a full year after the tragic loss of our beloved Chessie to cancer (an event which was devastating for my whole family, meaning my husband, myself, and our 6 year old). Welcoming this new little dog has opened our hearts again, ya know?
Well, about 3 weeks ago I got a horrible chest infection. I was on antibiotics, and when it cleareded up it appeared that the infection had activated my asthma. I was only diagnosed with asthma 2 years ago (adult onset) and it had NEVER been a problem like this before - I couldn't climb a flight of stairs without coughing until I vomited. I mean, it has been awful.
So, today I finally faced my worst fear, which is that this is related to the new puppy. I am taking both oral and inhaled steroids, and inhaled bronchodilators, just in order to be somewhat normal. Next week I go for blood testing to see if I am allergic to the puppy (or at least allergic enough for this to be causing the asthma issues). I always knew I was *slightly* allergic to our other dog, but because it never mainfested in this way I never ever considered that this could happen.
I don't know what will happen if I am having asthma attacks because of the pup. We already adore her so much, and having her here has helped my daughter to start healing from the loss of our other dog - I can't imagine telling her that we have to return the pup to the breeder. I can't even see myself doing it, I love this little dog....
Returning her would be an absolute last resort - if we can control my asthma with drugs so that I can at least be tolerably normal then I will NOT even consider returning her - but even the prospect of it upsets me so much. I still haven't really gotten over losing our Chessie but to lose another dog because of this....it just makes me cry.
Thanks for reading - I know other dog lovers will understand this in a way other "regular" people may not.
Well, about 3 weeks ago I got a horrible chest infection. I was on antibiotics, and when it cleareded up it appeared that the infection had activated my asthma. I was only diagnosed with asthma 2 years ago (adult onset) and it had NEVER been a problem like this before - I couldn't climb a flight of stairs without coughing until I vomited. I mean, it has been awful.
So, today I finally faced my worst fear, which is that this is related to the new puppy. I am taking both oral and inhaled steroids, and inhaled bronchodilators, just in order to be somewhat normal. Next week I go for blood testing to see if I am allergic to the puppy (or at least allergic enough for this to be causing the asthma issues). I always knew I was *slightly* allergic to our other dog, but because it never mainfested in this way I never ever considered that this could happen.
I don't know what will happen if I am having asthma attacks because of the pup. We already adore her so much, and having her here has helped my daughter to start healing from the loss of our other dog - I can't imagine telling her that we have to return the pup to the breeder. I can't even see myself doing it, I love this little dog....
Returning her would be an absolute last resort - if we can control my asthma with drugs so that I can at least be tolerably normal then I will NOT even consider returning her - but even the prospect of it upsets me so much. I still haven't really gotten over losing our Chessie but to lose another dog because of this....it just makes me cry.
Thanks for reading - I know other dog lovers will understand this in a way other "regular" people may not.