CKD and Caregivers Syndrom

[Earlsteffie]

I'm sure that all at this site that lost their 'Best Friend' to CKD after a long extensive battle will agree that you soon found yourself secluded and without listeners during your grievance journey. In fact, it was probably suggested by some that you 'move on', and you probably even received some looks from others, as if your sanity was being questioned. You probably even started questioning yourself as to whether or not your actions were normal.

http://www.specialneedspets.org/caregvrs.htm

The above site is probably one of many, but, it serves it's purpose in putting things in perspective, and I don't agree with all the typical 'carbon copied' anecdotes, such as reading a book or taking a vacation, etc.."It AIN'T that EASY, and there are MANY other variables that can compound the fallout from CKD, such as many other health issues previous to the actual diagnosis of CKD.

I recently told Tony that I continually force myself to stay busy in hopes that it would lessen the pain, but it really hasn't put a dent into it. Time has 'Technically' made a noticeable difference, but, I still refuse to accept that the 'Final Chapter' was concluded in the book of 'Steffie', because there were so many battles that she and I fought, and most were with both permanent and temporary fixes with no death warrants attached. The problem with CKD is that it gives you false hope during a long battle. You start feeling that you have beaten it and your 'Best Friend' has absolutely no idea how ill they truly are,....BUT, realistically, you know yourself that 'That Day' will come and you don't know when.

Yes, there are many other horrible canine diseases, BUT, CKD is in a league by it's SOLE SELF, and ONLY those that have had to travel that journey can ONLY depend on those that have traveled that exact path for a complete and full understanding of what you are going through.

[tonyb286]

Hi Earl. Oliver the Wonder Dog has passed away. You will see Elsa's post on the forum. Even though I have never met Oliver or Elsa, seeing the post earlier was incredibly upsetting. I feel so much for Elsa, who truly gave her all to Oliver. I guess we can all empathise with what she is going through. He put up an extraordinary fight, given his age, and was inspirational to everyone in the Group.

Tony

[Earlsteffie]

Hi Tony, Even though I caught a spelling error(Syndrome) after I posted this and couldn't find a way to edit, I hope that my sincere intentions will still be accepted. I now know of two individuals on your site that will be hurting for some time to come.

You are so right in that there is no one-rule-fits-all scenario with grief. I have too, noticed how quiet it has been. Unfortunately, the hot summer months are no friend to CKD.....'Stress'. I never loose sight of the fact that I was here 24/7 and not at an 8to5 five days a week.

Earl

[tonyb286]

Hi Earl. I saw your post a couple of days ago and I was leaving it for others to respond, but the forum has been notably "quiet" recently ... sometimes a good thing, sometimes  bit disconcerting. Of course, you are absolutely right in everything you say and I know only too well how dreadfully frustrating and saddening the journey with canine KD can be for most owners. The specialneedspets site is great and I only wish there was something similar locally. I would join it immediately.

It is interesting but hardly surprising that grief affects different people in different ways, so there's not a one-rule-fits-all answer, but any support is better than no support, so hats off to the organisers of that particular site. I like the idea they have given some basic guidance on how to start a group, should nothing exist in a particular area, and the process of starting such a group and the distraction it might offer could perhaps be therapeutic in itself.

Tony