Worried about Layla

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by linz06

I feel useless and I'm breaking down.

Lindsey you are doing amazingly well! You are not useless...Layla loves you and she knows you are helping her. You and Scott are just amazing in what you have done for her.

This is all overwhelming right now...it's all new to you and also to her. As for her having a bm....don't concern yourself so much. SHe had surgery and things slow down in the GI tract after surgery.

I am sure you will hear from the vet tomorrow. Sometimes it is hard to get them on weekends unless it is an emergency. I know to you it is, but to them these things are not really emergencies. That is my guess...but I do wish they had returned your call.

Did you post on that other forum for advice? I really have not dealt with some of the issues you are dealing with, so don't have the advice that I wish I could give.

Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I really believe everything is going to be ok.

Big hugs to you!

[dwerten]

so glad Layla is back with you at home and making improvements. Keep the faith and we are all praying for you and layla.

One day at a time and give her kisses from the d gang

[linz06]

Not only is this taking a toll on me, it's taking a toll on my relationship with Scott. Since she got home all I am doing is being with Layla and it's hard when he's doing other things that "need" to get done, like rearranging furniture so it's nicer for movie watching, etc. And then last night he told me I need to pay more attention to him. And then this morning when I thought I'd try to get a few minutes of normal life by checking my email he yells "What is more important on your computer than taking care of Layla?!" He packed stuff for her this morning but didn't pack any meat to wrap her pills in, and there is nothing at work to wrap her pills in. All he gave was a slice of apple. I can't hide a bitter pill in something she chews. She chewed it open and got powder all over the place and all over me and I don't know how much she got in her mouth. When I called him to ask about the meat, maybe I was a little upset, but he hung up on me. I can't stop crying.

She had a bowel movement last night so that's not a big issue anymore. But she also cried until about 4 am and I slept until 6 am and now I'm trying to function at work. She's falling asleep on my desk beside me.

[dwerten]

Originally Posted by linz06

Not only is this taking a toll on me, it's taking a toll on my relationship with Scott. Since she got home all I am doing is being with Layla and it's hard when he's doing other things that "need" to get done, like rearranging furniture so it's nicer for movie watching, etc. And then last night he told me I need to pay more attention to him. And then this morning when I thought I'd try to get a few minutes of normal life by checking my email he yells "What is more important on your computer than taking care of Layla?!" He packed stuff for her this morning but didn't pack any meat to wrap her pills in, and there is nothing at work to wrap her pills in. All he gave was a slice of apple. I can't hide a bitter pill in something she chews. She chewed it open and got powder all over the place and all over me and I don't know how much she got in her mouth. When I called him to ask about the meat, maybe I was a little upset, but he hung up on me. I can't stop crying.

She had a bowel movement last night so that's not a big issue anymore. But she also cried until about 4 am and I slept until 6 am and now I'm trying to function at work. She's falling asleep on my desk beside me.

hang in there as i have been there myself as you both are stressed and care about her - Do you have a grocery store near by? If so get some canned chicken and rinse it off real good as it contains alot of sodium and then hide the pill in there that might be easier for her - maybe someone from work can pick it up for you

[linz06]

Maybe I can try that. I don't have a car at work because Scott and I drive into the city together and he drops me off first.

[Theodore]

Just keep coming here every day and writing. Just venting will give you the strength to get through another hour. What you and Scott are going through is so scary and so stressful and you're both just trying to hang on right now. But it will get better. You will find in time that all three of you will find your way to cope. I will pray every day for Layla. I hope you have a good friend that will offer to look after Layla for you and Scott so you can get a little break every now and then. Your love for Layla has already given you so much strength to get this far. When you feel like you just can't take one more minute (which is such a natural feeling) just come here and let it out. I admire your strength. I remember times in my life where as I was crying and saying, "I just can't do this one more minute," I was moving forward as I was saying it and feeling it and so are you; so remember you're strength. We've all witnessed it so far. I wish I was nearby to give you a little rest. You're doing a great job...both of you. xoxox

[ladyjane]

Deep breaths Lindsey. Scott is stressed out as well and everyone expresses themselves in a different way.

Maybe you are hovering over Layla more than need be? I suggest you take some time for yourself...and some time for your relationship with Scott. In time, this will all settle...when you are more comfortable with Layla's care.

As for her crying, I found that when my Maxwell cried during the time he was unable to stand up or move it was because he was hungry, thirsty or had to go to the bathroom. He could do nothing for himself. It was an difficult time but I just had to do trial and error. Usually if I went through all of the possibilities with him he would settle down after that. You also don't want her to become so dependent on attention that she demands it constantly. Check her basic needs...if she cries for no reason I really think you might need to let her cry and let her become a bit more independent. Only you will be able to assess if this crying is physical...or manipulative....they are good at that you know. Does not make them bad...just smart.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Theodore

Just keep coming here every day and writing. Just venting will give you the strength to get through another hour. What you and Scott are going through is so scary and so stressful and you're both just trying to hang on right now. But it will get better. You will find in time that all three of you will find your way to cope. I will pray every day for Layla. I hope you have a good friend that will offer to look after Layla for you and Scott so you can get a little break every now and then. Your love for Layla has already given you so much strength to get this far. When you feel like you just can't take one more minute (which is such a natural feeling) just come here and let it out. I admire your strength. I remember times in my life where as I was crying and saying, "I just can't do this one more minute," I was moving forward as I was saying it and feeling it and so are you; so remember you're strength. We've all witnessed it so far. I wish I was nearby to give you a little rest. You're doing a great job...both of you. xoxox

Reminds me of the saying, "God does not give you more in one day than you can handle."

[celstu1]

Linz,
You are doing great! This is A LOT for you and for Scott to take on and take in. Definitely get Layla a crate this week, that will help you a lot. Then express her, feed her, give her water, a bully stick, a toy and put her in it for 2 hours so you and Scott can have some time with each other. Try keeping some pill pockets (little treats that you pop a pill in to) in your desk drawer, that way if meat is forgotten again you'll have those as back up.

Hey, just think how 'ready or not ready' this will make you guys to have kids! I'm kidding! But seriously this is going to take some time for you guys to balance out your duties, your needs and your wants. You guys will figure it all out but it will take longer than 3 days! Hang in there sweetie! Give Layla kisses from me and tell her to hang in there too.

[WinstonMom]

Lindsey,

I sent you a PM.

[linz06]

Thanks for all the support. I'm just really scared.

[kjc]

I haven't read the entire thread, but, why are you scared?

[linz06]

I am scared about her quality of life, and however selfish it is, I am worried about how it is affecting our quality of life. We just weren't expecting it and we will do anything to make her happy. I hate to think about it, but if she doesn't get better we will need to make big changes to afford care for her when the time comes that I can't bring her to work anymore. We will get through it somehow. She is just so young and I wanted her to have the best life I could ever give her, and I wish I would have known about this disease sooner so I wouldn't have let her bound up and down the stairs, or probably wouldn't have bought a house with so many stairs to begin with. My heart is broken, and I don't know what the future holds, and that is why I am scared.

[KashasMom]

I've been following your thread and I wanted to offer you some words of encouragement. First, I admire your strength, it's hard to watch your baby hurt when you can't help them. I think you should be proud because even though this isn't what you want for your baby she's still with you. I guess the stubborn terror/terrier knows she has a great mom to pull through for. It's hard to imagine now, but I know it's better to adjust your life & hers for this than had she not made it. So I hope you can think of this when things are rough & it will help you feel better.

I'm praying for you a little Layla. I hope she continues to get better each day.

[linz06]

Originally Posted by KashasMom

I've been following your thread and I wanted to offer you some words of encouragement. First, I admire your strength, it's hard to watch your baby hurt when you can't help them. I think you should be proud because even though this isn't what you want for your baby she's still with you. I guess the stubborn terror/terrier knows she has a great mom to pull through for. It's hard to imagine now, but I know it's better to adjust your life & hers for this than had she not made it. So I hope you can think of this when things are rough & it will help you feel better.

I'm praying for you a little Layla. I hope she continues to get better each day.

Thank you for your encouragement. I really am trying. She needs me to be strong. This morning I cried and she liked the tears off my face and I felt so terrible for leaning on her for support when she should be leaning on me.