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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Hypervigilence in other areas of life?
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Member Since:
14 February 2016
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30 January 2017 - 3:13 pm
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We are approaching the one year date of Otis breaking his leg and his diagnosis.  (And I should mention that in February 2015, my father died suddenly.  Perhaps I just hate February?).   Has anyone else found that the worry and general anxiety (the "what if's") have permeated other areas of their life?  I have always been a bit of a worrier, and a pessimist by nature (and honestly, by profession), but lately, I find myself stressed about really really stupid things.  I tend to see worst case scenarios in everything.  And the vast majority of time, the problem gets fixed in the way it should and absolutely nothing horrible happens.

Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016.  Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016.  Lung mets August 25, 2016.  Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016.   Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.  

Wherever they are, they are together.

Schofield, WI
Member Since:
13 August 2015
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30 January 2017 - 3:35 pm
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ALL THE TIME!  I now micro analyze everything.  From the dogs to the kids to the grandchildren.  Stuff I wouldn't have worried at all before about.  I try to keep it reigned in but I know sometimes my kids think I'm over the top with what could be.  Glad to know its not just me.  Well I guess accepting is the first part of changing so here's to living like DOG.  My worry will change nothing that will happen.  Cancer has stolen enough I will give it no more!  

Los Angeles, CA
Member Since:
13 June 2013
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30 January 2017 - 4:53 pm
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ALL the time!!! And I am so sorry for the loss of your father ... I lost my father in February too and it's also my birthday month so the first half super sucks dealing with that and then I try and be happy on my day.

But I get it... every June (this will be the 4th year) ... I have panic attacks surrounding when Shelby first broke her leg and then it was months before we found her cancer. 

And I call it going to my 'dark side' ... I blow things out of proportion and cannot seem to find my zen. I do know that when I had to leave Jasper last week for a week, the Tripawds gave me some great coping skills. I think Pam said something along the lines of visualizing a STOP sign to STOP the dark thoughts. I used that one last week. Also, I try and soothe myself by yoga breathing, calming thoughts, lists of  gratitude and basically telling myself to just take it a day at a time. 

Last week was hard w/out the sidekick but I did it and you will get through this. But yes, the first year of 're-living' it all is a bumpy ride. But that's why we are ALL here for you!

Hugs and love!!!

Alison with Spirit Shelby in her heart (and little Jasper too) 

Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.

October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014

Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife

Green Bay, WI


Member Since:
18 May 2014
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30 January 2017 - 5:14 pm
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I almost think the loss of optimism is one of the worst things about this disease. I have always been a worrier too, but I've also always been an optimist. I hate that I see zebras, where once I would've seen horses. I've always prepared for the worst, while hoping for the best; now I pretty much assume the worst. The worry I feel over every new obstacle paralyzes me, shutting me down. 

Although, with the last crisis I faced involving Nitro, I discovered a mantra I repeated over and over and over...that really did give me some peace and stopped me from going over the edge:

               LET YOUR FAITH BE BIGGER THAN YOUR FEAR

It's a work in progress, but I hope to be optimistic again one day

Paula and Nitro

Nitro 11 1/2  yr old Doberman; right front amp June 2014. Had 6 doses carboplatin, followed by metronomic therapy. Rocked it on 3 legs for over 3 years! My Warrior beat cancer, but couldn't beat old age. He crossed the Bridge peacefully on July 25, 2017, with dignity and on his terms.  Follow his blog entitled "Doberman's journey"

http://nitro.tripawds.com

"Be good, mama loves you".....run free my beautiful Warrior

Member Since:
16 October 2016
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30 January 2017 - 6:54 pm
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Yes absolutely.  I've always been an optimistic worrier I guess you could say, but optimism can be hard to come by.  I try to take my cue from Tai and be happy when she is.  It is a little over 3 months since her amp and she is doing great...for me things took a down turn when I hurt my knee...but she is showing me how to get it done and Be More Dog .  It can be difficult though, especially for a what-ifer like me (you know, what if xx happens or xx happens) and on and on.

As long as we are up and hobbling together, we are doing OK.  I try to give myself a break and say being just OK is enough for now.

Tracey & Tai 

Germany
Member Since:
14 December 2016
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31 January 2017 - 3:01 am
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I think I was like that even before the diagnosis. But it potentiated that if even possible. Manni kind of grounded me with his spirit and attitude but now I have to worry about him all the time. Ok, I don't have to. But I do.

Alison, I love your idea with the STOP sign, maybe I should try that. I do have days where it feels like the constant over-analyzing of things just gets too much, the only thing that gets me through is knowing that the next day will be better. However, I used to be like: "all bad things eventually come to an end, things will get better", but with the cancer you just kind of know that time works against you. It will come to an end but not a good one. And while I try to be happy that we've had 14 months and make a conscious effort of really enjoying moments (as in literally stop for a moment and enjoy a certain picture and try and upload it into my head) I also know that time is running out. Fast.

So this does affect other parts of my life as well because it just never leaves me.

Guardian of Manni the Wonderdog. -Or was it the other way around?
Osteo and amputation in Dec 2015. Second, inoperable, primary osteosarcoma found in June 2017.
The end of our adventures came Dec 10, 2017. 2 years to the day.

Manni's blog -dogblog-

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