Charlie's IMHA

[Sara]

Hi Ramona .. I’m Sara and my girl is Flossie .. It’s been a while since i have been on Second Chances to comment … I read all 3 pages and wow I know what you are going through .. Flossie was diagonsed April of this year 2016 .. and I think pretty much all our stories are very much the same .. waiting and hoping to see those pcv numbers rise. It’s the longest wait ever ..but keep doing what you are doing. My girl was given a non-regenerative diagnosis at 5 weeks .. and we held out hope and added more meds and finally she turned around and slowly her #’s crept up over months. She was just taken off her last med 14 days ago and had a blood test yesterday to check PCV .. I think it will be fine .. she’s eating great, energetic and nice and red in the gums and eyes. But it’s scary thinking she could go backwards. Glad Charlie is doing well and boy is he ever cute ! It’s a tough disease and hard o them and you .. I won’t forget the nights of getting up 5 and 6 times to take her out to potty .. oh my I never thought I would make it. But we perservered and so far we have made it and most importantly she has. I look forward to hearing that Charlies PCV’s go up again on next test !

[Ramona]

Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy 2017, with remission from IMHA and other awful diseases!

We saw our specialist last Wednesday, and Charlie’s PCV was at 27. I was hoping for at least a 28, but so grateful it did not drop. Our vet talked about running another thyroid test so we could stop that medication if the #s were ok. I wasn’t comfortable with that since he has only been on the thyroid meds for two weeks, and we are finally seeing some improvement. His next appt with specialist is in 3 weeks so I asked that we wait to test thyroid at that time. However, we will check PVC again next week with local vet.

While Charlie’s been eating like a horse, only 2 pounds gained. But energy and personality still going strong. As well as medication deliveries, from three different pharmacies. Ugh, and I’m just remembering that we forgot to give Charlie his Vitamin B injection. So that will be first on agenda tomorrow.

And again the scary part–we are reducing Prednisolone again. Prayers going up, fingers crossed, and trying not to hold my breath.

Thanks much for reading/listening friends. You have helped me so much from losing my marbles.

[Ramona]

P.S. Sara and Flossie, thank you for responding! We are glad and encouraged to hear of Flossie’s recovery.

[Erin]

Ramona & Charlie,

So glad to hear Charlie is holding steady!! It’s amazing how excited we get when PCV just doesn’t get worse. I recite this over and over at each check, not worse, not worse! I know the feeling of each wean, mixed emotions because I really want to get Murphy off of it, but scared for relapses. I just watch him and check his gums obsessively!

It took Murphy awhile to get back up to his pre-IMHA weight. He has since surpassed that and now has the prednisone belly. Hoping this will resolve once we are off the pred. Charlie will slowly get his weight back, don’t you worry!

Best wishes!
Erin and Murphy

[Sara]

Erin you are so right on weight. Flossie got super skinny in the beginning and then the Prednisone kicked in and she had the Pred belly too .. It even got to the point that the Pred was taking away her muscular area in face and she had an odd emaciated look to face only .. But once off ..slowly she dropped the weight. She is now back to looking her normal self. So don’t give up or get worried the meds do their job but along with it there can be some unsettling changes in body but over time that corrects itself as they respond and meds are reduced. Happy New Year to you all !

[AmyE]

I am so pleased to return here after the holidays to see Charlie is holding steady!! YAY! I hope he continues to improve.
Lots of Love and increased RCVs!
Amy & The girls

[Ramona]

Thanks Erin & Murphy. That’s a good mantra/meditation to use with each blood test! I’m probably more concerned with the weight loss than Charlie or his specialist. In the meantime, Charlie says just keep those extra snacks and human grade meals coming!

Sara you are right about the muscle loss in the face/head area. Charlie’s bone structure is so predominantly visible in his face, and there’s a bone at the top of his head that stands out. He very much looks like he was starved in a prison or camp. Makes his hound doggie eyes even more irresistible!

Amy and the girls thanks for the cheers! We are encouraged and hope to continue to climb up the mountain of increased PCVs!

[Vally]

I agree with everyone, the skeletal head is horrible, but it’s temporary.

Please don’t let them drop the thyroid medication. That, I’m certain will help with Charlie’s numbers.

Charlie keep UP the good work.

Vally and Bingo
Xxx