Some Mixed News To Report
By CarolDM
@CarolDM (203422)
Nashville, Tennessee
September 11, 2023 11:47am CST
Has been awhile since I was here. Brendel is still around but moving slow these days. I have to help her up on chairs now. She is eating most all of her food, with her appetite stimulant. Still sleeping most nights until 4:am or 5:am. And still using the litter box. Those are the positive. She also turns 14 in a couple of weeks.
I can tell she is slowing down. Every day. But I will keep waiting for signs of acute distress before we make that final trip to the vet.
This stress has caused a few issues with myself. But I am coping. Diagnosed with costochondritis (sometimes called chest wall pain) recently. Thought I was having a heart attack at first. Have no idea the cause, as I had no injury. The doctor said often times they do not know the origin. I have severe rib pain under the breastbone, on both sides, neck and shoulder pain.
Aleve and ice are my friends for now. My doctor said it could take months to improve. I explained the stress I am going through with Brendel. She said although stress would not be the cause, it definitely aggravates the symptoms. Trying to enjoy the hummingbirds and a few butterflies. This too shall pass. Words that get me through on many days.
I will catch up on your posts as time allows. I hope you are all doing well.
36 people like this
36 responses
@snowy22315 (182195)
• United States
11 Sep 23
I think she will let you know when it is time to go. Please take care of yourself.
2 people like this
@LeaPea2417 (37381)
• Toccoa, Georgia
11 Sep 23
Prayers about your health ailments.
2 people like this
@Tampa_girl7 (50524)
• United States
11 Sep 23
I am really happy to see you here. I’m sorry to hear of your chest pain. I know the anguish you are going through with Brendel. 
2 people like this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
12 Sep 23
@shaggin I know, and my neck and shoulders are painful as well. The doctor said your entire thorax are connected. When one hurts, it can cause inflammation in the others. But I have had worse days and I know others are going through far worse. This too shall pass.
1 person likes this
@much2say (56053)
• Los Angeles, California
13 Sep 23
Always good to see you. I know you're doing your very best for Brendel and have a lot on your plate, but please, please take care of yourself too. Keeping positive thoughts for you all . . . sending vibes of great strength, comfort, and health .1 person likes this
Comfy is good . . . she is soaking in the good life 
@LadyDuck (472060)
• Switzerland
12 Sep 23
Poor Brendel, she seems comfortable, even if she is slowing down. I am sure she is not in pain.
I am sorry for your health condition, that must be painful and surely scary before you was told what this is.
I hope you are not too much in pain and you can relief your stress a little. Take care.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
12 Sep 23
She does seem comfortable most of the time. I will eventually get over these pains I hope. In a few weeks I am hoping. I was afraid at first it was my heart. What a relief. I am better. Sharp pains every few days but the Aleve helps as well as the ice. Thanks Anna. Good to see you. Hope things are well with you.
1 person likes this
@sallypup (61635)
• Centralia, Washington
18 Sep 23
@CarolDM Yes and you will keep your promise. The Autumn and winter when our dearest Leah pup was working through a nasty cancer, I found a sweet hospice group on Facebook. Wonderful people that were there for me as I hammered out my anguish. How to let go of an eight year old vigorous gal that had an encroaching head cancer? HOW? And in the Spring we did. God go with you and all His angels.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
18 Sep 23
@sallypup Such kind and reassuring words. Needed desperately. Being around those who have gone through what you are experiencing is always a win-win. I found a great support group online after losing Dustin. Only parents who have lost a child truly understand. Thank you so very much.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38717)
•
12 Sep 23
I am sorry you are feeling so terrible. It's hard to live with pain. It sounds as if you are doing all the right things for yourself and for Brendel. This is such a hard time for you, I'm really sorry.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
18 Sep 23
@MarieCoyle Thanks for the kind words Marie. I am blessed each day she is with me.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38717)
•
13 Sep 23
@CarolDM
Sometimes, on a really hard day, we exist on the hope that it will get better eventually, as you said. Unfortunately, things often seem to go in cycles at times. Be kind to yourself, and give Brendel and Dude a pat from me.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (137791)
• India
12 Sep 23
I think that pain is more due to the stress you are going through I have noticed that about me.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (137791)
• India
12 Sep 23
@CarolDM I can imagine how uncomfortable you are and hopefully with time you will feel better. Take care. +
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
12 Sep 23
@allknowing Better days will return eventually. Thanks again for your support.
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (71786)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
12 Sep 23
Enjoy her while she's here. Hopefully she'll cross rainbow bridge on her own like Precious did. She'll let you know if she wants you to help her over.
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (71786)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
12 Sep 23
@CarolDM You're quite welcome.
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (90474)
• Arvada, Colorado
11 Sep 23
Ugh sounds miserable sorry about that condition you have Carol. I pray for your healing soon.
Poor kitty, yes the age you know. I know this is tough on you.
I read that inflammation may be the cause of it..I know you dont eat junk so I dunno.
See I beg to differ with doc..stress can wear you down in a minute.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
12 Sep 23
I am learning to take the good moments when I can my friend. You understand I know. I hope you are doing well. And I will be fine. Stress always takes a toll on me physically. But this too shall pass. It always does.
I do not eat hardly at all, much less junk. Inflammation happens so often without a cause. The doctor said stress can certainly aggravate the symptoms. I agree. Good to see you.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (108184)
• Marion, Ohio
11 Sep 23
Glad she is still doing as good as possible. Hope you start feeling better
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (108184)
• Marion, Ohio
11 Sep 23
@CarolDM Yep. I am watching Duke doberman start to show his age. He sleeps a lot anymore
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
11 Sep 23
@wolfgirl569 That is a sign for sure. We have to enjoy the time we have.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35744)
•
12 Sep 23
Glad to hear Brendel is suffering much less and sleeping better. Seems the meds are providing some relief. Sorry to hear about your body aches and pains. I have issues with my back that flare up so I know how it goes with the ice and Advil.
Enjoying your hummingbirds and butterflies is a positive way to cope with your current situation. 
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
12 Sep 23
Thank you so much. She is better in some aspects, and then the not so good parts are there. But I knew it would be like this. I take the good times when I can. My pains came along with the stress, I am sure of it.
And yes the hummers offer so much entertainment. Only a few butterflies this year. Maybe next year will be more. Good to see you. Appreciate your support.
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