Good news and bad news

[StripyPixieSocks]

Well, Pat is home and glad to be home and everything is going to be fine and he will suffer no long term ill effects from what has happened which is a HUGE relief!!

However, it is because he is allergic to my birds he has been so ill in the first place so as much as it breaks both our hearts we are going to have to get rid of them.

Both of us have been in tears but the fact is it's them or him and although I love my birds and the next few days are going to be tough and I'm going to be in bits the day they go I don't want Pat to end up with scarring on the lungs permanently.

Unfortunately our dreams of owning chickens is also out of the window as he really cannot be around birds for any period of time.

I've never been so happy and yet so sad at the time time... but at least there was no permanent damage done this time!

I really am trying to be all grown up about it all but to be quite honest I think life just has it in for us both at the moment and this year so far has been awful... here's hoping after I give up my birdies it doesn't slap me in the face again because I don't think I would cope!

Thanks for all the support, I really have and do appreciate it, you kept me sane while I was alone

[Annpan]

That is really sad but I am sure you will find loving homes for them, and of course Pat's health comes first.

[Thomzo]

That really is very sad, but at least he is going to be OK.

Don't be too depressed though as, in my experience, allergies don't always last forever. My own allergies are far worse when I am stressed or unwell but clear up almost completely when I am well and happy.

Also, it is possible to become desensitised to allergens. I am allergic to cats and other peoples' cats set me off but I am used to my own and they don't bother me.

It is worth trying a number of different antihistamines. They are all slightly different. See if you can find one that he can take without any side-effects. Even if you don't ever keep birds of your own, it is not always possible to avoid them altogether and it will be a lot easier for him if he can relieve the symptoms with a simple pill.

Wait until he is fully well and all other stresses are out of the way, then he may find that he can tolerate birds, especially a couple of chickens at the bottom of the garden in the fresh air. The important thing is that he gets well now and don't worry about the future.

Best of luck for you both for the future.
Zoe

[Rosendula]

I'm so glad you've got Pat back home. Lots of cuddles and laughter ahead of you now. It's a shame about the birds, though. Could you rehome them with someone who would be willing to let you visit them, perhaps? I know it's not quite the same, but at least you will see that they are settled and well looked-after. Remember to take plenty of photos before they go on their adventure.

[StripyPixieSocks]

We've got a lovely old guy coming to pick them up at 2pm today... we're both devastated but it's for the best.

We've both done nothing but cry today... just when life was bad enough it makes us get rid of our beautiful pets that we loved more than anything... just doesn't seem very fair right now

I know people think it's stupid and it's only a pet but really if it wasn't for my wee Squeaky I would not be here today, her cuddles and snuggles a few years ago saved my life... so it's hard giving her up in particular!

Let's hope in a couple of weeks time we both feel better about everything!

[Millymollymandy]

I'm really sorry to hear this as I loved hearing the stories you told about your birds' antics.

[StripyPixieSocks]

Thanks MMM... myself and OH spent two entire days blubbing about it... we really are utterly heartbroken but it is for the best and the guy was really wonderful so we're desperately trying not to get broken up about it too much or too often.

I really miss Beanies stupid antics and Squeakys cuddles but none of them would ever replace Pat so some lucky person is going to end up with two wonderful wee pets who will just enthral them in every way!

We're just desperate to get out of the flat now because every single corner has some memory (usually the chewed up ones) and it's just not nice being reminded every day and we can make a new start in a new place :)

[Millymollymandy]

It's a horrible situation to find yourself in. I read thru your thread about your OH being in hospital (I was on hols at the time) so I'm glad he is back home and well again; it sounded like it was really awful, both his illness and the food in the hospital, so whenever you feel low about the birds try to think of that hospital food and how Pat doesn't want to go back there again! Moving is probably a good idea if it is feasible.

[JulieSherris]

Hi SPS - terrible news for you & Pat - but tinged with good news too.

I can sympathise with you - we had to get rid of a much loved dog who adopted us when the kids were tiny... my middle girl was standing in the garden holding her bunny & the dog flew out, grabbed the bunny & by the time they'd hit the deck, the bunny was dead
I was pregnant with my youngest at the time, so we had to make a few decisions.....

I hope Pat's well on the way to recovery though - what are your moving plans like?? Have you found anywhere yet?

Chin up - hey, how about an iguana?? Wow, I've always wanted one - especially one of the large type.... but I'm not sure our dogs would approve!!
Julie xx

[StripyPixieSocks]

We're feeling a bit better today about it all and in time we'll be OK with it, it was just a shock from finding out to them going was literally two days or the consultant wouldn't let Pat home.

He's recovering some of his lung capacity now and is certainly alot lot better than he was even two or three months ago. He has to have Oxygen still when he gets out of breath but we're ok if we take things slow and steady and we're hoping for him to be back to 90% health in around 6 months-ish with any luck.

Yep, I want a Chameleon, always have done so it's something to think about but right now I think I'll stick with the fish as I can handle them popping their... err... clogs? fins? but another animal will have to wait for a very long time I think!

Yep, a move is on the cards, this flat has mold in it and has just failed in every way for health and safety as Pat had to walk down the stairs to the ambulance as they could not fit a wheelchair or stretcher up the stairs so if one of us needs to be taken to hospital in that way it's impossible.

We already had a friend who works for Citizens Advice Bureau sorting it out for us to get a ground floor with a garden and after this fiasco with the stairs we will be out of here as soon as we are offered somewhere nice!

Fingers crossed we could be out of here before the end of the summer :)

[Thomzo]

Good luck with the house hunting. A nice little garden would be great for OH to sit in and get some fresh air.

Zoe