Since mid jJanuary I’ve been experiencing a tightness and discomfort in my chest and shortness of breath quite wheezy when breathing feeling bunged up and a cough at night which is stopping me sleeping properly I thought I’d picked up a virus like you do but when it didn’t go away and it was getting worse I went to see my GP early February and he told me he didn’t think it was a virus and it may be something to do with my recent heart valve replacement and my medications for my heart that I’m on so he got on the phone to a Cardiologist and arranged an appointment for me to see him on Within a few days I told him about my symptoms and he checked me over and arranged to have some blood taken and arranged an echo of my heart and new valve he asked me loads of questions if I was married did I have kids or grandkids any pets etc etc and I told him I’d got a new puppy. My blood tests and the echo on my valve were fine although my heart rate and blood pressure were higher than normal which concerned him . He then said I may be allergic to dogs . I told him there was no way I was allergic to dogs as I’d had dogs all my life and never had problems and it’s only the last three years that I haven’t had a dog. He said allergy’s can start anytime in your life and as I’m certain medication I’m more susceptible after my heart surgery than I was before to virus’s and other health issues. So he sent me to have a skin prick test to see if I was allergic to dogs and the results were positive I’m now apparently allergic to dog allergens.
We discussed what I should do and I suggested taking antihistamines but he said I can’t as they can cause heart palpitations and would mess up the effectiveness of my medications especially the Beta Blocke Bisoprolol I’m taking I asked for an alternative and he said I could get allergen injections although he wouldn’t advise it as they are weekly to start with and then monthly after 3-5 months and it can take between 3-5 years to have any effect and there are side effects as you are injected with the very thing you are allergic too to build up your resistance which can sometimes make the symptoms worse. He said if it was him in my position with my heart condition and meds he’d rehome the dog.
I left feeling devastated and sat in the car park and cried then said to myself fuck it I’ll have the injections. On Tuesday I spoke to my family and friends about the results and they were all telling me I needed to put my health first and listen to the cardiologist. I didn’t sleep at all that night going over everything in my head as my heart was telling me one thing and my head another .
On Tuesday my head was a complete shed but it was telling me that after everything I’ve been through with heart surgery and the fact I’ve survived it and been given a second chance I had no option but to let Skye go which the thought of was killing me . I emailed the lovely couple who had bred her in Kent and explained the situation and straight away without hesitation they said we will take her back, she can come home to us and we will keep her. After lots of messaging and a couple of weeks later we arranged to meet half way at Peterborough Services.The time leading up to our meeting was horrendous lots of tears lots of anger but I didn’t have a choice in the matter as the cardiologist said it would get worse and I could eventually become asthmatic and need to use inhalers and all this would put undue pressure on my heart. To hand her over to was really tuff but I know they love her and will give her a great home and that’s my only consolation in this whole fucking mess
The photo above was taken on our last walk together ....we all keep in touch regularly and she lives in the house with two older dogs as she’s house trained they’ve said she will be entered in some championship shows later this year I’m going to go to the open air ones to watch her as I’m sure she will do really well
The handover happened a couple of weeks ago but I haven’t been able to post anything untill now . The lovely Zena sent me a message asking how I was and that she had been thinking of me and Skye when she was watching Crufts so Zena you’ve spurrred me on to get this off my chest thank you sweetheart
The positives from this experience are that all my symptoms have now dissapered after a massive cleanup at home Skye is with an amazing couple who bred her and love her as much as me and she’s happy
The morale I suppose is don’t take anything for granted in this life live it to the max enjoy the highs accept the knocks but don’t let them break you there’s always something good just waiting around the corner. Positivity rules my friends 👍👍
I needed to get away so I’m currently sat in East Midlands Airpirt waiting to go to Tenerife hope your all doing well and your lives are filled with loads of positives and joy
Pete xxx
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Ticktock61
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Hi Pete I am so so sorry to hear your story. It’s a crock of sh*t. What a traumatic time for you after everything. I’m glad you have posted about it and remember you are going through the grieving process and it will take time. Try and relax on holiday sending big hugs and lots of love. Zena xxx
Oh Pete mate. I'm so sorry. That's crap. But main thing as you say is Skye is loved and safe and you're healthy again. But of all the things to have happened after all you've been through. Bloody have a blinder in Tenerife (within reason of course!) as you completely deserve it. Nic x
Sorry to hear you had to give Skye away but I agree your health comes first and it will be great if you can see her in any open-air shows she is entered into. Have a good holiday Pete and maybe you can come up with a hobby that will keep both mind and body active.
Hi Pete. So sorry to hear this. You mention voluntary work. I work in a charity shop, sorting clothes is one of the things I have to do. I would think you should avoid that as quite often clothes come in which are covered in dog hais and perhaps that would affect you. Hope you have a great holiday
Hi Pete - Life can be such a double edged sword at times. Allergy was the last thing on your mind. I think you are wise to have a change of scene and hope you can get some rest and enjoy the lovely warmth and sunshine of Tenerife. Thinking of you.
They are a wonderful couple and their dogs are their life. Skye is back home with her doggy mom and dad and her first human mom and dad so all’s well in an otherwise shitty situation
Hi Pete, So sorry for you. I gave my dog up after my AVR she became hard work and I felt so unwell. Now I miss her every day and that's after 5 years. Have a good holiday, I will send you a few photo's when you get back. Life dishes some shit out.
For what its worth I think you've done the right thing. Try to think only positively about all the benefits that having Skye brought you, even though it was only for a short period of time.
I've certainly learned something reading your post i.e. developing an allergy later in life to something that hasn't previously affected you. I'm sitting here eyeing up Mogg (our cat) suspiciously!!
What a time you have had . Such a hard decision for you to make , but definitely the right one .Sounds like Skye is having a great time and at least you know she's safe and loved .
I hope you have a lovely time away try to relax .Your family love you and so do the lovely people on this site .
Aww sorry to hear about rehoming Skye. 😢 But I guess you have got the best possible outcome (Skye back with her family to love and care for her) out of a crap situation, honestly who would have thought that could happen??
Have followed your posts since getting AVR and always appreciate the honesty and positive views. So keep doing what you do, enjoy your hols and I am sure when you get home you you will throw yourself into volunteering!
Your right I was so lucky where she’s gone they are truly lovely genuine people whom I can now call friends
Volunteering is at the top of my list I’d like to go into hospitals snd talk to people who have just come in awaiting AVR surgery I know it would have helped me it would feel like giving something back does that make sense 😀😀
I teared up reading this, how bloody cruel. I got a puppy after my MI and know how much your pup would have meant to you. So reassuring to know the pup is going back to the breeder but still really difficult for you. Everything happens for a reason they say and I do believe that. Know that regardless of where the dog resides now, her soul has an attachment to you and the love you gave her during the short time you spent together stays with her.
You’ve got me .......I’m tearing up reading your comment but your right I would have sooner had a short time with her than nothing at all she stole my heart and she will always be my baby
Pete, I’m truly sorry to hear you have needed to return Skye to her ‘birth’ family but good that you’ll be able to closely follow her progress and know she’s loved and well cared for. You would make an excellent heart ambassador- in hospitals or raising awareness through charities such Heart Valve Voice. Def contact them on your return.
Never heard of Heart Valve Voice I’ll google it on my return I’d love to do it as I know I’m a very positive person but at the same time I don’t wrap things in cotton wool and honesty means a lot to people ........ I know because it’s one of the qualities I admire in people but I’m also quite diplomatic believe it or not
I'm really upset to hear that you have had to give Skye up. I also got a puppy in January and I know how they can very quickly find a place in your heart. Mines a cocker poo and doesn't shed much hair and are suppose to be low in allergens. I've not been feeling great, a bit breathless too but I've put it down to puppy pulling on the lead and agrivating my chest scar. But I will get checked out now just in case there are other reasons. Have fun in Tenneriff. Salud.
Oh my god I hope it’s not same as me I must be the exception to the rule .... hope your negative and spend many happy years with your beautiful Cockerpoo
Sending you massive hugs. That must have been so heartbreaking for you. Your little Skye will be so well looked after and you can see her whenever you want, Im sure. Lots of love to you x
My only solice is that they live her as much as me and I loved her more than life itself so I’m content that this lovely couple cherish her as she’s a star and has a big future in front of her
How terribly sad... I am an animal lover so can completely understand what a heart breaking this situation is for you. When we are unwell, we feel particularly vulnerable, so this is a big blow for you....but you can certainly take some comfort that Skye has a good home and that you can keep track of her progress, which is great.
A holiday sounds a great idea and just what the doctor ordered! Enjoy it and take some time just for you.
Wow! That started my day with a tear but I'll be thinking of you in Tenerife! (Flying is one of my own hurdles I have yet to face). Very best wishes. x
Omg , I am so sorry I am an animal mad person, it also would have broken my heart to be honest it’s hurting now .for you 💔💔💔😢....oh sorry bit inappropriate there , but mentally I mean ,
Thank you so much your comments mean a lot to me I know it was the right decision but it’s still tuff to do she’s so far away I’m in Yorkshire she’s in Kent I can’t just nip round for a cuddle ........ but maybe that’s a good thing in some ways
Gosh she is far away isn’t she, yes maybe it’s for the best, but I am glad you are feeling better physically, Could you do dog walking ? for a Charity,? As you would be outside..? Silly to think that you could .sorry ... I still think about my lovely , friend, partner in crime , she died 10 yrs ago age 16.... I still miss her😢xx
Outside dog walking not a bad idea really I’ll give it some thought I rescued a border collie German Shepard cross from an animal sanctuary 20 odd years ago I called her molly I had her for 17 years she was the sweetest most intelligent dog I’ve ever met and and like you I really miss her .......
Just been reading all your posts, sorry to hear about Skye, they fill a big hole. Have a great holiday in tenerife and look forward to your volunteering work when you get back. Best wishes.
Sorry to hear your story, life can be shitty at times. Its all been said on here, your health must come first and with your lovely dog back with his doggy family that is a good compromise. I feel for you though, have a good holiday, relax in the sun, def do the hospital visits, to valve patients sounds like you might be the perfect person for that job ! Take care
Thank you I hope so if I can help one person through this difficult journey it will be worth it and I’ll go home feeling great so it’s a win win situation for me
Thank you sweetheart I knew you’d get it !!! She’s here in my heart and she will always be there My Molly who died 7 years ago is now sharing my heart with Skye they would have been great pals if I’d had them together without my allergy of course
I’m sure there will be something really positive to come out of this ........ if you look hard enough you’ll always find a positive that outlays the negatives in life
Oh you poor soul. I can't imagine anything worsethan having to give up your dog. I've had dogs for 53 years and they have been my lifeline. Back inteh 80s I was teaching when I suddenly developed swollen eyes, wheezing etc. The upshot was I'd suddenly become allergic to the small animals in the classroom, guinea pig, mice, hamsters. EVentually it was also birds and snakes and cats , even snakes but never my dogs. Oddly that lasted for about 10 years when I suddenly found I could be in the same room as my friend's parrot and gradually all the allergies went away. SO don't lose hope. It may not be forever. A pet allergy is caused by the dander on their skin not by their hair. Some breeds have very little dander especially nordic breeds which also have no doggy smell so it may be worth trying to spend a little time with a different breed to see if you react. I suppose in the end your health has to come first but I know how devastated you must be.
So sorry Pete not to have commented earlier but while you are on Tenerife I've just got back from Madeira on a phone off holiday and am catching up.
I'm just gobsmacked about Skye and really don't know what to say. Such a kick in the goolies after all you've been through. Sending you lots of positive thoughts.
This might not help at all -in fact it might be the last thing that you would want to do - but a number of our friends have had their lives transformed by having guide dogs. You can sponsor a puppy for training to become a guide dog.
I can remember our old family doctor telling my mother (about fifty years ago!) that you can use the same washing powder every day and then suddenly become allergic to it. I had desensitising injections when I was young with near fatal results so I am sure that you have made the right decision.
Yes Ive heard that from a couple of people so glad I didn’t go for those. It’s one of life’s little traumas that we all have to deal with but it’s sad as we’d really bonded and had loads planned but my recent conversations with her first mom and dad is that she’s doing great looking fantastic and really happy so I’m happy for her
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a pinch of salt needed until you see the expert 
PVCs ruining quality of life. 
How my life as changed this year.
Day of my CPET appointment is finally here 
worried about hubbys chest pains 
