Sad News :-(

[Lucky Feathers]

Hi All,

I got some bad and upsetting news yesterday - I didn't share it yesterday because I was and still am a little worried about the reaction I will get, but I have decided to share anyway.

I have been very ill lately to the point where I was rushed to the ER just last week - the ER was actually very good and did a million different tests on me and wouldn't release me until I was stable.

Anyway, I saw my doctor yesterday to discuss the test results, do a few more tests, discuss my symptoms and condition. As of right now, I am stable and okay, but he doesn't know how long that will last - basically, it all comes down to Cozi. All of my symptoms are related and are caused by my severe allergies and sensitive system from the dust and dander from him. Basically I have to rehome my baby for my health.

I am so upset about this and cannot believe this is actually happening. I really hope you all don't look down on me for this and think I am a horrible person for having to do this. I love Cozi - that is not a question - I am just so upset over this. No only do I feel sad over the fact that I have to do this, but I also feel as if I am letting him down. I just hate life!!

[shibatimes3]

I know I myself am afraid of this happening to any of us! It is my biggest fear of being a fid lover! Have you had any problems with allergies in the past?

My thoughts and strength are passed your way.... god bless....

[Xen]

So sorry to hear that, must be so hard... hugs!
Of course nobody will look down on you, afterall you're doing what's best for Cozi aswell as yourself... you can hardly be a good mum to Cozi if you're ill and in hospital all of the time.

Your condition sounds severe so I don't know if looking into filter systems, sprays and acrylic cages would even help?

[Icednova625]

I'm so sorry to hear that, that must be one of the most difficult things you will ever have to go through. I know it would be for me.

[Poohsbirds97]

I am so sorry you are going through this. I hope you will be ok with your health. Please keep us posted how you and Cozi make out with this whole situation.

[Lucky Feathers]

Thanks guys - Yes, I have severe allergies to just about everything and even to things that are around me everyday such as grass, wood, etc. One of my biggest allergies is dust and mold and I guess that is where the dander from Cozi is coming from.

As for my allergies I already have 2 air purifiers on my apartment and my apartment isn't that big - even without any birds I already dust my apartment 2-3 times a week. As for Cozi I have been giving him either a bath or misting which he loves every other day to help keep the dander down, but that doesn't seem to be helping.

I have always had severe allergies like this, but never had a problem due to my pets. I am highly allergic to cat where I can't even be in the same house as one, but I have never had a cat so that is no a problem. I am also allergic to horse hair and yet I have 2 horses, however it is never an issue until shedding season and then I just clip my horses. I have always had birds and grew up with Cockatiels all my life and never had an issue with there dust - maybe there arent big enough to pose a problem to me. I don't know.

My symptoms are serious - I have a super high blood pressure, I am now on a blood pressure med, but still my blood pressure is very heigh, I have constant dizziness which is said to be from my high blood pressure, my breathing is very rapid and I find it difficult to catch my breath and am weazing alot which is from the dander. They are all related - the dander causing my breathing issues and the strain to catch my breath is causing the heigh blood pressure which is causing the dizziness if that makes any sense.

My doctor said the main concern is my blood pressure - he said that it is so heigh to the point where if it continues going this heigh and doesn't get down soon there is a strong possibility that I could have a heart attack. My mom is a nurse and my dad is a doctor and they were both in shock that my blood pressure could be near as heigh as it is.

This just really sucks!!!

[Tombstone]

Oh, this is very, very sad. I do understand the allergies these guys can stir up, though. I have NO known allergies and rarely get sick - but when I handle my CAG, my hands itch for hours. I can't help that anymore than you can help that your allergic reactions are much more serious. I think we all know how much you love Cozi, and he is a young bird. He will easily rehome and take up with a good owner. I know you will do all you can to make sure he gets the best home, and I would personally be disappointed to hear that you decided to risk your own personal health to keep him. You just have no choice when it comes down to your health, and anyone who would hold that against you needs a swift kick in the butt. :) :) :) Take care of yourself, and know that you are doing not what you want to do but what you have to do. That's life on life's terms...which is all we get in this world. Again, I am very sorry - I know you're hurting over this so much.

Good luck,

Angela

[ndeben]

Gosh I am so sorry for you! I dont have any idea what you are going thru, but if someone told me to rehome my animals.. well I just dont know. please let us know if we can do anything.

[Tom Lawless]

I think anyone who deals with allergies fully understands what you are going through. I know you love Cozi but you can't live like you are now. Your immune system will continue to get weakened and you will end up catching everything that is going around. Not only is it tough on your body, it is also tough on your mind to live like that day in and day out.

It would be nice if you could find a home for him where you could visit or at least get updates.

I am sorry that this is happening to you but you really haven't been given much of a choice. You will be in my prayers.

[Lucky Feathers]

The one thing that is really bothering me about this whole thing is that I have another bird coming home this weekend - I got her before I was even sick. Anyway, it is a female Eclectus and luckily doesn't have dust, so she won't make me sick - But rehoming Cozi and getting another bird to me feels like I am doing a trade, that is one thing that is making me feel worse about the whole thing.

I was talking to a friend about it and said said, that I got her before the fact and isn't like a trade because I was going to have the both of them. He also said that she can help me cope with the loss of Cozi and in a way will be taking care of me.

Yes, this is all very true, but it still just feels like a trade off. I don't know - it's just making me feel worse.