Asking for good old board magic

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hissy

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Good morning sweet Hedi,
thank you for asking about Racer but from all that I am learning, this is a long-haul illness/condition/disease. There will be (I am told by both the vet and the farrier) months where Race will be really good, and months where he will be very bad. I was told yesterday by the team of professionals that have been assembled to help me and this wonderful creature, that true recovery lies on several factors. The horse, and how much spirit and fight he has, how much he wants to live, how strong he is to fight the pain. The owner and how much time she is willing to invest in his care, how close the two of them are, and how much money she has to spend is another factor. I was told that ten years ago, at the first sign of founder, the vets would come out and put the horse down, or the owner would shoot the horse to take it out of misery. Another factor is the team that is treating the horse. I have the best farrier in the county already who absolutely loves this horse. I now have four top-shot vets who treat founder a lot- and another farrier has been pulled in as well. I am told that in all cases of founder that the horses never follow a predictable path. In other words, the treatment, the outcome is never the same for each horse. The vet can't sit down with me and say on day three we do this, and day twelve he is cured. They take their cues from the horse and some things tried will not work and others he may respond to right away. When I asked for a ball park point of complete recovery, I was told at least a year.
So if everytime one of you wonderful people wants to know how Racer is doing, or how I am doing and I respond- in a years time, this thread would probably be record in length for this board.


From what I am understanding too is that IF there is a medical reason for Racer to founder, or IF he has something called cushingsoid disease, then regardless of what we do for him while he is foundering he will die. The vet does not think there is a kidney or liver malfunction but because the blood levels are *odd* he is also not ruling that out as the cause.

I broke down last night on the phone with both of these fine gentleman (conference call) and I told them that if we come to the place where Racer has to leave this world they are to let me know immediately. Clint told me that they won't have to tell me. He said because of the bond that Race and I have, Race will tell me when he is done.

I'll be on the boards only sporadically guys. I hope you understand. I don't want your pity or sympathy, I need your strength and your prayers- Racer needs them most. I have to start taking care of myself too- because with me sick Race won't fight. I stand in an icy cold creek with him 3 times a day in freezing rain (sometimes) I go out to the pasture late at night with a flashlight looking for him to be sure he is okay. IF you pray, pray for him, if you don't pray, that's fine with me, everyone of us believes differently. But right now, I need all the help I can get to bring this horse to a level of comfort he can tolerate and apparently, it is going to be a long road.

I have started a journal, to save you fine folks from my rambling. I am going to ask Anne when she can, to put it online. It won't be spectacular- but if you would like I'll provide the link and you can just read the thing. I call it Finding Our Way out of Founder-
 

nora

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Oh, M.A., I just read this thread about Racer. I will indeed add him to my prayer list. I could feel your pain as I read through you post. I know you don't want our pity, but how about empathy? My prayers will be with you and Racer. Please continue to follow up on his progress.
 

pat

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Hi MA,

I would love the link. I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers. Your team sounds wonderful, I'm glad you were able to assemble such a team!

Nose niffs and kisses to Racer,
 

purrfectcatlove

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Oh M.A. bless your heart (((((((HUGS))))))) . Yesterday while praying for Racer I did feel that the sickness is with in him , something insite of him and not visible to see with your eyes . I felt your heavy heart and was crying . You said pray for Racer , but you need prayers too for strengh and health to go through that with him . I will for sure pray for Racer and for you
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But please keep us updated , I need to know how to pray . If this thread will continue till next year , so be it . I am willing to pray for both of you as long as it takes .

I think it is a great idea with a journal as a link , then even the new members will be able to go in there and read that in years to come .
 

debby

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MaryAnne...I am continuing to pray for Racer...he is in my heart and so are you. I am praying he does not have the Cushingsoid disease and that over time he will heal and be strong again. It was good to hear he did not have the rotation and that is a good sign. I am also praying for you to keep your health and strength up. I will look later to see if there is a link for the website. We love you!
 

rapunzel47

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MA -- what they all said! I'll watch for the link and continue praying for you both. Please take care.
 
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hissy

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Here you go- it isn't fancy and there are tons of mistakes and it isn't fascinating reading-
But here it is if you are interested-

Racer's Journey
 

rapunzel47

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Originally posted by hissy
Here you go- it isn't fancy and there are tons of mistakes and it isn't fascinating reading-
But here it is if you are interested-

Racer's Journey
Hey, MA, if the choice is between "nothing fancy" and "nothing at all", we'll take "nothing fancy" in a heartbeat. We want to know how things are going, but not at the expense of your having to be pretty about it or do more than there's time for.

Drop in when you can, but take care of you -- for your boy, for you, for your family, and for us. Thanks for the link.
 
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hissy

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Creek Therapy



 
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hissy

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We had bits of orange sunshine visiting
 

ldg

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Oh MA, I pray it doesn't get too cold out there yet! The pics did make me smile though - thank you for taking time to post. Looks like Racer likes kitties!


You two remain in my prayers. I don't have time to read the journal now, but I'm glad you posted the link for all those who do.

My thoughts are with you.

(((((Hugs)))))) to you both! (And to Mike too).
 

purrfectcatlove

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M.A. I was reading the journal and bawling my eyes out . It was very nicely written .If I only could spell english what I want to say sometimes . Oh well , maybe in time I get better .
When I looked at these pics you shared with us I was thinking praise God it has not snow there yet . I am sure it would make things worse . Hang in there M.A. and stay warm and healthy
 

a_loveless_gem

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Good luck Mary Anne.

I hope Racer continues to show more signs of recovery. It sounds like you're using a lot of energy in caring for Racer. Use some of that to look after yourself as well.
 

george'smom

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Hissy-

I'm so sorry about Racer. I don't know much about horses, but what you and Racer are going through sounds dreadful.
You certainly have had your share of challenges this year.
I will keep him in my prayers.

He's lucky to have such a good mommy taking care of him right now.

Remember to take care of yourself too! You need plenty of rest.
 

catsplay.com

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MA -

My heart aches for you and Racer. I don't even know what to say. I will keep Racer (and you) in my prayers and be checking your journal for what I pray will be good news.
 

pollyanna

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Mary Anne! I am sending you positive thoughts and really hope everything will go the best way possible!
 

wellingtoncats

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Originally posted by PurrfectCatlove
M.A. I was reading the journal and bawling my eyes out . It was very nicely written .If I only could spell english what I want to say sometimes . Oh well , maybe in time I get better .
When I looked at these pics you shared with us I was thinking praise God it has not snow there yet . I am sure it would make things worse . Hang in there M.A. and stay warm and healthy
Hedi. I'm not sure what others think, But I believe your english is improving. Keep up the good work my friend.


Mary Anne. I'm just about to read Racers journel. I'm still sending lots of good vibes to him, I hope he makes a fast recovery. Loved the pictures, he's a beautiful horse. You're always in my thoughts.
 
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