Coping mentally with piggies illness + possible aspiration?

[guineamum6]

Hello again everyone,

Two things here:

1) I was giving Squirrel his Meloxicam today and it seems like it went down the wrong hole, probably 0.05ml. It just had to happen in the last syringe. I've been so stressed about it. He's eating and moving around fine, but I can't seem to assure myself that he will be okay. His nose was dry before, but now it was wet for a bit. It's dry now. I will have to call the vets in the morning. Has this happened to anyone? Should I prepare for the worst? Just when I thought things were looking upwards..

2) This whole URI ordeal has thrown me off edge and I feel like I am borderline obsessing over his behaviour and movements to a point my partner says it is unhealthy. I don't think I've slept well the past two weeks from the stress and worry. Especially after the possible aspiration, I don't think I'll be able to sleep at all tonight. I'm starting to think I'm not a good guineamum. I feel so helpless not knowing what is wrong. I've had dogs my whole life and it isn't as stressful as this. My partner helps me but I still can't help worrying about everything my piggies do and tend to overthink everything. I've lost a beloved piggy this year and it was horrid overcoming that pain, and I don't think I can handle losing another this soon.
I just don't know what to do, maybe surrendering them back to the rescue is the best thing to do for them.

 

[Pigwhisperer]

1) if it went down the wrong hole he would be coughing or showing some breathing symptoms, which you haven't mentioned at all, so I think it's likely you can discount that.
2) this sounds like the real issue, that losing your piggy has hit you so hard that you're now a bit obsessive about every breath your remaining piggies take!

As a mum with human children and a medicated Anxiety Disorder, let me assure you than anxiety makes you a better mum, because you are that much more vigilant to anything that could cause harm. But you feel like a worse mum because you're constantly criticizing yourself. I'm sure exactly the same applies to piggie mums!

You are doing everything for Squirrel that the vet told you, so now you can help him best by looking after yourself. Do you get outdoors enough? Spend time with friends? Doing the things that make you feel good whether it's shopping, art, sport, watching political debates on tv and shouting at the screen

Consider getting counselling too. I've found it very helpful. And of course if anxiety is affecting your daily life and ability to do things normally talk to your doctor about medication. Hope you feel better soon.

 

[Shelley anne]

It sounds as though you are doing your absolute best for your pig. Remind yourself you are an excellent guinea mum! there are a lot of guinea pigs that don't get this kind of love and attention and care. Pat yourself on the back! You are doing a wonderful job and giving so much care!
I also lost my boy, Barnaby this year, he's the cream colored one on my picture. I know how stressful it can be when they get sick and how upsetting it can be when you lose them but I remind myself that he got the best life I could give him and he got his forever home and was loved till his last breath.
Hang in there and try to stay strong, you are a wonderful guinea pig owner and your piggies are lucky to have you as their owner.

 

[guineamum6]

Hi @Shelley anne and @Pigwhisperer,

Thank you so much for your lovely words.

He did have some elevated breathing and was barely pooping last night, that is why I got so worried. However I just checked on him this morning and his breathing has settled and he's pooped loads! God I feel like a drama queen! I hope this isn't him hiding his illness

You are right though, since they got ill I haven't been able to let myself have a good time, I dread leaving the house because I'm terrified I'd come home finding them dead. It is starting to rule my thoughts, which is unhealthy. I do keep trying to tell myself that I'm doing a good job, but everytime something goes wrong, I can't help but blame myself..

Thank you for replying to me. I wasn't sure if anyone would.

 

[Winniepeg]

Hi @Shelley anne and @Pigwhisperer,

Thank you so much for your lovely words.

He did have some elevated breathing and was barely pooping last night, that is why I got so worried. However I just checked on him this morning and his breathing has settled and he's pooped loads! God I feel like a drama queen! I hope this isn't him hiding his illness

You are right though, since they got ill I haven't been able to let myself have a good time, I dread leaving the house because I'm terrified I'd come home finding them dead. It is starting to rule my thoughts, which is unhealthy. I do keep trying to tell myself that I'm doing a good job, but everytime something goes wrong, I can't help but blame myself..

Thank you for replying to me. I wasn't sure if anyone would.

Be kind to yourself sounds like you’re doing a great job. We are all here to support each other and share advice and knowledge so don’t hesitate to post concerns or ask questions

 

[Shelley anne]

I'm so glad he is doing better. I do understand though how stressful it is. Because they are so little and they hide things from us, it can be a real worry when they are not well. Buts its only because you love them that it is stressful. What a lucky guinea pig, so loved!