Severe health issues & something else

[etana]

Hi all, 

I haven't been on the forums lately due to disordered sleep causing such severe fatigue. I practically couldn't stay awake through anything that required effort. Even hobbies that I love very much. I also became a traffic hazard. I was worried my adrenal glands or thyroid were not working, turns out that is not the case at least. I've been correcting my sleep for a week now with meds and instructions from the doctor, and feel a little bit less sleepy.

Hopefully unrelated to that (I have kept my snails fed, but have had to consider giving away some because they're not getting the attention they deserve), one of my all time favourite snails, little Iisakki, child of Zorst's famous mafioso Marrow, is very ill and likely about to pass away at any moment now. I have him on my hand and with tears in my eyes I'm telling him it's okay to let go. He still reacts to touch.

He'd been less active for some time, and deteriorated fast over the weekend. My best bet as to what is wrong is internal damage from egg laying problems. Second best bet is infection getting in due to the bad shell growth he's been prone to.

I'm glad he got to say goodbye to my bf as he was always his favourite human.

[jolovessnailies]

Oh Etana love, I wondered if you were OK but didn't want to be pushy. I am sorry you are having such a wretched time and having a dying snaily too, life just isn't fair. He will be waiting for you. I have just read a book called "All Pets Go To Heaven" by Sylvia Browne and it is a great comfort. I too break my heart when I lose a little one, so much so sometimes that Paul has to take them from me because I can't let go. It is so very painful love and virtual cuddles are on their way to you. Please let me know that you are alright.

Hugs
Jo xx

[etana]

Thanks Jo, and virtual hugs back.

It's a strange little thing, but since I placed Iisakki back into the tank, he's had 1-3 snails taking turns at sitting with him and he looks a little bit better. I don't know how they helped him because in my hand, he had his face out but not his eyes. I don't have my hopes high up but I find it so precious that I got to see his little face again.

Yeah, it's so sad... We know full well that we'll outlive all our pets (these little critters anyway) and still it's such a shock when they have to go.

[jolovessnailies]

You are welcome sweetie, I hope you are feeling better. I think sometimes a bit of attention from other snailies makes the poorly one perk up, it is the same with people. I will keep everything crossed and say a prayer that he makes a full recovery. It is heartbreaking when they do leave us. It is times like this when you really need the support of your friends. Some people are very philosophical about losing pets, I can't be like that, it always tears me apart. Please keep us posted hunni.

Hugs
Jo xx

[etana]

Yeah I don't see anything philosophical here either. He was such a good snail and I wanted to keep him for so much longer. Simple as that.

I don't know if I could have done something to save him. I checked the damaged areas of his shell and they weren't bad enough to let stuff in.

I did find out that his mantle had detached and with that, his lung collapsed. As I did, he came out for the last time and made his wonderful grumpy face just for me. I was wondering if I could have inflated his lung but that wouldn't have solved everything, I'm afraid.

His tank mates are eating his little body right now. One fulica seems very oblivious and is happily hitting on everyone including very young snails.

I hope Mauno is ok, he loved Iisakki (in a very platonic way). After things got really bad, Mauno went into a hide.

[jolovessnailies]

I think you did all you could love and he was lucky to have you as a mum. We all ask ourselves these questions "What if" but he was in the best possible hands and enjoyed his little life whilst he had it. He is now waiting for you with all the others at Rainbow Bridge. Lots of love on its way for Mauno, I hope he finds another snail to be best friends with now. Lots of love to you too sweetie, I hope you are feeling better.

Hugs
J xx

[Zorst]

I'm really sorry to hear about Iisakki Etana, it really is tough when you loose them I know. I'm sorry Ive not been around to reply earlier but we've had no electric or phones due to the Hurrican so internet has been down. I do hope that you are feeling better and that they get this sleep thing sorted out for you.

Virtual Hug

Zorst