The New Normal
It’s shameful how long it’s been since I’ve posted. Mostly it’s a sign that things are going well so there’s that. I’ve dropped from worrying about Isa daily to every other day, so life has crept back in to distract me. Oh, and impending house guests arrive Monday.
Isa is doing really, really well. Third round of carboplatin was two weeks ago. She was definitely down for the count for 48 hours afterward (subdued appetite and professional-level napping). By mid-day Sunday she was back to herself and we made a trip to a local park. Threw the ball for her, mostly to her. I can’t remember the last time I saw her so happy – she lit up when she saw the ball – I can’t begin to tell you how happy that made me. We have also during that and subsequent trip(s) introduced any number of young children (and parents) to tripawds. Isa was very free with the dog kisses, particularly with the kids at her eye level.
We’re still dealing with weekly vet visits for bandage changes on her elbow, not to mention two rounds of antibiotics. BUT! there is a rumor circulating that the sutures are out, the wound is closed, and the bandage will come off for good and all next Monday! I don’t believe everything I hear but how awesome would that be! I couldn’t even tell you how long we’ve been trying to get that thing healed, I can’t remember anymore. Maybe that’s a good thing? “A beautiful mercy to forgetting.”
We’ve had three rehab visits. I’ll head to the forums for that discussion. I’m having some difficulty with perspective on the issue and could use any/everyone’s two cents. Perhaps an issue of unrealistic expectations?
Thankfully, there’s not much to tell at this point. Isa is happy and healthy. The cortisone for her back worked miracles – she doesn’t appear to be in any pain. Although she was panting a lot last night – way to freak out mom. I don’t know what that was about, it certainly wasn’t hot. Oh, but it was a thunder and lighting storm. Duh – subtract points from mom for being a dufus. Isa has never liked thunder. About a month after I got her from the shelter, way back when, I woke up in the middle of the night because I was having trouble breathing. Woke up all the way to realize there was a thunder storm outside and she was sitting on my chest. Can’t imagine why I couldn’t breathe.
We still have stair issues, as in I’m still sleeping on the floor in the living room. We have gotten her upstairs a couple of times but most definitely not under Isa-power. By the time we get to the top, I know I’ve pushed her limits, maybe even too much although we do rest partway up. I’m jealous of people/tripawds that get upstairs sooner rather than later. Maybe they’re smaller and/or younger dogs and/or less long/steep stairs – there’s no way to know. In theory, I know better than to think in comparisons. Maybe it should be chalked up to frustration and sub-optimum sleep. And someone’s bad habit of barking at dog-knows-what for big chunks of the night.
Which is also, technically, a sign of her feeling better. She did zero barking through most of the summer and we’re now back to near-normal levels. Good news/bad news. But mostly good.
So there’s the State of the Isa as of today. If that damn bandage does in fact go away Monday there will be pictures and celebration!
So glad Isa is doing well! Otis also was fairly silent for a period of time post-amp. I always presumed it was because he felt vulnerable and didn’t want to call attention to himself. I loved when he started barking at the UPS guy, postman, joggers, squirrels, etc. I think it meant he felt able to protect the house again. So glad she is able to play and enjoy her ball and just be a dog again!
I hadn’t thought (or not much) that not barking might be not feeling up to a fight. She was quiet(er) for a while before surgery too – undoubtedly same issue, hurt too much to consider backing up her barking. I have a couple of cute pictures of her dogness but need to get them out of my phone. soon!
A little late to the pawty..but never too late o pawty and celebrate all the great victories Miss Isa is having!!
YAAAAAAAAAY FOR CHASING THE BALL! 🙂
YAAAAAAAAAY FOR BARKING FOR REASONS ONLY ISA KNOWS DURING NIGHT! 🙂 Yeah, even “bad” habits are GOOD habits on this journey! 🙂
Did you post yur rehab questions in the forums yet? I may have missed it.
For whatever it’s worth, my Happy Hannah never did master the art of stair climbing either. She was a big girl and it just took too much strength for her tompush off her remaining back leg. It was just myself so I wasn’t able to give her much assistance with confidence. I eventually got a twin mattress (as opposed to couch sleeping) and slept downstairs with her “in bed” for most of her journey. I was able to sleep upstairs in my bed sometimes and she wasn’t upset. If she did wake up and get upset, I would go back downstairs. Needless to say, it no longer mattered what my hoise looked like…furniture pushed up against the wall, scatter rugs all over…..but we were together and happy!!
Will look forward to celebrating bandage removal next!
Lots of hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
There you are!
I haven’t posted my rehab question(s) – they feel silly at times but continue to bug me. We’ll see.
I am beginning to accept that Isa may not make it up the stairs under her own power. I can get her upstairs (my upper body strength is improving!) if she’s willing to give it a try. When I do go to bed upstairs without her, she sits at the foot of the stairs and barks. One bark every 15 seconds or so – no sleeping through that. I did just buy a twin size non-air mattress so once the house guests are gone, my sleep issues should improve. nope – does not matter what the house looks like.
Oh Sally! Happy Hannah’s picture just rolled up for me in the random photos on the main page – she’s so beautiful! it’s the first time I’ve seen her pretty mug and that made me happy. And sad. I guess it’s that weird internet thing of feeling like you know people/dogs that you’ve never met.
Ohhh, thanks so much for letting me know you saw my Happy Hannah!!! That was VERY kind of you to come back and acknowledge her!! 🙂
Oh my goodness, there are NO silly questions around here!!! And even if there were…I’ve asked them all!! 🙂 Sometimes just getting those things off your chest makes everything better anyway!
Thanks again for commenting on my beautiful pal!