Yesterday morning, we emerged from the fog.
Lucas came home from the hospital on Thursday. We knew it would be hard. We had no idea how hard.
On Thursday, he did well. We arranged our living room so that he was corralled into one area with a mattress. We put throw rugs, door mats, and bath mats in a circle from that spot to the kitchen to the back door. We put non-skid rubber on the steps; unfortunately, to get outside at our house, you have to go down a half-flight of steps. We helped him up and down. We helped him to his water dish. We helped him out into the yard. He wouldn’t let me out of his sight, so I had to be careful to stay nearby to encourage him to stay still. Overall, though, he was doing okay.
He slept fine Thursday night, and he was getting steadier on his feet by the minute. On Friday, I had to take him back to the vet for a bandage change and to have his fentanyl patch removed.
{{I know some of you guys love stuff like this and some of you hate it, so I didn’t want to embed it, but… while he was getting the bandage changed, I snapped a pic of the site. You can click here if you want to see it.}}
We underestimated just how much pain relief the patch was bringing him. Once we got home, he settled for a bit, and then he started whining. And crying. And popping up and falling down. Then crying and groaning because he was so frustrated. He refused to go to the bathroom. Refused. When it was time for bed, we gave him his medication, settled him onto the mattress, and he scrambled to get up. We tucked him back in. He tried to get up again. Around midnight John took him out, and he finally went to the bathroom. We thought that must explain the discomfort.
Back to bed we all went. Except Lucas. He was whining and crying and pacing and falling. So, I kept getting up with him. I tried taking him out, thinking he might have been a little bit… behind schedule… after a whole day of not going. Finally, just after 3 am, I climbed onto the mattress with him and patted him as we both fell in and out of sleep until 7. By the time the sun peeked into the living room, I was nearly in tears.
Then, Lucas couldn’t get up.
He panicked. He yelped and flailed. John helped him up, and it seemed like all the progress he had made the day before vanished. His legs slipped out from under him, and he could barely make the walk outside, even with assistance.
Our vet told us that if he seemed to be in pain, to give an increased dose of his pain medication. So we did that with his breakfast, and all day Saturday he waffled between intense whining to showing a bit of improvement. He had visits with his friend Ann and our incredible neighbors, which really lifted his (and our) spirits.
When we went to bed Saturday night, I was so afraid we’d have a repeat of the night before – and I was exhausted at that point! Helping a 70ish-pound dog up and down stairs and all around the house for a few days was taking its toll. Thankfully, he only got up twice Saturday night and was easily settled back onto his mattress.
He awoke on Sunday a renewed man!
I’m not sure what happened or if he’s just getting steadier and more confident. Maybe we have the right balance with his pain meds, but Sunday he was raring to go! He kept getting up on his own and hopping around the living room or the kitchen. He even went to the bathroom first thing in the morning (he was holding it until about midnight the last two days…) and then came inside and sneaked onto the couch! He is definitely NOT allowed to be climbing on the furniture at this point, but he sure did!
His spirits just seemed to be back! There was a lot of wagging and a lot of defiance (sneaking off or putzing around when he was supposed to be still), and even though we have to be super careful, I was thrilled. The change was vast over just one night!
This morning he gets his bandages removed, and he’s supposed to get the stitches out in two weeks. Somehow we need to keep him from opening them for two weeks. Hmmm. The tricky part is that we probably won’t be able to use the harness because it sits right about where the stitches are. I may head over to the fabric store and see if I can whip up some sort of sling. Our friend Ann made a one-armed sweater for him – it’s DARLING – that might be able to provide a good buffer. I’ll experiment and see what works.
I’m relieved. He’s doing so well. I’m going to get some video of him hopping around to share, and I have a ton more to talk about with this and all sorts of other things that have been going on around here. Oh, and there’s this “job” thing that I’ve been putting off! But, I’m so happy my guy is doing great! (Thanks for the pic, Ann!)
Hope you had a lovely weekend!! Thanks for all the kind words for the big boy. It’s working!!! Thank you!
Yay, Lucas! (I agonized over my sweater comment in your last post, but I now feel justified and prophetic.) Seriously so happy the adjustment period seems to be going well. The oldest family dog had a tumor removed last week and he was slow and grouchy over easter weekend. I’m glad that Lucas is being sneaky. A dog that’s sneaking around to do what it knows it shouldn’t is a happy dog.
Oh, Amanda!! Never agonize over a comment! 🙂 How’s your pup doing? I hope he’s recovering well!!
Oh, you know, Jack doesn’t seem to care too much. He’s all, “I’m 100 years old. Whatever,” about it. Loki is much more upset about his allergy-induced soft cone of shame. Can’t wait to hear Lucas’s next update! We’re rooting for you!!
He is blessed to have you as his family…we are keeping you in our prayers, and I know you are blessed to have him. good luck
stella rose
Thank you so, so much for the kind words and prayers! We are so grateful!!
I am so happy that Lukey had a better night and day. I know its been so hard for all of you and you have a long way to go. I hope the appointment goes well today and then I really hope Lucas will leave the stitches in for the next two weeks – I know that is going to be a huge challenge. I’m there for you all for whatever you need
So far, so good. I don’t think he realizes yet that he can still scratch with his back legs, which is saving us with the stitches. Although, now that I’ve said that, I’ve jinxed us. I’m sure he’ll start scratching at any moment…
I am so happy Lucas is home and starting to feel better. He is lucky to have you as an owner and et parent.
Thank you so very much for such a kind comment!!
I’ve been thinking about your crew all weekend and am glad to see things are moving in the right direction. Much love and hugs.
Thanks so much for the thoughts, love, and hugs!! All that positivity seems to be working – he’s doing even better today, which means I have to be Bad Cop even more than before!! 🙂
Lucas’ smile at the last photo is priceless.
Such a difficult days it must have been for you and John, I guess worrying if Lucas could adjust, or not. He has also gone through a lot, poor fellow. But it is lighting up already, wonderful !
(do I dare mentioning a miracle 🙂 ? )
Thank you for the very kind words!! You’re so right – the worry was the hardest part. Thankfully Lucas is sheltered from that particularly human trait. He’s doing phenomenally well. Too well! He is keeping me on my toes trying to make him stay still!!
I’m so glad you got through that rough patch and now he is doing better. It has to be such a huge relief. Now you face the challenge of keeping him quiet while healing….but that is way better to have to deal with!
You are so right!! It’s a far happier problem to have! Although, he’s making me nuts today! 🙂 He’s sneaked onto the couch twice already and it’s not even lunchtime yet!
So glad your guy is doing better!! Sending more positive energy your way <3
Thank you so, so much, Kathy!!
He is amazing and you are incredible! I’m sorry that he had such a rough patch, and I know what hearing them moaning can do to you, in addition to lack of sleep. But I love so much that there is no where else you’d be, then next to him. That is true love.
Lack of sleep sure makes everything worse, doesn’t it? I’m so grateful for the kind words – I know you know the lengths we’ll go to for our loves!
I’m so glad things are improving for you. It is so hard trying to figure out what they want/need. Hopefully the further from surgery he gets, the easier it will be to determine what he’s looking for.
Good job Maggie and John, for taking such good care of Lucas.
Well, you inspired us!! Been sleeping on the mattress on the living room floor with the big guy for a few weeks now! 🙂
I am so glad things are improving and he is getting more comfortable. I had a bad night like that with my
Maxie post double elbow surgery. At a motel, no less. I was sure we were going to get kicked out, and then I got her outside and couldn’t get her back up. We were sitting in the grass outside the hotel at 3:00 AM in tears, wondering what I had done to my dog. The next day was a whole different picture.
Oh, my goodness. Not being home must’ve made that stressful situation even more devastating. It’s amazing how quickly things can change – and I guess the trick is remembering that there’s going to be light at the end of the tunnel. Eventually.
I am so relieved to read that things are turning around. I had just jumped in my jeep to take it into the shop for service when I received the email notification on my phone. I read the preview of the email and I didn’t know what to expect, did he have a good day but then a bad day or did he have a bad day and then a good day. Poor Lucas (and Maggie & john) he had a bit of both, good, bad, good. I’m glad it was two good days and only one bad day, and very long night.
I did look at the picture of his incision, poor baby Lucas, the stitches look great and it doesn’t look like there is a lot of swelling but it doesn’t look like it would tickle either.
I don’t have a lot of experience with surgery, people or pets, but I did have ligament reconstruction done in my knee a about 7 years ago. It’s minor surgery through a scope, you’re in and out the same day, the one thing they kept telling me in recovery as they overdosed me on pain meds, (well not really but I was still groggy from anaesthetic, they gave me a morphine shot and two t3’s with codeine) was ‘you have to stay ahead of the pain’. They said ‘you don’t want to play catch up, it could take hours before you start to feel relief’ When I followed up with my surgeon a few days later he too said you want to stay ahead of the pain. That could be why it took the day before Lucas started to feel better, he was playing catch up. Im only guessing . It’s so hard to figure out pain meds, too much pain meds they are too groggy, a bit too much and they feel great, try to run around and risk re-injury, not enough meds and they’re in pain. Ugh
I’m so glad things are looking up. Hoping the rest of his recovery goes smoothly
Thank you so, so much for taking the time to share your experience. We’ve been talking about it, and I think you’re spot on – I think his rough patches when he’s pacing and drooling is maybe because we missed that window of staying ahead of the pain. Maybe we need to get his dose adjusted?? Thanks for your always valuable input – I’m going to follow up with our vet about that.
Thank God Lucas is feeling better! Poor boy; it’s hard enough when people can tell you what hurts and what they need. The worst part of having a furkid in pain is only being able to use trial and error to see what they need.
Have you thought about the “soft” e-collar to keep him from gatting at the stitches? They’re so much better than the old fashioned rigid ones. The size he would take would probably fir Cooper, too, so it might be a useful investment for the future as well.
I have used a sling/lift thing for me dogs previously when they needed help up & down the steps. The cost was very reasonable. It goes around the middle, towards the back legs has 2 handles for the person to use when assisting the dog and would not infringe on the incision site. This was also a good investment for anyone who has BIG dogs who are aging.
The one I have is at least 12 years old & is called “LIFT-N-AID ” from Pet Zone ; it cost about $14 & is still like new.
I found a similar one on Amazon for $12. Here is the name & model. I suspect Dr.Foster & Grant catalog as well as Petco have some similar but more expensive. This velcro style works really well & you can actually leave it on, if you prefer.
Kyjen 2481 Dog Auto Velcro Lift Harness For Dogs, Large, Black, $12.08 on AMAZON.
by Kyjen
Praying for continued improvement and good results for both Lucas and Emmett.
187 customer reviews
YES!! The soft-sided cone has been a life saver. We actually got one when Cooper was in it full time for his skin allergies, and we’ve gotten a lot of use out of it since – worth every penny. And thank you so much for the sling suggestion! I’m going to look into it. He is a big dog, and even despite all this, he’s no spring chicken, so he’ll likely need assistance as he ages, as you pointed out. I can say, though, that I’m certainly getting a back and arm workout assisting him!!!
What a good boy!! 🙂 Keep up the good work mama!
Thank you!! Although, I feel bad taking any credit… he’s the one working so hard! 🙂 He’s made even bigger strides today, which is good/bad. Good to see him gaining confidence and strength. Bad because I can’t take my eyes off of him for a split second or else he’s doing something he’s not supposed to do!!!
Yah! He looks great! Love that list pic! I’m glad you moved so quickly from the ‘oh my god, what have we done’ stage to the ‘we made the right decision!’ stage! It can be very tricky to get the pain meds just right. (I used to err on the side of giving her a little too much. I figured dopier was better than some pain.) Hooray for an overall great report!
You’re so right, Jackie. I was aiming for the lower end of the dose, and I can tell that it’s not cutting it. I don’t want my guy in pain!
Thank YOU so much for all of your posts about what you went through. I’ve combed through them and shared some with John, and it’s helped alleviate a lot of the “OMG” moments. This is really foreign, so it’s a relief to have your first-hand experience to reference.
I’m so thankful to hear he seems to be feeling a little better and is gaining more confidence. Continuing to send my positive thoughts to your family.
Thank you so much, Lindsay!! We’re so grateful for all the positive thoughts!!!
I just came across this blog and wanted send positive thoughts!
Lucas is so lucky to have you! 🙂
Laura – welcome!! And thank you!! I’m so grateful for the positive thoughts. (really, though, I’m so lucky to have HIM!)
I can only imagine how happy and relieved you were on Sunday when Lucas was doing a little better. Dogs are amazingly resilient and Lucas is making great progress. The incision looks really clean. We’ll be keeping you in our thoughts. Give Lucas a group hug from all of us. 🙂
YES! I feel like our vet did an incredible job stitching the site. A week in and almost all the bruising is fading away and most of the swelling is gone. He’s like a new man!
Definitely passed on the group hug! 🙂 Thank you so, so much!!
So glad to see this post! Sorry to hear of the difficulties, but glad he seems to be gaining confidence! You guys rock!
Thanks, Kim!! I’m so grateful!
Aww what a trooper he is. You too 😉
I’m trying!! Truthfully, though, he’s doing WAY better than I am! 🙂
Go Lucas go! So glad to hear he is improving and starting to get his confidence back.
Yes!! Thanks, Genevieve!!
I absolutely love the big T-Shirt idea. So glad Lucas is over the surgery and gaining strength. Maggie, you are such a brave example to all of your followers. You give us courage to face the hard parts of life. Not only with Lucas and Emmett, but also with your health issues. You guys are Survivors!!! You are always in my thoughts and prayers. I know this is physically and emotionally draining for you. Please know we are with you in this and hopefully are providing a support system for you and John. We care for you and your family.
Hope you have a good weekend with lots and lots of rest.
Thank you for all your kind words, Phyllis. They mean a lot to me, and please know that you and Lilly are in my thoughts.
The T-shirt has worked out perfectly. It’s keeping him from messing with his stitches, and it provides a buffer between the harness and the stitches. The only thing we didn’t realize at first is that it can get bunched up, so we’ve been tying it in one of those 1980s midriff-baring knots!
Wow! I’m so glad about his recovery! It’s a shame he went backwards a bit, and it must’ve been so scary to see that happen to your baby! Hopefully he’s feeling better now, and good luck for both of you!
I really hope he continues to improve and recover!
Your dog looks super strong! I hope he keeps doing well! Check out my blog about my two dogs as well!
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2018112622535255402#allposts
Thats a beautiful incision site, I will say that! What a great blog… glad I found it (in Dogster!). What is your regular job that you mention (not to be nosy, just wondering if its dog/animal related). Renee