Tomorrow is Zuzu's big day. We'll drop her off around 10am, surgery is scheduled for about 1 and we'll pick her up later in the afternoon. I'm *trying* not to freak out and think about all the"what ifs" and instead am trying to focus on giving Zuzu a great last day before surgery.

We've been out to the park 3 times already today and have had fun running and playing with other pups as well as just lounging in the nice cool grass in the shade. We've even gone to see her human friends a few times as well.

After surgery we will be staying with a neighbor so we don't have to deal with the steps for potty time. I'm really nervous about getting her into/out of the car and the 5 steps down to Amy's house (where we are staying). The doc has emphasized, quite a few times, how important it is that she has very limited movement, as we need the skin flap to adhere or risk losing part of it, seromas, infections,etc.

I'm trying to get everything that I can together for the "move" downstairs-
her food (water dish,food dish,dry kibble,canned food,salmon jerky treats)

her pillow(we tried to get a new bed over the weekend but weren't able to find the type we wanted without paying an arm and leg so for now her pillow with a fresh, clean cover will have to do)

her meds and pb

her boxers( I'm not sure if they want these on for immediate use or for after the drains come out, but figured I'll bring them for good measure)

A fan(it's been high 80s to mid 90s here lately and even though Amy is on the garden level it still gets pretty warm in there)

Oh, and all the human stuff.

Can you guys think of anything else that might be helpful to have on hand? We'll still be close, so retrieving other stuff we need won't be difficult, I just don't want to have to leave Zuzu unsupervised cuz I didn't remember everything.

Thanks everyone!

Brenda said
Sending you and Zulu loving thoughts.  All will go well.  You are in good company.    

Thanks Brenda!

Thanks Sally!
I have some Carmel m&ms( which taste like candy coated rolos- it's awesome) and no alcohol but plenty of Colorado grown medicine these are vital in making sure I stay calm and pain free enough to take care of Zuzu.

Oh, the incision...I wish I knew just how bad it's going to look. She's gonna be a little frankenpup for a bit, with all the stitches around her leg and belly, but I'm gonna try not to pay attention to it other than making sure the incisions look good.

I'm making sure to include the laptop in the bag of human necessities so I can update the blog, so even if I'm not in the forums there will be that.

Ah, the notebook!! Thank you for reminding me, see I knew I was forgetting something!

I've done generic searching for incisions, and have general knowledge of how an incision should and shouldn't look, I guess it's just so much harder when it's your own baby. Also, not used to the drain situation so that'll be new and a learning experience.

There is a YouTube video of the skin flap technique, but I haven't been able to bring myself to watch it, I'm having problems removing myself emotionally and not sure I want to picture that with Zuzu.

Ashley

Zuzu is coming home day of surgery and we were told her iv drugs would last about 12 hours after surgery. Unless she's showing signs of pain she will only be on anti inflammatory and antibiotics, they will not send us home with pain meds, we did ask.

I love your typing, I can always tell it's you just by reading the text. I think it's endearing. I'm trying to catch up on sleep but I'm not counting on it.

Ashley

I tried getting them to send us home with pain meds, but they won't, said that in their experience with this surgery the iv meds combined with anti inflammatory is sufficient. We will be calling and DEMANDING pain meds the second she starts showing pain.

I'll keep the cooling mat in mind and will look into it, but I think my wife said something about the chances of necrosis increasing if we use ice. I'll have to ask when she's up in the morning.

Thanks so much for your well wishes!
Ashley

Oh ok, I follow now... I'll be keeping a box fan on the ground to try and keep her cool, hopefully that will be enough.

We just installed our a/c for the summer, but since we won't be up here for a bit it doesn't do her much good and with the setup downstairs there's no where to put it, oh well. Who needs a/c anyway😋

I'll try to jump on after we get Zuzu home and settled to give everyone an update.

*Hugs*
Ashley