Sorry I missed some of your posts.  Otis is an 8 year old lab/Dane mix, 106 lbs before surgery.  He celebrates his 6 month ampuversary on August 9.  We also did the mattress on the floor.  In week 3 (after the staples came out), Otis was back up on the sofa, so I moved the box spring down as well.  My other lab had cruciate repair last summer, and my back just couldn't take the mattress anymore.  We are now all back upstairs in the bedroom, but I am not using the frame to make it easier for both of them to get up and down.  Like your girl, he was able to hop outside right away, but stick with the short leashed potty breaks until the staples come out.  The biggest challenge (ok, after pain med management in the first two weeks) for us has been finding the right amount of stimulation (mental and physical) without letting him overdo it.  Sunbathing is great!  Almost every dog loves being outdoors smelling and watching the world.

It's just 1 week since surgery, right?  You need to wean off Tramadol, not just stop suddenly.  Most dogs take their pain meds for about 2 weeks or so, some even longer, so it seems a bit soon to stop.  Yes, the tramadol sometimes make them act not quite themselves.  Bella is not depressed - she had major surgery, she has pain, she is on medications and she just doesn't feel well ..so of course she is withdrawn.  Think about how you would feel 1 week after having your leg amputated.  You would probably still be at the hospital, and on some strong medications.  It's still early in her recovery.  I know, it's a roller coaster ride that you're on, we've all been there.  That's what makes this place so amazing!  You can try canned pumpkin for the diarrhea - the plain stuff, not the stuff with all of the spices in it, just a couple of spoonsful every day should help.  Have you tried ice packs on her incision?  Sometimes that can help a little bit with the pain, too.  Use a towel under it to protect the skin, and just keep it on for about 10 or 15 minutes at a time. 

It will get better!

Donna