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2 DAYS INTO REAR LEG AMPUTATION
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Member Since:
27 March 2013
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16
28 March 2013 - 10:45 am
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I feel a lot better today I can say to myself Ash will over come this one day at a time!! Thank you all for all the support and comments I have received. I never thought there was a site and a support team such as this one KUDDOS and God Bless...

clapclapclapclapclap

Virginia



Member Since:
22 February 2013
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28 March 2013 - 11:01 am
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Yay Ashley and Yay Mom!! I think I was on this site several times a day for at least two weeks feeling pertrified--feeling strong--cryin like a baby--laughing with joy---venting like crazy---panic attacks---calm and peaceful---scared out of my mind!!!!You have definitely come to the right place. My motto has been "Lord, please give me patience---and could OK hurry up, I need t now!!

Yes, as everyone has said, this is just the very beginning of the recovery and everything you are experiencing is to be expected----doesn't make it any easier, bit it is "normal"
The meds are absolutely necessary or pain and the side effects of the drugs are almost identical to what pain looks like-----whimpering, crying, restlessness, etc. You had a double whammy because you took her home the same day (?) and that's really hard on a paw parent. For some dogs, recovery takes longer than others-----some faster---you will continue to see some spark so e back and then you might see it disappear for awhile ----tail wags come and then they go-----:-) but EVENTUALLY the joy and happy attitude all. Some back to stay and YOU WILL BE SOOOOO GLAD OU DID THIS FOR ASHLEY! You will--promise!

You are a strong paw parent and are doing everything right! Do not hesitate to come here anytime e with any.concerns and , especially when you see the thump of that tail wag co e back!

Surrou ding you with support and strength , calm and peace, Sally Happy Hannah

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Virginia



Member Since:
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28 March 2013 - 11:03 am
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And the patience quote is----and could you hurry up, I need it now!! This tablet really does type stuff on it's own--really

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

New Haven, CT
Member Since:
27 December 2012
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28 March 2013 - 6:27 pm
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The the months we've been here, I see so many painful side effects from Fentanyl.  Let this inform you for the future: if you ever think some med isn't working well or right for your pup, speak up and let your vet know!  There are ALWAYS alternatives!  Now, I understand it's tough when it comes to pain b/c we all assume they are working.  All I can say is, do what feels right.  If you want to take her off the patch early (b/c you think it could be problematic), know that there are many pups here that were never on the patch and did fine.  It's not cruel to not have the patch.  It's vet-specific.  Pain med management seems to be a major hurdle for us here.  I bet the dogs do better than us!  They just wanna rest and sleep it off and hopefully wake up without a hangover!  As for us, we flip out and worry.  Like others have said, you 2 are very new to this.  Give it more time.  Let the basics guide you: sleep, eat, drink, pee, and poo.  She does those everyday = score!  Little by little, her spark will return and side effects will dissipate and then when stitches come out and total med drawdown happens....MAGIC!

Hang in there.  Call your vet if you've got concerns.  Keep Ashley comfy.  She may make noises, but if she seems comfy...let her be.  She'll come around.  She'll return to your precious pup you've always loved and adored.  She'll get there.  Promise!

~ Katy

ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12.  Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ!  No side effects.  We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments.  He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors!  Our love. Our funny little guy!

concord,ca
Member Since:
18 October 2012
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28 March 2013 - 8:35 pm
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I am so glad you are feeling better today and so is Ashley.  This whole process is full of ups and downs, but we are all here for you.  During the recovery process each day is like taking baby steps.  Then one day, before you know it, there are no longer baby steps but a sprint.  You will see progress each and every day.  For us, a little after 2 weeks, when the stitches came out, things were back to normal.  I finally was able to breathe again. 

You and Ashley will get through this.  Keep posting and let us know how she is doing with each passing day. 

“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace.” ― Milan Kundera

Member Since:
27 March 2013
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29 March 2013 - 8:50 am
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benny55 said
Yay Ashley and Yay Mom!! I think I was on this site several times a day for at least two weeks feeling pertrified--feeling strong--cryin like a baby--laughing with joy---venting like crazy---panic attacks---calm and peaceful---scared out of my mind!!!!You have definitely come to the right place. My motto has been "Lord, please give me patience---and could OK hurry up, I need t now!!

Yes, as everyone has said, this is just the very beginning of the recovery and everything you are experiencing is to be expected----doesn't make it any easier, bit it is "normal"
The meds are absolutely necessary or pain and the side effects of the drugs are almost identical to what pain looks like-----whimpering, crying, restlessness, etc. You had a double whammy because you took her home the same day (?) and that's really hard on a paw parent. For some dogs, recovery takes longer than others-----some faster---you will continue to see some spark so e back and then you might see it disappear for awhile ----tail wags come and then they go-----:-) but EVENTUALLY the joy and happy attitude all. Some back to stay and YOU WILL BE SOOOOO GLAD OU DID THIS FOR ASHLEY! You will--promise!

You are a strong paw parent and are doing everything right! Do not hesitate to come here anytime e with any.concerns and , especially when you see the thump of that tail wag co e back!

Surrou ding you with support and strength , calm and peace, Sally Happy Hannah

Thank you so much for your kind words and your experience which trust me over the past few days have been like a roller coater. This site has given me the support mentally and emotional to overcome this thank you God bless....superstar

 

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27 March 2013
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29 March 2013 - 8:53 am
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michele said
 

I am so glad you are feeling better today and so is Ashley.  This whole process is full of ups and downs, but we are all here for you.  During the recovery process each day is like taking baby steps.  Then one day, before you know it, there are no longer baby steps but a sprint.  You will see progress each and every day.  For us, a little after 2 weeks, when the stitches came out, things were back to normal.  I finally was able to breathe again. 

You and Ashley will get through this.  Keep posting and let us know how she is doing with each passing day. 

Thank you Michele for your great words everyone has been the best support I ever thought. When they remove the stiches will Ashley be sore? By the way I love your quote.....


Member Since:
16 October 2012
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29 March 2013 - 9:32 am
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When they removed Sassy's stitches she was not sore.  We had a small spot that because of the way she pushes off of her stump that they had a little scabs on & they had to soak those to get the stitches out & was a little raw but she acted like nothing was going on.

 

Michelle & Sassy

sassymichelle-sm.jpg

Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013

05/04/2006 -  Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19  fought cancer for 4 months.

"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."

New Haven, CT
Member Since:
27 December 2012
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29 March 2013 - 9:35 am
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Jackson wasn't sore when his staples were removed.  In fact, he loved it then (and still does, big time!) to have his stump rubbed.

~ Katy

ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12.  Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ!  No side effects.  We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments.  He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors!  Our love. Our funny little guy!

Member Since:
27 March 2013
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25
29 March 2013 - 12:21 pm
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Michelle said
When they removed Sassy's stitches she was not sore.  We had a small spot that because of the way she pushes off of her stump that they had a little scabs on & they had to soak those to get the stitches out & was a little raw but she acted like nothing was going on.

 

Michelle & Sassy

Oh okay not looking forward to them being removed because I would hate to see her in pain again sad

Member Since:
27 March 2013
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29 March 2013 - 12:23 pm
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rosse1976 said

Michelle said
When they removed Sassy's stitches she was not sore.  We had a small spot that because of the way she pushes off of her stump that they had a little scabs on & they had to soak those to get the stitches out & was a little raw but she acted like nothing was going on.

 

Michelle & Sassy

Oh okay not looking forward to them being removed because I would hate to see her in pain again sad

fetchon3 said
Jackson wasn't sore when his staples were removed.  In fact, he loved it then (and still does, big time!) to have his stump rubbed.

~ Katy

Really Jackson allows you to rub the area wow? I really tought it would bother Ash or hurt her but I'm glad I will be able to make her feel like she will be okay? big-grin

New Haven, CT
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27 December 2012
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29 March 2013 - 4:52 pm
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He wasn't keen on us rubbing his stump for at least the first week.  But certainly by the time his staples were out, he loved it!  The harder the better, it seems!  Since you're new to this, one thing that helped Jackson - when he'd bump his stump, nerves would fire.  Loads of them.  It was a weird feeling for him - maybe like pain?  He was clearly disturbed by it.  To help him out, we'd immediately cup his stump and give it a little pressure.  That gave his nerves something to focus on, rather than just firing on all cylinders.  Make sense?  Maybe not every dog will want or like that, but when they seem to experience phantom limb issues or stump-bumps, this REALLY helped!  You could also try a warm or cool compress.  Just give those nerves SOMETHING to focus on!

~ Katy

ACL tear in right hind leg 12/5/12 and scheduled ACL repair surgery 12/21/12. Pre-op xrays revealed osteosarcoma. Amputation 12/28/12.  Chemo (carboplatin) started Jan 10, 2013 and ended on April 5, for a total of 5 doses. He handled carbo like a champ!  No side effects.  We started metronomic therapy at his third chemo and have been also doing some holistic treatments.  He's a lively, playful 10 year old huskie-boarder collie and a very proud member of the Winter Warriors!  Our love. Our funny little guy!

concord,ca
Member Since:
18 October 2012
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28
29 March 2013 - 6:49 pm
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I made sure to rub Cadence's stump all the time.  I was really gentle at the beginning, I would slightly touch it.  We had a few incidents where she bumped her stump and she cried out in pain.  I wanted to get her used to being touched there so maybe if she bumped it, it wouldn't be so painful.  Once the stitches came out she was ok.  I think it was still tender, but it never really bothered her.  The day the stitches came out, she was using her doggie door again.  I would sing her a silly little song:  Your hump, your hump, I'm gonna touch your stump...... She looked at me like I was crazy, which she really wasn't that far off.  But it distracted her, and I was able to touch it.  The crazy things we do for our dogs. 

You and Ashley are going to do great.  Enjoy your weekend with her and make sure to give her lots of love. You both will be in my thoughts.

“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace.” ― Milan Kundera

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