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May have spoken too soon about Shelby... possible Phantom leg pain already?
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Los Angeles, CA
Member Since:
13 June 2013
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11 January 2014 - 2:45 pm
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Like I said, she was doing great and out of the blue - sat up and started shaking and looked scared. So I gave her 1/2 a tramadol (right on schedule - 6 hours after the last one). She would not settle down. Was pacing, walking in circles. I don't want to force her to sit as I don't want to hurt her. She was still shaking and being very needy which I guess is a sign of pain. 

I called the 24 hour ER vet and they said give it an hour to see if she'll calm down. She is finally sitting now. I think the drugs just kicked in. But does this sound like phantom leg pain or stitches pain? I tried to do the ice wrap on her for the bruising and we lasted about 5 minutes. So who knows. I am trying to be a strong pack leader but I know she can sense my anxiety. 

 

ideas? 

Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.

October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014

Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife

On The Road


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11 January 2014 - 3:31 pm
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Of course you're anxious, we get it. Yes that sounds like it could be the brain sending a signal to the missing limb and somewhere she was caught in the middle and surprised by how it felt. That's how phantom limb pain works in most dogs, and it can happen that soon or as late as several weeks later. If the tramadol doesn't work you may want to ask for Gabapentin, a drug specifically to alleviate phantom pain .

About the iciing: 5 minutes is about right, you don't want to go too much longer than that in any given session, and you also want to make sure you have a towel between the pack and her skin.

Hang in there!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Los Angeles, CA
Member Since:
13 June 2013
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11 January 2014 - 6:28 pm
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Well we've had a rough day so I guess our honeymoon period is over. sad She has rested a bit but then she will bolt up and look around. I know it's the drugs but it's heartbreaking to watch this. I ran to the store and got back and she was highly agitated so I took her outside and she just had to poop. She's never done that before - she barely made it. She's actually managing all that better that I  would have thought. Brought her home and she was just pacing and following me around. I cannot get her to just sit and stay down. So I gave her dinner (made crock pot chicken) and she ate ALL her dinner but then was panting up a storm. It's another 2 hours before I can give her another painkiller and that would be 3 tramadol today (she only gets 1/2 at a time). But that's more than she's ever had.

She just layed down and is settled (it appears) but as soon as I get up to make myself food or get wine (I sound like a heavy drinker but I promise you, I am not), she will follow me. Do I just need to get over the hump of this? I don't know how I will go to work Monday. I am gone for 8 hours or more if you include the commute. and it's LA so I am about 45 min from her at all times! 

I went bat crazy at the grocery store - snapped at someone. I think this mama is under more stress than she's letting anyone see. I want to be seen as strong. But I almost burst into tears there. Sigh. Roller coaster here. 

Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.

October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014

Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife





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11 January 2014 - 7:10 pm
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Alison sounds like some of that can be the pain meds.  Does she have a fentanyl patch too or just the tramadol.  Some dogs pant a lot when on tramadol.  If you think its a problem call the vet again.  That is what they get paid for.  :)

 

Hugs

Michelle & Angel 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."

Member Since:
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11 January 2014 - 7:25 pm
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Hi Alison,

I can relate to how you are feeling right now exactly....reading your post reminded me so much of the day that Tuck was experiencing the same symptoms.

I agree with Michelle.....many of the symptoms of pain look exactly the same as side effects of some of pain medications....that day I phoned both vets (the surgeon and my regular vet) and hopped into the chat room ......try to breathe and relax...if you are calm (or at least appear that way) Shelby will to able to calm better herself.....this time will pass....the ups and downs we all mentioned in recovery are unpredictable which is why they can be so troublesome :(

Take care of yourself....I know you are taking fabulous care of Shelby.

Hugs

Linda and Tucker

Los Angeles, CA
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13 June 2013
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11 January 2014 - 9:06 pm
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She does have the patch AND tramadol. She seems better now. She's not sitting by me but I've read that's normal. She's off trying to heal. For a bit, she seemed content ONLY sitting on my lap. If I so much as move or get up, she gets anxious. I think she's bored. When I take her out to pee, she wants to go for a longer walk and I am keeping her mobility really limited. So she's probably pissed at me. 

I am sure it's the drugs and hearing that others have experienced this is helpful. It's awful not to be able to calm or soothe your baby but I need to remember, she just had major surgery. How would I feel if it was reversed? Trying to be a strong pack leader and hoping for a better day tomorrow. It's going to be really hard for me to go to work on Monday if she doesn't seem calmer tomorrow. 

Oh and her vet is probably sick of hearing from me today but they said she's being 100% normal considering. 

Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.

October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014

Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife

On The Road


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11 January 2014 - 9:16 pm
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First of all, never apologize for the drinking! Hahaha just kidding, we totally get it. :)

I didn't realize she was also on Fentanyl, thanks for asking Michelle. YES, that definitely sounds normal. When the fentanyl wears off they really start feeling it, and it sounds like that's what is happening.

I'm going to bet that by tomorrow afternoon she'll be better. Hang in there you are doing GREAT.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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11 January 2014 - 10:48 pm
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Okay ya' "little lush"...lwinker....listen up!!

Clearly.....clearly...we need to go through some B R E A T H I N G exercises again, okay? Bur first you have to put that wine bottle down...crying.....no...no... not the chocolate......hold onto that!! Or better yet, eat it now!!!clap

Okay, I'm p,aying aroundclap

Seriously, you are doing a great job! Not only has Shelby been through a lot, but you've been by her side this entire time going through all the emotions this pas year of fear, panic, sadness, scared, uncertainty, all the while trying to hold it together!! So give yourself a pat on te back RIGHT NOW!! Co e on...I'm watching... reach over and pat yourself on tne back and say "Good job Shelby!".....Louder......'GOOD JOB SHELBY!" Yeah, that's good!

BR EAT H E......-B R E A T H E.......B R E A T H E...-.--.B R E A T H E........B R E A T H E............B R E A T H E........

Shelby is just now co ing off the hospital meds, te patch ks probavly starting to wk d down a bit...and yes, she's probably feeling so e pain.As hard as t ks to watch...all NORMAL. You were actually "lucky" that her first night or two have been so relatively calm. What you are describing now, is what Happy Hannah did for ni eteen hours straight without sleeping a wink!! And I hadn't logged on as member here u til day six after the amp. Thought I was going crazy with fear and regret a d fear...oh yeah, I already menti ed that o e.

You stay glued tous, we'll carrynyou through, okay?

But one thing yo MUST do for Shelby...and yo will because you love her so and you are STRONG!! You MUST maintain an ENERGY of calm and confidence and "act" as normal as possible. If she follows you, just relax, do what you need to do, give her a little pat on tne head...or a cookie... Don't think about it...don't give any meaning to it...she just followed you...othing more...nothing less. Practice saying those things n yor head when that ole' brain starts trying to make you whacky! Trust me...I've been there...and still revisit on occasion!

Shelby is still an "over achieve r"! Eating, drinking, pooping, peeng, walking.....many dogs are still aving trouble with a lot of those things this early inthe game!! Yes, she's dealing with pain and maybe some reaction to the meds.....but pantng, pacing, restlessness, shaking...all signs f pain. And, just to make this journey even crazier...they can be side effects of the meds also! C R A Z Y!

Okay sweet Alison, hope we've all been some help to y,ou tonight...and to Shelby too! The next few days may even get more....hmmm...shall we say.....nteresting? The patch is wearing off, the hospital pain meds are wearing off.it ma be that you have to up the Tramadol...or not!!

Heck, go one and bring the wne bottle back out! You deserve another swig!!clap

Love and hugs!

Sall and Hapy 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!

Los Angeles, CA
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13 June 2013
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12 January 2014 - 8:24 am
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Thank you everyone for reassuring me that I am doing all the right things AND that shelby is being totally normal too. We had a rough night - for sure. She had 3 doses of tramadol yesterday and I thought we would sleep through the night. Nope. About 3 a.m. - I heard her moving around. I ignored her since it just sounded like walking/pacing/trying to get comfortable and I already knew there was nothing I could do for her (tough love?). She's got the soft collar cone so I can hear it rubbing on stuff. And she lands really heavy when she sits. I guess she finally settled down and I woke up about 6ish and heard her snoring .. best. sound. ever.!!! 

I got up and noticed that there were little poop drops all over my bedroom (about 3- 4). I feel horrible because she was probably trying NOT to poop but she had to go. I think her meds are having the opposite reaction - not diarrhea but has to poop more than normal. So that was probably all the walking last night. I know she felt bad so I didn't even acknowledge it - just let her out of the room and picked it up. Side note about Shelby - she has never messed in the house - never. Once when she was younger, she had a virus and  I kept coming home to poop in my bathtub! Easier to clean up but gross nonetheless - so I know that was upsetting for HER last night to have done that in our bedroom.

This a.m. she seems good but she also started yesterday good so I am cautiously optimistic! We went for our walk (she wanted to go further so I picked her up and carried her a bit and psyched her out).  She pooped - twice! Peed a ton. Like I said, normal. Breakfast, which she never used to get (aside from a cookie) was good (she needs it  for her metacam). Again, psyched her out. she turned her nose up at it and I pretended like I added a ton of chicken by pulling the chicken out of the fridge and putting the juices on. I need to figure out what is the proper serving size for a dog of 24 lbs so she doesn't get fat. She will eat and eat and eat if you let her. 

Going to give her a tramadol dose and go workout (first time in a week). I need it. It is MY stress relief and I think if things get back to normal for me and I feel less like mush, I'll be a better mommy. Also had to wipe her booty this a.m. because it was messy from last night and they told me to keep the area around her stitches super clean. I do not and never planned to have kids so wiping butts was never part of my life-plan. I am amazed that when it's your own 'baby' it isn't that bad and I am getting used to her 3 leggedness. 

thank you again. Between you and my local / FB friends, I am getting through this. Thank you so much!!!smiley

Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.

October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014

Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife

Member Since:
2 January 2014
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12 January 2014 - 11:09 am
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Eating, peeing, pooing - brilliant!  Sounds like she's doing great, and you're doing a brilliant job of looking after her.

Los Angeles, CA
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13 June 2013
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12 January 2014 - 2:26 pm
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OMG - my dog does like to poo and eat! I just asked a question on another forum about how much chicken or beef to give her to supplement. It's the only way I can get her to eat. She must also have a really high threshold for pain. Seriously - we took the pain patch off today at her vet recommendation since she's antsy with that and the tramadol (and metacam). She's already better. She's due another tramadol but I think I'll hold off until she acts more like she needs it. She's snuggled between the couch and her bed on the floor. 

 

She's been super food aggressive today (which is normal for her so I'm happy about that) and constantly under foot. She does seem to have to pee more or maybe she's milking it. But so far, today, we're good. Fingers crossed it stays that way! 

Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.

October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014

Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife





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16 October 2012
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12 January 2014 - 6:54 pm
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I would stay on top of the pain.  She just had a major surgery.  You don't want her to start hurting then give her the pill as it will take time to get back into her system.  Just my opinion though

 

 

Hugs

Michelle & Angel 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."

Member Since:
19 September 2013
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12 January 2014 - 7:37 pm
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I second what Michelle says - the key to pain management is to stay ahead of the pain.  For now, I would just keep her on a fairly regular schedule because she will hide the pain a little bit, so once you notice her looking/acting painful, you are behind the eight-ball trying to manage it.  For the next few weeks, I would just give it to her even if she seems like she doesn't need it.  It was after about 10 days or so that I started trying to stretch out the intervals between pain meds for Boomer.

Los Angeles, CA
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13 June 2013
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13 January 2014 - 7:39 am
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WORST. NIGHT. YET! We ended up at the vet last night about 10 p.m. since she would NOT settle after her 3rd dose of tramadol (trying to stay on top of the pain). Panting, pacing, shaking. You know the drill. I begged them to keep her so I could get some sleep - I haven't slept really since Friday because as you all know, if baby doesn't sleep, you don't sleep. I was in tears. I am at my breaking point and I know Shelby can feel my anxiety. 

They told me to reduce to her tramadol since it's clearly upsetting to her (making her psychotic) and they gave us trazadone to help take the edge off. I was TOLD she would sleep w/that. She was drowsy on the way home so I was hopeful. It was 11:30 before I got to bed so I threw the dreams about going for a run this a.m. out the window.

Well come 3:30, I heard her moving around. Her butt/bare spot felt really cold so I turned up the heater and tried to get her to sit there. Nope. Pacing, walking (at least no panting). I finally - at 4:45 closed to bedroom door and put pillows over my ears - I feel awful but I have about 4 hours of sleep before that and I need more. I am exhausted. I slept till 6 a.m. and she's still highly 'off'. Actually, now that  she's had her walk and done her business and had some breakfast, she sleep drowsy again. But that a was  lot of flipping drama for nothing. 

I have to go to work today. I think I am too tired to be worried about her all day (she'll get another doggy valium before I leave). They said she is absolutely NOT in any pain but rather psychotic from the drugs. She never used to react this way to them. They also said that any pain she would feel now would be nothing compared to when she had the plate put in her leg so it makes no sense. 

I am at my wits end. I am a single parent. I am too old for this (ok, maybe not but I feel it). I am not able to get my workouts in which is my stress relief. I can only assume this is akin to bringing a newborn home. It will be a very long day and I see lots of coffee in my future. Any tips/advice/help to get her to rest would be great. She doesn't want me on the floor (I tried that). No one at the vet said it would be this hard - I had no clue. The books said so but I really thought she would be fine... so, so, so wrong. crying

Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.

October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014

Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife

On The Road


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13 January 2014 - 10:40 am
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Ohhh I'm so sorry! You do sound exhausted and who can blame you? Yep sometimes it can be this rough but I promise you it's only temporary. You'll get your runs back in, really.

Tripawds Spokesdog Wyatt Ray has this same reaction to Tramadol and other opiates. We gave him Xanax instead after his gastropexy surgery but it didn't do much for him. We cut out the pain meds totally and guess what? He was fine! Slept and finally relaxed.

Don't feel badly about needing your sleep. You DO need it. And the best thing you can do is to normalize your life with her as much as possible. Don't sleep on the floor with her if she doesn't want it, don't baby her too much or she will rely on you so much that it will be detrimental. This video talks about what I mean:

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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