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Leslie, I know how anxious you are to pick Graham up today. It will be very hard on both of you, but you have shown the strength to get through this before and you will do it again. Of course our thoughts and prayers will be with you and Graham at this time. We are all praying for a full recovery. Please give Graham a hug and kiss from us, we love you both. Daisy, Perry and Jackie
Leslie don't apologize for your posts. You are going through something so traumatic right now that I am sure you feel you must let it out or you will burst. I know you have cried a lot ever since all this began. We send you lots and lots of hugs today as you bring your good friend home. I hope the period of adjustment will not be too hard on either of you and that Graham will not have to suffer pain for too long. I would be very nervous thinking about caring for such a delicate little patient but I know once he is home you will settle into some sort of routine. Somehow I had pictured you camping out on the floor by him. Please post with any thoughts or concerns. We want to hear from you! Loving thoughts to you both today!
You?? Posting TOO MUCH??? Silly you! Leslie, I am sure the vet in describing the pain scenario, he is just preparing you for Graham's possible maximum response, so you won't be frightened, just in case. Hopefully, there at home, with you by his side, and the pain medic., he will rest easy....I hope so, poor, brave guy. I'm was surprised that he is coming home so soon! But thrilled for you and him. I only pray that he does not get so excited that he tries to move too much. Does he have just a dressing on? What will be his limitations re: ambulation and movement? It does sound strange about the tylenol. My vet told me that after my girl had surgery, and had to stay 2-3 days, the reason was to be able to medicate her for, and manage her pain. He said that dogs, unlike cats, do not respond well to oral vs. injectable pain meds. That is, they are not as effective in dogs. In any event, and PLEASE forgive me if I appear intrusive or second guessing the vet, I really don't mean to do that. But, I just wanted to let you, know in case you didn't, that morphine is a big time respir. depressant, and it is important, since he's been on the drip for 12 hours or so, that you just keep an extra eye on his breathing for several hours after he gets home. But, I am sure they wouldn't release him if he's too groggy, and he will be just fine. :) Nice and deep, now Graham!! Hope the trip home is a safe and happy one. I thank God that precious Graham has made it through his Sir Jury with flying colors and is one the road to recovery. We love you so much Graham. Let us know how it goes Leslie and please remember that we're here anytime you need to talk, ask questions, whatever!
[ November 17, 2001: Message edited by: tatsxxx11 ]
Leslie dear:
I hope the car trip after surgery was not too traumatic for you and Graham and his first night at home was relatively peaceful.
I have taken Tylenol 2, with codeine, for my back pain and it made me quite drowsy. So, don't be surprised if Graham wants to sleep all day, since T 4 must have much more codeine than the one I took. I assume the specialist knows that what he prescribed will work, in spite of all the advice against giving Tylenol to dogs.
We are sending you all our positive thoughts and warmest wishes for a painless and quick recovery for dear Graham. Chin up! We are all thinking of you.
It's just as doc. warned me it would be. My stoeic Graham has been crying quietly since he left the vet. He is in extreme pain, but they feel that already his progress is above average. Doc said that usually the dog does not touch his toes (or the cast) to the ground until about 7-10 days, and Graham has touched his toe to the ground a few times...doc was confindent that Graham was ready to come home today. I feel that, although he may really benefit from the morphine drip that he was getting, being home in the company of loved ones is so much more healing.
I have pictures but they might be too graphic to post. They are in my webshots album at my signature if you want to see him. Graham was shaved in two spots, in case they needed to do a bone graph on both his front and hind end...turns out, his shoulder had enough good bone to do the graph so they did not cut his back end. I think he looks pretty good, considering. It's scary to see him shaved so much though.
Graham says when he feels better, he'll log on to tell you all about it.
Bless you all to pieces.
Leslie,
I am sorry because I seemed to miss the posts about Graham being in the hospital. But I am glad that he is home now. I am certain that he is better off at home where he can get all the TLC he needs and deserves.
He will heal quickly, I am sure. Graham is a trooper. You are a tough boy, sweet Graham.
I just saw Graham's pictures. They shaved quite alot off. Hope it doesn't get too cold for him. You are still the handsome fella you have always been Graham. Your fur will grown back soon.
You are such a good mom for taking time off work to help your little baby.
Many hugs and kisses to Graham. Welcome home, smilie Graham Boy!
[ November 17, 2001: Message edited by: Souraya ]
Oh Leslie, those pictures of your sweetie Graham made my stomach turn over. :( I know you must be beside yourself with concern for him, and I'm praying for his recovery. Your being home with him for two weeks will make all the difference in the world to him, I'm sure. You two will get through this! :)
What a tough time at your house, Dear Grahamy! When I had to go for Sir Jury, the nurse told me that very first day "It will never again be as bad as today". And she was right. This might not seem like much for you and your loving family, but I hope its true in your case!
My cats want to donate some fur for your patches, but they expect me to gather it - so you'd better not wait - get under the blanket quick! Much love and prayers for your recovery - and for your mom's peace of mind while you heal!
I had to steel myself to look at the pictures of Graham Cracker. He's been through so much. I wish I could take some of the pain for him. I'm so sorry to hear that this is such an ordeal for both him and you. As for the shaved areas, I call them kissing spots Any shaved skin is especially suited for lots of kisses. I know you will give the sweet boy the bestest love and care that anyone can imagine. This is going to get better, you just have to take it one day at a time and each day should be a little bit better. God bless you both. Prayers are continuing. Hannah says she thinks Graham is still the most beautiful hunk of a dog ever and she is saving lots of kisses for him.
[ November 17, 2001: Message edited by: RachelJ ]
Leslie, I'm so glad that Graham is home with the people he loves so much, that in itself will do a lot for him. I'm sorry to hear him cry in pain, it makes me feel so bad for him.I'm sure it will take time but Graham was in such good condition that I think he will do well. Please give him a big hug and many, many kisses from Daisy, Perry and me
Jackie
Bless you sweet Graham. Your Sir Jury album was a heartbreaker, I have to admit. But, in those beautiful eyes I see the look of steely determination. A look that says "I'll be back on all 4s before you know it!" I hope you rest well tonite sweet boy. Let your mommy give you all the good loving and care you need. And have her kiss all those boo-boos a zillion times for us. You are our SuperHero SuperGraham, and we love you for than we can say! Nite, nite dear Graham. Love, Sandra, Cody and Star
Poor, sweet Graham!!! You look so sad with all your hair cut off. I hope you feel better and better everyday. I'm so sorry this had to happen to you. Get well quick! We're praying for you!
Hi there Graham....Bella here! I just asked my mom for a minute on the pawboard to tell ya how sorry I am about your boo-boo. Your new "haircut" sort of reminds me of some of the fancy shaving that some people do to poodle's fur and it's sorta silly. I know the white coats had to do that for sanitary reasons, though, so that makes it OK. Hope you don't feel too cold though. Better not let your mom know if you are, though, cuz she just might put that butterfly costume on you and, from the look on your face in that picture, I think you'd rather be cold. ;) Graham, I know that we have never met and you have met Hannah, my idol, AKA the Princess of Pillows. I am not trying to chime in on her territory, but I do think you are a very handsome doggie even if you are all bandaged up and feeling poorly right now. My mom and I are hoping that you feel better real soon and your mom can relax a little and not worry so much now that you're home. Anyways, I'm sending you some sloppy kisses and get well wishes but (don't tell Hannah ;) )
[ November 17, 2001: Message edited by: Pam ]
AdoreMyDogs,
So very happy that Graham is HOME again!!!
Leslie..I wouldn't worry about the tylenol4
R/X; b/c thats just what my Buddy took after
his surgury 7/31/01.I was in such a daze
myself when I actually got to take my baby
boy home, I didn't even think to question
the medicine they sent home with him.Found
out later they only sent home 4 pills,&
my local vet said the R/X was not to be
refilled.It's to taken for the more severe
pain they experience the first 48 hrs or so
after the surgery.Buddy was pretty much out
of it the whole time he took the (mostly
codene)medication. He did 'moan' a bit while he slept but that was the drug's effect on not 'him feeling pain'. Anyway...
What I'm trying to say is that it is widely prescribed and not to worry..
Prayers & Good Wishes to you and Graham!!
Lizbud,
I know Bud had a different surgery, but I am just wondering how long Bud showed extreme pain? They told me that the first 48 hours were going to be the very worst. Did Bud show huge improvement after 48 hours? Graham cries non-stop while he is awake...when he is asleep is the only time he stops crying. His cries vary from a constant groan with each exhale, to a low, constant whine, to a very high pitch wine. He has not stopped crying, except for when he's sleeping. The vet says that unfortunately there's little left to do but support him emotionally and make sure I keep him on that tylenol 4. He just cries and cries. He just does not stop. I have even held the phone up to Graham's mouth as he's crying for the vet to listen to and they said it's normal, but it's so much worse than I expected. I almost wish they kept him in the hospital on that morphine drip :( Anyway, I was just wondering how Bud made out with his surgery. Let me know if it got any better, OK? I need to know that there will be an end to this...every wimper that comes out of his mouth, just tears my heart to shreads...I have been crying so much that my head is pounding and my eyes are bloodshot and sore.
http://www.plauder-smilies.de/sniff.gif
[ November 17, 2001: Message edited by: AdoreMyDogs ]
Hang in there, Leslie. He will be ok. I think you will find that every day, every hour will get better. I know you are so worried, and I can certainly understand why! :( Just wish I was closer so I could give you and Graham a big hug. (((hug)))
Come on, Graham, just relax buddy, and give your leg some time to heal.
I'm praying for you both, and will continue to do that.
Nite, sweet friends. Hope tomorrow will be better for both of you.
Love you both.
Logan
Oh Graham you poor angel! Leslie it must be so hard to listen to him constantly crying. I know how horrible I feel when Daisy whimpers over the slightest thing... i don't even know how I could handle her crying nonstop. I hope that stops soon, and I am praying so hard that his pain goes away, or at least lessens! Get well soon, sweet Graham!
This is so heart wrenching I can hardly stand it. Just keep telling yourself...it will get better, it will get better. Leslie, maybe your husband can assume some of the caretaking today, so you can have a break from the emotional truama of seeing Graham in pain. The only other thing I can suggest is to talk to your regular vet and see if he has any input into the situation.
Leslie, you are feeling the pain of Graham's pain and it is just as intense for you as it is for him. We are all praying that this phase will be over soon.
Is he eating anything? Keeping it down? How do you manage with getting him up and out to go to the bathroom? :(
Oh Leslie, it breaks my heart to hear that Graham is crying all the time, I know for one thing you need some rest, can someone else sit with him for a while so you can take a little rest? You have been so strong, before long it should get a little better for him, just hang in there and before long this will be behind you and Graham. Keep the Faith.
Jackie
AdoreMyDogs,
Sorry I didn't stay up late enough to see
your post.. But, yes the first 2-3 days are
the worst.The moans,wimpering, etc will end.
Believe me, I was calling the vet hospital
1-800 number to ask questions and try to
reassure myself that that 'stage' would not
last forever.Bud's vet hospital has a 24/7
staff available & welcome call backs.
I know how heart breaking it is to hear
those sounds coming from Graham ,and not being able to 'help' in some way.
Talk to your Vet Specialist or one of his/her Staff vet-staff people.Don't feel
bad about calling.
There was not a huge difference in Buddy's
behaviour after 48 hrs.,but once he stopped
taking the tylenol4,he stopped the moaning..
Graham's been thru a great deal, and he
has you to help him thru to a complete recovery.Try to stay calm & upbeat when you
talk to Graham. Just being around where he can see you & talking calmly to him,will let
him know 'things WILL get better'
I think with Buddy, when he stopped the codene R/X and the drugs finally left his system, his knee was still very sore & he had
to be helped out & in for potty breaks, but
those pitiful sounds did stop...
Prayers & Hugs from Buddy & Liz.
Oh Leslie! I'm crying just reading your postings. No way I can go to your Webshots album to see pictures. Poor, poor Graham that has to go trough such painful experience, and I can't tell you how much I undestand your own suffering. I wish I could do something to help. Since that's not possible, all I can do is to send many positive thoughts and many good wishes for a speedy recovery. Take some time to rest because Graham will need you in the next couple of days.
If there is any consolation, not for the pain of course, think that the coat will grow faster in cool weather, and, when he's ready to walk again, he'll be the same handsome Graham that we all learn to love when we first met him here. Give him many hugs from us.
Yes, Leslie. Try and take a little time out for yourself. I agree that it's important that Graham sees you looking chipper and positive. Hard job,I know. :( I can only cling to Liz' words, that the first 48 hours are the worst. Try and hang in there. And call the vet as often as you need to, to reassure you that what Graham is going through is expected. Poor little lamb. It's really heartbreaking to imagine his crys. But with all of our postive thoughts, well wishes and love coming his way, I know that each day will find him feeling better and better. Give lots of hugs and kisses, day and night, to our precious boy.
Ohhh, I feel so bad for Graham and you!!! It is so hard to see our furbabies suffer. I hope the pain goes away quickly.
Leslie I'm thinking about you and Graham tonight and hoping that the pain is lessening somewhat.
How you feeling tonight, sweet Graham? Leslie I hope you are well...
AdoreMyDogs,
I don't think I said all that I meant to
tell you earlier.Meant to say that Bud's
Vet Hospital people & my local Vet both told
me that the 'pitiful sounds' were not really
sounds of pain, but sounds of distress &
confusion at the feelings induced by the
heavy pain medicine..They swore to me that
Buddy could not possibly feel pain with the
type & amount of the R/X he was taking...
Know this doesn't make hearing it any easier
but, Graham has finally started the healing
process and day by day will get better &
better...Take everyones advice about trying
to get enought rest yourself !!!
Love,Prayers & Hugs from Buddy & Liz...
Oh, Leslie. I would loved to have heard from you today. I hope your absence means that you were resting......that's wishful thinking, I'm sure.
Check in and let us know about Graham when you can. We all love you both so much.
Logan
Leslie, I have been thinking about you today and I know how stressful it has been for you and Graham. If only we could reach out and help you, it is frustrating for those of us who would like to do something to help Graham and you, but can only send our prayers and positive thoughts, but we are sending many, many. Please give Graham some hugs and kisses and he is still Superdog to us, he is so brave. Please you take care and get some rest.
Jackie
Hi everyone :)
You are all too sweet. Graham has been showing a little improvement I think. I didn't post because I hate to give you so much bad news. He still cries while he's awake, but today we had a little breakthrough. I am only supposed to give him a maximum of 3 doses of pain killer in a day, and by 8:00 AM Graham was in such terrible pain, crying so much and so loudly that I had given him his second dose by then...which meant I had to wait until later today to give him his 3rd dose...he did really well all day until about 6 PM then he got very, very vocal again. But he did go a good 10 hours without pain killer without much crying. He is still quite vocal, crying very often, but it may be just a tad bit less often...or else I am just getting used to him crying in the background.
Now I have another concern...he normally makes 3-4 poops a day and he's not pooped in 2 days. I keep thinking for sure he must have to poop but he just pees....so tomorrow if he has not yet gone by 12 noon Graham will be going back to the vet for an enema and a laxative. He's been eating really well. He's already getting a very high fiber diet with lots of purreed (sp?) veggies and lots of grains and raw meat and stuff that he readily eats up, and it should have helped him poo.
I hope he poops soon...I can't imagine it's healthy to go two days with eating full meals full of roughage and not pooing. He's not even trying...I think by the time it comes out it's going to be petrified :) Either that or he'll make a massive 10 pound stinky...a dinasaur poop :)
Last night since I was awake 3/4 of the night with Graham (I slept next to him on the floor all night...he didn't sleep much, so neither did I) today I had a nice, long nap while hubby babysat.
I can say that my back was sure sore today...from my night on a hard floor to carrying Graham up and down the stairs, as well as carrying him around to the back of the building where he normally likes to go to the bathroom. I had to buy a magnet back brace, and I have been wearing it most of the day. I am so worried how I will manage with carrying him up and down stairs for 12 weeks :eek: I sure hope either my back gets stronger, hubby does not mind getting woken up to help carry Graham, or Graham loses weight :eek:
I'll let you all know how he's doing when he is showing noticable improvement. I hate to keep posting bad stuff because I know how much you all care for him, just as I care for all of your dogs, like they are my family, too. Thanks for all the concerns. I know that Graham appreciates it, although he's not well enough to tell you all for himself how much he appreciates it. I wish you all a good night. Thank you again for being such good, kind friends.
Oh, and Lizbud....the surgeon said the same thing about the dog maybe crying due to confusion and fear, more then physical pain. That is comforting, whether it's true or not, it's still comforting. Thank you :) I appreciate it. The mental image of Graham crying out of confusion rather then out of extreme pain is so much easier to focus on.
It breaks my heart to hear about his suffering. Leslie, I believe the medication causes constipation. Maybe you can discuss other options with his Vet, if you have to take Graham for an enema. Glad to hear he is eating well.
Hi, Graham! ~ Cinder & Smokey want to know if you're feeling any better today? And poopie problems on top of everything else you've been through - that's something you really didn't need!
How's he doing today, Leslie? And don't feel bad about too many posts - We're all anxious to hear about even the smallest changes. We're all worried about our little "Smiler" pal and hope he starts to show you that he's beginning to feel better. Did you have to return to the Vet to get the *poop problem* fixed, or has that resolved itself?
Please, keep us posted as often as you are able to. And Big {{HUGGS}} and *KISSES* to Graham!
I sure wish I could be there to help! And I know I'm not the only PetTalker that feels that way. Graham, get that "output" going if you can! And think of angels while your mom carries you - it will make you weigh less! ;) Leslie, don't burn out or wear out! In a couple more days, Graham will be feeling more comfortable, and you need to be comfy too!
Best wishes for a better, and quieter night!
Hi sweet Graham and Leslie. I was so glad to hear that your discomfort was maybe a little better today Graham. One day at a time; one step at a time. And Pam, your words were so profound. As we all know, Graham truly is an angel in fur. And I am sure he will have little trouble sprouting his wings to lighten his mama's load. Leslie, please don't worry about posting too much, or telling us things you think we might find upseting. That's why we're here, and why we're friends. And as for the poopies.... Well, codiene is notorious for being extremely irritating to the digestive system, intestinal or gastric...nausea, vomiting and especially CONSTIPATION! On top of that, general anesthesia, (which includes a lot of smooth muscle paralyzation drugs)especially in the amount that Graham had over the several hours of surgery, causes motilitly of the bowel to slow way down, or sometimes stop for a while. Ya know, they NEVER let the human patients go home until they've made a poopie too! :D Lots of fluids and the diet you describe are very beneficial. Getting up and moving about are the best ways to get things moving again. I know this is not really possible for Graham right now. Hopefully in the next day or so things will start making there way down the chute and he can avoid the enema... :( Glad to hear you got a bit of rest Leslie. Put some of the weight on OUR shoulders; emotional at least. Tell Graham we love him so much and pray that each day will find him feeling better and better.
[ November 19, 2001: Message edited by: tatsxxx11 ]
[ November 19, 2001: Message edited by: tatsxxx11 ]
[ November 19, 2001: Message edited by: tatsxxx11 ]
Hope you sleep well and peacefully tonight precious Graham.
Well! You heard it from Dr. Tatsxxx, Graham--your inner workings should be moving along in no time! ;) Hope you're holding up alright, Leslie, and that your boy is on the mend...
{Hugs}
Leslie, we always want to hear updates on our Graham. We get worried when we don't hear anything. We are all right with you in worrying about Graham even if we're miles and miles away. Get well quick, Graham!! We're praying for you!!
Leslie, be careful lifting Graham and don't hurt yourself!
Hope both Leslie & Graham have a good sleep tonight. :p
Leslie, a special Thanksgiving wish for you, Dan and Graham.......hope you have a peaceful, comfortable day tomorrow. I sure have been thinking about all of you. I know it is tough now, but I am "thankful" that Graham has a wonderful future ahead of him. It could have been so much worse (I know, that is easy for me to say), and I am just grateful that you have many more years of happiness ahead, living with Graham and doing all sorts of fun things with him.
Have a great holiday. We'll be thinking of you.
Logan
I see Logan just got ahead of me, I was thinking about you Leslie and Graham and just wanted to wish you a VERY PEACEFUL AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING. I hope Graham is doing better and not crying, that just broke my heart to hear that. Hope you all are getting some much needed rest. Will talk to you later. Hugs from Daisy, Perry and me.
Jackie
Special prayers of thanks said today that Graham made it through his surgery and is now on the road to recovery. I know is hasn't been easy (how's that for an understatement?) but this stage will pass, and then Graham will be pain free and mobile and then there will be cheers going up all around. I hope when you next report there will be more good news for our sweet dear Graham.