Recovery Day 3 - HORRIBLE!

[Kendra K. Rhoton]

This has been the most horrible day since the surgery!  I have been pretty much hysterically crying non stop since 10 o'clock last night.  It is even harder because I'm dealing with Remington mostly by myself because of Dan's schedule at the moment.  That is the worst part.  I'll be so ready for Tuesday when he'll be off for a few days.

So... Remington is a completely different dog today compared to yesterday.  I think the reason is because they were giving him injectable pain meds at Purdue and once they wore off the pain was back full force.  At this point he is not wanting to walk at all hardly.  When we take him out to try to go to the bathroom he pees and then he will lay down and not move. He is not hardly drinking any water which is worrisome to me because I'm afraid of him becoming dehydrated.  He is extremely uncomfortable.  His tail is down non stop and if we barely touch his rear end he freaks out and cries like crazy!  It is almost unbearable to be around him because he is so pathetic!  I can hardly stand seeing him this way.  He has not pooped yet.  I think that he has to, but he won't stand up long enough to do his business.

Because of all the changes we have seen today compared to yesterday we ended up calling Purdue to see what they thought we should do.  Brandy was a little concerned I think once we told her what was going on.  She suggested we up his pain meds to 3 pills every 8 hours compared to 2.5.  She also told us about a cream to get (Desitin) that might help with the horrible razor burn he has. We just have to be very careful that it doesn't come into contact with the incision site.  She said she would call me in the morning and evening tomorrow to see how he was doing and if he has had a bowel movement yet.  I asked her what we would do if he doesn't have one soon.  She said that we might have to bring him back to Purdue for a check up.  She said he is obviously producing fecal matter by this point, but he might be in too much pain to expel it.  I'm hoping that the cream will help with the razor burn which in turn might make him comfortable enough to have a bowel movement.

I'm at a compete loss at this point.  I feel soooo helpless not being able to make him feel better.  On a positive note, he has been sleeping most of the time (mostly because of the pain meds) and he is eating and taking his meds without too much trouble. I'm so ready for this 2 week recovery period to be over with....

[Leslie and Halas]

Aww, poor Remington and poor you.  I hope the extra pain meds help, and tomorrow is a better day.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I have no experience to draw from to be of any help, but know we are thinking of you and holding all of you in our thoughts and prayers for a better night tonight and a turn for the best tomorrow.

 

What about ice cubes ..... if you hold them will he lick them?  Might be a way to get some water in him.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I mentioned in an earlier post that my Springer had trouble recovering from his CCL surgery.  He wouldn't eat or drink or take the meds willingly.  He became soooo constipated that when he went his poo was like dust and he burst an anal gland (at least you don't have to worry about that part).  I wish that I had been more proactive so that he might have had a bit easier time in those early days.  However, we did survive it together and he did recover.  Gordie had a pain meds  patch on his hip and boy, when that wore off we did know it!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Oops, sorry Dee Dee!! I called you Sheila! :( Feel free to call me Tara any time!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Kendra I am so sorry to hear of Remington's pain issue. I have to totally agree with Sheila-the squeaky wheel gets the oil-as they say! You are Remington's voice so don't be afraid to speak up for him and don't worry about what the people will think! It's their job to keep your guy comfortable!  Keep up the good work and he will turn the corner soon-then every day will get better!

[DeeDee and Sheila]

I was at my personal vet;s office (who would collaborate w/ U of Illinois) EVERY DAY for a week and every other day for two weeks w/ Sheila.  My vet and I are now best friends.  My breeder picked up ALL expenses, too.  You cannot be meek.  You are an advocate for this dog, and he may decide life isnt worth it.  Speak up.  And it will get better. I whined to my breeder, my DH, everyone, but I was embarrassed to ask for help from DK bc I paid so much for the dog. WHAT A MISTAKE.  Luckily a couple of girls from DK mentored me through it.  Hang in there.  Now Sheila is all better, but it took 6 mos.  But PAIN under control whole time.

[Phoebe's Mom]

I am sorry you all have to go through difficult time.  Thoughts for a speedy recovery--and a nice bowel movement soon--headed your way.  :)

[DeeDee and Sheila]

This dog should not suffer.  Sheila went thru a horrific surgery this winter and I had 2 rotator cuff surgeries.  Give as much pain medication as necessary.  Call. Be a pest.  I raised a deaf girl who went thru 15 surgeries.  Pain IS NOT NECESSARY.  I've had 4 dogs.  They can tranquilize these babies if needed.  I always told my doctors, pain is NOT acceptable.  And I had to stand in the hallway and yell for attention w/ my deaf baby.  Pretty soon they will know you mean business.  P.S. My daughter is a vet. 

[Dori & Rua]

So sorry it has been a bad day.  Keep praying and thinking positive thoughts.  It always gets worse before it gets better.  Rua sends hugs & licks to Remington.

[Clifford, Cloud, Jake..and Kim]

Let's hope this day is the turning point, the dark before the dawn, so to speak.  You need to rest while Remington is resting so you are not completely exhausted if he needs you during the night.  Good luck tonight and I hope to hear better news tomorrow.