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....

[Jennifer and Jack]

Nothing but hugs and love for you.. You are doing everything right.. Hang in there.. I am praying he poops soon and that all his pain leaves him fast...

[Holly St Pierre]

I am hoping that tomorrow is a better day for you & Remington.  I have heard that day 3-4 after are the worse, hopefully you see some improvement soon.  Keep us posted.

[Carol and Banjo]

Kendra - It sounds like you're doing all that you can at this point.   I've had a few surgeries myself and for some reason day 3 was always the toughest.  Maybe it's the same for dogs. (?)    I hope tomorrow you'll see improvement.   Sending you a hug - hang in there!

[Stella]

I have been reading and following your story with Remington.  I am so sorry you are having a tough time with his recovery.  I hope that he begins to feel better soon.  Hopefully the increased pain meds will help him.  But, most pain meds make you constipated, so it may be hard for him to have a bowel movement.  Can you give him some pumpkin or something for fibre??  I have to say that I was pretty appaled at the razer burn, I think that is inexcusible, there was no need to for that to happen.  I hope that the cream you got is helping to make him more comfortable.  It is hard because we can't explain to them why they have to get surgery and the pain that can follow.  But, keep the end of the road in sight - you did this for him because he was having such problems with his anal glands, and was suffering because of that.  Once he recovers from this it will be so worth it.  Hugs to you and to Remington.

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

Kendra, I know how terrible it is when our doods are hurting.  Remington has been through a BIG operation, and I can't imagine the pain the poor baby is having.  Feeling hopeless is the worst feeling in the world.  It can leave you exhausted and depressed.  Just know that you are doing everything possible to help him, and by staying in touch with Purdue you are managing the situation very well.  I'm sorry he hasn't pooped yet (I sure wouldnt want to!) but I'm happy to hear that he's eating and hopefully he'll start drinking more.  Didin't someone on this board say that Day Three was  the worst?  Hang in there -- I'm sending all good vibes your way!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm so sorry that he's having such a difficult time.  I hope that tonight is a better night for all of you.  I'm sure you're exhausted by now.