4/21 – I am so tired, I can’t see.
Last night was tough.
Maggie had some trouble settling down. She would nap for 15 minutes, then get up and whine. I did take her out – that wasn’t it. I think she just wanted me to sleep on the dog bed with her. I did. She wanted to cuddle. I did. She wanted to feel safe. She did. Until the storm came…
Thunder and lightning? Really? She is PETRIFIED of both. I was praying that it would pass quickly. It lasted about an hour. That was somewhere between 3 and 4 am. I ended up giving her a Xanax because she shook so hard I thought she was going to pop her 70 staples. Yes, I said 70. On a different note, my muscles haven’t been this sore in MONTHS. I know I am getting a good workout but sheesh.
Tired and sore but STILL WORTH IT. She is stronger each day and happier each day.
One of these days I will get the nerve to post pictures of her scar. It was horrifying at first, now we are used to it. I wasn’t prepared though for the bruising from the harness. Purple belly, I feel so bad. Part of the process.
You poor things, both of you! My Jake was terrified of storms too, it was awful. He was only a week or so out from recovery when we had a big one hit. Hang in there, you’ll be over the hump soon. HUGS
BTW, Love the beautiful garden of sunflowers banner!
Okay, guessing Maggie is on Tramadol, Gabalentin, Rimadyl antibiotic. Sometimes the meds can cause whacky behavior, but it’s better than being in pain.
I think bigger dogs have a little rougher recovery sometimes. My Happy Hannah (chunky Bull Mastiff), whined and cried and was reetless for three days straight. The first 20 hours home, she literally did not sleep a wink and just whined and whined! The first week she was home I don’t think I slept more than five hours total!
And you had a thunder storm in top of that? That was just rotten!
I’m glad you can see a bit of improvement already…slowly but surely. Another week you should be able to see the sparkle come back more consistently.
Regarding the harness…and check with your vet….sometimes, if possible, it’s better to wait untile after the stithes are out to use the harness. Perhaps a towel sling would be more gentle, especially if she just needs help getting up more so than walking?
You are doing a BREAT job! I know this recovery phase is no picnic right now, especially with no sleep in top of all the emotional stress! Hang in there! Lots and lots of treats for Maggie…and chocolate for you!!
Hugs and love to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
Dumb thunderstorms, I’m so sorry. You and Riley’s peeps were both dealing with them, you guys must live near each other? Don’t hesitate to give her the meds she needs to stay calm, as long as the vet approves it’s worth it both for her sanity and rest, and yours of course.
I know what you mean about the scar. I never thought we’d be putting photos of Jerry’s incision on the web but we’ve found through the years that people preparing for surgery find it very comforting when knowing what to expect. Feel free to share it here, or just email it to us and we’ll put it in the Tripawds photo gallery. Pretty soon, you and Maggie will be so proud of her battle scar you’ll want to show it off! 🙂
Re, Sally’s suggestion about the harness; we recommend waiting for folks who bought the Webmaster but it looks like you’re using a AST Get-a-Grip (thanks for shopping with us!). I wouldn’t worry about the incision rubbing on the staples with that harness, it’s fine for using post-op with staples.
Get those zzzs when you can, and keep up the BADASS ATTITUDE! Maggie has taught you well.
OMD! Talk about adding insult to injury! I am sorry things are so ruff right now but rest assured it is perfectly normal and there is light at the end of the tunnel 🙂
Sending Maggie lots of healing tripawd strength from the OP and you peaceful vibes for a good night’s sleep.
xoxo,
Martha, Codie Rae, and the Oaktown Pack
I’m sorry that Maggie has been having a bit of a rough time. The poor girl had to deal with a thunderstorm on top of everything else…but you both made it through.
Like Sally mentioned depending on which pain meds Maggie is on they may be contributing to her restless behavior. I believe Tramadol can throw some pups for a loop…my Leland didn’t do well with it and was only on Gabapentin. He did much better with just the Gabapentin. If the restlessness continues you may want to consider speaking with the vet about adjusting meds and/or dosages.
Hang in there…you guys are doing great!! You will start to see bits of your old Maggie come back as each day passes.
Sahana and her Angel Leland