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Post by Charli on Oct 30, 2013 11:57:29 GMT -7
Hi,
My boyfriend Chris and I adopted Rufus in March 2012 from Pawmetto Lifeline. His current estimated age is 4. He is the sweetest boy, and never meets a stranger. Loves to talk to everyone during our walks, especially children.
His first episode was in Sept. 2012. He was given Carprofen 25mg for 14 days, with 6-8 weeks crate rest.
His next episode was late Oct. 2012 while being boarded at his Vet. Another round of Carprofen 25mg for 14 days, with 6-8 weeks crate rest.
His next episode was early Jan 2013. He was prescribed Carprofen 25mg for 14 days along with Robaxin and Tramadol, with 6-8 weeks crate rest.
We were working on getting his weight down. The Vet suggested he should be at 12 lbs. and he was at 14. He switched from Pedigree small breed to Blue Buffalo Basic Healthy Weight Turkey & Sweet Potato. Servings were cut back to 1/4c twice a day. His favorite treat is unsweetened banana chips from Whole Foods. I started giving him a pinch of Virgin Coconut Oil with each meal, and a pinch of Tumeric powder with dinner. After crate rest was over, we slowly started increasing our walks. Chris built him a ramp, so no more steps. He has a pillow ramp for getting on the couch. When we are at work, he is baby gated in the kitchen with his crate, food, water, so no chance to jump while we're not home. His weight went down some. 13.6 in early Sept. when he boarded again.
On Monday evening. When I drove up, he jumped out of his crate and something happened, b/c I heard him yelping as I was coming in the house. Back to crate rest with Carprofen, Robaxin, and Tramadol. In all of his episodes, he never lost functioning in his legs. Then this morning, he had [lost leg function], so to the Vet. He is prescribed Pred 5mg in a step down manner, Robaxin, and Gabapentin. I bought Pepcid to go along with his meds from reading here. The other choice was to go to the Neuro for MRI & surgery at a cost $4000. We do not have this money, and are praying that the meds and crate rest work. He doesn't mind being crated. We mind it more than he does, I think. I am worried about getting him to potty without use of his back legs. We carry him out in the crate, but he is not wanting to get out. He wet this morning. We have pads on his crate mat.
How do I help make sure he can potty and be as comfortable as possible? Thanks for any and all words of wisdom and prayers for Rufus. = )
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
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Post by Marjorie on Oct 30, 2013 15:17:07 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist. My name's Marjorie- what's yours? I'm very concerned that Rufus was on Carprofen, which is a NSAID and was switched to Prednisone, which is a steroid, without a wash-out period. Vets that practice safe medicine require a 4- to 7-day washout period between the medications. Did the vet know when he prescribed the Prednisone that Rufus was taking Carporfen? If not, please immediate notify him of this. Here is the info you'll need about IVDD medication: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/drugs.htm#intestinaldrugsDue to the fact that there hasn't been a wash-out period, Rufus' GI tract needs to be doubly protected. Along with the Pepcid AC, please immediately contact your vet about adding Sucralfate. Sucralfate is an Rx and is the 2nd protector to be on board and it works in a different way. Good job on getting Rufus crated right away. 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out to potty for a full 8 weeks is the SINGLE most important thing you can do to help your dog-- it is the hallmark component of conservative treatment. Carried in and out to potty. No laps, no couch, no sleeping in bed with you, no meandering, scooting or dragging around during potty times. No baths, no chiro (aka VOM). In other words do everything you can to limit the vertebrae in the back from moving and putting pressure on the bad disc. You need to check if Rufus had bladder control. If he won't come out of the crate by himself, please carefully take him out of the crate. You can pull his blanket out with him on it. Lift him holding both his front and back ends so his spine is straight. Take him to a place where he has peed before, support his hind end, left him sniff and see if he can release urine. If he can, then he has bladder control. If not, you need to get an immediate hands on your hands demonstration of how to express. You'll need to express his bladder every 2-3 hours while he's on the prednisone. Otherwise, his bladder will overflow and any urine remaining in the bladder can lead to a urinary tract infection. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm Not wanting to come out of the crate can be a sign of pain. Other signs of pain are shivering/trembling, not wanting to move much or moving gingerly, yelping, tight/tense stomach muscles, just not their usual perky-interested-in-life self. If you see any signs of pain, please contact your vet to have the medications adjusted. There should be no signs of pain from one dose of medication to the next. Please also let us know if you are seeing signs of pain. What are the exact names, dose in mg's and frequency of all meds Rufus is currently on? Eating and drinking OK? Poops OK - normal color, firmness, no dark or bright red blood? The best way for you to help your dog is by learning about his disease. Here are some links to get you started. Please click on all of them to get a good background of understanding. www.dodgerslist.com/healingindex.htmWe are very concerned about the switch from a NSAID to a steroid without a washout period. Please let us know that Rufus' stomach is double protected with the Sucralfate and Pepcid AC. And please let us know whether Rufus is able to pass the sniff and pee test and if not, that you are expressing him. I know how frightening and confusing this all can be. Know that we're here for you. Prayers for healing and a complete recovery for Rufus. |
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Post by Charli on Oct 31, 2013 9:50:31 GMT -7
Thank you. Because Rufus had taken only 2 doses of carprofen(1 Tues morning & 1 Wed morning), the Vet felt it ok to switch to Pred Wed evening. I asked about adding Pepcid durng yesterday's visit, and he agreed.
I just returned to the Vet this morning with Rufus, and was told the Sucralfate isn't needed. There has been no blood in poop, or the vomit this morning before his 2nd dose of Pepcid (he just started Pepcid and Pred last night. He threw up @ 7am before Vet visit. After Pepcid, there has been no other vomiting.
Since he lost control of his legs, I haven't attempted to take him back outside. We are using a pad near crate (he did not use pads when healthy--always went outside) The Vet did not even mention expressing or teaching me how. He has had some leaks on pad in crate. I've been sleepin near him so I can listen for him moving, and I check on him, changing pad, blankets and wiping him off.
During Vet visit this morning with a different Dr. than yesterday but at same office, I was shown how to express. His bladder was not overfull.
Poop was yesterday morning on vet table and again this morning on Vet table. Not much, but normal color and firmness. Vet says he still has muscle reflex(?) to poop on his own. Will try sling to walk him onto pad.I didn't know whether to risk taking him outside in sling to see if he will go.
He was not wanting to eat his food yesterday or this morning. He took pieces of baby meat sticks mashed in with the liquid Gabapentin. I soaked the dry food overnight in fridge, and he did eat a little when we returned from Vet. He is drinking water. Not excessive, about normal, or maybe a little less than normal.
I worried that the pain meds were not alleviating the pain. This is because he still doesn't want to come out of crate and will hold his head up high. He also tenses belly. Not sure if it will start helping more this morning? He just started the current meds yesterday afternoon/evening. I just want him to be comfortable! Vet checked over his meds and said all doses are correct. He is able to pull foot away and turned to look when she pinched toes.
MEDS
Tramadol 50mg. 1/2 tab every 8 hours
Robaxin 500mg. 1/4 tab every 8 hours
Gabapentin 70ml. 1ml 2x/day
Pepcid 10mg. 1/2 2x/day--evening dose 1 hr before Pred.
Prednisone 5mg. 1 1/2 tablet daily for 7 days. Then 1 tab/day for 7 days. Then 1 tab every other day for 7 days.
Thanks again.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Oct 31, 2013 16:52:45 GMT -7
Keep a close eye on Rufus' eating and if he again doesn't want to eat in the morning, I would insist on getting Sucralfate on board. As you can see on the following link, not eating is one of the serious signs of GI tract problems which can quickly move to a life threatening situation. It's best to protect Rufus' system before he has a problem as he has enough to deal with as it is. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsweling.htmNot wanting to come out of the crate and holding his head up high are both signs of pain. Please again notify your vet of what you observe. Pain should be under control within one hour after a dose and there should be no signs of pain from one dose to the next. Pain hinders healing so have no patience with it. Are you now expressing him on the pee pad in the house? Are you getting good streams of urine? While you're getting used to expressing him, you should try to express every 2-3 hours. If you don't give him water a few hours before the last expressing before bed, he should stay dry all night. Let us know how you're doing with expressing, whether Rufus is now eating and what the vet says after speaking to him about the signs of pain you're seeing. |
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Post by Charli on Oct 31, 2013 18:04:22 GMT -7
I carried him outside today every 2 hours, and used a folded body pillow case as a sling to hold up hind legs and help him pee in a spot he normally goes. No sniffing though. Once he realized that "go potty" meant going outside like he is used to, he seemed to rouse at the idea of getting out of the crate. Tonight before bed, I used the sling on the pee pad to assist, as it is already dark outside. I also picked up some Blue Buffalo grain free canned food to feed him. He normally eats hard food, but just didn't care for the hard food soaked. He did like the soft and ate it up.
There has been no more vomiting since the 1 time. His signs of pain seem to be decreasing, but I'll continue to watch. I described his behavior to the Vet today, and she said that he is on correct dosages, and if the meds don't help the pain, it may be because a disc has ruptured. So I am praying that the meds work to ease pain.
Thank for all your help.
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Post by Pauliana on Oct 31, 2013 20:59:01 GMT -7
Hi Charli, I am so sorry to hear Rufus is still in pain, the dosages do need adjusting. Each dog is different and medications need to be adjusted for each dog individually.. Losing leg function is a sign that the disc had already ruptured and in order for Rufus to heal in comfort he needs to be pain free dose to dose as Marjorie said in an earlier post. There is still room in his pain medications to be adjusted. He can heal with crate rest,Prednisone to take down the swelling and pain medications that are adjusted to his needs.. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpain.htmIt would be a very good idea for Rufus to be seen by an IVDD specialist for a second opinion. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/VetchkList.htmSending healing thoughts over the miles |
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Post by Charli on Nov 1, 2013 7:09:34 GMT -7
Thanks so much Marjorie and Pauliana. I continue meds as prescribed, setting alarms for the ones during the night. Sleeping on the couch so I can listen for him during the night. I still worry the meds are not working as well as they could to ease pain. I will call the Vet this morning to see if I can up any of the dosages. Thought I was doing ok with the bladder expressing. Overnight, there was a little leakage, but not much. After the first expressing this morning though, there was some leakage. We have been outside and it is almost time to go again. I'm taking him out every 2 hours.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Nov 1, 2013 8:00:46 GMT -7
I remember having the same thing happen with my Jeremy after his first disc episode. I would express him but he would leak shortly after. I just wasn't emptying his bladder completely. Expressing does take some practice but will get easier as you continue. The bladder will get smaller as you express and will slip away from you and you have to find it again. Sometimes it will go back to the hip area. It might help, too, to express and then wait 10-20 seconds and then try to express some more. That gives the bladder time to reform so you can feel it again. You should empty until there's just a dribble of urine. Good job on taking him out that often.
Is the Blue Buffalo canned food something that Rufus has had before and that he has tolerated well? While on these medications, it would be best not to introduce a new food as then it would be difficult to tell if any GI tract problems are from the new food or the meds.
Let us know what the vet says after speaking to her this morning. Be a strong advocate for Rufus. He needs you to speak up on his behalf and get that pain under control. Her response that the meds may not be controlling the pain because the disc may have ruptured was not a educated response. As Pauliana said, the nerve damage you have seen indicates a ruptured disc, which is very painful and the meds need to be adjusted to control that pain.
Prayers for pain control for Rufus.
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Post by Charli on Nov 1, 2013 16:55:27 GMT -7
I talked to the Vet, and she looked at meds and did not want to increase anything. I've been giving gabapentin at a different time than tramadol. From reading on this site, I plan to line these 2 up to be given together starting in the morning. He is due a tramadol around 1am, and then @ 9am. The gabapentin is due at 6am, so I'm going to move the 9am tramadol to 6am. Hope this will help. He has been comfortable today, other than when I have to get him out to potty. He will lift his head high, and even yelped once today when he lifted his head. The Vet thought I could go with potty every 3 hrs instead of every 2 so I'm not disturbing him as much. He did poop in the crate around 1pm after breakfast from 6am, so I need to figure out to keep that from happening. I stay near him unless I run to the bathroom so I heard him rustling around and immediately cleaned him up.
Rufus eats Blue Buffalo dry. I used the canned Blue Buffalo alone for dinner last night and breakfast this morning. For dinner, he had soaked dry with a little of the canned stirred in to get him to eat. He did, just not all of it.
The Vet said we may want to think about an MRI at the Neuro center, even if we're not planning for surgery. She said there could be other issues besides the disc--an infection or tumor.
I will say close to him, and keep praying! All prayers greatly appreciated.
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Post by Pauliana on Nov 1, 2013 17:26:04 GMT -7
Charli,
The pain meds are not working right, because they are not at the right dosage!
Please, please, please see a Vet at the Neuro center that has more experience with IVDD. There is no reason for Rufus to be in pain. The fact that your Vet will not adjust the pain medications, knowing your dog is in extreme pain, shows she is not comfortable treating IVDD. The Vet is working for you and Rufus, you are the head of his healthcare team and he needs you to advocate for him.
I care and I am praying!
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Post by Linda Stowe on Nov 1, 2013 18:17:00 GMT -7
Charli, I agree with Pauli. Please either go to the Neuro center or get a second opinion. There is no need for Rufus to be in pain. Healing cannot really begin until he is out of pain.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Nov 1, 2013 18:18:30 GMT -7
Charli, I just want to add that, while I know you were hesitant to go to a neuro because you didn't have the money for an MRI and surgery, you can go to a neuro just for a second opinion and explain to the neuro that you are not looking to have surgery and that you just want his expert opinion. The vet you are seeing is not on the right track and is not doing what's best for Rufus. Having the right care will make all the difference to him.
We hope to hear tomorrow that you have contacted the neuro center for an urgent appointment for Rufus to be seen there and that the pain meds have been adjusted.
Continued prayers.
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,570
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 1, 2013 18:28:02 GMT -7
Charli, it sounds like he may have a disc in his neck with the times you have mention holding his head high, yelping when lifting his head. Did the vet mention any observation of a neck disc? You local DVM vet has been telling you clear and loud that she is not comfortable in treating a disc episode. Either get an other vet who will help you or go to a neuro telling them surgery is not a consideration for your family, you want help getting his pain meds right that your local DVM vet is not comfortable doing. Has there been any recent decrease in Prednisone either the number of times/day or the dose in mgs? At 12-14 pounds a vet who is knowledgeable has much room to move with Tramadol. Rufus is being UNDERmedicated with this pain reliever. There IS also room to move up in dose with Roxaxin. You need a new vet to help you with medications. This article will help you with the idea of getting a new vet. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/VetchkList.htm |
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Post by Bodydenny&Buddy on Nov 1, 2013 20:56:27 GMT -7
I had the same problem with Buddy last year ,Charli. Our vet did not know what to do and we had to take him to his surgeon. The neck pain is awful;Buddy 's had three total back incidents and that neck issue outdid them all for pain. Find a vet that will help with dosages. Things look SO much better when you control pain.
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Post by Charli on Nov 2, 2013 6:49:39 GMT -7
Thanks all so much. Rufus had a good night and seemed to rest well. Yesterday was his 3rd dose of Pred. He just started his meds, so no decrease yet. I am hoping that that the meds are working now. I will keep a close eye this morning. There are about 9 different Vets that work at the Center, so if I have to, I will call another Vet at that office. Chris will be home this afternoon from his work conference. If things aren't improving, we can go to the Animal hospital/Neuro Center. He's been out to pee on pad, and there no noises of discomfort or head lifting. He did look around at me. Probably tired of me pressing on his bladder!
I pray he will improve, and rest comfortably.
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member 
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
Posts: 1,335
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Post by StevieLuv on Nov 2, 2013 9:09:43 GMT -7
Hi Charli, my name is Maureen. I am so sorry that Rufus is having such a hard time. I do have to agree with the others, Rufus needs a Vet knowledgeable in IVDD and pain management. You are lucky to have the option of seeing another Vet at the hospital that you go to. Go there armed with the information that you have learned here about pain management and medication dosages. I worked in Veterinary medicine for 25 years, and some Vets just WILL NOT listen to their clients, or feel threatened or challenged and respond in an unprofessional manner. YOU are the advocate for Rufus - get loud, be insistent, and don't leave without adequate pain management. Neck discs can be miserable to get under control, so he needs you to be his voice. If your Vet won't help you, FIRE him/her, and find another that WILL help - and we will help you!
Keeping you in thought and prayer (((hugs)))
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Post by Charli on Nov 8, 2013 16:00:46 GMT -7
Hello all! Thanks so much for prayers and good vibes for Rufus! We returned to work on Monday, so it has been a busy week. Chris takes an early lunch hour to check on Rufus and help with potty. I take a later lunch to give meds and help with potty.Thank goodness we're able to do that! Rufus has a new Vet--Dr. Branson at Blythewood Animal Hospital. He had a session of laser light therapy and electro-acupuncture (not sure if this is the correct name). His Gabapentin is now 100mg 2x/day. He returns on Monday for another treatment. We have seen him move his tail, and stretch the paralyzed legs back out after we move them. Hoping this is sign of healing. Is it possible that he's getting control back over his bladder, even with the legs still paralyzed?
I'll give another update next week. So thankful for this site!
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Sabrina
Helpful Member
My Charley-dog, a Dodger'sList grad enjoying life!
Posts: 471
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Post by Sabrina on Nov 8, 2013 16:49:57 GMT -7
Hi Charli, I'm Sabrina. Rufus is so lucky to have people like you and Chris taking care of him! Sounds like you have a great schedule figured out so that he gets the care he needs during the day!
And kudos for finding a new vet. Is Rufus' pain now completely controlled dose to dose?
Nerves heal typically in the reverse order of the damage to the spinal cord:
1. Deep Pain Sensation (Only correctly identified by a specialist.)
2. Tail wagging with joy at seeing you or getting a treat or meal.
3. Bladder and bowel control verified with the "sniff and pee" test.
4. Leg Movement, and then ability to move up into a standing position, and then wobbly walking.
5. Being able to walk with more steadiness and properly place the feet.
6. Ability to walk unassisted and perhaps even run.
So typically bladder/bowel control returns before leg movement. The "sniff and pee test" is: take Rufus to an old pee spot, and see if he can sniff it and then release urine.
I hope that the laser light and acupuncture help Rufus as his body works on healing!
))Hugs!((
- Sabrina
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Post by Charli on Nov 8, 2013 18:32:14 GMT -7
I think that the meds are finally keeping pain under control and the treatment yesterday made a difference. His▲gabapentin was just upped after his visit to new Vet yesterday afternoon. The only time that he yelped today was when I got him out for potty time, and he laid down while I was pulling out baby wipes. He went to get up on his own, and yelped once. Now I know to keep a hold onto him when I get him out so he doesn't move. Before today, he was not attempting any moves when I got him out of the crate, so this was new. He has a pillow in the crate under adult pad/blankets, and is comfy there, but the floor, not so much. Today, he seems to feel much better. Not sure if it's the increase in Gaba, the treatment, or combo. Just thankful. = )
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Post by Mary Jane&Kingking on Nov 8, 2013 19:50:23 GMT -7
glad he is improving! My doxie is not on pain meds but I know its so hard to see them in pain!!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,570
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 9, 2013 10:28:25 GMT -7
Charlie, pain control is definately moving in a better direction. But it is still not YET right. Did you give the new vet feedback that there is still yelping? Your vet still has room to move Tramadol up in dose.
What form is the current gabapentin in… liquid, capsules of poweder or a tablet?
From what you have written Prednisone would now be in a taper mode. What is the current dose of pred, and how many times a day? If there is a taper going on, this is not the time for it. If any sign of pain is observed on a taper, that lets the vet know not all the swelling has been addressed by Pred and so it needs to go back up to the anti-inflammatory dose for a bit longer.
Please update this med list if it does not reflect the current prescription.
12-14 pounds
Tramadol 50mg. 1/2 tab every 8 hours
Robaxin 500mg. 1/4 tab every 8 hours
Gabapentin 70ml. was: 1ml 2x/day; 11/7: 100mg 2x/day
Pepcid 10mg. 1/2 2x/day--evening dose 1 hr before Pred.
Prednisone 5mg. as of 10/30: 1 1/2 tablet daily for 7 days. Then 1 tab/day for 7 days. Then 1 tab every other day for 7 days.
HOW a TAPER WORKS
During the time on the anti-inflammatory the pain meds do need to be adjusted so that there is no pain surfacing dose to dose of pain relief medications. Pain deters healing.
Often it takes being at the anti-inflammatory dose of prednisone (5mg 2x/day) for 1-2 weeks or even for some dogs more like a month before all the swelling is gone. When the vet guesses swelling might be gone there will be a taper. The dose is lowered to less than the anti-flammatory dose your job at home would be to assess just how well reduction of swelling is going by observing for any hint of pain. To have a clear picture on a taper, pain meds are also stopped or backed off too.
Rule of thumb is: pain = swelling = more time on Pred, pain meds and Pepcid AC is needed.
If there is no pain on the taper then it goes to completion. Then no meds at all are needed.
Let us know today what your vet says today before he's closed about pred and better pain control.
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Post by Charli on Nov 9, 2013 11:40:48 GMT -7
There has been no other incidents of yelping, shivering, etc. Just the last yelp mentioned. The Vet instructed during the office visit on Thurs., and the asst. too by phone last night to watch closely with the Pred taper, and told me to go back up to the 1 1/2 pills if needed at any time over the weekend. Tonight will be the 4th day of 1 Pred daily. He is having a really good day today. No issues of pain so far. Potty times have gone well. The only other change in meds is the Gabapentin capsule 100mg 2x/day. We return to the Vet on Monday. There may be a change in meds at that time. So, I have permission to up the Pred if I need to. He gets it at 6pm. The office is only open on Sat. 10-12. That's why I followed up last night. So I have not asked about upping the Tramadol.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,570
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 9, 2013 12:10:48 GMT -7
Charli, terrific news you and your vet have a plan B in case pain would surface…. I love that!
Keeping fingers crossed that Rufus will have no other signs of pain to the full completion of the taper.
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Post by Charli on Nov 15, 2013 15:47:06 GMT -7
Hello all! We returned to see Dr. Branson on Monday for Rufus' second session of laser light therapy and electro-acupuncture. We continue using our lunch hour at different times on work days to check on him twice during the day. Dr. Branson changed his last week of Pred from the previously prescribed 1 pill every other day(old Vet) to a 1/2 pill daily. Tonight is #3 of the last week.
This morning, he started wagging his tail when I talk to him, and for his food. = ) He has done it each time he's come out from crate for potty time for both of us. Haven't attempted to go outside for potty because even though we made the sling found here on the site, he wanted to take off to walk down the street. So, we're still helping him on the pad. Thinking we may need an exercise pen to take outside to a potty spot so he will have a limited area. It's getting harder to help him potty because I think he wants to go out and do it on his own.
We are exercising his back legs per Dr. Branson--using bicycle motions. He will return on Monday for another treatment.
Thanks for all the prayers for Rufus!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,570
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 15, 2013 16:00:31 GMT -7
Bicycles are too much movement and go against the principals of 100% STRICT crate rest principals… that is limited movement of the spine/back. After his is off all meds and it is clear there are no signs of pain surfacing, then the very, very lightest and least aggressive of range of motion and massage can be very helpful to keep the joints flexible and circulation up in the back limbs. Part of this disease is be so educated you can recognize red flag advise and say "no thank you." Here are all the details on PT for paralysed legs during the 8 weeks of letting the disc heal, the information highlighted in pink: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htmThere is no doubt that Rufus is going in a very good direction of healing, limited movement is what will give him every chance possible to continue on a good path. |
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Post by Charli on Nov 15, 2013 16:11:01 GMT -7
Sorry! I called it bicycle, but reading your descriptions, it's not actually that. Hip Exercise. Place one hand on the hip and use your other hand to support the leg. Move the leg gently back and forth. That is how she showed us, but she referred to it as a bicycle motion. We are doing it while he's lying down. She also said we could find a ball to support his belly, but we haven't tried that yet.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,570
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 16, 2013 11:50:52 GMT -7
Excellent you are NOT doing bicycles then. Think about the ball under the belly, what would that be doing to the spine? It would be going against the principals of STRICT crate rest…doing everything possible to limit movement of the back! Rufus lying down with his back supported by the mattress… spine aligned --- horizontal to the ground --- back not moving... is keeping with 100% STRICT rest principals and limited movement of the back. That is the safe way to do the very, very lightest and least aggressive range of motion and the massage as described where you were reading: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htm |
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Post by Charli on Nov 26, 2013 16:49:09 GMT -7
Hello! I wanted to give an update. Rufus had his 4th session of laser light therapy and electro-acupuncture last night. We'll return next Monday. He is down to taking Tramadol, robaxin, and gabapentin 1x/day. For the previous week, he took them 2x/day, so we're working toward no meds.
He is now wobbly walking!There are times, that he stands and walks with no wobble, but still times with a wobble. Still on the mend, but doing so much better! Crate rest continues through mid December. So grateful for his healing!
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
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Post by Charli on Dec 10, 2013 17:19:09 GMT -7
Hi! I wanted to give an update. Rufus had his 6th weekly session of laser light therapy and electro-acupuncture last night. He is now done with weekly sessions, and will return on 12/23. Still on crate rest, but he is now able to be carried outside for potty time since the last weekend in November. Walking continues to improve but there is still wobble. The tramadol was stopped after the week of Tramadol, robaxin, and gabapentin 1x/day. The Gaba was stopped after a week of just gaba & robaxin. The robaxin will continue thru his next visit.
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Post by Pauliana on Dec 10, 2013 21:29:52 GMT -7
Hi Charli, Very glad to hear Rufus is doing so well on the taper of his pain medications. Thank you for the wonderful update and also for taking such great care of Rufus!  |
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