Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
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Post by Marjorie on Jul 31, 2013 5:12:23 GMT -7
What we're saying, Sarah, is that there's just no way of telling. Bailey still has weeks of crate rest left, during which time the disc is still healing and scarring over. During that time, her nerves will have time to heal, too. She may start moving those legs today. She may be standing next week. She may not. There's just no way to know. It is not impossible for the nerves to heal that quickly. Just try not to have any expectations. Give it time and try not to look ahead too much. Keep hope alive in your heart and do what you can to help your girl get on her feet again and keep loving her regardless. That's all any of us can do.
If we have the beginning of her crate rest correct as being 6/26, you still have 3 weeks of crate rest from yesterday. A lot can happen in 3 weeks. I know it's difficult but try not to rush things. Give Bailey the time she needs to heal.
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 31, 2013 8:12:22 GMT -7
Hi Sarah,
As Marjorie said and very well, I might add, there is no way to have a time table on nerve healing.. Time is the greatest of all healers and there is no way to predict.. The crate rest time is for the disc to heal. Nerves continue healing well beyond crate rest..
REGAINING NEUROLOGICAL FUNCTION has no time limit for nerves to heal. Nerve repair is individual as each injury is different and each dog’s ability to heal is different. If deep pain perception (DPP) is present, even in paralyzed legs, there is a chance your dog may be able to walk again. For those dogs who have lost DPP, do know nerve regeneration can take place and that function may return. Once deep pain perception is regained, your dog has a chance at a walking recovery. Thousands of dogs on Dodgerslist have regained functions in as little as 2 weeks, others 11 months, and still others 3 years later. IVDD is a disease of patience to allow the body to heal on its own terms.
A cart dog, if indeed Bailey eventually needs a cart, is not an unhappy dog. Far from it, dogs never give up and they keep on living with joy in their hearts no matter if they are on wheels flying like the wind or scooting or walking..
Please watch Tabby:
And Oscar:
and Paula Milner's Clark:
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 31, 2013 8:53:17 GMT -7
Sarah, the expectation you should have during conservative treatment is for the disc itself to heal over…that is the focus. There may or may not be nerve healing enough to bring back functions during the 8 weeks. Some dogs do and for some it can take months… a year before the nerves heal enough to allow connections again and for some even after a year it is not likely nerves have the ability to heal. We just have to wait and see what is for Bailey.
Here at Dodgers we do not ever give up hope for a happy life. Be persistent in knowing each dog heals to the degree possible and they go forward to enjoy many happy years of quality life. The first goal of treatment is to return your dog to a happy pain-free life. It is humans who are hung up on the walking thing, not dogs. Dogs have it right: adjust to what is, get back to the business of enjoying life to the fullest. Walking comes when it comes.
Contrary to what our culture teaches us about not waiting, instant results, heck, we can hardly even stand to wait for our computer to boot up, nerve healing, on the other hand will test your patience. Allow Mother Nature along with time to work on nerve functions.
At the end of the 8 weeks then you assess where best to spend money. If you see she is wagging her tail, specifically due to happiness, some bladder control returning then you might wait on the cart as nerves are healing and under water treadmill might be the better expenditure. If you are not yet seeing nerve functions, then order a cart so she can fully participate in life while waiting on nerve healing.
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Post by welovebailey on Aug 5, 2013 15:25:14 GMT -7
Very devastating update on my sweet little Bailey....I haven't had the strength to get back on Dodgerslist and post until now. I was so very encouraged after your responses last week-- I even started looking into getting Bailey a used cart from Eddie's Wheels-- sent them her measurements and talked with my husband about potential cost so we could start putting money away so we could get her one in 2 weeks when her 8 weeks of crate rest is up. That very day (Wednesday last week), Bailey started showing a very dramatic (and very terrifying) increase in her pain level...she had been showing some discomfort the few days before (more restless, panting a bit more), so I had increased her Tramadol again. But even giving her 2 tablets of Tramadol 3x on Wednesday (with muscle relaxants) she was still in out of control pain...shaking uncontrollably, panting heavily, not able to rest or sleep at all, and crying / mournfully howling constantly. It literally broke me heart.  When I took the top of her crate and sat right in there with her, holding her, she just whimpered, and looked at me so mournfully. It was one of the worst things to experience, watching her like that. I also noticed that over the last several days, she had been drinking a lot more (even though she was completely tapered off of the prednisone), and her abdomen was very hard and swollen. Even though she was drinking a lot, when I would express her, only a little bit of very dark (and increasingly stinky) urine was coming out. As of Tuesday night, she finished her two week dose of the Sulfatrimeth to take care of the bladder infection, and I just knew based on what I was seeing, that the infection was still there. And I did a lot of researching on the internet Wednesday, and became very worried about her kidneys...even though the vet said it would take a long time for a bladder infection to affect the kidneys, what if it had already??! So I called the vet Wednesday, and they scheduled her for a culture procedure for Thursday morning, as well as a panel of bloodwork to check the function of her kidneys. Wednesday night I laid her out on her bedding on the floor, and laid cuddled up by her all night. She didn't move at all, and was in so much distress; laying right by her was the only thing that calmed her a little. I didn't really sleep at all, I was sooo worried and terrified. Took her in Thursday morning, and waited anxiously all morning for the results of the bloodwork. They were able to have it processed at a lab nearby so that I could get results same day. They also did a quick urinalysis recheck to see if she still had a bladder infection. The vet finally called me in the afternoon, and sounded so sad on the phone. I knew right away it was horrible news. He said that she definitely had a bladder infection, even worse than before. But the worst news was from the bloodwork...he said he had never seen this happen before so quickly, but that the bladder infection had greatly impacted her kidneys already. Based on the results/ values (things I don't totally understand) he said that she was already facing kidney failure. I couldn't even talk. I was so devastated and beyond distraught. They had told me not to worry-- that a bladder infection could not affect the kidneys that quickly. The first time I took her in for her bladder infection, they said nothing about a culture (I didn't even know what that was)-- the 2nd time, the vet said he was completely confident that the Sulfatrimeth would kill the infection. But it didn't. He said that there might have been an underlying problem with her kidneys because he had never in all his years seen it cause kidney failure so quickly. He then went through the options of a very aggressive treatment plan (which was in no way guaranteed to work), and the costs were so astronomically high...tears just streamed down my face because I knew we could never afford it. And if we didn't do the plan, she would have no hope of recovering and would die a very painful death. I was sobbing on the phone by the end, because I knew what this meant. So....that night I just held Bailey in my arms all night, cuddling her close and trying to comfort her as best as I could. I tried to think about all the good times we had together so that I wouldn't cry in front of her so much and distress her even more. As the hours ticked by, I felt like I couldn't breathe, knowing in the morning I would have to say good bye to her one last time at the vet. It was the worst feeling in the world. Friday was one of the very saddest days of my entire life...I held her close at the vet (holding back my tears so she wouldn't see me be sad) and let her have her very favorite "Oinkie" pig ear snacks leading up to the euthanasia procedure. I kissed her and gave her one last treat when they gave her the sedation shot, and then stroked her head and kissed her while she slipped away peacefully. Then I completely lost it...sobbing as I left the vet...so devastated...so upset that my precious Bailey--only 6 years old had to go like this. The last few days I have had the deepest feeling of sadness-- it's like there's a huge hole in my heart because she is gone. I miss her more than words can say, and every day I will miss her, my baby girl. I want to thank you all for your amazing support, encouragement, and advice these last 6 weeks. You gave me hope to keep going, and because of you, we were ready to help Bailey adjust to a life with wheels if necessary. I am beyond devastated that this is how our story ended...but I thank you all the same for your caring thoughts and support. Don't know what I would have done without you! Sarah and Bailey "If loved could have saved you, you would have lived forever." |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 5, 2013 16:53:59 GMT -7
Sarah, my heart is breaking with this news of kidney failure from a challenging urinary tract infection (UTI). There really are not words to relieve your pain….it just takes time to learn how to cope being without Bailey at your side. Your mind eventually dwells on the lovely times you shared, the times she made you laugh. Bailey did not leave you, she just changed worlds and now forever remains in a safe and warm place... your loving heart and your memory... now watching over you. May Bailey soon begin to help you laugh again as you are reminded of her sweet personality and unique quirks! Godspeed sweet Bailey and Sarah may you soon find what your new beginning is. ![]() Choosing some sort of action can help during these grieving days. On behalf of Bailey you might like a legacy of helping to educate about IVDD. Ask Linda to send you a free packet for your vet and business sized cards to hand out wherever you see owners of IVDD prone breeds. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/litorder.htm((Warmest hugs)) with my sincere condolences.
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Post by jochs311 on Aug 5, 2013 16:59:55 GMT -7
Oh Sarah, I am so sorry to hear this. You did all you could for Bailey and she will forever be thankful knowing she was part of such a caring family. She will be watching over you. R.I.P sweet Bailey.
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Post by Yvonne & Billy on Aug 5, 2013 17:03:17 GMT -7
I'm truly, deeply sorry.. RIP sweet Bailey. Bark on...
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Aug 5, 2013 18:32:13 GMT -7
Sarah I am so so sorry for your loss. ((Hugs))
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Post by Nancy & Polly on Aug 5, 2013 18:32:42 GMT -7
I am so, so sorry for your loss. Reading your post made me cry, and took me back nearly a year to the sudden loss of my beloved Daphne. The hole they leave will slowly fill, but it definitely takes awhile. Take care of yourself, and let yourself grieve. (((hugs)))
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Post by Pauliana on Aug 5, 2013 19:28:40 GMT -7
So sad for you Sarah, that infection was a tough monster to battle.. My heart breaks for you and I send warm hugs your way.. Bailey is watching over you.. Love never dies.
You have your baby within you waiting to come into the world and your little 18 month old.. I am sure their love will keep you strong.. You have a lot of great things ahead of you and Bailey wants you to enjoy all life has to offer..
Hugs and prayers for your comfort..
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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 Aug 5, 2013 20:03:47 GMT -7
I am so very, very sorry, You fought a long and brave battle and now it is time to rest. You will meet again at the Bridge. You are Bailey's hero, and she crossed knowing that she is loved and that she was safe in your arms, right to the end. (((hugs)))
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Aug 6, 2013 5:02:23 GMT -7
I'm so very, very sorry. My sincerest condolences. You tried so hard to help her after her disc episode and to see it end like this is so sad. My heart breaks for you and your family.
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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 Aug 6, 2013 8:29:35 GMT -7
Sarah, I'm so sorry for your family's loss. Your profile picture of Bailey is so sweet - I am so sorry that you had to let her go so soon.
)))Hugs(((
-Sabrina
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Aug 10, 2013 6:53:09 GMT -7
Hi sarah,
It is so good to see you still post after your loss of Bailey. I tried to message you but I'm forum inept..and a dork..can't figure out what I am doing wrong..
Fred and I have been following you and Bailey since the start. I read the forum out loud to him so he knows that he is not the only one. We wanted to take the time to say thank you.
Sarah your love for Bailey is so strong and when things got rough you hung in there..no matter how scared, frantic and bad you felt. You are a GREAT MOM!! To see how hard you and Bailey fought gave me strength and encouragement to stay the course. Even when Fred was set against it.
You did right by Bailey and I can only hope when the time comes I have the strength to do that for Fred the way you did it for Bailey.
So thank you Sarah and Bailey for posting all of your experiences, emotions and concerns. You have touched more people then you realize.
You will see your bailey again but until you do smile..know that you did right by him. You fought and loved hard and now it is time to heal.
With all sincerity and condolences,
Stacy and Fred
~~hugs~~
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Post by welovebailey on Aug 11, 2013 9:38:57 GMT -7
I just saw your post this morning, and your words mean the world to me right now-- I can't even put into words just how much your incredibly sweet and encouraging words mean at a time like this... I have to admit, any time I really stop and think about the whole situation with Bailey, my heart just breaks all over again and I just cry and cry...thinking about all the things I could have done differently to prevent her injury, if only I had known...thinking about if I had just known about the importance of crate rest a few days sooner-- that she might be just fine today. It's SOOOO hard not to feel like a complete failure, and that I totally failed her and let her down-- that it's all my fault she isn't here with me today. And it just crushes my heart. Once I did know the right things to do, I did absolutely everything in my power to help her, but it breaks my heart that it wasn't soon enough to save her. I felt so much guilt about the situation from the very beginning, but it would have been so much easier to let myself off the hook-- to forgive myself-- if she had made a recovery and was here snuggling with me today. Because I lost her, it is so unbelievably hard to forgive myself for not knowing what to do sooner. By the time I knew about crate rest, she was already paralyzed...just 2 days before, she was getting around fine, but in pain. Life is so incredibly difficult sometimes--more painful than can be put into words... The only thing that helps me now is to look for all the good things in my life-- like my wonderful and beautiful family. My 1 1/2 yr old amazing son, and the baby we have on the way are complete miracles. I was told I might never have children due to the most severe endometriosis, history of miscarriage, among many other things. We tried for years, and then looked into adoption-- only to find out I was pregnant again. And that time it went well, and I have my beautiful son (and now another on the way-- absolutely amazing gifts from God!). And I think about the wonderful years I did have with Bailey (even if 6 yrs is wayyy too short). She was the sweetest most loving dog, and I wouldn't trade that time for anything. Even if I knew how it would end, I'd do it all over because she was one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I miss her every day...I think I always will..but I am so relieved that she's not in pain anymore. And I think about all of the amazing success stories on this website-- I am so happy for people who have wonderful happy endings, and my heart breaks for those whose stories end like mine. But it really helps to be a part of it-- to celebrate the successes, and try to help comfort people whose hearts are crushed right now. So thank you again-- a million times over-- for your wonderfully encouraging words. You'll never know how much that means to me. I feel like people who truly love animals (especially dogs-- I know, I'm just a little bit biased  are some of the very most wonderful and truly caring people in this world. Finding all the amazing people on Dodgerslist proves that to be true!!! |
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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 Aug 11, 2013 9:49:51 GMT -7
(((((hugs))))
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Aug 11, 2013 10:46:48 GMT -7
Dearest Sarah, you have nothing to feel guilty about. You were there for Bailey. You asked questions, you read, you learned. We can't feel guilty about our lack of knowledge before something happens in our life. We can't possibly be prepared for everything life throws at us.
There are plenty of us here who made mistakes before we learned all the ins and outs about IVDD, me included. Not knowing the dangers, I let my Jeremy move around too much the day after his first disc episode, based on the inaccurate advice of a vet with limited knowledge of IVDD. Jeremy's hind legs became completely paralyzed requiring surgery. He went through so much because I didn't know about the importance of crate rest the first day he was having problems. I just lost a cat to osteosarcoma caused by a distemper vaccine that I took him for and that I agreed to allow him to have. In trying to protect him from a disease, I inadvertently caused his death, again based on the advice of a vet. You can't blame yourself for something you didn't know at the time, when you're trying to do what you believe is best.
Bailey knew your love and the love of your family and that's the best gift you could ever give a dog. So many unwanted and abused pets in the world never know love. Bailey did and for that, she is blessed. I know how much your heart hurts and I hope that soon the loving memories will replace the hurt.
You're amazing me how you're writing on this forum, helping others while still being in mourning for your own loss. I tried to write on a vaccine associated sarcoma site after losing my Dickon and I found it much too painful. Helping others is a very fitting tribute to Bailey. Thank you for the giving of your knowledge.
All the best to you.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 11, 2013 11:40:37 GMT -7
Marjorie and Stacey, you both could not have worded it any better. Sarah when we increase our knowledge then we can do better. That applies to me also and my journey with Clark and the sad loss of my sweet Lewis due to myelomalacia last summer. The tearful days are fewer and mostly replaced by smiles as I think of the wonderful things we shared. With time you'll be smiling more when you think of your Bailey. You are giving Bailey a fine legacy by sharing what you have learned to help another. Bailey still lives on this Forum!
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When I took the top of her crate and sat right in there with her, holding her, she just whimpered, and looked at me so mournfully. It was one of the worst things to experience, watching her like that. 
are some of the very most wonderful and truly caring people in this world. Finding all the amazing people on Dodgerslist proves that to be true!!! 