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Post by Casey & Hank on Oct 13, 2019 12:21:29 GMT -7
Hank came to live with us 2 months ago. He is 5 years old doxy and we don’t know much about his past. Just that he spent most of his life in a crate. He has been very happy living with us, and we love him very much. Today we noticed he has been acting different. Not eating and wobbly when walking. I immediately crated him. My family all has the flu. We have not taken him to the vet. November 2018 lost our boy Tiger unexpectedly while battling IVDD. I fear that this could be the same thing. I have him tordol [?]and syringes him fluids. He refuses to eat or drink, and we know he didn’t eat last night. I know that this is completely different then our boy we lost last year, he was completely paralyzed and unable to to urinate. I am just so afraid.
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
12 lbs
Tramadol 50 mgs ?x/day ]
To add to the topic, we live on land with lots of trees and hills. At first I thought maybe he just hurt a leg. Or our other dog may have hurt him on accident. Our other dog is much larger and still so young. I’ve seen him play without being very gentle in the past. But they love each other. He does yelp when I feel along his hip and back area, which is why I immediately put him in his crate
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 13, 2019 14:55:21 GMT -7
Casey, what a wonderful thing to do--- to give Hank a home with you! Excellent that upon any suspicion of a a disc episode (pain, neuro diminishment) you crated at once. This would keep the mild sypmptoms mild if this does turn out to be a disc episode. Clearly Casey needs to see a vet to get a diagnosis and the right treatment. IF this would be a disc episode then the anti-inflammatory drug prescribed would get to work on getting painful spinal cord swellling down. If you are giving any pain meds, they last about 8 hrs. Make sure the vet gets to examine Hank without any pain meds masking things. Let us know what the vet diagnosis first thing in the a.m. or if he's not going to be open, an ER visit would be in order. Anytime there is neuro diminishment of wobbly walking that demands finding out the reason. What does "I have him tordol" mean? Is that a pain med (tramadol) or does it mean something else? Let us know what the vet diagnoses. Bookmark a thread to receive an email alert when someone has replied
1. Go to your Profile> Profile Edit > Notifications: checkmark BOOKMARKS + "instant" email
2. Next, go to the CONSERVATIVE Board: checkmark Hank's thread, then use the ACTIONS button to select "bookmark"
 Myelomalacia is not such a common disease. Rest your mind from worry. Hank can walk at this point, so he would not be subject to "M". |
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Post by Casey & Hank on Oct 13, 2019 16:51:26 GMT -7
Good news. Hank ate dinner leftovers. Some chicken and beef. He has always been picky.
Yes I will update after he goes to the vet in the morning. Yes tramadol. I have it from the vet left over and I just didn’t want to wait to get pain under control.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 13, 2019 17:25:36 GMT -7
How much does Hank weigh?
How many mgs of tramdol and how often are you giving? every 12 or every 8 hrs?
Is his pain subsided (masked) now?
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Post by Casey & Hank on Oct 13, 2019 19:03:34 GMT -7
His pain returned so we gave him a second dose of 50 mg tramadol. I’m not exactly sure of his weight. My husband took hank out to pee because he whined to go out, but he wouldn’t go. He hadn’t gone for quite a while, and previously whined but didn’t pee. My husband decided to try expressing his bladder, and was successful. This worries me, because a prior vet told me that it would be difficult to express a dogs bladder that has control.
I was able to tell that his pain returned because his abdomen was hard and he hesitated to move when we set him down to pee. We are still crate rest with only few steps to pee
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 13, 2019 19:39:19 GMT -7
Casey, monitor for neuro signs and let us know where on the list you are finding Hank's function.. If he is still walking, then of course he should still have bladder control. Expressing is a matter of physics. Press hard enough to over come the strength of the sphinter muscles. Dogs who have control will not like it because they can feel you doing that. As damage to the spinal cord increases, there is a predictable stepwise deterioration of functions. When nerve healing begins, often it follows the reverse order. 1. Pain caused by the tearing disc & inflammation in the spinal cord 2. Wobbly walking, legs cross 3. Nails/toes scuffing floor 4. Paws knuckle under 5. Weak/little leg movement, can't move up into a stand 6. Legs do not work at all (paralysis, dog is down) 7. Bladder control is lost. Leaks on you when lifted. Can no longer sniff and then pee on that old urine spot outdoors. 8. Tail wagging with joy is lost 9. Deep pain sensation, the last neuro function, a critical indicator for nerves to be able to self heal after surgery or with conservative treatment. If surgery is not an option (for whatever reason) then the best option is conservative therapy. Surgery can still be successful in the window of 12-24 hours after loss of deep pain sensation. Even after that window of time, there can still be a good outcome. Each hour that passes decreases that chance. Precious hours can be lost with a vet that gets DPS wrong. Trust only the word of a neuro (ACVIM) or ortho (ACVS) surgeon about DPS. So if surgery is an option for your family get to a neuro or ortho asap. A quick overview of conservative treatment vs. a surgery: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingsurgery.htm#surgeryVSconservative |
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Post by Casey & Hank on Oct 14, 2019 10:03:06 GMT -7
So this morning we again had to express hanks bladder. He was able to stand on his back legs but not well at all. By the time he got to the vet he used the bathroom (poop) and vomited in his kennel. Poor guy was covered. He was not able to stand at all. Dragged his hind legs to love around during his evaluation. Vet said he reacts as though he could possibly move his legs he just can’t do it well so he is dragging. Says he has good anal tone. He did not even suggest surgery, but started NSAIDs, muscle relaxer, and antibiotics. He says he poop looked questionable and wanted to treat any possible injection. I asked for Pepcid but he did not think it was necessary. I plan on picking up over the counter but I don’t know how much to give.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 14, 2019 11:11:42 GMT -7
If you have not started the NSAID yet,
FIRST please read neuro deterioration info below carefully,
and phone your vet to advocate going with a steroid instead.
Hrs matter with neuro loss!
NSAID vs. STEROID use with neuro deterioration There is not a right nor wrong decision to use a NSAID or a Steroid. One of the several neuros Dodgerslist consults with kind of summed up the decision a vet has to make. With a mild case of no neuro diminishment— NSAIDs are reached for and probably a better decision. A vet, however, never knows if the mild case is not going to respond and turn into a more severe case. Then the very serious decision a vet will have to make is switching from a NSAID to a steroid. Waiting a week for the NSAID to washout minimizes bad GI tract side effects. When there is severe pain and/or neuro diminishment there is no luxury to wait a week. So therefore some vets will chose to start with a steroid and do a short course of 5-7 days, extending another course if warranted to fully resolve pain. Good general article about washouts: www.dailydogdiscoveries.com/tag/washout-period-between-nsaids-and-steroids/From the Dodgerslist Neuro Corner:---Dr. Galle, Neuro (ACVIM) Steroids vs. NSAIDS: www.dodgerslist.com/neurocorner2/steroidvsnsaid.htmFrom Answers about IVDD Surgery by Dr. Isaacs, Neuro (ACVIM):Corticosteroids vs. NSAIDs? Personally, I will use anti-inflammatory doses of steroids in cases where surgery is warranted but not financially feasible. The dose and course of steroids vary depending on the response. Some dogs respond well and I am able to taper completely off of the steroids. The goal is to find the lowest effective dose required to help with the neurological status. Also, just as important as steroids, if not more, is strict activity restriction! Be aware and monitor the neuro diminishment at home. Normally when there is neuro diminishment the less powerful of anti-inflammatory drugs, the NSAIDs are not used. Instead vet look to the most powerful of the two classes of anti-inflammatory drugs, the steroids such as prednisone. I F you've already given the NSAID:--- Where is Hank now?
Can he move the back legs such as to reposition himself in his suite? Can he still move up in to a stand. If he looses those functions, immedately (Hours matter!) phone your vet and very strongly advocate for switching to prednisone (steroid). Here is the CAVEAT. Normally there would be a 5-7 day washout from the NSAID before the use of Prednisone. With neuro loss, that is an emergency and the washout is dispensed with and replaced with 1. having Pepcid AC on board anyway to suppress stomach acids 2. ADDING in a 2nd GI protector to counteract the double jeoapardy of no 5-7 day washout. That med is sucralfate. Read about it and know why you are advocating if there needs to be an emergency switch to a steroid prednisone. ~~~~~~~~~
Casey, when you get things settled, would you give us the details of his med list. Having that information can tell us volumes about what is going on, better for us to be able to provide you with accurate comments. 1. Name of NSAID (or hopefully instead prednisone). For how many days?
dose in mgs?
how many times a day?
2. Name of muscle relaxer. ? mgs ?x/day
3. Name of antibotic ? mgs ?x/day
4. Tramadol still giving? ?mg and ?x/day are you actually giving it?
5. Pepcid AC ---
-- how much does Hank weigh? -- The usual dose during a disc episode is Pepcid AC (famotidine) for dogs is 0.44mg per pound. 30 mins before the anti-inflammatory and thereafter every 12 hours. Give the anti-inflammatory with a meal as added protection. -- Did the vet give you the answer needed: Does Hank have any health issues to prevent use of Pepcid AC?
Let us know if all pain is fully in control dose to dose of his pain med (s) muscle relaxer and tramdaol (??) Expect pain to be in control in one hr or less and stay that way IF the pain med(s) are correct. Otherwise give observation feedback over the phone about existance of pain in order to get meds adjusted perfectly for Hank. |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 14, 2019 16:28:49 GMT -7
Moved to the Forum on behalf of Casey:
I will update the post when I get home. We did get prednisone. I was at the Dr with my daughter when my husband took Hank to the vet. And I had to quickly get to work, so I don’t have details. My husband said he has been sleeping. He got a steroid shot at the vet before heading home. The vet told me that he doesn’t see a reason to add another med (Pepcid) because he gives prednisone to dogs every day and has never had a dog come in with an ulcer. And that it is difficult to diagnose a dog with an ulcer. I completely understand that he does in fact need Pepcid, and that there is absolutely no reason to not add it. I am a nurse so I can understand the need to protect the stomach.
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
12 lbs
name of steroid shot on 10/14
Prednisone as of 10/15: 2.5 mgs 2x/day for 5 days then Sun 10/20 taper test for _pain/_ neuro issues
Methocarbamol 250 mgs 1x/day
Metronidazole 125mg 2x/day
Pepcid AC 10 mg 2xday as prescribed by the vet]
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 14, 2019 16:33:02 GMT -7
Thank goodness for going steroid with the neuro diminishment (no NSAID was ever used, right?). Look forward to your update on the med details, pain control, etc. Good to hear Hank is sleeping and resting comfortably!!
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Post by Casey & Hank on Oct 14, 2019 16:59:12 GMT -7
I do not know the name of the shot. I will find out. I asked my husband and they did not weight Hank today. But he was there just a month ago so they may have used that weight. This is a list of meds
Methocarbamol 500mg 1/2 tablet once a day
Metronidazole 250mg 1/2 tablet every 12 hours
Prednisone 2.5 mg (2x day for 5 days, the 1x day for 5 days, then every other day until gone)
Pepcid 20 mg 1/2 tablet twice a day
tramadol was just something that I had at home. We are not prescribed to keep taking it at this time.
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Post by Casey & Hank on Oct 14, 2019 19:04:14 GMT -7
So I haven’t had much time with hank today. My husband has done most of his care. He had to express his bladder 4 times over 10 hours. After work, ball practice, and getting my 4 kids ready for bed I was able to spend time with hank. I allowed hank out for a couple minutes to syringe him pedialite and offer some meat. He hasn’t eaten dog food for days, but was excited to eat meat. We are going to start cooking chicken to feed him. Any suggestions on a easy healthy way to offer meat he would eat? Also when coming out of his kennel I allowed him to come out on his own because I fear that I hurt him last time on accident. He used one leg to get out. Moved it forward. I pinched between the toes on this leg and he responded. The other leg I would have to pinch pretty hard but he did twitch. I’m hoping this is response to his steroid shot and pain control. Tomorrow I’m hoping to look into laser therapy locally. Is it ok to travel to appointments for this or should I wait?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 14, 2019 19:07:50 GMT -7
When you can, do list out the meds he is on, ? mgs ?x/day
Additionally for prednisone how many days is he to take prior to a taper? Taper days serve a different purpose and are too low to work on swelling around the spinal cord.
Best to not change his food. Then you are not sure if there are GI tract issues whether benign change in food or very serious GI tract issues from pred.
Simmer up a piece of chicken or a hamburger patty. Cool, discard skin, bones and fat disc at top. 1-2 teaspoons on his kibble won't unbalance his food. You can soak his kibble in the broth. His body has a lot of repair jobs to take care of and needs a balanced diet meat alone does not provide.
Avoid pinching. Most DVM vets do not have the practiced eye to discern deep pain sensation.
If he can move a leg then by definition he has to have deep pain sensation. See my above post for that list of neuro functions.
Any time out of the crate is a dangerous time for a dog going through an IVDD disc episode. Transport to a vet is risky as there is a chance of too much movement. Is there a mobile vet in your area if you want acupuncture at home for Hank?
Vet visits during a disc episode should be kept to the only urgently needed ones and for things that simply can't be handled over the phone such as med adjustments.
With urgent vet visits, secure the crate in your vehicle. Transport carefully using a crate padded out with rolled up towels on either side of the dog to prevent movement or jarring the spine when braking or turning corners.
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Post by Casey & Hank on Oct 14, 2019 19:21:06 GMT -7
I have listed meds in prior post
Hank has always wanted scraps my 2 year old leaves behind. He has always waited to eat dog food if nothing else lands in the floor haha. My 2 year old is his friend
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 15, 2019 7:18:19 GMT -7
Casey, what weight did you use in calculating dose of Pepcid AC to be 10 mgs 2x/day?
Something is out of wack with that high a dose for Pepcid AC and so little dose for prednisone. Let us know what Hank's weight likely is. For a 13-17lbs dog 5mgs of Pepcid AC 2x/day would be used.
Let us know that Hank's pain is fully in control round the clock, dose to dose, when he has to move such as repostion in his suite, etc.
The pain meds use with a disc episode have a short half life and likely would not fully control pain unless prescribed by the vet for every 8 hrs. Also the multi modal approach of addressing each source of pain is a typical way to treat a disc episode. So if not controlling pain advocate on the phone for med adjustment:
- methocarbamol for muscle spasm pain at a dose that can be given every 8 hrs.
-gabapentin, for nerve pain every 8 hrs
- tramadol as the general analgesic every 8 hrs.
Are Doxie the best.... low to the ground and good at tracking down food morsels that have fallen to the floor!!!
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Post by Casey & Hank on Oct 15, 2019 10:09:38 GMT -7
I have amazing news. I got a video from my husband, and hank stood up and walked. Using both legs. He does not think he has signs of pain. We are going to continue crate rest. His last weight at the Vet was 12lbs. I asked the vet to send home Pepcid and he did. So he dosed his prescription
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Post by Julie & Perry on Oct 15, 2019 10:24:32 GMT -7
That's great! Continuing the crate rest for 8 whole weeks gives Hank the best chance of a complete recovery. Good for you!
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Post by Casey & Hank on Oct 17, 2019 17:43:04 GMT -7
So hank is about the same. Wobbling if he manages to get up on his legs, but still struggles to get up. We moved him from his regular kennel to a larger wire kennel that is padded and the top adjusted to open. So he feels more involved in the family, and the kids can say hi and pet him. I’m concerned though because he hasn’t pooped since the vet appointment Monday. He is peeing regularly and has been eating, but no matter how I doctor the food up he will only eat meat. Not even veggies with beef seasoning. Or gravy coated dog food. I’ve tried hot water on dog food to soften. No luck
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 17, 2019 18:05:20 GMT -7
Casey, did you ever find out the name of the steroid shot, it may give clue to Hank's eating issue.
As long as Hand is not going backwards, not diminishing in neuro function, then all is good. Once nerves have become damaged they can take quite some time to regenerate enough to bring back function.
Sun 10/20 is the schedule begin of the pred taper to test for _pain / _neuro issues. Which does your vet want on the 20th regarding pain meds that mask pain and deter you from quickly and accurately monitoring for revealed pain (indicating another course of pred is needed)
---- stop of the one pain med he is on (methocarbamol) or
---- backing off of the methoarbamol
What is your plan B? With any taper, it is always good to have worked out in advance a "PLAN B" should pain re-surface at night or on the weekend when your vet is not open. Could be an emergency RX script you could fill at local 24 hr pharmacy or some extra pills at home til the vet opens again. An ER visit is very expensive, a "Plan B" is free!
Pain= another course of prednisone + all pain meds, protectors back on board.
No Pain= no need of any meds...just finish out the 8 weeks of crate rest for the disc to heal.
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Post by Casey & Hank on Oct 18, 2019 18:45:24 GMT -7
Hank still hasn’t pooped, but he has started eating dog food with beef broth over it. We also put a water bottle (like what hampsters use) on the side of his kennel so that he has an easy way to have as much water as he would like. We started giving him 5mg ▼Pepcid. Monday we went to the vet, and Tuesday they called and checked on him. We have not spoken since. We actually don’t have a return appointment, because my husband wasn’t sure what I wanted. I can call and set up an appointment in the morning, so that we can discuss our plan
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
12 lbs
name of ? steroid shot on 10/14
Prednisone as of 10/15: 2.5 mgs 2x/day for 5 days then Sun 10/20 taper test for _pain/_ neuro issues
Methocarbamol 250 mgs 1x/day
Metronidazole 125mg 2x/day
Pepcid AC ▼5 mg 2xday]
He is not going backwards on function. He does not need to be expressed, and he is ready to get out and run. Wobbly but excited. We are continuing crate rest though. Kids are giving him lots of love and he seems to be doing ok with being in his crate. His fur brother really wants to play, but he is much bigger and not the most gentle. They talk to each other often lol
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Marjorie
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Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
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Post by Marjorie on Oct 19, 2019 4:57:48 GMT -7
Hi, Casey. Great news that Hank has started eating his dog food again and that there has been no deterioration of neuro function.
Rather than set up a return appointment to bring Hank back to the vet, it would be best if you called the vet and discussed the plan for meds. Transport to the vet must only be done for the most important visits as transport can involve risk of too much movement of the spine. Vets who understand the importance of strict crate rest will agree to take status updates by phone. Call the vet and discuss whether he wants Methocarbamol stopped or tapered off of on Sunday when the Prednisone starts to taper. Also discuss what he wants you to do should pain (sign of swelling) resurface at any time during the taper of the Prednisone. Hopefully his answer will be that, should pain resurface, the original dosage of Prednisone and Methocarbamol once again resume for a bit longer, possibly another 7 days.
Be sure to tell the vet that you've changed the dosage of the Pepcid AC. Anything we tell you here on the forum is for your information and discussion with the vet. We are not vets and your vet must be kept in the loop of anything you're giving Hank.
Pumpkin can help firm up stools. Give one teaspoon of pumpkin for every 10 pounds of body weight per day. Note alternatives for constipation: really ripe mashed fresh pear, just take off the peel; microwaved and mashed peeled sweet potato.
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Post by Casey & Hank on Oct 20, 2019 6:00:25 GMT -7
I did take hank to the vet. They said they wanted to do a rectal exam. Said that his poop was “right there” and that he may just need help moving it along. They put him on ✙lactose [spellilng?], and prescribed cisapride. We did not get the cisapride before the vets office that had it closed. But good news was that we had a small bowel movement from hank. Multiple times he would go, but then being wobbly he would fall to the side and the poop backs back in. So he gave up. So I think it’s more the mechanics of the squat that is holding him back. Also the vet that we saw was filling in for our vet so we do not know him. He said stop the antibiotics because hank never showed signs of infection after his one strange bowel movement. I told him that we decreased his Pepcid, and he said that 5 is ok but 10 is a therapeutic dose. Said if we want to give 5 that’s fine. Tomorrow I will call and talk to the regular vet about if we are to decrease hanks muscle relaxers, and what he wants us to do if hank shows signs of pain during the steroid taper.
[Moderator's Note. Please do not edit
12 lbs
name of ? steroid shot on 10/14
Prednisone as of 10/15: 2.5 mgs 2x/day for 5 days then Sun 10/20 taper test for _pain/_ neuro issues
Methocarbamol 250 mgs 1x/day
✙lactulose laxative
Pepcid AC 5 mg 2x/day]
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 20, 2019 7:06:39 GMT -7
Casey, here is a way to make sure his butt does not fall to the side. A sling is used as back up to catch a wobbly dog's butt and prevent twisting the back. Any sling needs to be accompanied by a front harness and leash to control speed to the very slow minimal footsteps at potty time especially during conservative treatment when the disc scar tissue is forming. A figure 8 DIY sling works especially well for the male dog anatomy at potty times. The figure 8 slings will also avoid the fulcrum effect.  Belly type slings can pull up on the tummy area causing the back to arch rather than remain horizontal to the ground. 1) DIY sweatshirt sling...can be used for front or the back legs. Use same concept with cut out leg holes in a long strip of towel: www.lyonpuffpetsit.com/htmlslp/sling.html2) DIY figure-8 sling:  What is the spelling of "lactose" as written on the bottle? Make sure Hank is hydratiing via drinking enough water and/or from the water contained in his food. Are you soaking overnight in the fridge each of his kibble meals with an equal part broth/liquid? What did the poop he did look like, was it of normal firmness or rather hard? Pumpkin can be a kind to the system way to carry hydration to the intestines. Plain pureed canned pumpkin is a magical fruit - its high fiber can firm up stools and help with diarrhea or loosen the stool to help with constipation. NOTE: alternatives are really ripe mashed fresh pear, just take off the peel off; microwaved and mashed peeled sweet potatoe. --To loosen the stool, add equal parts water to each kibble meal and soak overnight. For one meal add one teaspoon of plain canned pureed pumpkin 1x a day.-- To firm up the stool add 1 teaspoon plain canned pureed pumpkin 1x a day to kibble. Give a teaspoon of pumpkin for every 10 pounds of body weight. |
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Post by Casey & Hank on Oct 20, 2019 16:10:41 GMT -7
I’m sorry for the constant miss spelling. I’m usually typing out on my phone with my 2 year old on my hip haha. Lactulose. We carved pumpkins today so he has plenty of fresh pumpkin. His poop looked normal but extra wet.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 20, 2019 16:39:35 GMT -7
Casey it would be either the microwaved, mashed fresh pumpkin OR the lactulose. Not both. If his poop is normal firmnesst that sounds good and maybe no pumpkin is needed. Did you already give the Lactulose...maybe it is working to soften his stool. ["a type of sugar. It is broken down in the large intestine into mild acids that draw water into the colon, which helps soften the stools." www.drugs.com/mtm/lactulose.html ] |
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Post by Casey & Hank on Oct 20, 2019 18:51:41 GMT -7
It was shortly after the lactulose that he had a small bowel movement. I wasn’t sure if he would even eat the pumpkin so I gave him a little taste, but not much. He is prescribed the lactulose every 8 hours but I have given it more 12-14 hours because he did have the bowel movement. He is drinking a lot of water. He has at least 9 oz of water today. Plus broth over his food
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Post by Casey & Hank on Nov 8, 2019 18:41:39 GMT -7
So hank is off all meds, showing no signs of pain, and eating normally. No issues using the bathroom. Still crate rest, no matter how difficult it feels to leave him in there all the time. Kids sit with him a lot. Still a little wobbly when walking but he’s walking any time that we will let him. My only question is, do we have to keep him crates the whole 8 weeks? Or could he possibly “graduate” early if he has enough progress?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,541
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 8, 2019 18:57:29 GMT -7
Hey, Casey, what a wonderful report---no meds and no pain So there are four phases of healing (from www.dodgerslist.com/literature/healingpage.htm ) 1. Pain relief. That happens within an hr when the pain meds are correctly adjusted √Accomplished!2. Swelling healing. The proof is when off all meds and no pain. √Accomplished!3. Disc healing. It takes 8 weeks to make sure there is secure scar tissue formed on the exterior of the disc. 4. Nerve healing. There is no time limit. Usually it will take more than the short 8 weeks time it takes for the disc to heal. Just a matter of having patience to see what Hanks body will do. When the disc still is in the stages of forming strong scar tissue, movement of the back is the disc's enemy. You know how when you get a cut on your knuckle? Well, you can move it a tiny bit. But get over zealous and move it too much, the early healing scar tissue will break. Blood will flow. And you are back at square one getting that knuckle to heal. The difference with a disc's scar tissue being disrupted by too much movement is not blood. It is the danger of more disc material being able to escape from inside the disc. That disc material will move into the spinal cord canal and trap and squish the spinal cord. When the spinal cord is too compressed the nerve cells die. We see that death from the outside as loss of leg function, wobbly walking, loss of bladder control, etc. Hank is going in such a good direction of healing his nerves and healing his disc. Protect him by sticking to 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7 only out of the recovery suite for a very, very few footsteps at potty time. Mark your calendar for a happy and healthy December 8 graduation. You can do it for Hank. |
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