Alivia was recently diagnosed with Cushing's - Alivia has passed

Mary Beth:
Oh Tipper would do 7 pets stores in the blink of an eye when she was well! I hope all works out with everyone watching Max. I know what you mean about the deep sleep as Tipper used to hear a pin drop in the nite. One nite I lifted her eyelid as she was not waking up and scared me, she never woke up. Sometime I shake her so hard I can't believe this is the same dog sleeping thru it! I am praying for you that all goes well. Blessings
Patti

I have not been here for awhile...sometimes it is just too hard. Plus, I have had a lot going on. I had a second CT scan and it showed the nodule was still in my lung. My sister died of lung cancer and was exactly my age when she was diagnosed, so I was a little (okay, a lot) freaked out. Saw the pulmonologist on Thursday and, long story short, it was all good news. He doesn't think there is anything to lose sleep over but will monitor it with another CT scan in 4 months. He also said on my first CT scan, that was done on the same day Ali died, I had viral pneumonia (in addition to the flu that was diagnosed by a nose swab!). I was so sick for Ali's last days. Taking care of her was physically such a struggle, but, it also gave me extra snuggle time with her. I still cannot talk (or write) about Ali without crying. I wonder if that will ever get any better.

More good news! My sister and brother-in-law are coming up from Virginia to stay with Maxwell, at my house, while I am in the hospital getting my knee replaced!! Maxwell ADORES them, so that is the best thing possible for him!! Peggy is taking off work and they will be here the day before my surgery! Turns out, all I had to do was ask (something I have a very hard time doing), and she unhesitatingly said they would come. :D Such a huge relief to know that Max will be well taken care of AND happy while I am away. In fact, he may not even miss me!! When they are here, Max will lay in front of the guest room door, anxiously waiting for my brother-in-law to get up. Max, has never really liked most men, but has always adored Jim, even though he only sees him about once a year, at most. In fact, we joke that Jim is Max's best buddy! Best possible solution EVER!! Except, now I guess I have to go through with the surgery....

Good news all the way around, Mary Beth, yippee!!!!!!

Gosh, you must have been so worried about your lung. I am so relieved that it turned out not to be a worry.:)

I struggled too the last month of Zoe's life,trying to care for her. Every time I lifted her (which was a lot) the pain in my arm was so bad and I did not get much sleep. But I would take the pain all over again if I could have my girl back. I am struggling just like you and think it will never change.

I hope you have a restful Memorial Day weekend. Please come to tell us before your surgery so we know if you can. I know it will all go well for you Mary Beth.

So glad you asked. I have a hard time asking for help too.

Big hugs

Mary Beth:
So sorry to hear of all the scares you have been thru. Thank God you are getting your brother in law to help while you are in the hospital . I truly hope everything works out for you and you can get back home and snuggle with Max. I am praying for you.
Patti

Hi Mary Beth-
Someone I "know" just had knee surgery-12 days ago. She is already not using the walker and is doing very, very well. She went home after only two days-three used to be the norm. Surgery was sometime after 1 on a Wednesday and she went home that Friday. Quite often the anticipation can be way worse than the reality. I'll be thinking of you.
Susan

Thanks, Addy. I miss Alivia like crazy and I know Max does, too. I was so worried about putting him through any more stress. I was actually going to postpone the surgery! But, with my sister and his best buddy here, he will probably hardly even notice I am away! :p

Thank you, Patti! I appreciate any and all prayers. So far, they are working for me!

Susan, that is so GOOD to hear!!! My doctor said 3-5 days, but most likely 3. I do keep hearing good things about the way the surgery is done now. My surgery is on a Thursday and I am motivated to get back home to Maxwell, before my sister and brother-in-law have to leave on Sunday. Worst case scenario, it will be much easier to get friends to come in and take care of Max for 1 or 2 days instead of the entire time! I have my mind made up to be up and walking ASAP! I am going to kick this surgery's butt!!

You know the saying, "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger"? I am on my way to becoming Superwoman!! :D Addy, I think you've earned a cape this year, too, along with at least several others. Maybe we can get them in bulk! :D

I am so glad that you have family coming to be with Maxwell. Now you won't have to worry about that and can just concentrate on getting better after the surgery. What a relief!! A definite bonus that it's Max's best BFF. :)

We understand that it is hard to come here and why. Don't worry about that. It is always good to see you though. :)

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

Some days and some moments are harder than others. Like today and right now. I, too, keep re-living that last day. It's been over 3 months and I still haven't been able to move Alivia's bed. It's still right beside Max's in the entryway...

Mary Beth:
I have left things like that from my other pets that have passed. There is no rule saying that it can't stay there forever! I still keep a denim jacket of my dad's and I used to go to it to smell his cologne on it, it made me feel better. The scent is gone by now I am sure, but I still think I can smell my dad on it? I would never move the bed if it were me. I hope you are getting thru this the best you can. Blessings
Patti

Sending you big hugs Mary Beth.

Patti is right. There is no rule that something Has to be moved.

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

Oh Mary Beth,

I am so happy to read that the nodule on your lung is not a serious matter, and I am also so happy that your sister and hubby are coming to your house to dogsit sweet Maxwell!!! YAAAAA!!! Good news all around!!!

Sending huge hugs, Lori

Big hugs for both of us MB.

Love from our house to yours--- and I know everything will go well with your surgery and that Maxwell will be just fine.

Thanks, everyone. It has been 4 months today since Ali passed. Hard to believe. She was such a sweet, gentle soul. I miss her so much and I know Maxwell does, too. I was putting away the pink harness she always wore when we went out and Max went crazy trying to get to it, so I let him smell it. He sniffed it all over and then let out the most anguished howl. It was unlike ANY sound I have ever heard him make. A friend was here visiting and it brought both of us to tears. It was absolutely heart wrenching. No one can ever tell me dogs do not experience true emotions.

12 days till my surgery. I am looking forward to eventually being able to walk without pain....it has been so long.

Hope everyone is doing well. Special hugs to you, Addy.

Hi Mary Beth

Oh my gosh, that made my eyes prick just reading it. Poor Maxwell, so sad he is missing his buddy like that.

Best wishes for the upcoming surgery!! Hope your eating well and healthily so your body is well equipped to recover from this surgery!! Hopefully in a few weeks we read about your improved mobility!! GO YOU!! x

Oh my gosh, that brought tears to my eyes too. Poor little Maxwell. He must be awfully lonely and missing her something terrible. :( I'm glad you have each other to try and get through this time.

I hope you heal quickly from this surgery and can get around without any pain going forward!

hugs
sharlene and molly muffin

MaryBeth:
I just balled my eyes out for your Maxwell. He is truly grieving away for sweet Alivia. I am saying a prayer for you so that you make it thru your surgery with flying colors! I was so distressed to see Chuck Noll died, he used to live 2 streets over from me. Very sad to hear he had alzheimers too. Take care and do well. Blessings
Patti

MB, I felt so badly for Maxwell and for you. I dearly hope after your surgery is over and goes well, the two of you will have some bright spots in your lives. There has been so much stress for you both. Koko is up and down but not grieving to the degree Max is, as long as I keep him busy.

I also am glad to know the date of your surgery and will be thinking of you. I just know it will all be fine.:):):):):) I had been wondering about you all week and was so glad to see your post:):):):):)

I wish we lived closer, Mary Beth. I think we will miss our girls forever but our boys are pulling us through, Maxwell and Koko are just good, sweet dogs.

I would cry too!
Gracie seems to be handling Daisy's passing ok, but Annie is super clinging to me now. Poor thing. Animals definitely feel the loss too. No doubt.

Hi Mary Beth-just wanted to stop in now and wish you well on your surgery. You are going to wonder why in the world you waited so long. :) I hope you are doing leg lifts to strengthen your muscles. The stronger you are going in, the faster you recover.

That's something about Maxwell. I think dogs have very long memories and do experience emotions. Monday, Bob took Bailey out back and while she was out I moved into a room I don't usually go into. She came back in and immediately started to hunt for me. She went to all the usual places. She ran upstairs, came back down, ran around on the first floor and then ran back upstairs a second time. She ran back down and went to the front door to look out. I finally made some noise and she came and found me. It was kind of funny, but it bothered me that she reacted in such a panicked way. If she sees me go out to go away, she is fine though, so I guess it's okay. Sometimes they seem like little people. I know the pain you are going through. It will get better.

Hugs,
Susan

Mary Beth:
Wishing you luck and a speedy recovery. Hoping Max does just fine with your brother in law. I will say a prayer for you. Blessings
Patti

Thanks, everyone. Of course my week before surgery could not be without incident. I have a nickel allergy and guess what one of the metals in knee implants is? Yep. I had asked my surgeon what brand implant he uses (who does that??) and was reading their website and learned about the nickel and how you can have an allergic reaction to the knee! I was at the allergist's 3 times this week being patch tested for 23 metals. I had a "violent and spreading, 3+" reaction to nickel. Not sure exactly what this means except I had to get a prescription to clear up the itchy rash the test caused! So, my surgeon had to get a special nickel free implant and have it approved by the hospital and brought in by the knee implant rep. Actually, it is a MUCH better, newer product that lasts 30+ years. They should be using this one on everyone because the technology is so much better. But, of course, it also costs a whole lot more which I am sure is the reason they aren't!! I think that is sad. Anyway, the surgery will proceed on Thursday.

I think Alivia walked by me this morning. I was sitting at the dining room table and "heard" a dog walk past and go into the kitchen. Of course, I just assumed it was Max, but when I turned around to look Max was sound asleep in his bed. I really miss my little girl.

WOW, who would have thought you could be allergic to the implant? Thank goodness you asked, Mary Beth. I am so sorry the allergy testing made you sick but thank goodness it is all straightened out now.

I know everything will be just fine. Surgery will be a breeze, recovery will go well and Maxwell will be fine and ready to give you lots of kisses and cuddles.:):):):):):)

Our boys help us so much, thank goodness we have them, Mary Beth. Koko was licking away my tears the other night and I bet Maxwell does the same for you.

I think Alivia and Zoe are watching out for us too. I have no doubt she came to visit you just as Zoe will come to visit me. They seem to show up when we need them most.

big hugs and if you can, let us know you are ok.

Thanks, Addy. Maybe Ali was just checking in on me and Max. I took Max to the groomer's at Petco yesterday. I could never take Ali there because, due to her having had IMHA, she could never be vaccinated. Anyway, the girls there absolutely loved him. They said he has so much personality and that he was so good for them. They even took pictures of him on their personal cell phones. He looks adorable. I will always miss my Alivia, but I am so thankful to have my Maxwell.

MBK:
That is so sweet that Alivia came back to check on you before your surgery. I am allergic to nickel too, glad you posted that . I am praying for all to work out well. Blessings
Patti

Holy Cow! So glad you found out before they put the inplant in. Great that you're getting the new upgraded version as a result. :) Now just to get through it and onto recovery.

Awwww, Maxwell, is just precious. I am sure that Ali is watching out for both of you.

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

Hi Mary Beth:
I am guessing you had your surgery? If you did I hope you are doing well, and I hope Max had fun with his sitter. Let me know how you are getting along, I will be back to Pgh. the 8th. Blessings
Patti

Hi Mary Beth

I am hoping your surgery went well and that Maxwell is giving you sloppy dogs smooches all over your face- don't you love those?:):)

I know you have recovery time and all but I wanted you to know I am thinking of you and Maxwell if you stop in for a peek on your thread:D

Popping in to wish you well! Quick recoveries!

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

Hi Mary Beth

Stopping by to wish you a fast recovery!! Hope it all went well and your feeling a box of birds soon and back home with Max! xx

Mary Beth:
Hope all is well and if you need anything let me know I would be glad to bring it to you when I come home on the 8th. Hope you and Max are snuggling and enjoying time together. blessings
Patti

Hello, everyone! Thanks for the good wishes. Trish, never heard the saying "box of birds", but I LOVE it! Of course, I am assuming that it is a good thing! I actually have 3 birds, but they are in a CAGE! :D

As per usual, nothing with me is ever simple or easy. I had my knee replaced on 6/26. I had a lot of nausea following the surgery and they had an extremely difficult time getting my pain under control. I developed some pneumonia and they couldn't get my oxygen levels to remain up in the normal ranges. They sent me home on Monday on oxygen 24/7!!! Tuesday, I was back in the hospital being tested for blood clots, due to pain, swelling and discoloration. That was negative. Saw the ortho on Wednesday. He said it was a very difficult surgery (due to prior injuries and surgeries) and that he was glad he didn't have to do it in his first decade of practice! But, on the plus side, he expects that I will have a very good result. I have a lot of swelling and still a lot of pain (taking Dilaudid and Oxycontin so I remain somewhat in la-la land), graduated from a walker to a cane. I have home health nurses twice a week, home PT 3x week, OT once a week. I see the ortho again on Tuesday and will probably have the million staples removed

Max has been an absolute angel. He was good for my sister and brother-in-law but they said they could tell he was really confused and worried. I thought he would sleep with them, but they said he slept under the covers in my bed every night. He has been the best snuggle buddy ever, since I've been home! He is always right by me.

Well, back to the couch and my ice pack. Thanks again for keeping me in your thoughts. Love you all!

Thank you for coming to tell us you are ok, you know what worry warts we are!!!:o:o:o

Hopefully everything will improve and the worst is over. So glad Maxwell is being supportive:):):):) Ahhh the healing power of a snuggle bunny pup:D:D:D:D:D

Mary Beth, you so deserve a break now. I am rooting for your PT to go well!!!!

Yay! Glad the surgery is over and you are on the road to recovery land vs la la land :) :) That's great news. I hope this one does the trick and no more surgeries needed. Ever! LOL

Thanks for updating us worry warts.

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

Oh my gosh, that does sound a bit of a rocky recovery. Hope your breathing has come right Mary Beth! Great you have all that support at home. Awww isn't that Max just a sweet pea, snuggling up with you. I bet he is the best medicine of all! Look after yourself, take your pain meds and keep getting better!! xx

I am so glad to read you are on "the other side" of your knee surgery. I've never heard about anyone being allergic to nickel knee implants. I am SO glad you straightened that out beforehand. I am glad recovery is settling down a little bit and know you are happy to get staples out, as that puts you that much closer to being able to shower. I always feel so much better when I'm freshened up.

Hugs to you and Max. ( my "x " on my keyboard has gone AWOL and I have to count on spell check to be able to get an "x" to print out. Fortunately "x" isn't one key that is used real often!!) :p
-Susan

Mary Beth,
I cringed reading your post. Having seen my father through both knees, rotator cuff, several back surgeries - I remember the pain and how badly I felt for him.

Good boy Max!!!! They do know when something is wrong. Both cats watched me like a hawk after Daisy passed and Gracie still does. Our babies are more comfort than other humans because they are truly selfless.

Now that you're body isn't fighting other infections, hoping that the recovery process will get easier.

I am having a much harder time recovering from this than I'd hoped. I can't even tell you how many times my pain meds have been adjusted/increased/changed and still do not have a handle on the pain. After over 3 weeks, I am finally just starting to be able to sleep for more than an hour or two at a time. My pain level is pretty high - much higher than I anticipated. I still have a home nurse that comes and in-home PT 3 times per week. The PT is grueling, but they say I am doing well.

Maxwell has been an absolute angel. He has never liked strangers (especially men) coming into the house, but he has been a perfect gentleman with all of the healthcare people coming in and out. It is like he knows they are there to help. He is always right by me and as has been such a tremendous comfort throughout this ordeal. Love my little old man dog so much!

Oh Mary Beth, I do hope this healing recovery starts to get much easier for you.

Maxwell is a dear. He is so good and brave with all the people coming in and out.

Sending you tons of hugs and support,
Sharlene and molly muffin

Oh Mary Beth, I hope things improve and your pain can be managed well. It is so important to have your pain under control before you have to do PT. I am so sorry it has been so hard for you. You need a break!!!

Maxwell is one smart boy. He knows when mama needs help. I am so happy you have him. Our boys are so dear to us both. I think they both are coming out of their shells, in a way,coming into their own.

Please keep us updated. I wait for your updates so I know you are ok.:)

Soon this will all be a memory and you and Maxwell will be strolling around the block!!!


Much love and many, many hugs!!

Praying for your recovery. Maxwell what an Angel.
Sonja and Angel Apollo