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

Mary Beth,
Max must sense that these people are there to help you. Daisy was the same way once she learned that mom's home healthcare aids were there for good reason. Sometimes the PT makes things hurt more but it's necessary. Feel better soon!

Hi Mary Beth-

Looks like you're right on schedule....sorry to say.:(:mad:
I have had too many surgeries to count in my lifetime, but knee surgery pain takes the cake. Most people cannot understand the level of pain, unless they've been through it themselves. The doctor cut through some important muscles in order to get the prosthetic in there. Those muscles are very unhappy right now. :eek:

I see you're trying different pain meds. They do work differently. I used Oxycodone every 4 hours...which was how it was prescribed. And I did not wait until 4 hours plus 1 minute! I do think that after two weeks, you will notice a positive change. The PT is very important, but I remember how maddening it was to be made to do those exercises so soon after the surgery and while experiencing so much pain. Be sure you medicate just prior to PT. And pt will exhaust you, so don't expect to do much but recover from pt afterwards. Icing is very important to keep the swelling down. I acquired a case of those packs that go in the freezer. I think that was 12 of them. That way I could keep 4 or 5 in there and one would always be frozen ready to go.

I remember the not sleeping bit. That is most annoying. I can remember sitting in a recliner and just saying to Bob, this pain is incredible. And that was with my Oxy. If you keep your leg elevated so that the knee is above your heart, it helps. Your whole life becomes all about recovery and once you understand and accept that.....that that is what your job is for now......for me it got easier.

Try to keep in mind that the worst is behind you. You still feel lousy, but the worst is behind you. :)

I'm sorry this is so hard.
-Susan

Hey Mary Beth,

I am so sorry this is such a rough time for you. I can't imagine the pain you are dealing with. And I pray this is the last time you have to face this ordeal.

It seems a tad bit as if your body is doing what mine is - reacting to the years of devotion to our baby girls instead of it. We hold so much at bay for them without even being aware that when the need to hold our ills in is gone, the body rebels with a vengeance. Now it's time for us to learn to give ourselves a little bit of that TLC we so freely gave our baby girls.

Please take care of yourself, Mary Beth.
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Thanks, everyone. I truly appreciate the encouraging words. Susan, thank you for sharing your experience with me. I am a little over 3 weeks post surgery and cannot believe the amount of pain I am still in. I have a high threshold for pain, so I was not expecting this to be so difficult, for so long. I am in constant pain and have gotten no relief. After the surgery in December, I kept saying something was wrong and it turned out I was right (that surgery did not work). I am terrified that maybe something is not right, although the doctor has said the x-rays look perfect.

I hope I just need to be patient. Thank goodness for Maxwell. He has kept me sane through this and I don't know what I'd do without him. He never leaves my side.

My torture treatment, I mean PT, is coming in a few minutes. Yay.

I sure hope nothing else is wrong, MB. I hate to hear that you are in so much pain. Maybe try like Susan did with the ice and keeping your leg elevated. I remember Sus was in a recliner for a long time.

And don't be afraid to take the pain meds, you need them. Take them faithfully, don't wait an extra minute!!

Kisses to Maxwell- Maxwell take care of Mama just like you have been doing, such a good boy!!!!

((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))

Gosh knee surgery takes it out of you, poor thing Mary Beth. Hopefully you turn the corner soon and it feels better. I hope there is nothing else going on with it. What a sweet boy your Maxwell is, such a comfort when you are feeling poorly when you can reach out and have a cute fluffy boy to pet... good for recovery I say!! You take care and yes I agree, those meds to be taken right on time so the pain does not blow out! xx

Hi Mary Beth, checking in to see how recovery is going.
I do hope the pain has lessen somewhat for you and is reaching more tolerable levels.

I'm sure Maxwell is being an angel with you.

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

Thanks for thinking of me!

I am still having more pain and swelling than I anticipated. Burst into tears at PT the other day, as I convinced myself that there was something not right. They tried to reassure me that I was making progress and that I needed to be patient. I saw my surgeon on Thursday and he said he is not surprised by the pain and swelling at this point. He said it is a "cumulative effect" from the prior surgeries and that it will take time and patience. He was very impressed that I have been walking without a cane or assistance for almost 3 weeks. Not perfectly and still can't do steps normally, but I can walk. I can't drive, yet, so I feel pretty confined. The hospital has a shuttle that takes me to and from PT.

Max continues to be an absolute sweetheart. He used to be "iffy" around my grandkids. He was afraid of them and they of him. Now he is totally fine with EVERYONE. My daughter says he is a changed dog. Anyway, he has been a real joy and has kept me sane these past few weeks. He is always right by my side and has done wonders with keeping my spirits up.

Just for fun, I did a DNA test on Max and am waiting for the results. He is a JRT, but groomers and vets always say his teeth are the size of a German Shepherds! Coincidentally, the breeder I got him from also bred German Shepherds. He is also a bit stockier than most JRTs. Anyway, I just thought it would be fun to read the report.

Hope everyone is well and enjoying their summer!

Hi Mary Beth

So hard to see the small improvements but sounds to me you are coming along, walking unaided is a huge positive step so GO YOU!! I hope that swelling keeps coming down and you feel better. I guess when you had such a hard time of it for the last surgery your kind of expecting that again but reassuring the surgeon was kind of expecting it.

Wondering what Maxwell will turn out to be too, that will be fun to hear the results!! Have a good week you two, you boy is doing you proud being such a supportive wee man! Pats for Max and big hugs for you! xx :)

I remember Susan, Bailey's mom, had some tough PT sessions. I think those are pretty tough to get through sometimes. You're being a real trooper yourself though, walking on your own and going to the PT and doing the things that you have to do to make things better and it will get better, so patience grasshopper. :) :)

Awww, Maxwell is a real love isn't he. Isn't that amazing how his personality has changed so much and he's become more socialized. I think maybe he has had to adapt since Allie is gone and he has likely taken his cue's from you on how to do that. That is a good thing, he is adapting and well it seems.

Now just concentrate on getting better yourself.

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

I think it sounds encouraging, I know it can be discouraging but it really all sounds positive, Mary Beth and I think we can see a light at the end of the tunnel. Susan did have some hard PT so I think it comes with the territory and the past problems you had.

I cant wait to find out Maxwell's DNA. We did Koko's and we all wrote down our guesses and put them in a jar and had a special ceremony with the grandkids when the results came in. We were all wrong:):rolleyes: He is a SHIPEKOK- Shih Tzsu, Pekingese and Cocker Spaniel. Hubby tells everyone Koko is a one of a kind, very rare breed and there are only a few Shipekoks in existance:rolleyes:

Anyway it is fun to wait and guess and then get the actual results. So our guess is JRT and German Shepard? Cant wait to find out!!!

Hang in there, sweetie, I just know it will get better for you and I am so happy Maxwell has come into his own just like Koko. They both have stepped up to the plate as Alivia and Zoe trained them very well.

Big Hugs

Hi Mary Beth

Hope this finds you feeling a bit better and in less pain!! What breed did Max turn out to be?? Hope the PT is going well and the knee is loosening up! x

me too, did you get the DNA report?

how are you both doing?

Happy 14th birthday to Maxwell Jake!!
Time goes by so fast! And now, the long awaited DNA test results...hint...Max is NOT the purebred Jack Russell Terrier I was told he was. :confused::
Drum roll, please. He is 1/2 Russell Terrier (Not Parson Russell Terrier, which is the name JRT was changed to when they were accepted into the AKC) and he is 1/2 Border Terrier, DALMATION and mixed breed. The breeds in the "mixed portion" in the order of most likely are: Sealyham Terrier, Pekingese, Norwich Terrier, Catahoula Leopard Dog (Huh?!) and Miniature Bull Terrier. He may contain one or more of these, but not all.

The funny thing is every time I get Max a summer haircut, his black dots show and I call him my little Dalmatian! So funny that he actually is! :D That may also explain his BIG teeth! Anyway, I would not change a thing about him! Love that little guy!!

As for me, I am still not doing as well as I should be at this point. I can't drive, walking is hard and I still have a lot of pain and swelling. I saw my ortho on Thursday. He said the x-rays "look" good and he still expects a good result but he can't explain why I am having so much pain at this point. I had several surgeries on this knee 20+ years ago and that makes this surgery more complicated. He wants me to see another ortho on Wednesday for a second opinion and to make sure he is not missing anything. PT is on hold, for now, until I see the second doctor. Fingers crossed that this is NOT as good as it gets because if it is, I am in big, BIG trouble.

Happy 14th Birthday, Max!

Happy birthday maxwell!!!


Well isn't that something. It always seems to hold a bit of surprise when those DNA results come in. Interesting combo that makes your maxwell truly a unique little guy.

I hope this isn't as good as it gets either. It shouldn't be so hopefully they will figure this out and get you back on track

Hugs
Sharlene and Molly muffin

happy birthday maxwell!!! :D:D:D

The HAPPIEST of Birthdays MAXWELL

Dalmatian!!!! Who would of thought that one? Lots of terriers in those genes too!!!:):):):):) What fun to get the results!!!!!

Maxwell, you are truly a one of a kind!!!

Phooey that you are not doing better, Mary Beth.:(:(:( I sure don't like to hear that. I am glad you are going for a second opinion. Do you think it could be the therapist for PT? Not all are created equal. I seem to remember Susan having one that hurt her and she switched.

Hmmm, Addy, a Shipekok? I guess that would make Max a Russebordamatian. Definitely one of a kind!! :p

He was sold as a purebred JRT (now known as Parson Russell Terrier), but he has no JRT in him! He is half "Russell Terrier", which is a similar breed, but shorter. Oh, well. It just makes him more special! :D

Alivia, on the other hand was definitely a purebred JRT/Parson Russell Terrier. The man that bred her mother was super picky about who she bred with. There was no doubt in my mind about her.

I am hoping the second doctor has some ideas, or at least can say with confidence I will improve in time. If I knew that for sure, I could deal with the issues now.

Hmmmm, I think we need an update:):):):):)

How are you and Maxwell?

Oh No... I missed Max's birthday.... YES we do need an update Mary Beth, I so hope you have seen improvement and your leg is healing! xxx

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY SWEET BOY MAX!!

Thanks for thinking of me, Addy! The last 2 months have been rough, REALLY rough. Finally this past week I feel like I have turned a corner and I am finally improving!! Conventional PT was making my knee worse - both with pain and swelling. So, my ortho had me stop. I started going to acupuncture and researching other options (Hmmm....where do you think that comes from?). I found a therapist that does aqua therapy and "hands on" therapy. My first visit was today and there has been some improvement already! He said I have a ton of scar tissue from 5-6 surgeries over the past 20+ years. He is doing deep tissue massage that hurts like &%$* to break up the scar tissue, but the range of motion has improved already so I am soooooo optimistic that I will finally be better than I have been in a very long time! The water exercises feel great. So happy right now! :D

Maxwell has been an absolute sweetheart throughout all of this. He is an amazing little snuggler. Love that little old guy so much. Of course, I miss Alivia tremendously. I know that will never change. It helps to know that she is no longer in pain, but I still can't help when the tears come. I know you understand. Hope her and Zoe are soaking up the sunshine and keeping everyone in line.

Think of all of you often and hope everyone is doing well.

Thank you, Trish!!! Max was 14 and still doing GREAT!!! He just got a shave and a haircut yesterday and is looking quite handsome! I will post a picture!!

I just posted a picture of Maxwell. He looks quite handsome for being 14 years old, if I do say so myself! :D

Mary Beth, Maxwell is a good looking boy and does not look his age at all!!!

I am so pleased to read your update. I hope the water therapy helps along with the new therapist and acupuncture. I just know you are now on the road to recovery!!!

Did I tell you I found my exercise sheets and instructions from when my arm was frozen about ten years ago? Most of the exercises were the same as I was doing for my fracture. The problem was, the last time they had me doing the exercises less frequently, not twice a day or daily. This last time, PT had me doing so many exercises so often it was causing me more and more pain. So sometimes PT helps, sometimes I think it can hurt as well. So good for you for looking for a change to help yourself get better:):):):):)

Keep us updated ok?

Yay. So glad you have found something that is helpful! It isn't always that what works for one works for everyone. This sounds much more helpful.
Aww maxwell is a darling

Hugs
Sharlene and Molly muffin

A new addition to the family! Max has been lonely since losing Alivia and I have been worrying that after having me home for 3 months, he'd have a really hard time when I go back to work. But, I was not ready for another dog. I took Max to Petco to see the cats. I wasn't sure how he'd be cause he has never been close to a cat...he paid no attention to them and the volunteer said it was the best reaction he could have as he was "non-reactive". So, I started a search for the right fit and found a sweet, little kitten at the Humane Society. Her name is now Opal and she fits right in! She is less than 3 pounds and completely fearless. Max is doing REALLY well with her. He was even a good sport the first night when Opal walked right under him and started looking for nummies. :p Max follows her around and is very curious about her antics. They were even snuggling on the first day! I am amazed at how well it is going! I think her and Max are well on their way to becoming besties and, of course, I adore her already! We needed something good around here!! I posted a couple of pictures.

awww, Mary Beth, Opal is a doll! I had an all white cat named Baby who was born deaf. Baby lived to be 21 years old! I wish you, Max and Opal many, many happy years together!

Welcome Home, Opal!

Opal and Maxwell are so cute together. I do hope they become besties and I know she will be company for him when you go back to work.

I hope your therapy has continued to go well and that you are making great progress with your knee.

hugs
sharlene and molly muffin

I was so excited to read your post MB. I think Opal is the perfect tonic for Maxwell and I am soooooo happy for your family.

I do hope things are improving physically for you and love to picture the three of you getting in cuddle time.

I am off to check out the pictures of Opal Cat and Maxwell.

Big Hugs

Hi Mary Beth

Love the pics, she looks very comfortable with Max already!! That's fantastic, funny how sometimes they just adapt immediately so it was meant to be :D:D so pleased Max has a little buddy to be with him when you return to work... you must be feeling better if you are thinking about that! xx
Big welcome to the family to OPAL!!

Thanks, everyone! I cannot believe how well the transition of adding Opal has gone. The first 2 nights I put her in the bathroom with a bed, food, etc. The 3rd night I couldn't find her when Max and I were going upstairs to bed. Got upstairs and she was all comfy in my bed like she owned the place! So, that is where she has slept since! She has to have some part of her body touching Max and he is totally okay with it. She is absolutely fearless and has even stuck her head in Max's food bowl while he was eating! Lucky for her he has been VERY patient. I just got her on Wednesday and already I am able to leave them home alone and not separated. I was out for a few hours today and came home to find them sleeping side by side. I think this will be really good for Max. He is already a little more active.

Addy, what do you mean Koko cannot even have a goldfish???? :eek:

My new therapy is painful (they do a very deep massage to break scar tissue), but it is helping a lot. I have much less pain overall and my ROM is increasing. Definitely making progress in the right direction!! Such a relief!

My friend was just telling me yesterday that the PT to break down the scar tissue for him was one of the most painful things he remembers going through. He said however, that once you get through it and the ROM starts to come back that it isn't nearly as bad as the breaking down part.

You can do this Mary Beth!

That is so cute about how Opal and Max are with each other. She doesn't know there is anything to be scared of, and so just has a new bestie and Max obviously is going with the flow and must think this little creature isn't half bad. :) :)

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

Thanks, everyone!

I continue to be absolutely amazed at how well Max and Opal are doing together! Max is 14 years old and has never even seen a cat up close. He is being incredibly gentle and very patient. Opal will stick her tiny head right in Max's food dish and she still has her head!! Max will just back up and let her eat! She is good for Max. He is more active and sleeping less. :) I added some more pictures of the two of them.

This is very strange....Max was at the vet for dry eyes awhile ago. The vet prescribed Restasis, but Max acted like it burned and wouldn't let me use it. I used artificial tears several times a day which seemed to help for awhile, but then the green gunkies were coming back so I took him to the vet 2 weeks ago. His eyes were also very cloudy. The vet said he was not surprised about that, given his age. He prescribed a different eye drop. After using these drops for 2 weeks the green gunkies are gone and the strange thing is Max's eyes are noticeably clearer - almost like a young dog's eyes! Even a friend commented on it. Even stranger is at least some of his hearing has returned!!! Several people have commented on that. So weird, but definitely a good thing!

On another topic, has anyone ever tried using essential oils to help with Cushing's symptoms? I have recently started using them myself and love them. In fact, I became an independent doTerra consultant. There are four oils that are supposedly helpful with Cushing's when applied topically (Elevation, Lemon, Basil, OnGuard). Wish I'd known about them long ago, cause I'd certainly have tried them on Alivia! They are completely natural and pure, so definitely worth consideration.

ooooo please be careful with EOs and animals. I know you are taught by your dealer they are safe for them, but they are not. There is a liver enzyme that is required in order to break down the highly concentrated EOs - cats do NOT have this enzyme period and dogs have a very small amount of that enzyme (whose name I cannot think of right now!). Because of the lack of or minute amount of this enzyme for cats and dogs, the EOs build up in their bodies, often resulting in organ failure. Do a bit of outside research - outside the EO industry - and use them sparingly even on yourself...and not at all on your pets.

One thing beside this toxicity probability with EOs that really, really bothers me personally is the astounding amount of Life taken for one single drop of EO. It takes 100's of pounds of plant life for a very tiny bit of oil. Many, many, many times using the whole herb as a tea, tincture, infusion or decoction will provide deeper healing throughout the body as opposed to the EOs....and 1-3 tbls of herb is all that is needed to achieve maximum benefit VS acres and acres of plant life. ;)

Hi, Leslie!

Thanks for the info! That is scary. I know there are recommendations that the EOs be diluted. I will check into it further. I should have known everything has already been tried and/or researched here!

As far as the large amounts of plants harvested, I disagree. As long as they are farmed and harvested responsibly, it is like any other crop in my mind. EOs have been used for 100's of years. Most treatments do not survive that length of time unless there are benefits (think bloodletting). My physical therapist introduced me to them and he uses them in his clinic. I have had a lot more success there than any of the MANY other places I have tried. Alternative treatments are not always bad. I have also been having acupuncture (done by an MD). Essential oils cannot be patented by themselves. Hence, they are not nearly as big of a moneymaker as chemical mixtures contained in mainstream medications. Sometimes it really is all about the money.

The amount of plants used cannot be disputed. No matter whether they are farmed or wildcrafted, many, many, many more are sacrificed for one single drop of EO vs other herbal preps...that often work better than the EOs. ;)

I created a doc about EOs for one of my herbal groups on FB but that group was disbanded and I'm not sure I saved that doc on my system but I will check and if I still have it I'll post the links here for you to look into.

Don't get me wrong - EOs have their place in the herbal world but they do not live up to the hype and the toxicity of them is often denied by those who produce and sell them. I use EOs in all my herbal salves....but I use no more than 10 drops to 10 oz of salve. ;)

ooooo I'm better than I thought! :D I actually save that doc! :p:p:p

Here ya go!

EO info

http://www.granolaliving.com/2012/07...ssential-oils/

http://harebrainthoughts.blogspot.co...essential.html

http://realessentialoileducation.com/?p=1872

http://www.naha.org/explore-aromathe...afety/#general

http://gogreenct.wordpress.com/2014/...ds_of_thought/

http://gogreenct.wordpress.com/2014/...herapy_safety/

http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/...tial-oils-safe

http://www.crunchybetty.com/21-thing...essential-oils

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/p.../patient/page2

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/ar...r-kidneys.html

http://www.naturesgift.com/warnings.htm

http://www.a-t-c.org.uk/safety-matte...al-oil-safety/

Thanks, Leslie. I will check out these links later...don't have time right now.

I know it takes a lot of plant life to make EOs, but again, if it harvested responsibly and replanted (and grown organically), what difference does it make? Plants are renewal resources.

A lot of problems associated with EOs stem from "EOs" that have been mixed with other chemicals or synthetics to reduce production costs. They are not pure EOs. When all of a company's EOs are the same price, there is definitely a problem with the purity. And, yes, even without further research I know there are absolutely some EOs that should never be used on pets. Also, most pure EOs when used on humans are best diluted in a carrier oil as you indicated. You won't convince me that (for example) a "lavender" chemically scented product, whether for skin care or cleaning, is safer than one that contains actual lavender.

As with most things in life, common sense and much research should be done before making any decisions on things to use on humans and pets.

Hi Mary Beth,

I am hoping you stop in and say hi and give us an update on you and Maxwell. I hope your recovery is going well and Maxwell is enjoying his new best friend.

We want pictures!!!!:):):):):)