Monday, June 28, 2010

Tsk-Tsk - It Might Be A Disc

Mom has been home for an entire week but for whatever reason, she doesn't want to turn the 'puter on. No 'puter means no blog posts so forgive me for being so absent, but know that it's not my fault.

Even though I haven't been on the 'puter, I've been super busy but not in a good way. I can't really tell you what happened while Mom was gone but suffice it to say I just haven't been myself since she returned. You guys know that I'm getting old and that I don't really get around really good but last week I could hardly walk. I mean I could walk but really slow, like a turtle. Mom knew that she had to do something so she called a vet that does laser therapy (a recommendation from a friend) and I went to see her for a consultation last Friday.

I really liked this vet despite the fact that she was bending and twisting me every which way during the consultation. The results? I have a bad elbow, not a bad shoulder. Mom and Dad have been told for years that my shoulder was bad but I knew all along that it was my elbow. I sure wish I could have told them because I could have been receiving treatment on it all along. The other news? The vet thinks I have a bulging disc - yuk! I covered my ears when she described the disc so I really don't know all the details.

After the consultation, the vet tech did the first session of laser therapy on me. I am scheduled to have 6 sessions to start and then be re-evaluated to determine if/when I need more. Each session consists of 3 points on my bad elbow, shown in the picture above, 2 points on each side of my hip, and 1 point on my back. I felt a lot better after the first session and was even walking better.

My second session was this morning and everything was fine. I got a nice treat after the session, enjoyed the car ride home, and took a nap while Mom went shopping. Then the trouble started. Mom took me outside to enjoy the nice afternoon sunshine and I couldn't walk. I would take a few steps and wipe out - boom! I would pick myself up and then fall again. I was walking sideways, or should I say trying to walk and would fall over on one side, staring up at Mom who would rescue me from the fall. Mom was hysterical, crying and crying. She picked me up and I wiped away her tears, telling her that I would be okay but that I needed to go back to the vet.

Mom calmed down long enought to call the vet who told her to bring me back to the office at 3:45. Mom then called Dad to tell him what was going on. He was on his way home from an appointment and said that he would drive us to the vet.

The vet was super nice to me again as I tried to walk around for her. She reiterated some of what she mentioned last Friday about my disc and how it's gotten worse. She told Mom and Dad that she thinks we need to be aggressive with my treatment so I just had my first dose of Prednisone. I just started taking Deramaxx last week and even had one this morning but the vet said I need to take the Prednisone asap so that my disc will calm down (usually you would wait 2 days after taking Deramaxx to begin Prednisone). She also gave me some Carafale to protect my GI. I don't know what a GI is but the medicine is suppose to coat my tummy so that the Prednisone doesn't upset it. Mom also needs to go to Walgreens to get me some Pepcid AC. Phew! Lots of medicines for me. I should be a patient at Smush Face General Hospital!

In addition to all the medicine I have to take, my exercise is restricted. I don't really exercise all that much anyway but the vet says I can only go out to do my business and that I must be carried out to do it. I'm totally okay with that since I want my disc to get better so that I can move around again. I need to be able to play in my yard and visit my friends, especially my Josie.

I also want to get better so that Mom stops crying. She, of course, blames herself for all my problems. If only she had done this or taken me to see that vet, etc. I don't blame her at all because she takes great care of me but you know moms. They accept full responsibility for the whole kit-and-kaboodle everytime something goes awry, even when it's not their fault.

Please keep your paws crossed that the Prednisone works. The vet told Mom and Dad that if it doesn't then I might need surgery. Surgery that may or may not help. I know I'll be okay, but I need all of you to convince Mom. And please convince her that I need to update my bloggie more often and not about myself. I have so many cool things to post about that you need to know about that I want to tell you about.

50 comments:

dw said...

Oh Stubby!! I just know all your medication will work, and I know for a fact that it's not your mom's fault at all and if she tries to think that way I'll...I'll... well, I don't know what I'll do but I sure won't let her keep saying that! Get better quickly, my friend!!

THE PUGLET said...

OH STUBBS!

I hate to hear that you are hurting. And that your mom is crying. Hurting pugs and crying people are no good at all!

OK, so here's what I know... Prednisone can be magic and make discs feel totally better. My human said her now-sleeping dog Grendel had 11 (yes, eleven) of those bulging disc things. He was young when it started and the first time the discs got angry, he couldn't walk at all. Like, totally paralyzed. Bad. My human thought he'd been hit by a car or something. The vet gave him the Pred pills and POOF! A few days later he was back to walking and feeling totally fine.

My human says the Pred didn't fix Grendel's angry discs, it just made them less angry. He was totally fine for about a year, then had another disc-fit. Pred pills didn't work that time, so he got a Pred shot and that did work.

About a year later, Grendel started walking funny. Like his back end didn't know what his front end was doing. So they did some fancy MRI thing to see what the discs were so angry about. That's when they found out about all the bulging stuff. He had two surgeries where they scooped out all the jello from inside his discs so they couldn't bulge anymore.

Did the vet take pictures of your back? I mean, like, Xray pictures to see if they could tell which disc is mad? I guess the closer to your tail the angry disc is, the better. Don't ask me why.

Dutch had that laser stuff after they took out his angry microchip. His vet used it on his own hands to make sure it really worked and he swears by it. Dutch thinks it really helped with swelling and pain and hopes it helps you too.

Oh Stubbs, I just know you will be fine because you are Stubby... the greatest, Greenest pug on earth!

agent99 said...

Oh Stubby! What a good boy you are to be so worried about your Mom. Please tell her that Prednisone is some really powerful stuff, and it can make you better super fast! With all the other meds to protect you tummy, we hope you will get better quick. Even though it won't make your angry disc perfect again, it might make the symptoms go away for a loooong time. We are crossing our paws for ya.
I guess this means you might have to cut down on all the partying, OK buddy? Take it easy for a while!
SNorts!!

Gen & the Foo

Sandra y Coco Pug said...

:o( I am so sad to hear that you are not feeling well Stubby. Tell your mama that she needs to stop crying, it is not her fault at all! (And she won't listen probably, I remember my mom crying all the time also when I was very sick). Let me tell you, I take prednisone every day, for 4 years already and even though it is for a totally different reason, it worked for me. So it will work for you! Be positive. Many hugs and kisses for your mommy

Kellee the Caffeinated said...

Stubby you are in our thoughts buddy!!! Hope you are feeling better soon!!! Hugs to your mama too!!!

Lola

Brutus, Ellie, Pippa and Otto said...

Stubby dude - We hope you feel better soon!!

We just know that that prednisone is going to work and you will be as good as new :)

Pugs & Kisses,

Yoda & Brutus

Two French Bulldogs said...

Oh poor baby Stubby. Good vibes sent your way
Benny & Lily

Those Elgin Pugs said...

Oh Stubby!!

I am so sorry you are not feeling well!! But you are certainly in good hands with your Mommy and Daddy there to take care of you!! Sorry your Mommy is sad for you, but you keep telling her that yous be o.k. and your meds will work!!

Oh Stubby!! Let me know if there is anything that your Turtle Josie can do!! I would move heaven and earths for yous!! I can spoon feeds you some Icee Creams or rubs yous hurt discs!!
I can also come helps turns on the 'puters for yous Momma!! (hee hee)

Oh Stubby!! I send my love, my thoughts and pawrayers to you and your sweet mommy!!

Loves,
Your Josie Turtle Girl

pee-s

Mommy has to carry me's too...

Sequoia & Petunia & Emma said...

Stubby its old lady Tuni here.

Oh you need to get betters I am hoping and crossing my paws and making Sequoia cross hers and making Dad cross his, um toes.

You knows I falls alot too, I knows I have 2 smooshed vertebrae with a smooshed disc. After my spay I didn't walk for a few days. Mom just wants me to let you know getting old is tough but I know you will get better. Your Mom is taking such great care of you!! We beleive your Mom is doing the very best she could ever do. Hugs Stubby!

Old Lady Tuni

Wilma said...

Oh Stubby,
it breaks my heart thinking of you not being able to walk.Your poor Mommy, I know she will feel sad because you don't feel well, but she mustn't blame herself. That's just crazy talk. you couldn't be in better hands and she will do whatever she has to to help you feel better. I never had to take prednisone but Mom said it is powerful stuff, and it really can help. Just think of your Josie love and that will help ease the pain even better than medicine. We all hope you are well on the road to a speedy recovery.
Love, Wilma

Hank said...

Oh, Stubby and Michele....we are so sorry to hear of both of you hurting. Please keep us posted.

We're thinking of you and sending lots of love.

Sarah, Hank and Molly

Salinger The Pug said...

Oh DUDE!!! This is a HELL of a way to get a car ride to Popeyes!!

We have a good feeling about your treatment and think the medicine will start it's magical healing by the time you read this.

Tell your mom that we're sending you both lots of (((((HUGS))))))) and will be checking in often to make sure you get back to your spry self again toute de suite!

Love,
S-Dog

Punchbugpug said...

Stubby we will sure put all our hands and paws together at our house (and we have lots of paws!) and pray for you to get well real soon. Mama's always blame themselves...I think it is in the job description!

Arlo The Pug said...

Awww stubby! My thoughts are with you buddy. My human's eyes got leaky reading about this...but it's going to be ok! we believe it! Love, Arlo.

Pug Posse said...

Oh no Stubby! We are sending you tons of positive pug vibes so that you get better real soon! Mama's boy Sidney who went to the Bridge a couple of years ago had similar issues and couldn't walk, but that made him even more spoiled! Tell your mom that you need Popeye's and lots of it :-)
Pug hugs and kisses!
The Pug Posse

Archie and Melissa said...

oh stubby
we are sending you huge hugs!
we know the medicine and all of mom and dad's love will make you feel all better.
we love you!
we will check in on you several times a day for updates.
please know we are always here for all of you!
xoxoxo
m & e

Pugs2Luv said...

Oh, no Subby! We've never have commented before but we have been following your blog for a long time. What could 2 little pug girls add to such wonderful ideas. Our human became very leaky when we read how you're feeling, especially when we read that your Mom blames herself everytime you aren't well. She feels exactly the same way anytime anything happens to us. It's hard when they don't understand us & when we don't understand them & the things they do to us. However we do understand when we are loved. We know your Mom loves you & if we can feel it all the way over here in CA through cyberspace then you must be overwhelmed with love at home right next to her. You are in our thoughts & prayers. We hope you start to feel better really soon.
Luv, Zoey, Phoebe & our human

Apollo said...

Stubby,

I'm sorry to hear about your health problems. You hang in there buddy! Tell your Mom that we all said to stop crying and let go of the what ifs - that doesn't help you for her to dwell on that. As for the prednisone, my canine sister takes 1.5 tablets of prednisone and 5mg of Pepcid AC every single night - for the last 2 years. And she's been fine...she's 14 and it adds a spring to her step (compared to if she doesn't take it [pawrents tried to cut it back but noticed a big difference]). However, a sheltie friend of mine, Sam, has pawrents that prefer holistic medicine. I think he has disc problems too. But he gets acupuncture (and I think something else) - and he acts years younger. Mommy is going to call her and double check that it was a disc - if so then she's going to email your Mom their phone number so that if your Mom wants to call her to get more information about the treatment they do for Sam, she can. I sure hope you get back to walking with an extra spring in your step, Stubby! You and your pawrents - keep your spirits high and determined - it'll work out! And we're all here to help support you through this difficult journey.

Kelly said...

Stubby,

I was up worrying about you ALL night long. Saying so many prayers that today would be a better day for you.

I sure hope it is.

Please give your mommy the biggest hug from my mommy. We will get you through this together. These medicines are going to work and we'll be able to avoid surgery. I just know it.

Thinking of you!!!!

xoxoxoxo
Pearly Poo

Stubby said...

Hi dw! I think the medicine is starting to work. I feel better already but need to chill out so that I don't hurt myself.

Mom is feeling better today too despite the bags under her eyes. She didn't get a lot of sleep because she was worrying about me. Please keep reminding her that nothing that happens is her fault.

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Puglet! Your human has so much experience with Prednisone! I can't believe Grendel had 11 bulging discs - yuk! I know the medicine will not fix my discs but I'll be happy if it makes them less angry.

The vet did not any pictures of my back. She simply felt around to find the angry disc. Maybe it called out to her.

As for the laser therapy, I totally think it's working for my bad elbow. Maybe I need new parts like the 6 Million Dollar Man!

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Gen & The Foo! My partying is totally on hold. I'm super bummed too because every year we have a great big July 4th bash but this year I think we're going to cancel. Maybe we can have an August 4th party?

So far so good with my tummy but I haven't made poopy yet. I feel fine, really I do.

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Coco! Thanks for all the hugs and kisses. I think they worked because I feel a little better today.

I think I remember reading that you take Prednisone every day. I'm glad it works for you and I'm sure it'll work for me too.

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Lola! Thanks for stopping by my bloggie. I love making new friends!

Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts. I really appreciate all the care and concern for me and Mom. She feels better today too.

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Yoda & Brutus! I am a little tired but feeling better. I think all the good thoughts and positive vibes really helped so keep sending them.

Hopefully, I'll be able to post a video of me walking soon. I want to walk but my legs just won't cooperate. Maybe I need new ones.

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Benny & Lily! Thanks for sending good vibes my way. I know Frenchie vibes are totally strong and that's just what I need!

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Josie Girl! I know you will do whatever you can to make me better. Keep sending healing vibes for now and maybe soon I will be okay enough for ice cream and disc rubs.

Mom has promised to keep the 'puter on for me while I rehabilitate so I will be blogging like in the old days.

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Tuni! You are the wisest old puggie ever! I know you fall a lot but I didn't know you had 2 smooshed vertebrae and a smooshed disc - yikes! How do you handle them?

I know that getting old is hard but it's harder for Mom than for me. She hates to see me fall and be in pain but she knows I'm feeling better today.

Thanks for keeping your paws crossed, crossing Sequoia's, and crossing your Dad's toes. All that crossing is really helping!

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Wilma! Thanks for the well wishes. Mom had a rough night because she was worried sick about me. She knows she is doing everything she can for me but for some reason she still feels responsible for my problems. I told her that's all crazy talk and that you told me to tell her that and it made her smile. Thanks for helping Mom smile when she feels so sad.

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Sarah, Hank & Molly! Thanks for sending so much love. Mom and I feel it and it is making us much better.

Dad put some runners down in the kitchen and Mom put a doormat down by my bowls. As long as I have my footing when I walk I seem to be okay. I guess maybe we just need to rip up the floors and put down some indoor/outdoor carpet!

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Sal! I totally deserve some Popeyes! Don't think I haven't thought about getting some Popeyes sympathy. Maybe I'll play that card later today.

Thanks for all the hugs and healing vibes. I totally think the medicine is working but I have to chill out until the weekend.

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Punchy! Thanks so much for putting all your hands and paws together. That is a lot of hands and paws and it sure is working!

I think you're so right about the job description thingy. It must read like this: blame self, feel guilty, cry lots, repeat!

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Arlo! Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts. I know I'm going to be okay but I still have to convince Mom.

I'm sorry I made your human's eyes leak. Mom's haven't stopped leaking since yesterday afternoon. Her eyes are so puffy she looks like she was in a fight. Silly Mom!

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Pug Posse! Thanks for sending tons of positive vibes my way. I didn't know your mom's boy Sidney had the same issues. It must be an old age pug thing, huh?

I'm very spoiled already and don't think I'm not milking this little episode. I've already put my request in for Popeyes for every day this week!

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Melissa & Emmitt! I can totally feel the huge hugs! I'm wrapping them around myself and they're keeping me safe and sound.

Thanks for being her for me and Mom. She knows everyone is here to help and that they care. She also secretly knows the medicine is going to work too.

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Zoey, Phoebe, & your human! Thanks so much for leaving me a get well comment. Thanks too for following my bloggy.

I didn't mean for any humans to get leaky from my post but you know how humans are. Mom can't stop leaking but I'm feeling better and that is sure to stop the leaking, right?

That's so cool that you can feel the love all the way in Cali. I feel it too and know that Mom and Dad love me more than anything.

Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. It means a lot to me.

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Apollo! You are always the voice of reason I need. Thanks so much for being such a good friend.

I told Mom that you said to stop crying. She is crying less today because I am moving around a little better.

Dad is going to get me some Pepcid AC this morning because the vet says I need to take it to help my tummy. I'm scheduled to take more Prednisone this afternoon so hopefully by this evening I'll be feeling even better.

One of our neighbors gave Dad the name of an accupuncturist a while ago but he never called. I don't know if my situation is already too bad for that but I'd be willing to try it. I'll keep my eyes open today for your email.

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Pearly Poo! Thank you for all the prayers you said for me all night. They totally worked and I'm feeling a little better today. One thing's for sure - I still have my appetite!

Mom loved the hug from your momma. She said it was just what she needed. Thanks for being such a great friend and for caring so much about me.

Stubby xoxo

Mia said...

Stubby honey, we hope you are ok!! Fingers and paws crossed that the Pred works and are all better soon!!! We're thinking of you and your momma!!! I Trust me, I know how mommas can be!! Mine is as prone to the tears as yours!!! =) It's only cause they love us!! You have to keep getting better so I can come visit you some time!!!

~hugs & kisses~

Lilo

Unknown said...

Dear StubbsPuggy, this here is your good pal Howie Pee. Maw said you are takin some medication and we are all hoping you will feel better soon. I am curious if you get cheese with your medication. I happen to like cheese. Maw has just shoved me away from the keyboar and said I was being rude so I gots to go...
Dear Stubby, this is Aunt Nancy. We want you to know we love you and are thinking positive thoughts for you cutey. Please tell your mom to give you a big hug and extra treats for us. Winnie Wiggles took prednisone and it helps to have a little raw pumpkin to settle your tummy in between meals and before bedtime, too.
xoxox hugs and kisses from Texas!

3 doxies said...

Hellos Stubby! I am Puddles and a furiend of thems Crazy Elgin Puggies. I wanted to comes by and check on yous, I heard you wasn't feeling wells.
My Brudder Abert had a ruptured disk a while back annd hhaves t have surgery on it. Heis doing incredibly betters now. He had to go to an ortho doctor fu his car though.
If your mom wants more details tels her to give us a holler.
Puddles

Sequoia & Petunia & Emma said...

Hi Stubby!!

Gald to see you are updating and hopefully you keep getting better. I only take arthritis meds because I sort of lost most of the feeling in my back feets (I sometimes stand on them folded over...Mom FREAKS out and flips them back). I know it won't be this bad for you since you are getting betters, I just wanted to send you more puggie get well wishes!

Old Lady Tuni

Stubby said...

Hi Lilo! Thanks for crossing your paws and fingers for me. I'm feeling better this afternoon than I did this morning in part due to a nice long nap.

I know that our moms are very similiar and that they shed a lots of tears because of us. They love us so much and would do anything for us.

I'm going to get better and can't wait for you to come visit me!

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Howie Pee & Aunt Nancy! Thanks so much for the get well wishes. All the healing vibes you're sending from Texas are really helping.

Of course I get cheese with my medicine - duh! I hate medicine but I love cheese, just like you Howie. Everything tastes better with cheese, right?

I didn't know that Winnie took Prednisone. It's comforting to know that I'm not alone in my recovery and that Winnie is watching over me from the bridge. The vet told Mom about the raw pumpkin so I'm sending her out to buy some tonight.

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Puddles! Thanks so much for stopping by and saying hello. Any friend of the crazy Elgin pugs is a friend of mine!

Thanks for the well wishes and if I need details about the surgery I will contact you. I'm glad to hear it worked for your brudder.

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Tuni Woons! Thanks so much for stopping by to check up on me. That's so sweet of you!

I have been doing that same thing with my right foot and it freaks Mom out. She immediately fixes it but it doesn't really bother me. Hopefully I will stop doing it once I feel better.

Thanks so much for the puggie get well wishes. I can feel the good vibes you're sending all the way from Virginia!

Stubby xoxo

Tweedles -- that's me said...

My dear Stubby
I just got back from the ocean and hurried over to see you.
Oh Stubby, I was so sad that your back has an owie, and I was gone and not here to help you.
Your mom did the right thing in taking you to the dr.
I know the prednesone will help you.
No , it is not your moms fault for this to happen. And it is not your dads. You have the bestest moms and dad in the world. They always take such good care of you, and now look- they are taking you to the dr for help. That shows your moms and dad are doing everything they can for you. I am going to say prayers for you Stubby, but not only that. I am going to say prayers that mom stops blaming herself.
She needs to know that, so that is what I am going to do.
I am sending magic bubbles to swirl around your home Stubby and those bubbles will be filled with love., Please let me know how you are doing.
love
tweedles

Smushie Ranch said...

Stubby, we sure are worried about you little buddy. Momma is over here weeping and leaking like a river. :(

Momma had Gunther x-rayed a couple weeks back because he keeps straining it and she just wanted to make sure everything was okay. Well, he does have a narrowing of one of his disks, but doesn't sound as sever as Mr. Stubbs. Anyhoo, momma ordered a supplement called Disk Support for Gunther man and the dude accidentally sent 3 bottles. Momma kept them and now she's glad she did cause she's gonna send you one! Momma just sprinkles it on his foodables and he eats it right up. It's all natural. We're gonna put it in the mail tomorrow!

Much love,
Stella, Gunther and Betty

Stubby said...

Hi Tweedles! I hope you had fun at the big ocean. I know you'll post all about your adventures soon so that we can see pictures of you with all your friends.

I am feeling better today than yesterday and Monday. I think the Prednisone is working and so far no upset tummy because of the magic pink stuff. It coats my tummy so the medicine doesn't hurt it.

Mom is reading all the comments and feels better knowing that everything is not her fault. You know how moms are, right? They worry like crazy about us.

The first thing I saw when I woke up this morning were all the magic bubbles swirling around my house. They were such a delight to see and I could feel their love immediately. Thank you so much for sending them to me because they are working wonders on my back.

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Stella, Gunther & Betty! Tell your momma to stop leaking because it will make my mom leak. I know you guys are worried about me but I'm feeling better, really I am.

I can't believe Gunther is having disc issues. What's with pugs and discs? Sheesh. We are so delicate. I will be on the lookout for my package. Tell your mom thanks a million for sending it and for sending good vibes my way.

Stubby xoxo