Monday, July 19, 2010

Good News!

I was super excited this morning because I had an appointment to see Dr. Barcus at Canine Sports Medicine. She wanted to do a follow-up visit with me because I complete my final laser therapy session last Tuesday. I've been feeling pretty good so I was confident that she would give me two paws up!

But first things first - the scale! I hate the scale almost as much as Mom does. She hasn't been on the home scale in years and only ever gets weighed at the doctor. I don't know why I had to get on the scale. What does that have to do with my angry disc? You can see that I was very reluctant to get weighed and I even fought it a little. The scale is not my friend.

Dad and the nice vet tech Michelle coaxed me up there and then - drum roll please! 16.4 pounds! I haven't lost (or gained) any weight. I'm perfect! And I'm outta there. No more scale for me!

I was even feeling good enough to walk to the examining room. I usually get carried but I told Dad that I could walk. I wanted everyone to see that I'm on the mend and that my legs are working.

My first stop in the examining room was the treat drawer. I felt like I deserved a treat for being a good boy on the scale and for walking to the room. "Um, down here people! I need a treat. It's been almost two hours since breakfast. I feel faint!" I didn't get a treat but I told the doctor that she better give me one after my examination or else. Nobody messes with Stubby!

The best thing about this facility is that there aren't any examination tables in the rooms. There's simply a padded mat on the floor and some chairs for the parents to sit on. Dr. Barcus and Mom sat on the mat and then I walked over to them to get examined. It's very comforting and I don't freak out because I hate those cold, metal tables at the other vet.

That contraption in the background is the laser therapy machine. Pretty cool looking, huh? Dr. Barcus put her hands on my hips and her thumbs on my angry disc. It didn't hurt even when she pressed down on my disc.


Dr. Barcus is very smart and she could tell lots about my hips and disc just by feeling them. I was a little squirmy but that's just because I was so excited. I've been cooped up in the house for so long, leaving only to come here. I wanted to walk around, check things out and smell everything but I had to stand still so the doctor could check out everything on me.

It may look painful but Dr. Barcus is very gentle. She knows that I'm old and very fragile so she only puts pressure on the spots that she needs to. I trust her and know that she has my best interest at heart.

Dr. Barcus also checked my elbows but Mom was too busy talking to take pictures while that was happening. Next time I'm going to hire a proper photographer to document my visit. Maybe Puglet's human could fly to Chicago.

When the doctor was finally down examining me I hit the road. I can only take so much and then I run (okay, walk) and hide. Under a chair is the perfect spot for me because no one can catch me. This is also my signal to Mom that I'm ready to go - like right now!

So what did the doctor say? Well, she said my angry disc is still angry but it's less angry than it was. The swelling has gone done around it but it's still angry and it will always be angry unless I have surgery. The Prednisone took care of the swelling and while I'm still on it until Sunday, she said that she's not going to refill my prescription because it's not good to be on it for a long time.

She also said that my hips and elbow were better. But of course there's a little bad news. My right elbow, which was my good elbow, is now worse than my left elbow. I guess all that laser therapy whipped my left elbow into such good shape that my right elbow got jealous. Go figure. She recommended continuing my treatments on my left elbow and adding my treatments to my right elbow. Dad bought me 6 more sessions and my first one is next Tuesday.

I didn't get the treat I wanted at the doctor's office so I walked over to the pantry as soon as I got home. I stood there and stood there and waited. And waited. HELLO! Hungry Stubby in the house! Mom told me that Dad would soon be making my eggs so I decided to catch up on my sleep while I waited.

Mom took me up to the beach house for my nap. She finally turned on the 'puter because I told her I had to update my bloggie. Every pug wants to know how I'm feeling, right? I really thought I would be able to do a post before my nap but that was not to be.

Like my good friend Tweedles always says, nitey nite my friends. Zzzzzzzz!

42 comments:

Archie and Melissa said...

hi stubby!

oh that is such good news that it is great news!!!

we are so happy to see you smiling and walking!

this post made our whole day!

we love you!

xoxoxo
m & e

Kelly said...

Sweet Stubby, I just LOVE hearing that you are making improvements.

Just to see that you are getting around better and acting more like yourself... it just makes my heart happy.

I sure am thinkin' of you!!!!!!!
xoxoxo
Pearly

dw said...

Great news, Stubby!! I don't understands why you didn't get a treat there, though. You stood real nice at the treat drawer, you were a trooper on the scale, you had a great weigh-in! And still no treat?? Sheesh! I think Popeye's is in order! :D I'm glad most of yous is feeling better and I hopes the therapy sessions on your elbows help even more!

Unknown said...

Dear Stubby- I am new to your wonderful blog- I'm friends with The Elgin pugs and with Stella and Gunther and Betty. I can see why Josie hearts you! So glad you are on the mend! Take it easy for a few more days-
Love Lillie and Holly

Sequoia & Petunia & Emma said...

Stubby this is great, werll besides the not getting a treat part. You look so good in your pictures and we are glad your elbows are gonna be new with the treatments. What is the plan with angry disc? We are so happy for you Stubby thanks for the update!


Tuni and Sequoia

Salinger The Pug said...

I'm so happy for your good news, buddy...but NO TREAT??? SERIOUSLY???

Pssshhhhhhh....I'm telling mom to "haul the mail" back up there to Chi-town so we can bring you some foodz. TWO WHOLE HOURS? Dude...that's WRONG!!!

Kiss your hoomans for me...K?

Love,
S-Dog

Brutus, Ellie, Pippa and Otto said...

We are happy to hear that your disc isn't as angry as it was!!

No treats?? Now that is just shameful!!

Pugs & Kisses,

Yoda & Brutus

Those Elgin Pugs said...

Oh 'dis is good news Stubby!!
Does 'dat means yous be taking Josie outs for ice creams now??

xoxo, Josie

Hank said...

Yeah, Stubman.....whut's up with 'em always havin' tuh put ya on the scale the minute ya walk in the dang door?? My mom hates that, too.

Anyhoo.....glad tuh hear some good news! Keep it up, bud!

Two French Bulldogs said...

What a big day. we are happee to hear your disc is only mad now and not angry. Scales....they are always wrong
Benny & Lily

Chicas Libelulas said...

Hola Stubby,
We are new to your bloggy, and we are so happy you are doing a lot better.
I think Mama & Dada should be weight in first, so I can look skinny next to her, jijijiji.
No Treats!! That is horrible they owe you at least a full bucket of Popeye’s
bechos
Spongy & Licky

The Devil Dog said...

Hi Stubby, we are glad to hear the good news. Your v-e-t looks like a really nice person. It is nice to see you smiling and happy.

Roxy & Lucky

Stacy Walker said...

Oh Stubby this is good news and you are tooo cute for words!

Stacy Walker said...

Oh Stubby this is good news and you are tooo cute for words!

Tweedles -- that's me said...

My sweetest Stubby
You were such a brave little puggy getting on that scale! And that is such good news that you did not loose any weight- your just right.
Yes your just right- and cute too.
I am looking at your sweetest face and I can see you dreaming of the treats you did not get. But I think if you close your eyes and wish- you might get them tomorrows.
Your doctors hands look so gentle as they search for the angry disk.
She looks so smart and knows what to do for you.
Your mama and daddy have such kind hearts to get you more treatements for your owie elbows.
Oh I wish I could just kiss them for you, and make you betters.
Seeing your photos makes me want to come kiss your nose- cause remember Stubby- you and me, we are earth partners, were soul mates.
Thank you for updating us, and now you go take a little nappy.
What's a Stubby to do, but dream of popeyes chicken , magic bubbles and kisses from Tweedles
Nitey nite sweet Stubby
love
tweedles

Pugs2Luv said...

So happy to hear that you are up & around & that your disc is no longer angry just grumpy. However we must address this no treat issue. It seems to upset not only us but everybody else. Maybe we should get an animal advocate group involved or start one. A pug without a treat is very distressing to us. Hopefully it will never happen again. We love to see you getting around so well. Pug prayers do get answered.
Luv, Zoey & Phoebe

Winston Wilbur said...

Good news.... no wait..... fantastic news. You were such a good boy at the vet too! We are all smiling from ear to ear right now. YEAH!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Wilma said...

Oh Stubby,
This is fantastic news.How awesome are you that you didn't gain an ounce with your restricted activity. I am sure that your smart and lovely Dr will help your other elbow owie feel better too. Your Momma and Daddy are taking such good care of you.You look so happy Stubby.Hooray!

Punchbugpug said...

Awesome news!!!! Thank you for having your mom documenting your visit to the d-o-c-t-o-r...we are going to show Marty that he should NOT be afraid!

Mia said...

Stubby, we're sorry to hear your disc is still angry, but so happy that you are feeling better!! As for the scale, I demand a treat to sit on the scale long enough to get my weight! You might want to think about that!! =)

~hugs~

Lilo

Stubby said...

Hi Melissa & Emmitt! I've been smiling and walking a lot these days. I'm so happy to be on the mend and happy that Mom isn't freaking out about my leg and back anymore.

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Pearly Poo! My heart is so happy too! I can walk (slowly) and sometimes I even think I can get up a stair or two. I still need to take it easy but I think the exercise restriction has been lifted - YAY!

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi dw! Not getting a treat was the worst! I did everything the doctor asked me to do and still nothing. Don't worry though because I got a treat when I got home.

And of course there's still some Popeyes leftover from our party last week. I'm planning on having some of that tomorrow!

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Lillie & Holly! Thanks so much for stopping by my bloggie. I love making new friends and any friends of the Elgin Pugs and the smushies is a friend of mine.

I'm totally on the mend and will be running and playing before you know it!

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Tuni & Sequoia! My elbows love the laser therapy. It doesn't really hurt at all and it feels like little vibrations. I sit in Mom's lap like a baby while the vet tech zaps by elbows.

As for the angry disc, the doctor said the only real cure for it is surgery :( Mom doesn't want me to have surgery because she's afraid that I will be worse after than I am now. So we'll see what happens with the disc and treat it as needed.

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Salinger! You crack me up dude! I swear I'd never heard of this "haul the mail" stuff until you told me about it. What a riot!

If you do "haul the mail" please haul it fast and stop at the store on the way. I'm starving up here!

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Yoda & Brutus! The doctor's office called today to see how I was doing and I told Mom to tell them that I'm not going back because of the no treat thing. Of course she wouldn't do it, but I'm going to talk to that doctor when I go there next week. She is going to get a piece of Stubby mind!

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Josie Girl! You totally deserve some ice cream! I'm going to take you to the fanciest ice cream parlor and buy you a big old banana split. Doesn't that sound yummy?

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Hank! Mom HATES the scale. I don't know why the doctor thinks knowing your weight is so darn important but they do. Mom always gets on the scale backward and tells the nurse not to comment or tell her the number. How silly is she?

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Benny & Lily! You guys are so right! My disc is now mad and my right elbow is a little upset. I can't do anything about the disc but the laser therapy is going to make the elbow happy.

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Spongy & Licky! Thanks for stopping by my bloggie! I love making new friends so welcome to my world!

I'm having some Popeyes tomorrow. I can't eat it every day because it will make me fat. I'm done with the scale. No more Stubby on the scale because I'm perfect!

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Roxy & Lucky! I'm doing really good and getting better every day. Everypug says that I smile a lot and I've never really thought about it before. I guess I just smile because I'm really happy to be feeling better.

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Stacy! I'm too cute for words? Ohhhh, that's so sweet of you to say. I feel pretty cute these days but my meds make me so hungry. Maybe you can "haul the mail" with Salinger and bring me some food?

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Tweedles! I have the best Mom and Dad ever! They didn't even blink when the doctor said I needed more laser therapy. They just said whatever Stubby needs he'll get. They love me so much and I love them too!

I sure wish you could kiss my little puggie nose. Please take your magic bubble to my house so we can play (gently) together. I will even share my Popeyes with you my Tweedles.

You are so right. We are earth partners and soul mates. You and I are so the alike - we love Mother Earth and all her precious beings. We speak to Mother Earth and take care of all her creatures.

I will dream of you tonight my Tweedles. You and I in your magic bubble, flying high above the Earth, watching over all our friends.

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Zoey & Phoebe! I like your thinking! We definitely need to get a group involved in my mistreatment. They will be outraged and will demand answers. Yes, we'll start a movement and demand treats for all dogs all day long. YIPPEE!

Thank you so much for using the power of the paw to send healing vibes my way. I feel so much better and it's all thanks to the paw.

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Winston! I always try to be on my best behavior when I'm at the vet. It usually pays off to be a good boy and it did yesterday, even though the vet didn't think so.

Keep smiling for me because I'm smiling too!

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Wilma! Mom thought for sure that I gained weight last week at my Popeyes party. I told her to chill out and relax because I know when I've gained weight and I knew I hadn't. I'm much smarter than Mom!

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Punchy! Please have Marty email me if needed. I will tell him that there's nothing to be worried about when you go to the d-o-c-t-o-r. Just make sure he gets a treat when he's done or he'll never go back!

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Lilo! You are so smart! Next time I'm going to tell the vet that I need a treat BEFORE I step on the scale. I don't know why I hadn't thought about that before. Perhaps you have more experience with the vet than I do?

Stubby xoxo

Dana Orsborn said...

Hi Stubby!

We're so glad those treatments are
making you feel better! You are looking sexier than ever!

Daisy and I hope you are having
a great week!

-Dana & Daisy

agent99 said...

Wait a second...do you seriously go to a vet named Bark-us??

You have got to be foolin' us Stubb-man!

Love
Gen & Lefty