Chummie: Road to Recovery!!
The next few days will be key to Chum's recovery. She'll stay at the hospital with IV pain killers to make sure the wound is healing. She said that her spine was clearly compressed and painful but it looks ok (not dead or diseased) -- so time will tell whether the neurological impairment is permanent. But at least the pain will be alleviated. So now begins the path to rehabilitation. It won't be easy, but I believe that Chum has the willpower to heal and to thrive. Thanks to everyone for the tremendous support. The power of all of your positive thinking has really helped set the gears in motion for Chummie's recovery. I greatly appreciate it. Please keep it up to get her through this next phase!! 
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That is fantastic news. Glad it all went well.      |
Wonderful news to start the day, it's early morning here and to hear that she came out of the surgery OK is absolutely the best news to hear. 
Keeping your special sweetie in my thoughts that the road to recovery goes smooth and good for her too. Hugs darling chummie and hugs val, I am so happy that phase one went OK and looking forward to hearing how the re-couperation progresses with her. |
| Oh, that is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 Whewwwwwww...
but still, poor chummie. not like dogs can really express how uncomfortable or scared they are in a hospital and in a little pain. so lots and lots of gentle hugs to chummie. *kiss* |
| Hurrah!!! (lots of jumping around and arm waving) Yay Chummie!!! positive thoughts and prayers still coming your way! |
| Yes! Good going Chummie and Chummie's surgical team.
That's very good news Val. Thanks for keeping us posted.
Jaci |
| One step down the road to recovery. I've been sitting here waiting for word. Thanks for the update! |
| What wonderful news
We'll be praying that everything continues to improve with each day 
Thanks for the prompt update.....I've been going crazy! Laurie |
 Fantastic, stage one!  Thank you God, now please make a smooth recovery, for little Chummie.
Strength |
Glad to hear everything went well!  |
| YAY CHUMMIE!!!
Whew!!!
I am SO happy that you and Chum have made it past this hurdle. Now onto recovery!!! Even with the pain of surgery and recuperating, I bet she already feels better. I've been through excruciating pain, and then had surgery to correct it. The pain after the surgery actually felt good in some strange way. It was different, it wasn't never-ending. Go Chum!!! |
| Oh Val, I have been anxious to hear the outcome, we are so glad for the sweet Chummie. We will keep her in our prayers for a speedy recovery.
We love you Chummie! Get Well Soon! |
Willowsprite wrote: I've been through excruciating pain, and then had surgery to correct it. The pain after the surgery actually felt good in some strange way. It was different, it wasn't never-ending.
That's a very interesting, very helpful observation. Thanks so much for all of your positive messages! It really makes me feel great. It was a pretty tense few days but I am feeling so optimistic now. Oddly, Maggie had never before noticed Chum's comings and goings, but this time, she was really subdued and nervous seeming -- looking around, barking fearfully, not eating, not willing to play in the yard, etc. It was very strange behavior for my happy-go-lucky girl. Now she is happily chomping away on a moo tube. I wonder if she had somehow sensed my nerves and was reacting to that? You will all also be happy to know that the calendars are in the mail! It took longer than expected for the order to be produced but they look great. I hope you love them as much as I do. . . YAY CHUMMIE!! (the desire to cheer keeps coming over me) |
| That's awesome! I've been thinking about you guys all day and the mountain time kept messing me up. I'm so glad to hear everything came out well so far. I hope she continues her recovery as well as she came through surgery. |
| Yay CHummie.... You Go!!!
On to recovery!!! |
| YEY!!! I am soo relieved!! Heres to Chummie and her continued recovery!!! |
| I'm so glad to hear the good news about the surgery!! I can't wait to hear about how much better she does at getting around after she's all recovered. I am so glad that you are able to stay home with her & take care of her while she convalesces.
Yay Chum!!!!
And I'm sure Maggie could sense your anxiety. They can smell it in your saliva. Just a tip to chew gum or eat mints which help hide the scent. (That's a George Alston dog show handler tip!) |
Valerie wrote: Oddly, Maggie had never before noticed Chum's comings and goings, but this time, she was really subdued and nervous seeming -- looking around, barking fearfully, not eating, not willing to play in the yard, etc. It was very strange behavior for my happy-go-lucky girl. Now she is happily chomping away on a moo tube. I wonder if she had somehow sensed my nerves and was reacting to that?
I bet she did sense your anxiety, heck even my dogs knew I was worrying about Chum today. |
| Wonderful news! Sounds like you have an excellent vet!
She's in great shape from all her swimming so that will help her have a speedy recovery. What sort of a recovery time is expected, and when can you bring her home? |
VerveUp wrote: And I'm sure Maggie could sense your anxiety. They can smell it in your saliva. Just a tip to chew gum or eat mints which help hide the scent. (That's a George Alston dog show handler tip!)
Very interesting. I guess red wine doesn't work. . . |
| YAY Chummie - and good for Maggie to be so connected to your emotions. I am really excited to hear how Chummie does in the next few days/weeks/months!!!!!!!!! |
Valerie wrote: VerveUp wrote: And I'm sure Maggie could sense your anxiety. They can smell it in your saliva. Just a tip to chew gum or eat mints which help hide the scent. (That's a George Alston dog show handler tip!) Very interesting. I guess red wine doesn't work. . . LOL, not for her maybe ...  |
Sheepie Heaven wrote: Wonderful news! Sounds like you have an excellent vet!
She's in great shape from all her swimming so that will help her have a speedy recovery. What sort of a recovery time is expected, and when can you bring her home? They say she should stay at the hospital about 3 days and then continue to rest at home for a few weeks. . . I can't visit her because she will get all riled up and anxious when I leave. But it sounds like they are taking very good care of her. |
| Ahhh, 3 more days of red wine drinking!
Hang in there Val. It sounds like she is in good and caring hands. |
| aww I'm so glad things went so well! We're rootin for you Chummie! |
| WOOHOO Way to go Chummie!
We will be thinking of you as you recover. Hugs, |
| Yaahhhh!!!
I don't know what else to say...! |
 YIPPEE!! HOORAY!!! WOOHOO!!!! :kiss:
What simply FANTASTIC news!! She came through with flying colors, and I'm sure her recuperation will go just as well. Crying tears of joy for you all right now. Please give that very special girl a BIG hug and kiss from me and Drez!! |
| What a relief, and Yipee all in one!!
I am so glad to hear the surgery went well.
It is true that the pain after surgery will probably be less than what she was dealing with every day. I have been an ortho nurse for almost 18 yrs, and we see it all the time. People with chronic, severe pain often take NO pain meds, or very little after surgery. Even after major surgery. We just had a lady in with bilateral total knee replacements who was so happy and painfree after surgery that she was just taking plain tylenol 1 day after surgery. 
Here's to a speedy and safe recovery |
| Yippiiiii Ki Aaaaaye! Chummie's surgery went through!
The boys are sending more sloppy sheepie kisses her way!!! Lots of belly rubs from me too. Keeping positive thoughts for her rehab! Belly rubs to Maggie too Marianne and the boys |
| Thank God she is ok.
I could not wait to get back to my computer to read the GREAT news! 
Great job Chummie, we are all very proud of you.............
You got a special girl there Val !
Antoinette |
| Hmmm something ate my post telling you how happy I was to hear you were ok Chummie
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| Wonderful news, all our best Kathy & Chauncey |
| Val,
I must say this has been like waiting for a family member to come out of surgery!!!! My yellow lab had neurosurgery (not as complicated as your baby) but I know the anxiety. This is just the best news!! I just keep smiling. I had a hard time just waiting,,,This particular surgeon let me visit her so I just would lay down in the kennel next to her so happy she made it through. This is just so wonderful |
| oops, I read the wrong post first.
I was on ambulance call last night and couldn't check a computer but you and Chummie were in my thoughts all night. WOO HOO you go girl, keep up the GOOD WORK and the GOOD HEALING!!
Soooooooooooooooooooo glad to hear that the surgery went well nd KNOW the healing process will too. Brighter days are ahead for you both!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| I'm so relieved that the surgery went well. I had to come to the public library this morning to check! Sending positive thughts and prayers that the next few days are quiet and uneventful. Hugs to you and Maggie, and kisses to Chum when you see her. |
| Yeah Chummie! I knew you could do it!
I'm so glad the surgery went well and was uncomplicated. I can't believe what a great vet group you've found--it was defintely fate--if you were still in PA this surgery probably would never have been thought of. When you see her, scratch her for me! |
| ...waiting to hear news about the overnight....
C'mon Chummie Girl! I hope you had an easy night! |
| The doc just called. She said Chum is really sore but doing as well as could be expected, under the circumstances. She said she stood up last night -- which is great because it shows that she can (paralysis was a risk with spinal surgery) but that it probably hurt alot so they are not going to ask her to do it again today. They said they will be babying her today. More pain drugs. Perhaps a session with the acupuncturist/massage person, if she is in today (if not today, then tomorrow). They said someone spent an hour petting and soothing her this morning and that she will get lots of gentle attention all day.
So far, so good. . . I will get another update this evening. |
You should ask them to video her.  I would be dying to see my dog - although I agree that you are best off not going and getting her all excited. |
| Yay Chummie!!!!
Sleep well today, Chum. Rest easy. Get stronger and better. |
Valerie wrote: They said someone spent an hour petting and soothing her this morning and that she will get lots of gentle attention all day.
It doesn't hurt that she is such a cutie either. It's wonderful news. And I'm so happy that we will have lots of great Chummie stories to come. |
| Keep up the good work Chummie old girl!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| Oh great news Val
Loads of (((((((((((HUGS))))))))) and
From |
Ron wrote: Yay Chummie!!!!
Sleep well today, Chum. Rest easy. Get stronger and better. I second that! Gentle hugs Chummie. |
got sheep wrote: You should ask them to video her.
I would be dying to see my dog - although I agree that you are best off not going and getting her all excited.I'm suprised CSU doesn't have web cams for this sort of thing. They are so progressive in everything else. Might be worth suggesting. Hugs and belly rubs to Chum. |
| Yea!!!!!!!!
I am so glad to hear that Chummie's surgery went well. Whew!!! Your vet sounds fantastic. It's great to hear that she is open to alternative therapies, such as accupuncture and massage, as I have heard MANY stories of great results from both. Sending healthy thoughts your way....... Laurie |
| Yea, Chummie!
Yea, Val!
We'll be cheering Chummie's recovery along from "Colt's Country". What a brave, brave girl to go through what she has... and what a super mom you are to your girls.
Maggie & Chummie are both very lucky to have you watching over them. |
| Thanks everyone! This tremendous support means so much because I know it would be there too, if things had not gone well. It is great to know that so many people care about my dear Chummie. Thanks so much for all of the encouragement. |
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Yea, Chummie and wonderful vet! For some reason, I didn't realize Chum was having surgery yesterday. I'm so glad things went well |
| I'm so happy she is doing so well. How great that she was able to stand. Hopefully her pain meds are keeping her comfortable.
I know she has a long way to go but it sure is nice that she has gotten this far without any major complications. GO CHUMMIE....keep up the good work
Laurie |
| Oh, what an inspiration that girl is!! For her to even attempt to stand up - what stamina, what spirit, what spunk!!
She was destined to be yours, Val, and you were destined to move to CO!! |
| Any update on Chummie? |
Just got an update. Chum rested in a drug-induced stupor all day. They petted her, flipped her (gently), moved her limbs, ice-packed her incision site, and more. They said she is alert but not hungry. She appreciates being talked to (they can tell from her eyes) and only cried when they were adjusting her position. She is not growling or snapping -- just whimpering. 
Apparently, this is all normal and expected. She is getting lots of attention. In fact, when someone asked which student was assigned to her, one of the staff responded with the name of the student and added "but Chum is in all of our hearts." |
Drezzie's Mom wrote: you were destined to move to CO!!
I think so too! My friend, Ziggi's mom, said she meant ANOTHER sheepie in the neighborhood -- 8 year old Phoebe. And I finally met 3 year old Piper who lives nearby. Plus we keep hearing about two others that neither of us have met (yet!) Boulder is Sheepie City!! |
| Poor Chum.....it makes me want to cry
Val, you must be going crazy. I'd have to sleep in the cage with her! I hope she feels better tomorrow. What can you expect when she comes home. Hugs |
Emmie and Bellas Mom wrote: Poor Chum.....it makes me want to cry
Val, you must be going crazy. I'd have to sleep in the cage with her! I hope she feels better tomorrow. What can you expect when she comes home. Hugs Don't cry! These wounds will heal and then she will feel so much better. I'm not going crazy because they seem like they are taking good care of her and I would much rather have her on IV pain killers and fluids. I would be so afraid to be responsible for this, the hardest part of the recovery. I am relieved she is being monitored 24 hours a day. |
| I can't help but be sad. The thought of her in so much pain makes me sad
However, I am happy that she had this surgery and is now on the mend 
I hope she recovers quickly. Do you know how long she will be in the hospital? I remember the days I spent at Michigan State Animal Hospital with Pennie. We had about a 1 1/2 hr. drive. It was so hard to leave her. It helps a lot when you know that they are being well cared for. I look forward to the next update. Prayers and positive thoughts going out to Colorado |
| I fully understand you preferring Chummie remain at the vet med hospital and not under your care. It is hard being away from her, but you know she is in the best possible hands.
I hope you are reunited soon and in a few months she can resume her swimming. Getting back to something she loves will help her recover all the more quickly. Yes, doggies are very good at reading "our minds." They read our body language, our odors, our breathing......they know when we are upset. Red wine doesn't help hide things from their keen observation. |
| Chum update: The incision site is still very painful but the pain meds are working and keeping her calm and reasonably comfortable. They apparently keep adjusting the meds to be sure she is getting the most effective pain relief and they say that she is doing really well on them. They assess this by checking heart rate, breathing, and taking other measurements. They said she lets them know if they are late in delivering the next dose.
She has been lying on her stomach with her head up. That's progress from just laying splat out on her side. She is attentive and craves company and she is getting plenty. I get the impression that she is the darling of the nursing staff. She's still not hungry but they say that is normal. They are doing passive range of motion exercises on her limbs and her neck to keep her from getting stiff. And she has acupuncture/massage scheduled for this afternoon. They say that the first few days are the hardest but they expect her to let them know when she is ready to go home. For now, she is getting the rest she needs. They seem very confident that she is going to pull through. |
| I'm glad to hear she is making progress, and voicing her demands LOL
Go chum! |
| Poor Chummie!! Glad you found a place that is giving Chummie some extra TLC!!! I hope she eats soon! |
| I am glad to hear Chummie is progressing well. Thanks for the updates, Val. |
| I'm so happy that she continues to improve |
| I hope that young lady knows just how much we love and care about her
So GLAD to hear she is doing well. |
| Thank you Val for the update on Chummie. It is good to hear she is progressing as exspected. When you take pain meds you lose your appetite so I am sure that is why she is not eating yet. She will as she heals. She is such a sweet little sheepie. I am sure the care givers at the hospital are going to miss her when she goes home. |
| Glad to see the positive update! Keep up the good work, Chummie! |
| Sounds like she is in really good hands. I think I would opt to leave her there as long as possible too since they know exactly how to make her comfortable. You can't believe how relieved I feel that she's doing so well!! |
| Yay Chummie, you go girl
Her strength and spirit is awesome. |
| That's such GREAT news Val
I'm so glad Chummie's doing well. Jaci |
VerveUp wrote: I think I would opt to leave her there as long as possible too since they know exactly how to make her comfortable.
I agree completely! They were talking about weaning her off the IV meds to oral instead so she could come home but I said I would really prefer her to have the most comfort and care in their capable hands. They really sound like they are being amazing and I am not sure I can be as amazing as a full staff armed with powerful meds. As much as I miss her, I am in no rush to bring her home. I want to be sure she is ok first. . . |
| I totally agree!
When I had my girls spayed they came home the same day....I was a nervous wreck. I can't even imagine what kind of rehab Chum will need. How is Maggie doing without her sister? Laurie |
| The student sounded much more cheerful on tonight's update. She said Chum has stopped crying and just rested comfortably all day (with help from constant pain meds) and with encouragement ate most of a small can of dog food. Progress! |
| We love progress |
| Like I said, that girl is an inspiration! I just love Chum!! |
| Thank God Chumley is resting comfortably and making progress toward full RECOVERY!!
I was unable to get my internet connection to work well, but I plowed through just long enough on Saturday to read that she was okay. Breathed a HUGE sigh of relief and danced a little jig of joy on her behalf.
I don't think she could be in a better place. It sounds like she's getting the best care available anywhere and that means everything.
Hugs to you, Val.
GO CHUMLEY!!! |
| I am so glad chummie keeps on improving. Such a good girl! And I'm totally with you, Val, for wanting to keep her at the hospital...I'd be afraid of doing something to hurt her or even maybe she'd get so excited coming home and seeing Maggie that she's damage her incision.
Keep the updates coming! |
| Val wonderful to hear that Chummie is doing well and Chummie you keep up that strong determination to get all better |
| You are all so fabulous.
Today's update is that she is still in alot of pain and they want to keep her longer. That's sad, but it is good. I would rather have her in their care than have to deal with it all by myself. The nurse told me that she loves Chum. . . |
| who wouldnt love chummie!!!!!?????? tell the nurse to give her kisses from all of her ''aunts'' too! |
| I hope today she attempts to stand up. What a courageous girl! and Mommy. |
Valerie wrote: The nurse told me that she loves Chum. . . So what's NOT TO LOVE
HUGS and gentle pats for Chummie!!! |
| Pain from the wound itself or referred/neurological pain, Val? |
| Big hugs to Chum
Get better soon ! Get plenty of rest and let the nurse take good care of you ! And come home soon, Maggie and Mom miss you and your kisses |
Ron wrote: Pain from the wound itself or referred/neurological pain, Val?
From the wound. To get to her spine, they had to cut through alot of muscle tissue in her neck and upper back. I am told that it is normal for those deep cuts to be very painful and slow to heal. |
| I can imagine that would be painful! My neck and upper shoulder area tends to 'go out' a lot and it is nearly impossible to lift my head or try to get into a sitting position from lying down in bed, so I would assume this is a million times worse than that!
Poor girl, tell her I say stay strong... |
| She's SUCH a trooper! What a love she is. I'd be more surprised if all the people at the hospital DIDN'T love her!!
Having been through back surgery myself, I can feel for her! |
Drezzie's Mom wrote: I'd be more surprised if all the people at the hospital DIDN'T love her!!
Me too! She's such a lovely, sweetheart of a girl. I would do the same thing as you, Val, given the circumstances. She's better off there with 24 hour expert care. |
Oh the poor baby. I never even thought of how deep they had to go. 
Val, please give Chummie a big kiss for me and Harley.
I hope she feels better real soon...........
Antoinette |
| So what's the latest update on our little girl, Val? Hope she's feeling better!! |
| Drezzie's mom:
Here's an update! http://forum.oes.org/viewtopic.php?t=12239 |
| Thanks, Jo, I just found the other thread myself and was going to come back in and edit my question. Was too anxious, I guess! |
| WE LOVE YOU CHUMMIE, GET WELL SOON!
TO CHUMMIE, MAGGIE AND MOM! |
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