Liesel - We Have A Diagnosis!

 

Liesel is battling pancreatitis - an inflammatory condition of the pancreas (the pancreas plays a huge role in digestion & regulation of blood sugar) ......along with confirmation of her bloodwork (revealed elevated white blood cell count & pancreatic enzyme levels)..... other symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, (we can assume abdominal pain)...no appetite...

She is responding to treatment (two prescribed medications daily) and a low fat hydrolyzed kibble & canned food diet (yes...it is produced in canned formula).  She has been on the hydrolyzed diet for a few months now....but now switched to a low fat version....and I'm happy to report, she is eating! 

I was able to attend an appointment with our regular veterinarian (Liesel's third visit in one week)  with Mr. Seventies & Liesel....we are so relieved to know Liesel's condition....and treatment.  Pancreatitis can be deadly especially if left untreated....and some dogs get very, very sick.  Our veterinarian said we had done everything right!  

Liesel's energy level is improving.....she still sleeps most of the time....which is fine, her little body needs to heal.  Even the redness & soreness of her gums is clearing up....she's never had any issue with her teeth or gums....with regular cleaning & dental cleanings done yearly....she had a healthy mouth.  It should clear up & we're keeping an eye on it....

If she continues to improve...and has no upsets in the coming weeks....we will do a recheck in 4-6 weeks.  

I can't tell you what it means to see her improving....eating small meals during the day & drinking water...

We're slowly getting patched back together here!  My pain medication has certainly made a huge difference in my recovery....physiotherapy today....and staples removed on Friday....and this ice gel pack from Amazon has helped with swelling....I purchased the large size & am able to wrap it around my knee and leg....it works great...

Things are feeling a bit brighter here....at least since Monday!  Thank you so much to those who reached out, commented & offered support.  It means a great deal....

Til next time...

The Days Are Ruff....

I promised I wasn't going to share a "whiney" post....but here it is!  It's been a challenging few days...trying to navigate through surgery pain with only regular strength acetaminophen!  I tried to get through to my surgeons office Wednesday & Thursday last week....to no avail.  My call kept going to voice mail advising of their "hours" (which was within the timeline I was calling).....never got an answer yet!

Even my pharmacy faxed his office a renewal prescription...to no avail.  One of my goals today....is to speak to someone in his office....if I have to get Mr. Seventies to drive me there!  I can navigate the pain during the day....it's attempting to sleep at night is the struggle....

*UPDATE* - Got new pain meds this morning!  Yay!!

Ok...that whine over.  One bright spot in the last week - I attempted to get out of sleep pants & night shirts...the struggle is real tho...

This might have been taken after a bit of a meltdown (aka pity party)....red face & all....(that hair tho)...

My sweet friend came for a visit that afternoon....it was so wonderful to see her & catch up before she leaves for a trip out west...and she came bearing gifts!  The cutest doxie mug, pretty spring socks, yummy bag of chocolates & card....

And this dear little one....we have been on a roller coaster with her the past few days...Mr. Seventies has been to the veterinarian twice with her last week....

Her vomiting issue got out of control...bloodwork was ordered (please rule out liver issues, pancreatitis & a host of other potential causes).....a second medication was added to her daily routine.  A little bit of a back story...she has been on a "hydrolyzed diet" for months now (proteins are broken down so the tummy doesn't have issue with them).

When I first started the diet for her, I inquired if it came in "can-wet form" (the first time I purchased it) ....to which the gal at the front desk brought out a few cans.  Great!  So....for months....we've been mixing wet into her kibble....as she does not like kibble (dachshunds are stubborn that way)!

Imagine my shock, when arriving home from the vet with Liesel....Mr. Seventies had been advised - hydrolyzed diet does NOT come in wet/can form!!  WTF??  For months....I've been feeding my girl this....and making her sicker & sicker!  I literally broke down (again) in tears...can you imagine how horrible I feel?   Hydrolyzed food only comes in kibble form!!!!

I wasn't able to be at her vet appointment....but I plan to have a good conversation with her attending vet - today & - it's no wonder she is not getting any better!!!  Her bloodwork results should be available today as well.

*UPDATE* -  Spoke to our vet clinic - the can food I've been feeding - IS hydrolyzed - the veterinarian was mistaken!!  I felt like a horrible dog Mom...thinking I was making Liesel sicker!  I mixed up a bowl of kibble & wet - and she ate!!  She's had her medications & is snoozing beside me. 

She stunk so bad from vomiting....Saturday we were able to give her a warm bubble bath, followed by a quick spritz of her  doggy"perfume"....cleaned her mouth, teeth & ears..... Mr. Seventies washed & dried all her blankets and bedding....

As pet "pawrents"....we go above & beyond for our pets....they are a part of our family...and receive exceptional care & love....always will....to do otherwise is unacceptable to us....

So that is my cheery post for today!  Ugh....I have physio this afternoon...and did I mention the absolute wet, windy miserable weather we've been having?  No??  I'm convinced this little Island was not meant to be inhabited!   Rain, rain & more rain.....for days yet...

I had planned to spend some time on line-enjoy a bit of retail therapy....haven't even done that!  Today is Federal election day in Canada....so will catch up on the results when the polls close tonight...

Our sweet daughter & son-in-law have birthdays this week....we have postponed celebrations until a later date....when we can get together, share a meal, cake & prezzies!!

Join me later today over at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for Metamorphis Monday.....

And tomorrow with Joanne at  https://www.myslicesoflife.com/ for Talking About It Tuesday and https://www.astrollthrulife.net/ for Inspire Me Tuesday.....

I'm looking forward to reading some great blogs & seeing what everyone else is up to these days!!

Hopefully, my next post will be a bit more cheery!

Til next time....                                             

And So It Begins....

Physio that is.  I had my first physio appointment...to say I was a hurting unit later that evening is an understatement...

My physiotherapist, Laura is so dedicated & easy to work with...she understood how overwhelmed I was feeling & we chose three exercises to focus on for the time being....to get me started if nothing else.  My next appointment is tomorrow.....with three following next week.

So, the office is brand new....but on the second floor...thankfully with elevators.  We discovered the back entrance is much closer to them....so we'll be using that entrance from here on in....

Here I am...with an ice pack on my leg....Mr. Seventies is going to visit a medical supplies drug store today & get a couple of the larger ones....mine are a bit too small....

My thoughts.....on this day 8 post op.....would I do it again?  Um no.  And pray I never have to....you try to prepare yourself as much as possible & the surgery is the easiest part.  It's afterwards that is challenging...from pain medications causing stomach distress & vomiting....to sleeping in spurts here and there in constant pain...and followed by crankiness!  Enuf said. 

Sweet daughter arrived with subs & snacks for us to enjoy....we piled into our bed (because that is my go to place)....and shared supper together...and it gave her Dad a break from meal prep.  Although....we have casseroles & lasagnas in the freezer....dropped off by neighbours & friends...subs were a tasty treat....

This pretty package was left by my sweet neighbour.....the bag itself is a beautiful gift....

And such thoughtful things!!  The hand lotion & candle smell amazing....and who doesn't love Lindt chocolate....and a couple of books to keep Mr. Seventies mind busy....(we'll share the bunny)....

And all the while this has been going on....Liesel has been vomiting bile again.  The pills & "specialized" food....do not work.   I booked her an appointment at our veterinary clinic....Mr. Seventies & she had a great consult & they determined to discontinue the "special diet"....and try new medication.  The vet understands we do not want to put Liesel through a bunch of medical tests (at her age - almost 11) and our local veterinary teaching hospital....

We chose a diet for her from a pet food store close by...a mixture of can & kibble....and Liesel loves it,  We did increase the medication dose from 1 per day to 2 per day....we'll see what results we will have with that....

I also found this toy/treat/snack pieces on Amazon....we can hide some treats, food & spread a bit of peanut butter on the mat....and place in the freezer.  A way to get her interested in eating treats and snacks...

That is all the happenings from this Seventies Split!  Hope everyone has a greet weekend....

Til next time.....

Five Day Post Op

It's been a rough few days...I'm not going to sugar-coat it!  My surgical & recovery team in the hospital....were amazing!  It could not have gone better...my hospital room....on the other hand.....was a circus!

I was discharged mid afternoon the following day...and was very happy to be getting home!  It's been a rough few days....not sure what I expected...pain, soreness, nausea & vomiting...I'm hoping to see improvements each day.  Mr. Seventies takes care of everything, including Liesel's care ......my mobility is just about nil!

Sleep is sporadic...requiring pain medications every four hours....around the clock.  And getting comfortable is a challenge.  

Wonderful neighbours & family have brought in casseroles, lasagna & daughter visits daily dropping off Easter dinner & all the fixings.  Me attending Easter dinner was just not going to happen....so they brought it to me!

Wednesday is my first physiotherapist appointment....I hope he is gentle!!  

In the meantime....it's been wonderful to have a little squiggle buddy to keep me company!!

I hope to catch up later today over at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for Metamorphis Monday....

And tomorrow at https://www.myslicesoflife.com/ for Talking About It Tuesday as well as https://www.astrollthrulife.net/ for Inspire Me Tuesday!!

Have an awesome day wherever you are & thanks so much for visiting with me!!

Til next time....

 

Wishing Everyone A

 

And....I'm home from the hospital!  My knee replacement surgery could not have gone better!  Sore today, since I was just operated on yesterday....but have done physio, stairs. and stretches already!  I'm very tired - for some reason I only was able to doze for about an hour last night!  

Pain management is going well....but as expected I am quite sore!  I'm hopeful we can spend Easter Sunday with family & enjoy a traditional ham dinner & all the fixings!!  We'll play it by ear!!

Wishing everyone a blessed Easter weekend with family & friends!  I'll be checking in from time to time!!

This Is The Week!

It's finally here.  Surgery scheduled for Wednesday.  I'll take some time...to heal & gain mobility again.  Lots of work ahead...pain management, exercises & physio appointments.  Not gonna lie....not excited about it.  I'll get through it...happy to have it behind me before the warmer months.  Mr. Seventies has the guest bedroom ready for me...turned the bed to allow more room for ease of getting around...

I had planned to do a re-fresh in the guest bedroom.....but that didn't happen.  Plan to get done in the fall.

I took a quick trip around Winners one afternoon....came across a couple of pretty lamps...I'm crushing this this blue one....although I'm not a huge fan of pleated shades....

Not the best photo of this one....but notice the cord is covered!  I've not seen that done...unless it's put on after purchase.....I do like the idea of covering the cords.  And now with rechargeable bulbs & remote controls....cords may become a thing of the past...

I'm seeing a lot more patterned shades...and I'm loving them!!  DIYers have been doing it for a while now...happy to see the retail world has caught up...

This bunny butter dish had me from hello.....I came ever so close to buying it!  Except...we don't use butter....but still....it's adorable....sweet for an Easter table.....

This basket tho!!  I considered picking it up as well....but I could almost hear Mr. Seventies eyes rolling in the back of his head thinking I need....yet again....another basket....

This adorable soap dispenser....complete with bunny tail!  And full of soap too!

I came home empty handed....but it was fun to browse around!  And....I must tell you about our local Wal Mart!  If you've been reading here for a while now....you've likely read how sad and run down our store is.  Well....no more!!!  For weeks now they've been doing renovations....bright new floors....and the stock they have brought it in!!  

Like nothing we've had here in our store before!  The women's clothing section goes on & on....lovely new, great priced fashions!  I picked up a beautiful sweater & shorts & top set!  I can't wait to check it out!  again.  I'm gobsmacked peeps!  I hope they are able to keep the store well stocked & fresh & clean!  The grocery section is undergoing a full make over as well!

Remember the Elise Love quilt from Pottery Barn?  It arrived - and wow....it is gorgeous!!  I'm very happy with it....so much so I ordered a set of matching Euro shams!  They are on back order....with a delivery date the middle of July!  They will be worth the wait though!  The crotched shams arrived - they are beautiful...and I can't wait to dye them pink!  

For the family room....I had ordered these cushion covers from Amazon - they are absolutely gorgeous....and under $20...for two!!

I have another set of cushions that need freshening up.... these should work...from Amazon as well.....I'm hoping they will be a bit more muted in colour.....

I picked up these cute bowls at the thrift store....as I can always use more bowls!  Three different sizes with the smallest one being perfect size for a food bowl for Liesel....she gave it two paws up...

My posts & outings will be limited the next few weeks....I hope you are able to drop in &  leave me a comment....I will definitely need the company!!   (I cannot drive for a month post surgery)....

I'm hanging out today over at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for Metamorphis Monday...please join me there....

And again tomorrow with Joanne at https://www.myslicesoflife.com/ for Talking About It Tuesday as well as https://www.astrollthrulife.net/ for Inspire Me Tuesday....

Have an awesome day & thank you so much for hanging out with me!! 

Til next time.....

Wardrobe Pieces For Summer

I've been picking up new wardrobe items the last few weeks....in hopes it will turn Mother Nature around & she'll grace us with nice weather!  Today promises to spread lots of sunshine around....I hope to get out & about today!!

Before I share what I've picked up so far....the echocardiogram done yesterday showed good results!  The anesthesiologist advised we have been given the green light to proceed on Wednesday.  So, after an EKG, an ultrasound of my heart and the echo...surgery will move forward.  I'll find out what time I need to arrive at the hospital the day prior to surgery.   Since I'm diabetic...it should be performed early morning...(fasting all day is not advised).

It looks like I have a tee shirt obsession...(maybe a little one)....I've picked up these ones over the past couple of months....the Beatles were just a smidge before my time....but I remember my sister sitting in front of the television crying & screaming hysterically when they made their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show.....my poor Dad thought she lost her mind.  This tee shirt gives me fond memories of her....

Country music is my genre....this Lainey Wilson tee shirt shares my love of all things country....

This tee shirt is awesome....with embroidery on the barn & silo that caught my eye!  It's oversized....I was able to wear a size small...it says "Support Your Local Farmers" on the front as well....

And I love this one......and it will work with denim shorts or under my denim overalls....

This pretty one looks short....but it reaches the top of my shorts and jeans.....I'm too old to "bare the belly".....

I needed another hoodie......this green is my go to colour.....I'm so not a fan of hoods...but this one should be okay to wear on cooler days....

This is one of three midi pieces I have....these are great to wear running errands with a cute pair of sandals.....and I have one I use for sleep!

And speaking of sleep....I picked up a couple of sleepwear!  I prefer a 3/4 sleeve....which is not always easy to find...most are sleeveless or long sleeve.....when I find the sleeve I like....I get a couple of pieces....the fabric of these is so soft & comfy....

I've been searching for leather sandals for months!  I just wasn't finding anything I truly liked....until I came across these ones from Viba (Canada).....they are exactly what I was searching for....in this Cognac colour.....

Unfortunately, they don't come in half sizes....I find with leather, because they stretch.... I can size down a half size.... I ordered my regular size in hopes they fit perfectly....

I also picked up a couple of tees and pairs of shorts for Mr. Seventies....along with new sneakers.....he is a man with. no interest in clothing!  In the 46 years we've been together.....he has bought or picked up zero pieces of clothing!  He leaves that up to me....(just as well I might add)....

Are you having nice weather where you are?  It's been cool, wet & snowy here.....today promises sun!  We have no snow left & the ground is no longer frozen.....but we need sun to dry things up now!

Have an awesome weekend & hope to see you back here on Monday...

Til next time....

Surgery Update!!

 

I have the "all clear" for  knee replacement surgery next week!  I'm okay to stop certain medications for the next 8-9 days, had an ultrasound of my heart & an echocardiogram appointment tomorrow....

Right now....I've been given the green light!!  Who knew it would be such a a process? 

Possible Postponement & So On

During my appointment with the anesthesiologist last week....he advised there is an 80% chance my knee replacement surgery will be postponed....unless my Internist approves stoppage of current blood thinner medications 5-7 days prior to surgery!   

There is still a 20% chance it could happen, right?  I'm hopeful to be updated within the next couple of days.   I'm not terribly disappointed...especially if it is rescheduled for fall...not going to hurt my feelings...

The most important information I received...just in talking with the anesthesiologist...who happened to say he read in my files where I suffered an NSTEMI heart attack in 2024.  Wait. What?  An NSTEMI heart attack?  1.  I've never heard of it.  and 2.  No one has ever mentioned it to me...the patient!  

If approval is given to discontinue the blood thinners for a few days prior to surgery (I've been on them since the heart attack) then it will proceed.  If not...I will need to wait until I have completed the prescribed full year of them.  (end of June).

Moving on.  I'm waiting the arrival of these amazing, hand made leather boots!  My grandfather was a cobbler.... I have fond memories watching him make shoes & boots for patrons...and repairs as well. His shop smelled of leather.....with huge pieces in various colours!   I think that is where my love of leather began....

In those days, no one tossed out damaged or worn footwear....they had them repaired!  I had the opportunity to request a custom set of leather boots....I ordered a pair in this pretty, dark green colour!  Leather is so amazing on the feet....it's soft & conforms to your foot...with bittersweet memories of the afternoons spent watching my grandfather ply his trade...

I stopped into Michaels to pick up a bottle of pink dye (for the crotchet shams I plan to dye)....I took notice of a few items on sale while I was there.   This pretty cushion caught my eye...

As did a couple of other things.....like this basket....similar to the basket I use to hold the Christmas tree...

A cute little bowl or planter...BOGO was in full swing as well....

Loving this pretty green plate.... feel it's just missing a frog...

These ceramic baskets are back in stock....had they been a bit larger I'd have gotten a couple to hold berries in the fridge....

The more I look at this canvas,  the more uncertain I am if it's an adorable dachshund or chihuahua! Pretty cute whichever it is....

And speaking of dachshund....our resident wire hair is recovering from an arthritis flare up...this is after an appointment with her veterinarian at the "room of doom".....terrible to be this stressed...(not)...

A couple of new squeaky toys seem to calm her nerves...

We've chosen to continue with treatment of pain medications & anti-inflammatories when she has a flare up....as opposed to monthly injections...where we may or may not see any improvement.... 

It's shaping up to be a decent day here....it has rained with a mix of wet snow the past few days.  The sun is out....so that is an improvement...

Be sure and join me later today over at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for Metamorphis Monday.

And tomorrow I'll be sharing at https://www.myslicesoflife.com/ for Talking About It Tuesday as well as https://www.astrollthrulife.net/ for Inspire Me Tuesday!!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  Feel free to leave a comment & share a bit of your day with me!

Til next time....

*UPDATE* - My Internist's office called & I'm to see him this afternoon for a consult.  Fingers crossed.

Preparing For Surgery

Happy Friday!!!  It's been a few busy days of appointments along with wet, snowy & rainy weather!  My pre-surgery appointment the other day was about two and a half hours long...things moved along nicely.  Bloodwork, EKG & x-rays...a consult with a nurse to go over things (medications, previous health history, etc) & lastly chats with the occupational therapist& physiotherapist.  

I see an anethesiologist today - (some medications need to be stopped prior to surgery) I'm planning on sedation & an epidural (no anesthesia) for the surgery ....  hopefully  I will be good to have my knee replacement on April 16th.  The plan is to stay overnight in the hospital (due to previous health issues), I'm okay with that.  There is still a chance  I could be discharged the same day....but my surgeon has ordered an overnight stay.....

Mr. Seventies will have a my packed overnight bag with him...I have this pretty tote on hand & it should work great.  Surgery will take two hours, one hour in recovery then moved to my hospital room...

And I'm feeling really old today, lol!   The necessary tools required to regain mobility afterwards....and six days after surgery... physiotherapy starts. (along with exercises beginning the day of surgery).  My physiotherapist advised once the staples are removed (two weeks after surgery)......the real work begins getting use of my knee again!  I'll work with him twice a week for six weeks to start....

Liesel had a spa treatment this week with an appointment this morning with our veterinarian to discuss long term arthritis medication for her.  Up to now, we've been treating her flare ups with anti inflammatories, pain medications and rest....but with them happening more frequent, she may need a bit more help managing her arthritis....

Next week...appointment free!!  I plan to have a browse around Inspired Living (and all my regular haunts)!   The moving sale continues at IL - and they brought in these soy candles..... this one has my neighbour's name on it!  (she loaned me the walker I'm using).....I plan to pick up this candle for her...(she is Mom to a ginger cat)....and she really loves this one....

While I like this one....the smell is likely not going to be one I really like....

This one speaks volumes....and I suspect the scent will be more to my liking....

That has been my week!!  Our grand-baby's family birthday celebration is this weekend....we will forgo the party with fourteen other little gremlins...lol!  They will have such a great time!!

Hope you have an awesome weekend!!  Thanks so much for hanging out with me....

Til next time......