I promised you an update on Sampson after he saw the surgeon, which was last night.
The physical therapist had already updated him to Sampson’s little set back a couple of weeks ago, and he wanted to take an x-ray of Sampson’s knee, which he did.
The x-ray showed that the knee is stable, which was the ultimate goal, and now we need to find what works best for Sampson to help him heal.
I told him what our vet thought, and he examined Sampson and agreed his Iliopsoas muscle was definitely tender. He explained it as similar to the pain experienced with a groin pull. A nagging, constant pain. He told me he’d consulted with another surgeon in the practice and asked if he’d ever heard of going in and cutting the Iliopsoas or injecting it with something and thankfully the other surgeon said no. If he had suggested it, I would have never agreed to it anyway.
We talked about him going back in and looking around as the therapist had suggested. She really feels like it’s a Meniscus but Dr. Lesham and I both agreed we are not ready to take that route right now.
I like people who are real and I like this surgeon. We sat on the floor in the exam room with Sampson laying next to me and talked about Sampson’s surgery and recovery.
I shared how frustrated I am with Sampson’s recovery, how everyone that shared their stories with me before surgery had a far different outcome. That this wasn’t the recovery I had anticipated for Sampson. I also told him I thought I was too strict when Sampson came home and had perhaps hindered Sampson’s recovery.
He shared he is frustrated as well. He said, “Sampson got a shit run.” He went on to say that Sampson is such a good dog and this isn’t the recovery that he wanted for him either. He assured me that none of what is going on is my fault.
I told Dr. Lesham Sampson had had an acupuncture treatment and he was so excited. I told him we saw some improvement in Sampson after one treatment which surprised him, his experience is typically it takes a few treatments. At this point he would like to see us continue with the acupuncture and check in with him in a couple of weeks.
Then we went to physical therapy and I asked if the underwater treadmill was the best option at this point, considering he has a pulled muscle. I thought perhaps he would benefit from the cold laser treatment. She agreed to switch out the treadmill therapy for cold laser.
So that’s where we’re at. We are not pursuing surgery at this time, but we will be upping his glucosamine, setting him up with some acupuncture therapy and finishing his last three or four therapy appointments with cold laser.
I’m like a fine wine Mama, it takes time.
My book.
I’m back writing again (for the moment.) This week I hit the 40,000 word mark. The typical book is between 80,000 to 100,000 words, so I’m about half way there.
I think the plot is there, I just need to tweak it some and add more detail. I apologize for not visiting your blogs, but I want to take advantage of the creativity while I have the motivation. 🙂
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I’m glad you had such a detailed talk about Sampson with the doc!
I hope so much that the acupuncture continues to help. And of course you did nothing wrong!!! You have been a great parent to poor Sampson, and have done everything in his best interest, so don’t get down on yourself for that!
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
It sounds like you are on a good path fur Sweet Sampson. Stay the course.
Firstly, I so can’t wait to read your book!
Secondly, Sampson I am sending the most massive hug and get well soon wishes to you.
Jodi, it sounds like the people who are helping you through this (doctor, surgeons etc) are all brilliant and together you will all get there. In the meantime can I suggest a good merlot? Sending you hugs. You will get there!!
I like a conservative vet, too. You’re taking some measures to help, but nothing drastic. Hang in there.
That has to be so frustrating with Sampson. Hopefully the path you are on will produce results. I had issues with chronic ear infections for a couple years until Mom figured out a solution, actually on her own, then I had my lip issues which ended up with surgery after about two years and that seems to have solved it. We know the frustration of not knowing what to do. Although ears and lips may not seem bad, they really become a serious issue in time. Hopefully Sampson can get back on track soon and we are happy you seem to be in agreement with the surgeon for the most part. Good luck on the book! The writing is the easy part, marketing is a bear!
Poor Sampson. It is taking a long time to heal well. But glad that you are feeling creative! It’s a good place to be. 🙂 Have a great rest of the week!
Sorry for the late reply, but with regards to your question about the 24 hour project. Every week we’re suppose to take a photo for one hour of the day so this week it’s a photo taken between 8pm to 9pm and next week 9pm to 10pm. You could schedule the posts for any day/any time within the week, but the actual photography has to stick to fixed time slots at any day of the week. I’m not sure if I’m clear?
I can understand how frustrating it is for you and Sampson. It sounds like you have a really good plan in place. I am glad you suggested switching out the treadmill. I would imagine not overexercising that muscle would be important to allow it to heal.
Glad to hear you are back to writing. 🙂
You and Sampson are in my thoughts. He is lucky to have you.
I know it’s hard to not see the standard progress with your pets–especially when you know that they are uncomfortable and not able to do all of the things they want to do. My kitty boy is the same way–we are in and out of the vet’s office all the time because my vet says he has the worst case of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disorder she’s ever seen (in fact, that’s what today’s post is all about!). Even though it’s hard (especially when you’ve got the short end of the stick and have the atypical recovery), I think it’s really important to remember that our pets are individuals; they’re different from every other dog/cat/bird/guinea pig, which is exactly why we love them but it also makes it hard when their recovery times don’t measure up to everyone else’s. It sounds like you’ve got a great surgeon who’s committed to doing what Sampson needs (and what you need). Good luck and keep us posted!
I’m so glad you are comfortable with Sampson’s surgeon, that part is so important. It sounds like he really listens and cares, and I like that he reassured you that none of this is your fault. It sounds like you have a good plan in place and I hope this does the trick.
Good luck with your writing….you should definitely take advantage of your creative streak and I hope it keeps coming along well!
Holy shit that is a lot of words, had no idea what a typical book had in it. Sampson will get there, pulled muscles take a long long time to heal. Hang in there all will be good soon!
I’m glad you have a plan in place and certainly understand your frustration. I think the laser and acupuncture will help…here’s hoping anyways.
I’m happy to hear that your vet and physio and surgery vet are all on the same page as you, and not trying to bully you into anything you don’t feel comfortable with. Fingers crossed that the cold laser (i’ve heard good things about that as well) and acupuncture combine to produce good results.
It sounds to us like Sampson is getting the best decisions made for him by the best people. We love glucosamine around here for people, dogs and cats. It has really made a difference in a lot of joints.
Well, I’m happy at least that the surgeon is on the same page with you and your regular vet. I’m also glad that he reassured you that none of the trials & tribulations poor Sampson has been through are your fault! He sounds like Callie’s surgeon…down to earth. I like that too.
Frustrating, but it sounds like you have good partners working with you on the problem.
We got your back Sampson
Lily & Edward
Glad to see the update, just wish that it was better news – meaning that I wish Sampson had had a much better recovery than this. 🙁 Hang in there, Jodi!
Poor Sampson and poor you I am glad the vet surgeon is at least understanding
retro rover
Hi Y’all!
So glad y’all had an informative vet visit. Glad no more surgery, but sorry it’s taking so long for Samuel.
Have a great 4th weekend.
Y’all come by now,
Hawk aka BrownDog
Poor Sampson!!!! We are sending healing purrs and hope his knee is all better soon.
Congrats on your wordcount! Definitely keep chugging while the words are there.
I’ve heard great things about cold laser therapy, and I hope it really helps Sampson!
I love a doctor who will sit on the floor. I know Sampson’s recovery has been uneven and frustrating. But it sounds like you have some wonderful people in your corner.