Lou's New "Hippy Doctor"

I'm not going to lie, I've been really bummed today.  I can't believe my Lou was only home for 11 hours, and now she's back in Ohio until next week.  I was so ready to move forward with her.  I was actually looking forward to working with her and helping her adjust to her blindness.  The most important thing to me is getting her back to being happy.  I want her to enjoy her new life, and I want to enjoy it with her.  Therefore, having that false start on Wednesday was a huge disappointment, and after having so many disappointments already (i.e. "Lexie is not going blind!"), this one seems to have knocked me down quite a few pegs mentally.

So, I was driving home from work today, feeling rather numb and trying to talk myself into meeting some of my friends out for trivia tonight (I haven't really hung out with my friends in probably a month, ever since this whole ordeal first began), but not really feeling like it, when MedVet called.  The woman on the phone introduced herself as Dr. Wagner from Integrative Medicine, the department that Dr. Webb said she was going to consult about boosting Lexie's immune system.  Dr. Wagner told me that she had started giving Lexie mangosteen juice, which is a tropical fruit that is used to boost the immune system and improve mental health, and AgariGold, a mushroom extract that also helps strengthen the immune system, among a number of other health benefits.  Not only that, but Dr. Wagner said she's been giving Lexie Healing Touch therapy.  According to the Healing Touch for Animals website, this technique "allows the natural regulation of the immune system which encourages the healing process and promotes well-being."  Hey, call it hippy medicine if you want, but I'm willing to try anything at this point.  Besides, Dr. Wagner said that Lexie LOVES her Healing Touch massages!  She said that Lexie let out a couple deep sighs and then fell fast asleep, to which I could only reply, "Awwwww!"

I got off the phone with Dr. Wagner feeling even more confident that Lexie is absolutely receiving THE BEST care possible at MedVet.  What other place offers their animal patients both traditional medicine and alternative holistic treatments?  Actually, after reading up on Lexie's new supplements (see links above), I may start giving mangosteen juice and AgariGold to Jocie and Sam, too.  :)

Anyway, that phone call was a much needed pick-me-up.  I may take a nap, and then get ready to go out and do some non-dog-emergency-related things with my awesome, supportive friends, whom I've been missing very much.

Missing Lou (Video)

I called MedVet around 9:00 p.m. last night to check on Lexie and to see if they thought she'd be able to come home today.  The nurse I spoke with said that Lexie is doing "awesome," and added, "She's got a pretty big fan club here."  Once again, the BIGGEST smile spread across my face upon hearing that.  I love that so many people appreciate what a little turd my Lou is (I mean that in the best possible way, of course).

Unfortunately, the nurse wasn't sure if Dr. Corbett wants to let Lexie come home today because she said Lou is still a little anemic and they just want to make sure she's 100% stable before they send her home.  I completely understand and appreciate that, but I'm crossing my fingers REALLY HARD that her blood counts have stabilized because I just want my baby home!!!!!  Dr. Corbett is supposed to call me later this morning and give me an update.

In the meantime, I thought I'd share with you guys a little video of Lexie that I shot last summer after she had given me another big scare.  Lexie had developed pyometra, which I learned when I had to rush her to the Animal Care Clinic after finding her in a pool of blood one morning.  (I hadn't spayed her yet because at one time I thought I may want Lexie to have at least one litter.  I had been meaning to have her spayed after deciding years ago that I didn't want to breed her, but for some reason it just kept slipping my mind.  Needless to say, I felt like the WORST dog-mother in the world that day.)  Lexie had to have emergency surgery because she was in serious condition, and I was terrified that I was going to lose her.

Thankfully, she pulled through that surgery, as well.  In fact, the very next day she felt like a million bucks!  I couldn't believe how quickly she recovered and how spunky she was.   The one thing that REALLY got me, though, was the fact that as soon as she got home from the vet, she sought out her stuffed bunny.  She carried that thing around with her everywhere and cuddled it every time she laid down.

So, here is a short video I shot of Lou and her bunny the DAY AFTER her pyometra surgery that saved her life last summer.  (Note, in addition to "Lou," Lexie's other nicknames are "Moo" and "Moomie."  Don't ask me why.  Oh, and Lexie's eyes always glowed bright green in photos and videos, which is why we sometimes referred to her as a goblin.  haha!)





My little "goblin" with my brother, Zach, and his girlfriend/Lexie's BFF, Kristy:

One more of the "goblin" having dinner:

Lexie's Out of Surgery!!!

I've been shaking since about 12:00 p.m., but Dr. Corbett FINALLY called around 12:30 to let me know that Lexie is out of surgery and everything went really well! She said that she was prepared for the worst, but Lexie actually didn't bleed much more than a typical surgery. Yesterday, Dr. Corbett had called to ask my permission to give Lou another blood transfusion because they thought the donor dog's clotting factors would help during Lexie's surgery. I guess maybe they were right!

There was one minor complication, but hopefully it's nothing to worry about too much. Because the gauze had been left in Lexie's eye sockets for a few days, an infection has started. So, they've swabbed the area, which is fortunately close to the surface, and they're going to culture it so they'll know exactly which antibiotics she needs.

Another thing that Dr. Corbett wanted to give me a heads up about is Lou's appearance, because apparently she looks kind of "funny" right now. Dr. Corbett said that Dr. Ellis had actually sewn one of Lexie's eyes vertically instead of horizontally, probably just in her haste to get her sewn up after packing the gauze. Dr. Corbett said that she tried her best to fix the incision, but until her fur grows back, she said Lou may look a little...inquisitive.

Other than that, Dr. Corbett said that Lexie is just fine and is currently snoring away! Haha! Dr. Corbett is going to call me tonight and then I'll know if I can go get her tomorrow. Cross your fingers!

Thank you, everyone, for all your prayers and support. I'm so relieved and happy right now!!!! :D

People are Amazing

As I type this, Lexie is probably going into surgery (Dr. Corbett said it would be around 9:00 or 10:00 a.m.).  Even though I'm a bundle of nerves right now, I just had to take a moment to thank everyone who has taken the time to send me such nice comments and/or donations to help pay for Lexie's surgery.  I feel like I keep saying this, but I have just been BLOWN AWAY by the outpouring of support, both emotionally and financially, that I have received from family, friends, acquaintances, and even total strangers! 

I especially wanted to thank Chad Dressen for posting about Lexie's story on his blog and Facebook page yesterday.  For those of you who don't know Chad and/or his dogs, Ramsey (a Doberman), Pablo (a Chihuahua), and Suvi (a Pitbull), you should definitely check out their website, http://www.ramseyandpablo.com/.  I discovered Chad's YouTube videos of Ramsey and Pablo many years ago and instantly became a fan.  He began posting videos of Ramsey and Pablo's antics on YouTube so that his family and friends could enjoy them.  His dogs are so hilarious and adorable, though, that he soon gained a huge following.  Today, his dogs have become quite the little celebrities who not only have their own website, but they've also been featured on Animal Planet a couple of times! 

Needless to say, my jaw dropped when I saw Chad's link to his blog about Lexie yesterday, which included a "Chip In" link where his readers ("Friends of Ramsey, Pablo, and Suvi") can make a donation towards Lexie's medical bills.  Between his blog and mine, I have received over $1000 in donations! 

Again, I simply cannot express the amount of gratitute I feel right now towards all of you.  Simply saying "thank you" does not even begin to cover it, but thank you all from the bottom of my heart.  This has been such an amazing, humbling experience.  Please, God, PLEASE let it have a happy ending....

I will post again as soon as Dr. Corbett calls me.  Please keep Lexie in your thoughts and prayers this morning.  :)

Update: Surgery Tomorrow!

I just received a phone call from Dr. Corbett at MedVet.  She said that Lexie is still doing really well.  Her appetite is good, and  I got a big smile on my face when Dr. Corbett said, "Lexie's still being super sweet, and everyone here just loves her." (God, I miss my Lou so much....)  She also said that she's been in touch with all the specialists, and Lexie's surgery is scheduled for early tomorrow morning (Monday, July 2, 2012).

The one thing Dr. Corbett said that concerned me, though, was that it looks like there may be some bleeding going on under Lexie's skin.  She also said her blood count has been steadily dropping.  It was in the 50's when she first arrived at MedVet Friday night, yesterday it was in the 40's, and right now it's around 35.  Dr. Corbett said that 35 is a perfectly safe level, but if it continues to drop they may need to do another transfusion.  With all of that said, I think I am actually more worried about the bleeding and dropping blood count than Dr. Corbett.  I told her it worries me because it means Lou's blood still isn't clotting, so I'm worried about when they remove her gauze.  Dr. Corbett said, "We're expecting a bloody mess no matter what when we operate tomorrow.  So, we're fully prepared..."  Then, I couldn't resist asking her how confident she was that Lexie will make it through her surgery.  She couldn't make any guarantees, of course, but Dr. Corbett sounds pretty confident that they will be able to successfully stop Lexie's bleeding during her surgery tomorrow, and that she'll recover just fine.  I've had too many disappointments during this past month to allow my hopes to get up too high, but it does make me feel good to hear that confidence in Dr. Corbett's voice.

As for my request for donations to help raise money to pay for Lexie's surgery on Monday, which Dr. Corbett estimated could cost anywhere from $1200 to $2000, I have been BLOWN AWAY by the amount of well wishes and donations I have received so far.  As of right now, I have received almost $600.00 in donations! I am so humbled by the kindness of generosity of friends, family, acquaintances, and even total strangers that I truly do not have the words to express my gratitude.  I'm not kidding when I say that I am blown away.  "Thank you" doesn't even begin to cover it, but thank you, everyone.  Thank you SO very much.

Please remember to keep Lexie in your thoughts and prayers as she goes into surgery tomorrow morning.  I will, of course, give an update as soon as I receive word from Dr. Corbett.

And So, It Has Come to This....

I never did get the definite answers I was hoping for from anyone at MedVet today, but here's the current situation/plan:  Lexie is stable and doing well.  She's eating and drinking (a lot, from what I'm told), and she's calm.  Her blood work so far has all come back normal, but Dr. Corbett said that whenever a dog receives a blood transfusion it's important to keep monitoring their blood counts.  Lou's incisions look pretty good, although there has been a little oozing from each eye.  Both Dr. Corbett and Dr. Miller acted like that was pretty normal, though.

The big issue, of course, is the fact that the gauze that is currently packed in Lexie's wounds needs to come out, but the question is when?  Dr. Corbett said that the gauze may actually be helping her blood clot right now, so they're afraid to take them out right away.  Her recommendation was to leave Lexie there at MedVet over the weekend so that they could continue to monitor her blood counts and keep her wounds clean, as well as watch for signs of infection in case her body starts to reject the gauze.  Then, they'd like to schedule her for surgery to remove the gauze on Monday, which is when all the other specialists will be on site, just in case any complications arise.  

I loved the sound of this plan, of course, but I was nervous to ask her how much it would cost.  (Keep in mind, at this point I have spent over $2,200 on Lexie's medical care, some of which has either been borrowed or generously donated by family.)  Dr. Corbett estimated that the surgery to remove Lexie's gauze is going to cost anywhere from $1200 to $2000.

I was immediately in tears.  I can't believe I've spent over $2,200 to get Lou ALL the way to this point, and yet she still needs one FINAL surgery.  Dr. Corbett sounded confident that, with all the specialists on site, Lexie has a good chance of making it through her surgery, and then she should be fine, but it's going to cost me up to another $2000, which may as well be $2 million at this point because I have NO idea how I'm going to come up with it!  Regardless, I told Dr. Corbett that I would leave Lexie in their care over the weekend and just somehow "figure out a way" to come up with the money to pay for her surgery.

So, my friends, it has come to this:  I am now accepting donations to help pay for Lexie's surgery, which is supposed to be scheduled for Monday, July 2, 2012.  Please understand how much I HATE asking anyone for help financially, but I've reached the point of desperation.  I cannot begin to tell you how much I will appreciate any amount you are able/willing to contribute, even if it's $5.  If you aren't able to help financially, I will equally appreciate all the prayers, good vibes, etc. that you can send our way.   In either case, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

 

Back to Ohio

Just about an hour after I posted my last blog about Lexie having Von Willenbrand's disease, Dr. Ellis called to tell me that not only was Lexie starting to bleed again (through all the gauze that they had packed in her wounds), but her latest blood work indicated that she DOESN'T have VW disease. Therefore, Dr. Ellis recommended we rush her back to MedVet in Worthington, Ohio to see another specialist who could hopefully diagnose the reason why her blood wasn't clotting. Dr. Ellis gave me another option of letting Lexie spend the night in our local ER for observation, but she was worried that Lou might not make it through the night. Because Justin had agreed to make up the hours he'd taken off work to be with me that day, he wouldn't be able to go to Ohio with me. So, I called my brother, Zach, and thankfully he agreed to go with me. I was terrified, however, to drive Lexie 3 hours to MedVet in her condition, and even Dr. Ellis said there was a chance Lou might not make it there. However, Dr. Ellis said that she felt the risk might be worth it because the specialists at MedVet would be much better at diagnosing her.

I should probably back up a little bit and explain that the issue was that Dr. Ellis and Dr. Ayers had to pack Lexie's eye sockets with gauze in order to slow the bleeding after her enucleation surgery, which means the gauze still has to be removed. So, the worry is that even if the bleeding stops right now, it could possibly start again when the wounds are re-opened and the gauze is removed. Therefore, we need to find out what's preventing her blood from clotting so we can fix it before unpacking her wounds.

Ok, so Zach and I went to pick up Lexie from Animal Care Clinic. I was afraid of how she'd look, but it was actually much better than I had expected. Dr. Ellis had wrapped Lou's head and eyes really well, and Lexie was even up and moving around. She was still my Lou, too, which pleased me more than I can even tell you. I had expected her to be this pitiful, lethargic, bleeding, dying, Franken-Dobie, but she wasn't anything close to that. I sat in the back seat with Lou as Zach drove us to Ohio. I am usually very careful about the speed limit, but I told Zach I didn't care if he got pulled over because we were racing against time at that point. 

Well, wouldn't you know that apparently the Storm of the Century just HAD to come through Ohio and WV right at that moment? Although we lucked out and only drove through heavy wind and some rain, the rest of Ohio was hit HARD. During the entire drive through half the state, we saw downed trees, branches, and the majority of towns we drove through were without power. The whole time, Lexie was so good. She just laid down beside me and slept most of the way. She was breathing pretty hard, though, which worried me, and I kept a close eye on her breathing the entire time. Then, when we were about an hour away from MedVet, we hit stand still traffic. After about 30 minutes of not moving, I started to panic, but then we finally started to move again. Just as we were about to take the exit to 270 toward Columbus, the exit was shut down! We ended up having to re-route through some town that had a billion stop lights, but the power was out so we had to do a four-way stop at every single one! I seriously thought I might have a heart attack at that point. 

Finally, 4 hours after we left Huntington, we arrived at MedVet. When I got Lexie out of the car, I could see a spot of blood where her head had been resting. They took her straight back, though, so I was relieved she was at least receiving medical attention. However, I told Zach when we sat in the waiting room that I wasn't expecting good news.

 When we finally spoke to the vet on duty that night, Dr. Miller, I was both relieved and surprised when she told me Lexie looked good and seemed stable. She said she wanted to do a blood panel since Lexie had had a transfusion that day and keep her overnight for observation. Then, in the morning, Lexie would be seen by an internal medicine specialist who could try to figure out why her blood won't clot. It was after midnight at that point, and Zach and I were both too tired to drive, so we got a room at a nearby hotel.

I called MedVet first thing this morning and they said Lexie did well through the night and all of her blood work looked good. So, now I'm just waiting to hear from the other specialist after he has a chance to examine her. I'm crossing my fingers for some actual answers today.

The Morning of Surgery

I just dropped Lexie off at the vet for her bilateral enucleation surgery.  I’m such a bundle of mixed emotions right now.  I’m crying, of course, because my Lou is never going to be able to look at me again.  She’ll never greet me at the door with one of her stuffed animals in her mouth, enticing me to chase her around the living room and dining room ever again.   (My favorite part of that game, by the way, was when I’d be chasing her around through the dining room, kitchen, and living room, but then I’d stop and quietly reverse directions.  She’d sense that I stopped chasing her, so she’d get really quiet and sneaky, too, and try to find me.  Then, it became a game of “who can sneak up on whom first” before resuming the game of chase.)  I’m going to miss watching her look out our living room window and getting that “stranger danger” face if a passer-by happened to linger in front of our house a little too long.  I’m going to miss the way she’d always be the first of my girls to come back inside after being let out, just so she could sit in the doorway with me and watchfully wait for Sam and Jocie to come back inside.  If they took too long, she’d go back out into the yard and bark until they came in.

These are the things I am grieving, which I don’t think people think about when they tell me (repeatedly) that, “She’s going to be fine.  Dogs adjust SO well to being blind.”  While I understand that Lexie is going to be okay and adjust to being blind, there’s a part of her that is now gone forever, and I’m heartbroken over that.  I do appreciate it when people try to cheer me up and help me look on the bright side of this situation, but I need to be allowed to be sad and upset about it for a while, too.  Trust me, I can find the bright side to just about anything because I don’t see the point in wallowing in sadness or self-pity for very long.  However, it takes a good dose of crying and, yes, even a little bit of the aforementioned wallowing for me to get it all out of my system and get to that place where I simply don’t WANT to be sad anymore.  I’m not there yet, but I'm getting there.

I took a couple photos of Lou this morning to always remind me that I made the right decision in regard to her bilateral enucleation.  Just look at the side-by-side comparison above.   I took the photo on the left the day I decided I didn’t want to have her left eye removed because it looked practically normal compared to her right eye.  The photo on the right was taken this morning, just four days later.

On a more upbeat note, I will say that I wasn’t AS emotional as I thought I’d be when I left her at the Animal Care Clinic this morning.  I did give each of her eyes a little kiss good-bye, but because I know her eyes are causing her pain, in a small, weird way I’m actually kind of happy for Lou this morning.  I am just so anxious for her feel better.  I’m also looking forward to watching her adjust and learn new things, including new games that we can play together once she’s all healed.   Yeah, I’d say that I’m to the point right now where I just want all of this pain to end (hers AND mine) so we can start moving on.  In the meantime, this is going to be a looooooong day...