Visit to Clare ........
Well we went to see Clare yesterday here's an account of my day .....
Up at 2.15am with Ruby - something had 'spooked' her and she wouldn't settle. Being the good mummy I that I am !!!! I cuddled her on the settee where she promptly fell asleep snoring and I remained wide awake until our 'get up time' of 4.30am arrived.
We left the house at 5am and I offered to drive as I was wide awake and knew I would be tired at the end of the day so Aidy could drive home. Fog, Fog, fog and mad HGV drivers kept us company for most of the journey! :drivecar:
Arrived at Stonelion at 10.20 (20 mins late) and saw the wonderful Clare. I love her philosophy of treating the Patient and not just the scan results. Of course - professionally she couldn't tell us not to have the shunt surgery but what she did do was explain in detail experiences she has had and the options available to us. I made it clear that I needed to be told if I was choosing an option for my benefit (avoiding the reality of Ruby's condition) or for Ruby's best interest.
It was at this point that Aidy announced he 'didn't feel well' and promptly went weak on us. Clare sprung into action whilst I just went into panic mode! Aidy has never done this before but we can only conclude that he felt tired, stuffy, hot and didn't like hearing about surgery options etc. Hmmmm I'll be keeping an eye on him. Although I have to say I did find the room hot, small and stuffy so maybe that's all it was. icon_nwunsure
Anyway, back to Rubes - Clare was satisfied that her clinical signs don't suggest that she is at the stage of needing surgery but suggested a change in medication. An increase in Pregabelin dose - from 75mg up to possible 150mg a day. Keeping on with the Frusemide and introducing Previcox 1 tab a day.
We intend to try this new medication and keep a diary of how well Ruby responds/tolerates it and I will liaise with Clare in a month or so to review.
So, no surgery yet (if at all) and well worth the visit / 2nd opinion.
Coming home I decided I had better drive (due to Aidy incident) and found myself in Knightsbridge (following TomTom !) It hadn't brought us through London coming but for some reason brought us that way home - £8.00 congestion fee !!! :swear:
On M1 just before Toddington Sevices as I was overtaking a lorry the acceleration disappeared on my car - very,very scary. Luckily Aidy sorted us out (Overheated Coils or something like that?!) and I continued driving...... :slp:
Home at 8pm and straight to bed to find my lovely Mum had been and left a tray with a flask of Hot Chocolate and biscuits on my bed side table - perfect!:hug:
Ruby slept like a baby and so far is tolerating the Previcox.
All in all a very eventful day!!
I know Clare reads these boards so, if you're reading this can I just Thank You sincerely for your expertise, gentleness with Ruby, quick action with Aidy, taking the time to explain things so well, understanding of our concerns, honesty, integrity when talking about other practices and most of all your devotion to the well being of our beautiful Cavaliers. :flwr:
Thanks also to Margaret C as always for her interest in Ruby, advice and bravery in speaking out for our 4 legged friend even though she has suffered back lash for doing so. cavtiny
Thanks to Karlin, Pauline and all of you for being interested, caring and above all such a wonderful support network for times when the going gets tough.:thnx:
Love Dawn x