Not a "Happy" New Year

[Cami]

I AM AT A LOSS...if you can share any of your insight it would be appreciated.

Through all of Cami's medical issues (there have been many through the years), I have come to realize that we as her parents know her better than anyone. I am not discounting any of her vets however there have been many times where I have gone against what they have suggested and done what I felt was right. As of yet, I have not let myself down in that area. You have to literally do what your gut tells you to do. Sometimes I have followed their direction and wished I had not. Other times when I questioned them but understood their reasoning I gave in. Vet. medicine is far from a perfect science. A good vet will tell you that they try to rule things OUT as a means to pinpointing what something IS.

I find it easiest to take test results and break them down. If the liver values are elevated start researching possible causes. Then start putting the symptoms together. We too are currently looking at elevated liver enzymes but with no visible symptoms (vomiting or pancreatic similarities). They were normal a week ago. Could be inflammation/trauma of the liver due to the heart issues. Could be from the meds. Could be ANYTHING. Right now since we are dealing with more life threatening issues I have pushed those results to a storage place in my brain. I know about it and will have her tested again to see where we are at. If symptoms develop it will be sooner rather than later.
I like to treat the patient NOT the numbers.

Don't give up. Ask for what you want. Listen to your vet but make your own decision if you feel strongly. In the end you are the one in control. It is your pet and your money.

[CAndrews]

Originally Posted by Cami

I like to treat the patient NOT the numbers.

Don't give up. Ask for what you want. Listen to your vet but make your own decision if you feel strongly. In the end you are the one in control. It is your pet and your money.

When Dexter had Cushing's and we were going to the vet this was exactly my thought process. And it is what I told her,,she was a treat the numbers not the patient.

You are paying them, ask for what you want - or sometimes you really have to push for what you want.

Glad she is home where she belongs.
Christy

[XTNa]

Wow. Nothing really I can say but "wow." I can only agree that Cami really is lucky to have you as a mom, and I think your love for her may make all the difference. Keep fighting, Cami, and get better!!!

Hugs and healing vibes from me, and lots of wiggles and kisses from Atlas!

[SweetCody]

Sending some fresh healing vibes and lots of prayers for Cami and her mom today. I had to chuckle a little at picturing the potato chip theft

[Jan]

Susi, I am glad that things are looking up a little bit. I had to laugh about the potato chips. The little thief! I am sending Cami lots of virtual potato chips.

[Independence]

Susi, it's good to hear that Cami is home. If we lived closer I'd drop some chips off We are still praying as hard as we can. Stay positive.

[Cami]

Saw the cardiologist today.

They were quite happy with Cami's progress. Said that if they didn't know her they would wonder why she was visiting the hospital? When I told them that what they were seeing was only about 1/4 of Cami's true personality and energy levels they were a bit taken aback. I tried to tell them that she is way more hyper than the average hyper Boxer.

Even with all of her freaky excitement her heart rate never got above 180 which would be perfectly acceptable under the circumstances (vet visit) for a "healthy" dog.
Seems the meds are doing their job and Cami is for sure doing hers!

We voiced our concerns over the twitching she has been doing. Hard to describe and only happens when she is really relaxed or sleeping and within 2-5 hours of giving the meds. Does not happen when it is getting near time for the meds so we know they are the cause.
Seems they are tremors. A neurological side effect of the meds. They lower her brains natural threshold for "something" (can't remember the name). It won't ever cause any long term effects UNLESS she starts seizing which is a possibility. Will also stop and revert back to normal if she stopped taking the meds.

So.....we are lowering the dose from 150mgs 3 times a day to 120mgs. But....and here is the catch. The medication does not come in that dose and is in capsule form so we can't get the dose in a traditional manner.

Actually this medication is a human med which has been discontinued --Mexiletine. Original manufacturer has stopped making it and the company that was making it in a generic form has also stopped production. What is out there is OUT there already. The hospital located a compounding pharmacy that has the ingredients and that is where they are having Cami's med made.

Called them to see when they could have it ready since we want the lower dose soon.
"Sometime" next week!!! YIKES!!

I don't feel bad AT ALL but I pulled at the heart strings of the lady I was talking to at the pharmacy. I explained Cami's predicament and after a long AWWWW.....she told me told hold on. Pharmacist agreed to make her meds today before he headed out and they closed for the weekend. They will be boxing up the meds and leaving them outside their door for me to pick up after they are closed....TODAY!! WOO-HOO!!

Cami heads back next Friday for another EKG, BP and whatever else they decide to do. If all goes well with the lowered dose of meds she will come home with a holter.

Working on switching up the medication dosing times. They have her currently receiving her last medication at midnight and her first at 6am. Not bad however she needs to eat before all the new meds and then given Pepcid 30 minutes prior to that. I am getting up at 5am having gone to bed after midnight and I am not a morning person. Well, re-phrase that....I am not a NICE morning person.

We have one med 3 times a day. Another heart med twice a day. Thyroid twice a day. Pepcid twice a day. Nothing can be given together!! Add in her fish oil with meals twice a day, Taurine with meals twice a day and Vitamin C with meals, again, twice a day and I am feeling like a drug pusher! They did however take her off of the Benadryl twice a day for now (cancer therapy). If truth be told she is a lot less snotty (runny nose) without it! Don't know what is up with that but whatever. I'll take it. Her heart is a much bigger issue now than her cancer is so we are picking our battles.

She is watching her daddy through the window and wishing that she could be outside with him playing in the snow. He is clearing off the driveway and sidewalks of that pretty white stuff! She loves to play in the snow.

On a side note:
One of the techs mentions today...
"Cami likes STEAK"
I'm like huh?
She said that while Cami was having her EKG done they were all eating their lunch and she was hanging out with them. They gave her steak from their Japanese takeout.
Good Grief.

Can't thank you all nearly enough for the outpouring of BW love and support. You have really made a difference in not only Cami's life but ours as well. I will never be able to repay any of you for the kindness you have given without hesitation. Just know that you all feel like an extended part of our family. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

[MKAD]

Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Nicki's Mom]

Susi, I'm so glad to hear things are looking up for Cami! You've been a staple on this sight, and all because of Cami. You've lent your ever-so-useful advice to me and so many others. I just read your postings about your whole ordeal today and my heart goes out to you. On behalf of my Nicki, and myself I wish you and Cami the very best. I hope she is able to fully recover in plenty of time to enjoy a little snow before spring comes around! Best wishes, you will be in my prayers!

Teri

[johann]

I'm so happy she's home and seems to be on the mend.

And don't worry about getting her meds early.....you gotta what you gotta do.

I'll keep sending good healthy vibes to Cami.

[XTNa]

Yaaaay!

Your comment about intentionally pulling on the pharmacist's heart strings made me laugh. Johann's mom is right--you gotta do what you gotta do! And the vet techs giving Cami lessons in developing a refined palate (mmm, hibachi type steak!) is hilarious.

Keep us posted!

[bawlinkids]

Oh my, that was a wonderful post, you and Cami have been deeply on my mind since the very first post. What wonderful news. We will continue to send up prays for that special little girl and of course you and Cami's Daddy.