So now I have committed to the surgery. The next hard decision is who will perform
the surgery? I have an estimate from the
cancer center. But they also said to
talk to my own vet. They don’t want to
step on toes and if I am more comfortable with him doing it, he should. I know my home vet will be less expensive and
less time travel. But it is also a small
clinic where amputation is only done once a year or so. They don’t have overnight staffing which may
or may not matter. I know someone would
stay overnight if it was necessary, I just don’t think it is common. We would just as soon keep it local but my
emotional side is taking over. I don’t
want Dr Mike to have this responsibility.
I don’t want him to be the ‘bad guy’.
You know, the parent that disciplines is the mean one. Since I currently have four other dogs and a
cat, he needs to be the good guy in my eyes.
I know he is capable of the surgery and would do a great job. In a situation where there were no other
doctors involved, I would not hesitate. I
don’t question his abilities. It is an
emotional choice. He has been Arri’s doctor for 13 years. I don’t think it would be an easy surgery for
him or his staff to do, unless they are faking how much they like Arri, which I
do not believe they are.
I call the cancer center to schedule the surgery. It brings tears to my eyes to commit to the
appointment – May 21, over two weeks away.
The receptionist is very encouraging and that is reassuring. Since we didn’t really talk details of
surgery during the appointment, I ask if the surgeon can call me so I can ask
questions. She suggests I consult with
him the day of surgery. Thank you, NO. I can’t mull over questions and doubts for
the next two weeks. As soon as I
mentally committed to the surgery, I immediately started planning. Do we need a ramp for the van? What about the
step going out of the door, too steep? How
long is recovery? What kind of pain
treatment? Post surgery care? Wound care?
Do we need to get a sling? And on
and on. My brain and stomach hurt, not
to mention my heart. While I didn’t ask
her any of the questions, she might have been able to hear my brain swell over
the phone. She says she will ask Dr
Walshaw to call that afternoon.
Dr. Walshaw did call fairly promptly. That was nice because I don’t need more time
to come up with questions and fret about
them. He initially started into the ‘day
of surgery’ routine….drop off, surgery, phone call, overnight, phone call,
pickup. Been there, done that, not what
my questions are about.
Question: What
does the surgery entail? Is the leg
removed at the hip? Answer: no, that is not necessary in this case. The femur will be cut in a ‘1/3 something
something’ (medical term) procedure. In
other words, a portion of the femur will be left.
Question: Will
there be bandaging? Answer: No, for (obvious) reasons. Bandages will prevent proper toileting. There will be a need for compresses and
cleaning. I didn’t ask details but that will
be covered when we go home.
Question: Will he
have staples or sutures? Answer: Neither.
Dissolvable sutures will be used internally. The outside will be glued – like the ankle
surgery. (me: This I have got to
see. That is going to be a big wound or maybe not)
Question: What
about post surgery pain care?
Answer: They intend to insert a
catheter into the spinal area for direct pain control during the surgery. It will stay in for 3 days. (me: I
did not ask if a return visit is necessary to remove it)
Question: do I
need a special sling? Answer: They will provide one.
Arri is to avoid stairs, be kept on a single level of the
house. He will need help going in and
out – one step. Recovery should happen
in 2 – 3 weeks.
I felt a lot better after the call. I am still not thrilled but I know my choices
are bad option and worse option.
No comments:
Post a Comment