Four down...
Monday, March 28, 2005
Posted at:05:25 p.m.
Emmett had his fourth acupuncture session today. His reflexes are better, and he is getting mighty feisty...sheesh! He has been sleeping since we got home, which is good. :) Today I have been researching VOM...Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation. Pretty much doggie chiropractors, but ones that use an activator and VOM technology rather than twisting or torking their bodies. It's much safer, as well as much more effective! I have calls in to several VMO practitioners in our area, one of which is a vet. Will post what happens with that!
Other than that, not much going on so far today. Need to get our tax info done (blech), James has a couple of interviews on Wednesday, and I need to get back to physical therapy...my back is finally feeling well enough to return after a 3 week lapse. Hope all of you are well!!!
Another Emmett Update!
Friday, March 25, 2005
Posted at:09:29 p.m.
Emmett had his third acupuncture appointment with Dr. Burke today. She is really happy with his progress! As of today, he has superficial/topical feeling back in his hind end and back legs. His reflexes are stonger. His tail wags and wags, too! As far as we can tell, his pain is gone, as well. She said if he is still pain free and doing well next week, we can slowly start some physical therapy with him, beginning with massaging him to stimulate his nerves and body to know he has feeling again. His back end is week...lots of muscle atrophy has occured along his center back and also his back legs. We can work with that, though! All of this is just going to take lots and lots of continued patience.
James and I were laughing so hard at how stoned he looked laying in his xpen after we got home...just hanging out like, "Hey, how's it goin' mom and dad?...duuuuuuuude..." LOL!!! Anyway, we have acupuncture scheduled for Monday and Friday next week. Thank you again to all of you who have contributed money and prayers for Emmett...we are so overwhelmed with the amount of love everyone is showing for him (and us). :)
My job interview Thursday for the 4-month temp position went well. I should know by the end of next week one way or another. More later...
The most heartbreaking thing...
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Posted at:08:11 a.m.
...is having to take your little disabled dachsie out to go potty in the POURING RAIN. He absolutely refuses to go anywhere in the house. It was hard enough to take him out in the rain when he was totally well...those short little legs, that pitiful look...but now it's just heartbreaking. Gosh, I hope this rain stops soon...my poor little Emmett!!!
Where Things Stand
Monday, March 21, 2005
Posted at:05:22 p.m.
I know lots of you are coming here to follow up on Emmett's progress and his care. We've had about 280 visits to this site as I type this, which amazes me! Of course, some of those visits are misc. search result hits (eg: candy bar dolls, donations, and one visit for someone searching for "potty pictures" LMAO!). Anyway, here is where we are regarding paying for Emmett's IVDD care as of today:
To date, we have received $475 in donations from friends!!
What we have spent since he went down for the first time on 3/3/05 is $546.01...$466.51 for office visits, acupuncture, supplements and meds; $79.50 for the x-pen, underguards, and a water dish.
I got the water dish at Lemos in Morro Bay for $7.50...it attaches to the side of the x-pen. I felt he needed more access to water than he was getting, as I couldn't leave water in there when we left...he would knock it over every time and then be crying about it when we got home. :( The new water dish, as well as the x-pen (also from Lemos, but in SLO) have been wonderful! As an aside, I like buying stuff at Lemos or Farm Supply...I feel as a small county we should support our local businesses. I don't mind having to wait for special orders if necessary, and find they usually have better prices than the big "box" stores. It's my little way of being fiscally responsible and supportive to my community...
So, that's where it stands today. Thankfully, we have food in the freezer, and food, meds and supplies for Emmett. Emmett will need to get an acupuncture session this week (or better yet, two of them). I am researching websites of organizations who help with this sort of thing. Wish us luck!!!
Life Today
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Posted at:06:30 p.m.
The roller coaster ride continues! Emmett had his second acupuncture appointment yesterday. Dr. Burke was totally amazed at how quickly he is regaining his back legs after only the one session! She did another session, more needles this time, and then traced some meridians on him to get his neuroresponses active to his back legs. I explained to her that I have studied some energetic healing and tracing meridians, so she showed me which to do on him, told me to trace them 3-4 times a day, tracing each one 9 times. Emmett loves it...feels good and gets lots of touch that way. :) Emmett also loves Dr. Burke. He never ever barks at her and wags when she comes in the exam room. Today he sniffed her hair even. It was so cute!
So today I got up at 5am to take an elderly friend of mine to the train station in SLO. I came home, went back to sleep, got up, took Emmett out to potty, and noticed he leaked a little bit on his underguard. And there was some blood there. So we called Dr. Burke to get in to see her today (thankfully she was working today and we could get in to see her before weekend hours started because then we would have had to pay emergency prices...yikes!). I was freaking out, of course...like, what next? My poor baby! Well, turns out there was NO blood in his urine, but he does have a low-grade bladder infection (probably from the prednisone). The small amount of blood we think came from a tiny cut on his back left pad. So small it was nearly healed already. WHEW!!! Today's bill was $101. I think we have about $30 left in our checking account at the moment. But, God always provides for us, and every time I start to stress about money/how we will pay for Emmett's bills I am consciously stopping myself and breathing, and saying a prayer, and letting it go. God has not let me down yet...why would it happen now, right?
An update on his back legs today is that he can use them, pull his knees up, and actually sat back on his haunches to poop today! He is not able to walk on them yet, but he is headed in that direction. It's like his symptoms are reversing slowly. All feeling is returning slowly to his back legs, feet, and spine area. We are thrilled with the results! He will need acupuncture 2x/week for a few weeks, and then once a week for a while, and when this all passes we will maintain at once a month. Each session is $65, which I think is reasonable because it includes an exam, the acupuncture, and a b12 shot in a certain point in each back leg.
Now, regarding work my bookshop job is not going to work out. It has proven to be way hard on my knees and there is some heavy lifting involved that I cannot do. :( But, I have a little job as a personal assistant for a friend of mine, and I did get a call late Friday from Cal Poly. They want to interview me for their emergency clerical pool. James and I just don't see how I can do any kind of permanent job right now when I am still needing to have surgery on my left knee. The right one is doing well, but I am still going to physical therapy 3x a week. Did I tell you my PT is letting me go for free? He's not charging me, can you believe that?! That is what I mean by God always takes care of me... :)
Quick update...
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Posted at:08:48 p.m.
As of 24 hours after Emmett's first acupuncture session he is beginning to move his back legs!!! We are soooooo excited!!! This is a VERY good sign!
Hi Ho, Hi Ho...
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Posted at:09:09 a.m.
..it's back to work I go..." *sings
My gosh it was great to go back to work yesterday after 14 months off! I stood most of the day, but was moving around, so my knee didn't hurt much at the end of the day. A little fatigued and numb, but not bad! I only worked 6 hours. I was generally tired, though, after a day of work. I had no idea I would be so tired! At about 7pm last night I told James it felt like midnight (lol). The owners and my co-workers at the book shop are really nice people. I hope they like me! Getting out of the house was really good for me, too. I feel productive again. And who wouldn't like being around books and crystals and angel stuff all day long??? :)
After work, Emmett had his first acupuncture treatment last night. He was SUCH a good boy!!! James and I were so proud of him. I think his accupuncturist/vet was impressed with how well behaved he was. He really likes, her too. I swear he told her thank you at the end of the treatment. After she put the needles in she turned off the lights and closed the door. He laid down and went to sleep! LOL! He has also been able to hold his bladder for 3 days now, too...there are definitely some improvements, although small, but to us, no improvement is too small. Improvement is improvement...period! It is also hopeful that 88% of the recorded dachsies who have not had surgery for this on the dodgerslist site have had complete recoveries with time, meds, supplements and acupuncture. And rest, of course. The angels have told James and I to expect a miracle...so we are!
Speaking of angels...all of you who have helped us...Angels D, K, G, S, T, L & LL...we are so grateful for your donations. They have assisted us in paying for Emmett's vet visits, acupuncture session, medicine, supplements, a harness, and an x-pen! We are certainly not done with his expenses, so you know. He will need more acupuncture sessions, vet visits, and medication. Here is our angel friend story from yesterday:
We went to check out last night after his acupuncture session, and the vet tech said, "Oh, there is no charge." I said, "HUH? What do you mean?" She said, "Well, last week a friend of yours called up and put $100 credit on your account here. She's wonderful, by the way, we talked for quite a while. So today's visit is paid for and you have $35 credit on your account." I nearly passed out. I'm not exaggerating, either. I started bawling my head off I was in such shock. It took me 1/2 hour to compose myself enough to call and thank this angel friend. When I got her machine I lost it again and bawled through the whole message. I hope she could understand it... Then, we came home, and there was a donation on PayPal from one of my oldest and dearest friends. This is the type of thing we are experiencing. James and I look forward to the day we are financially secure enough to do this type of thing for someone else and "pay it forward."
We are so grateful to each and every one of you who are praying for us and supporting us through this very scary time! We feel so blessed to know each of you! Keep the prayers coming...they are working... :)
What a rollercoaster ride!
Sunday, March 13, 2005
Posted at:04:22 p.m.
Gosh, this experience with Emmett's IVDD has been one rollercoaster ride. And not the fun, controlled, strapped-into-your-seat-you-can-see-what-is-happening-next kind, either. One day he was running and playing like mad, the next he was limping, the next week he could not walk at all, the next week he was walking again, the next day he is "down" again...then he lost bladder control which we have attributed to a muscle relaxant he was on. Now he has control over that again, but still cannot walk yet with his back legs.
Tomorrow he has an appointment with the vet/animal acupuncturist. I have heard lots of great stuff about this working well for IVDD. It not only reduces inflammation and therefore pressure on the spinal nerves, but it also facilitates and promotes/speeds healing in that ruptured disc area. We really feel this will help. I will let you know how our first appointment goes! I do have to say that Emmett can wag his tail like mad again, and his personality is all there...if it weren't for his walking, you would never know what's going on with him! He is his happy, loving, sweet, barky self again. Not being able to run around certainly has not stopped him from continuing to be our home protector! LOL!
In the meantime, I start my first day of paid training at the bookshop tomorrow. I'm very excited and I think it will be good for me to get out of the house for a few hours.
Happy Dog!!!
Friday, March 11, 2005
Posted at:05:51 p.m.
Emmett wanted to show you all his new house! Thanks to our new friend, Anita, from Dodgerslist who suggested we get Emmie an x-pen to use instead of a crate. He absolutely LOVES it! He is sleeping in it as I type this. Now he can see all around and won't feel claustrophobic like he did in his crate because the top is open. It also makes it easier for James and I to pick him up to take him out to go potty.
Yesterday, due to our permissiveness with him, Emmett had a setback. We have to start all over now. However, we are now practicing strict, tough love about keeping him immobile while he heals. This has been one scary experience!!! All of you know how he is my baby. I have cried so much in the past week! I am certain this new situation with the x-pen is just what we all needed...still keeps Emmie safe, but easier on the heartstrings for all of us. It's really sturdy and he will be safe in it even when we are not at home! Finally, Emmett's favorite pasttime is sitting in the sun, so we can carry the x-pen out to the lawn, let him bask in the sun while the fairies visit with him, and he can be with us when we do yardwork or just sit outside for some fresh air. Mommy and Emmie are REALLY needing to get some fresh air...It is a beautiful, foggy evening here on the coast and we are enjoying a lovely breeze through the window.
Emmett's spirits are high even though he cannot walk properly right now. He's alert (even on the meds), has perky ears, and is back to his barking self (lol). I'm so happy to hear him vocal that I can't bring my self to shush him when he barks! :) I even got him to sing with me a little bit this morning. Made me cry from happiness.
Thank you all for your love, prayers, encouragement and support (including financial). James, Emmett and I are so blessed to have you as part of our lives!
My most memorable birthday gift...
Wednesday, March 9, 2005
Posted at:08:55 p.m.
... was a gift from my angels today!
My day started out lovely...James made me breakfast, had my massage, went to the chiropractor, then took a friend of mine to see her husband, who is in a rest home. My friend can no longer drive as she is mostly blind and also deaf without her hearing aids. She is a wonderful woman...have known her my entire life.
Then I stopped to get a little cake at Carlocks Bakery (imho the BEST bakery in the county), and came home to spend time with my little Emmett. James made me lunch, too (he is so sweet). Well, Doreen Virtue, Ph.D. was scheduled for her first radio broadcast on HayHouseRadio.com today. She will be on every Wednesday from 3-5 PST giving angel readings to callers. I thought, wouldn't that be the best present? So I called in. And guess what?! I got on with her!!! For those of you who don't know, James and I met on her message board and subsequently in her chat room in summer, 2003. James was home, too, so he was able to hear the whole amazing reading. This was truly the most memorable and precious birthday gift I've ever been given...thank you, angels!!!
My Birthday!
Tuesday, March 8, 2005
Posted at:07:11 p.m.
This is Chef Andy from Yanagi's. He was our wonderful teppan grill chef on Saturday for my early birthday celebration. Everything was so, so yummy! James and I had dinner with Kelly, Wayne, Bonnie & Greg. It was a lovely time! Lots of fun!!
My birthday week is shaping up nicely...Had lunch with Terri yesterday and today both (I treated today as a b-day celebration for her). Last night James and I went hottubbing at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort. Tomorrow on my actual birthday I have a chiropractic appointment, followed by an hour and a half massage at Banyan Tree Healing Center and then a pedicure! I am floored that I get to do this. (The spa day is a birthday gift from James and his parents, and we went to the hottubs for half price, and my massage is half price!) I can't wait! Then on Thursday we may be having dinner with a couple of friends as they pass through the area.
Emmett is much better...crate rest is helping a tremendous amount! Thursday he has an appointment for x-rays at a holistic vet's office, then we will decide if animal chiropractic and/or accupuncture is the best route to go. Please continue to pray for him! Also, if you are interested in donating to help us with the cost of his care, please e-mail me or click on our PayPal link, above. James and I sure would appreciate some help with this. As you know, we are experiencing a very difficult time financially.
In the mean time, I am educating myself about Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVD) via an invaluable source that was recommended by a fellow dachsie owner who's dear doggie has IVD: Dodger's List. I am going to become an educational advocate for all dachsie owners and intend to distribute information on IVD to every vet clinic in SLO County. I can't believe no one told me about this disease...unbelieveable! :( At least taking info to the vet clinics gives me something to do with this pain I feel for Emmett right now...I feel like I'm doing something positive with this tragedy! More updates on Emmett as I have them...
Prayers for Emmett!!!
Friday, March 4, 2005
Posted at:07:15 p.m.
I have some icky news. We had to take Emmett to the vet yesterday. He has been walking funny for a week, and yesterday he very suddenly could not walk at all! Poor baby was obviously in horrible pain, and mommy was just devastated! His vet thinks he might be having a very common dachshund issue...an onset of intervetebral disc disease. We did not do x-rays because of the need to sedate him to do so. I am hoping and praying it is just some sort of sprain and/or pinched nerve. It comes and goes. He can walk to go potty in the yard today. It reminds me of when I have had severe sciatica in the past...my legs just go out from under me when that happens...I have no control. Other than that, he is resentfully having to be crate confined for 3 weeks...doctor's orders!...and is on a short course of prednisone. I was so happy to have him fight with me today about going back in the crate...means he's feeling much better! He doesn't appear to have any pain today, has eaten and drank a LOT of water. Whew!!! After his confinement is over, if he is much better and the swelling in his disc is gone, I plan to take him to a doggie chiropractor. My intuition has been telling me to do this for him for some time and I have put it off, but no longer...
Please keep my beloved Emmett in your prayers! Thank you!!!
Blinkie Madness
Wednesday, March 2, 2005
Posted at:09:44 p.m.
I haven't blogged for a couple of days...I have so many thoughts right now! First for some frivolity...
I am becoming a blinkie junkie. I'm not kidding. I'm going to have to learn how to make blinkies to remove the veils of blinkie mystery. I have PSP but don't know how to use it yet. Any volunteers out there to come over and teach me?! HELP!!! Anyway, I found a fabulous blinkie site called Compulsive Creations by O.D.s Girl.
All hail the Blinkie Queen!!!
*bows respectfully*
This chick really has the PSP and blinkie thing down. MsCapriKell and I totally lost track of time last night looking thru O.D.'s blinkies. Just like the candy bar dolls, blinkies are totally addictive. (I have waaaaaay too much time on my hands right now, don't I?) Here are few of our favorite blinkies from her site:
Here's another funny...for all of you Star Wars enthusiasts out there, check out DJ Krauss' LiveJournal Entry about his co-worker's trip to a Star Wars convention...and subsequent pictures! WARNING: Some of his language could be offensive to you. But I have to tell you James and I could not stop laughing over this guy's comments on the photos! Definitely worth a looksie if you love Star Wars...
More serious stuff to blog about in a bit. Until then...
I GOT THE JOB!!!
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Posted at:02:44 p.m.
Well, I had my interview at the bookshop and they liked me! Of course, they questioned why in the world I would want to work there when I am clearly overqualified and when bookshops pay so little. I told them I am looking to do something different, and that I just love the energy of their shop (which I do). :) I won't start work until the first of April, which should work out well, actually, as it gives me a whole month more to get even stronger at physical therapy! Thanks everyone for sending positive vibes my way!
Hold good thoughts...
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Posted at:09:33 p.m.
...I have a job interview Saturday at one of my favorite places!!! It's a bookshop/metaphysical store here in LO that I frequent. I learned of the opening by word of mouth though a friend of a friend - it wasn't advertised. I dropped off the resume yesterday, and then tonight I received a call for an interview!
This job would be unlike anything I've ever done, which I am excited about! I'm so ready for a different work experience. I miss all of my entrepreneurial jaunts, to tell you the truth. A few years ago I accepted that I am just different...that I will never be one of those work-at-one-job-til-you-die-or-retire kinds of people. Maybe that looks unstable to some people, but I think you creative/artist types out there probably know what I'm talking about.
I also have a job interview for a job I do not want at all tomorrow (lol). I am using it as practice for Saturday.
Wish me luck!
Joys of Being Newlyweds #16...
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Posted at:06:56 p.m.
...you can talk your husband into doing things like facials! LOL!!!
James' reaction: "I really like the way my face feels after that. Hon, does this mean I'm one of those 'metrosexuals'?"
It's raining AGAIN...
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Posted at:09:45 a.m.
Rain. Blech. I am soooooo ready for summer and sunshine! I mean, if I wanted to live in this kind of weather I'd live in Seattle or something! Sheesh!! Emmett hates it, too. His legs are short so he gets soaked going out to relieve himself. I have considered litterbox training him for rainy days...LOL!
Last week was a killer. James' car died a couple of weeks ago, so we are a one car family for now. I have to take him to work if I want the car, and he worked night and day shifts alternately last week. Those early mornings after late nights are horrible! Thank Goddess he works the same shift all next week, and at least we get a three day weekend together again! Yippee!!!
Thursday night Kelly and I went shopping at WalMart for some necessities, and then went to dinner at Yanagi's Japanese Restaurant in Pismo Beach. You HAVE to go there if you are on the central coast! They have a sushi bar, a drinking bar, dining tables, and 5 teppan grills! Not only was the food fab, but the entertainment...absolutely delightful! The staff was friendly and service superb. I highly recommend a trip there for some great food and FUN! Kelly and I both found the place very "LA," which we liked...including the fact that they are open for dinner until 10pm (that's late for out here in the sticks). :P
Valentine's Day
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Posted at:11:01 a.m.
James and I had a lovely Valentine's Day! A longtime friend of mine, Heidi, came for an unexpected yet visit Sunday evening. We were so happy to see her! She spoiled us, as usual...took us to dinner Sunday evening after Mass and lunch on Valentine's Day.
Valentine's Day started with us all getting up late (lol), then off to physical therapy for me. On the way we took a Valentine's gift to Kelly at work. Heidi came along to PT and kept me company. Then we came back to LO and hit Farmer's Market on 2nd Street. I hadn't had a chance to go yet...we all loved it! Grabbed Noi's for lunch and ate it at the bay, then we hit Hwy 1 to go see the elephant seals. OMG!!! I had always wanted to go see this phenomenon and never had...It was just remarkable and actually kind of a romantic Valentine's Day thing to do. Since James and I are trying to conceive, it touched both of our hearts seeing all of the babies! Apparently they return each year to give birth, then to, um, re-mate before heading back out to sea. Which we were "fortunate" to see on our visit to Piedras Blancas (lol). I, of course, forgot my camera, but Heidi had hers:
After that we drove Heidi back to LO to get her car...she had a three-hour drive ahead of her. Then James and I went out to a really wonderful dinner. (Thanks to Heidi for the early b-day gift so we could do that!)
The Sunday Ritual
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Posted at:11:30a.m.
So, it's Sunday...which means it's time to go get the newspaper and check out the job classifieds. This has become James' and my Sunday ritual...get the paper, get Starbuck's (when the checkbook allows, of course), look at the job classifieds...Then we go on-line and do the weekly job searches there. I have a whole folder of job sites we go through each week looking for the right thing.
This job searching is beginning to wear on me. It's not that I lack faith that the perfect job for me at this time will present itself. That's not what's wearing on me. I totally trust Divine timing and inspiration. It's more like the stress of the constantly dwindling and sometimes negative balance in our checkbook. Both of our sets of parents have been awesome to us, each providing support in the means they can...financially, verbally, etc. I think that I have not worked in a year because of these knee injuries has taken a toll on my work self-esteem. That and the 3 rejection letters I've received so far (lol). I just keep reminding myself of my superb qualifications...16 years of office/administrative experience and 8 glowing letters of recommendation. Maybe I'm being too honest in my cover letters in explaining the lapse of employment? I don't know. I just figured it's better to say it up front, because they are bound to ask about it in interview.
James applied for a really great computer tech position with the county. And he is still waiting to hear back regarding his interview last Monday. In the meantime he had 40 hours of work this week with the school district, so at least he has work! Thank you, Universe!
Now for the more exciting news...I was led to the most wonderful link for sound healers the other day: Healingsounds.com
They have an on-line correspondence course for only $350. This is the sort of thing I have been studying and would like to do. I would like to expand my voice lessons to include sound healing should anyone want that. The site also has an extensive bibliography and discography list...it's a fantastic list of resources so I can acquire more info on the subject. I only have two books so far, and they are very intriguing! I have witnessed healings in the voice lessons I have given to people. My interpretation of what transpires is a balancing and healing of my student's throat chakras. Anyway, this is the direction I want to head career-wise. Until then, the hunt for a "job" to bring in income continues...please hold good thoughts for me. Thanks in advance!
Dolls, dolls everywhere...
Friday, February 11, 2005
Posted at:11:01 p.m.
So I frequent this message board...It's all women whose age ranges 20-something to 50-something. They are a really great group of women and a wonderful on-line community. Anyway, the younger ones are really into making these custom "dolls." Before I was on that site and I would see them on different people's siggies I thought, "What the heck is the deal with those?!" I didn't even know what they were called, for Emmett's sake!
Well, one of the women posted a link to a site where you can make one. OMG! IT'S ADDICTING! James and I went to the site and made one of me. (Yes, you heard me right...James had fun making it, too! Ah, the things men will do with their wives when they're newlyweds...) Here is a link for you to go to and make your very own doll:
eLouai's Candybar Doll Maker
My doll:
Who the heck is Emmett?
Friday, February 11, 2005
Posted at:09:30 p.m.
Welcome to my blog site! Thanks for visiting us here.
Who the Heck is Emmett?
