Questions and Need to Vent

[Kathi49]

Hi All,

I think the intense heat is getting to me along with some "roid rage"! :eek: Just kidding but I DETEST the nervous feeling on the Medrol Dosepaks. So, my question is (and I am now down to the last 4 pills), is it normal to feel nauseated and edgy as you taper down? I know the insert says not to stop suddenly because of that, but I have been taking them precisely as it says. And will be glad that Friday will be the last day. I have had to up the Klonopin a little bit because of the "jitters".

Two, this small fiber peripheral neuropathy, if that is what it really is...God, I just don't know for sure (all tests negative), is getting to me super bad. And I noticed it the most in the last two weeks or as the temps soared! And I tried like the devil to take Lyrica but can't. Anyway, it occured to me today and I could be very wrong but what about hyperalgesia? I have taken Vicodin as I say all the time...once a day...but have been for a long time. Sometimes I wonder if I have just become tolerant to it. And doesn't hyperalgesia have something to do with Central Pain Syndrome? At least that is what my Neurologist is saying it is now. I just never know as the diagnosis seems to change all the time. So, does anyone have any suggestions for a nerve med OTHER than Neurontin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, Depakote, etc., (been there and done that MANY times...can't handle them). Klonopin helps a wee bit but I swear I don't want to have to up it on a continuous basis if I can find something better. This is why I keep saying I am so darn tempted to slap on that Duragesic patch at some point. I keep thinking maybe Topomax or something I have never tried before. So...you guys...PLEASE throw something out there that I haven't tried yet. :) Anyway, last but not least I know I have radiculopathy. But does radiculopathy cause this intense burning as well? Oh, well, someone please turn down the darn heat in Indiana!!! :eek:

Three, and I hate to even mention this because it is another doggy post for another time LOL! And I don't want to sound like a darn drama queen...but here goes....the short version. I am battling with Giardia!!! Oh, not me, but my new little pup has it. LONG story...and I found out within just a few short days of having him. And before anyone asks....NO, it did NOT come from MY home or MY yard at all!!! Anyway, I can explain it all in another post if anyone wants to know how this all came about. And all I have been doing for days and weeks is disinfecting everything in sight! But here's the thing...I usually use Lysol on my hard floors or something comparable. From what I was told I have to use Bleach (of course diluted) on my floors as it is about the only thing that will kill it. Well, I have done that. BUT...does anyone know of a disinfectant that will kill it on hardwood floors? I DO have an upright steam cleaner for hard floors and I believe I read that steam will kill it too. I was more or less looking for a "solution" that I could put in that cleaner. All I I can do for now is to keep the hardwood floor as clean as I possibly can using other products and to keep the pups bathed and cleaned at ALL times. Oh, and they are being dosed with Panacur....all 3 of them...regardless. And, at one point, they were all free and clear. But it has come back again. I know and I have read...this is tough to eradicate.

Now you know why my arms, neck and back are ripped out! Now, let me go and put a gun to my head! :eek: Just kidding...but I am worn to a frazzle! Don't get me wrong...it is NOT that having 3 dogs is wearing me out. They are just fine in that regard. I mean they are really no problem of themselves. It is the WORK of having to eradicate this parasite that is wearing me out! And, yes, I do take breaks, the dogs are NOT heavy...it is just repetitive motion that is getting to me I think. And MAYBE the high anxiety of this thing grossing me out and making me pararnoid is causing this burning too!

Geez, sorry for the long rant and confusing questions. But anyone is welcome to come here and eat off my floors LOL! This is what gets me...my house is spotless and I have to combat this every day anyway!

[Gymnast_Navy_Wife]

Hi Kathi,
I so empahthize with you on the medrol dosepak. One of my drs decided to put on it for his then diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitus (now changed, but... ) and omigosh--- yikes, that messed me up, 2 days before I was going on vacation nonetheless. The first 3 days on it, I was sooo out of it and basically non functioning (yeah, i know, not a listed side effect, but.... ) and was were cranky...... The following days the "out if it" feeling dissapated, but with that, came the extreme crankiness and I would get irratable at the drop of a hat (normally i am very easy going).... and I had horrid nausea. I think I took more Zofran that week than I had in the past month...... I found out Medrol is definitely NOT the drug for me....lol....

Hang In there !

:) GNW

[Mark N]

Kathi, come and rant as much as you need to let it all out. I know the feeling of the neuropathy and how crazy it makes you. It just seems to eat at you with no let up. I am thankful Cymbalta works for me without the nasty side effects ie urine retention. I don't have another med for you to try although I wish I had one you haven't rejected so far.

The bad news is our heat wave won't be over soon, sorry. We have talked about the dog's parasite and I know how the cleaning is taking its toll on you. I hope you can have a turn around soon. Fall will be here before you know it, the parasite will be eradicated, and hopefully your neuropathic pain will be treated with a med that you can tolerate.

[Kathi49]

Thanks GNW! :)

I really didn't want the dosepak as I have had it before and I know the SE's. But, the pain was so bad through the weekend that my PM just phoned it in to get me by. You are right though...the nausea was something else this morning. BUT...for the first few days I was taking Nexium twice a day instead of once a day...I know what this stuff can do to the tummy. Anyway, it was working fine until this morning. But I got the Nexium down and some water...even though drinking water was making me ill. But it kind of passed only to leave me with nervousness. And...I had made plans to eat lunch with girls. I haven't seen them for weeks so I was really trying hard to make it to the restaurant...besides, I needed a break LOL! And once I got there and started eating....I thought...OMG...not here! But then that passed too. Oh, and now nice of them all to say...you don't feel good do you? LOL

And yep, feeling a little irritated...like I would like to pound my husband's head in right now because he is TDY! Just kidding...he travels alot but all heck busts loose the minute he heads out. Oh, but the good news is...he doesn't have to go TDY next week...so I was thrilled about that! LOL He is always pretty good about tending to the pups in the mornings and in the evenings so that I can rest up.

Anyway, thanks for reminding me that I don't want this stuff again...not unless it is absolutely necessary. :eek: Oh, but what I wanted to say...sorry bout that...I didn't feel out of it all. I just feel nauseated and shaky. See, and this is just another darn reason I say I prefer the injections. I might have a day or so of the jitters but NEVER does it affect me the way these pills do. And I will hang in there...4 pills left and then done!

[Kathi49]

Mark,

I know...the heat wave continues...yuck!!!

I see my Neurologist next month and I will ask her again about the various nerve meds. There's probably a couple left that I haven't tried yet LOL! But really, when she gave me Xanax that one time...OMG...what a difference! And her thing is...just up the Klonopin. And she may have a point because it is not like I am going to live until I am a 100 so who cares. I was just trying to stay low. So, maybe she will have some other suggestions. I know she mentioned Topomax once but my PM frowned on that one.

Oh, and I didn't bust my behind today cleaning. But I did give them a bath. And, yes, I am looking forward to Fall. :)

And, oh, btw, CT scan it is for my neck...not an MRI. They called me today, I guess my PM wanted to go ahead and schedule it; I just didn't know it was in the works. But when I mentioned to the scheduler that the last MRI mentioned the artifact and that a CT scan might be warranted, she looked up the last cervical MRI in my chart. She saw what I was talking about, had to talk to the doc, then called me back and said CT scan instead. So, that's a good thing...in my mind...anyway. I will schedule it tomorrow and get it done asap because I see him next week anyway. He will just love it when I bring in all these films!!! NOT! LOL

[Kira]

Kathi,

Sorry you're having a hard time. You said that your neuro is willing to up the Klonopin and if you think it would work, why not try? You are on a really low dose (don't you take 0.25 a day?), so I wouldn't be worried to go up a little. We promise, we won't call you a junky even if you take 4 times what you take now! :) (I take 1 mg Klonopin at night when I am having bad mood symptoms from a mito flare).

Other than that, the only other meds I can think of for the neuropathic pain are the AEDs you haven't tried, like Topomax or some of the other ones that are less commonly used for pain... and the antidepressants you haven't tried. But it sounds like you've had bad reactions to so many of those drugs, which is why I'm wondering if it wouldn't be smarter to just go with what you know works for you (the Klonopin), even if it does mean a dose increase... with your neuro & PM's approval, of course...

Oh, and about the dosepak... a lot of people get jittery and moody and restless and nauseated on the steroids. Hopefully it will be worth it, though, and the inflammation will quiet down a bit. Sorry that you're having a rough time with it so far, though. Do you have anything you can take for the nausea?

And your poor pups, too... People can get giardia, too, so it's a good think you're being so careful about keeping the house disinfected and stuff. The last thing you need right now is to catch giardia from the dogs! Poor dogs...

[Maggie]

Kathy, I can't help you much but to say that, sometimes our bodies just get into a state of general "Not" well-being. Do what you have to do to get through those days, be it taking a little extra med, or whatever you feel would help. You will feel better in a little while, and you won't feel the need anymore for that extra boost. Don't feel as if your are giving in to anything, just go with it.

My saving grace is knowing that today is temporary and tomorrow or the next day I will feel like climbing mountains. We have every reason to take the medications the doctors give us and should just do it!

Maggie:

Hate those cortisones though.

[Kathi49]

Kira,

Thank you so much! :) I actually take ONE .05 a day...I just cut them in half. I am always so hesitant to even mention taking Klonopin because it seems the benzos get such a bad rap. And all I hear are horror stories when one tries to stop them. But my docs just poo poo that because of my current low dose. And really, I have been on benzos before at different times and NEVER had a problem withdrawing.

Okay, I have tried Elavil and Cymbalta. And a whole host of other meds...I just wish I had that list I used to have. The problem isn't that the don't work; I just can't handle being dizzy and nauseated ALL the time. For me, it just does not pass. Now Lyrica worked and I did NOT get dizzy...but then came on those muscle cramps....just all over. Anyway, my Neurologist would be just fine if I upped it and I don't think my PM would care too much either. Like I said...most don't think it is a big deal. Now, if I were taking much higher doses they might say something.

As for the dosepak, I am just taking Nexium twice a day instead of once a day and I do have Phenergan on hand as well. And drinking a ton of water because every med I take is constipating. Oh, and apple juice or an apple also. And that is all working just fine.

And the Giardia thing is awful! I know it can be transmitted and am extremely careful. And I told everyone in my household...make sure you wash your hands after handling them. My niece, the Vet Tech, told me a few weeks ago...get ready for "sample" after sample. And that's the way it has been. The Vet mentioned Flagyl but if I recall, also said it could cause neurological disorders in pups. So, Panacur it is. The thing with the darn Giardia is that it will "shed" in some samples but yet not in others. And the silly thing about all of this is that they act fine! Except for the other day...the little one was very sick. I got him over to the Vet the minute they opened. I was so beside myself I just told them...give me Panacur for all of them and let me treat them all at the same time. So, they did. And I can just about bet that this will go on for awhile. I still need to know though what I can use on the hardwood floor. I guess I could use just a wee bit of bleach but I am very hesitant to do that. And I think there is an ammonia product for kennels...will just have to find out what it is called and see if I can use it. I just don't know. But for now it is clean, clean, clean and keep them bathed and clean as well because that darn parasite can cling to their fur and the cycle gets going all over again! So, not only do I have to bathe them as much as I can. But every time they go...I am supposed to soap up their backsides as well as clean their feet every day! I am telling you...this is some work!!! I think my new vocation in life will be as an amatuer Vet Tech. :) Thank goodness the older female I have sort of keeps her distance. She will play and she will discipline them but she doesn't romp and roll all over them. She just prefers to sleep most of the time or hang out in another room. Still though...I wanted her treated as well...just in case.

Maggie,

I agree! So, honestly, I think I will just up the Klonopin and if I become some kind of benzo-head, then so be it! LOL All I know is that it works pretty well but I have been on it so long maybe I am or was becoming tolerant of it. Or, maybe I will just up it to get through this time period or until the docs can tell me what might be going on with my MRI's and CT scan.

[shotspine]

Hi Kathi.....

I've just sort of skimmed this thread so please accept my apology if I'm off base or duplicating someone else.

When I started methadone it wasn't for nerve pain, it for financial reasons BUT I found it the BEST for MY nerve pain. I started really slow.......1.25 mg/day. It took me about 6-8 weeks to get up to a whole 5 mgs/day. After 1-1/2 yrs I'm still only taking 12.5 mgs/day... 2.5 mg 5xday. I stopped there as then side effects started getting too much. I can't remember exactly what dose I noticed the amazing nerve pain reduction. I know you hate this stuff as much as I do, but you may find just a tiny dose will help. I just broke 5 mg tabs into qtrs (or as close as possible). That is just a tiny speck so you don't want to drop any for dogs to find.

Well, that's my 2 cents;)

[Kathi49]

Thanks Shotspine,

I am definitely having a talk with my Neurologist next month and my PM next week. Anyway, that's is how I started with Klonopin...just specks (1/4 of a tablet); then found that just a half in the am and again in the pm worked very well for quite some time. But I suppose like anything else you get tolerant of it and have to move up or move on to something else. Right at this very moment I would love to have something that would stop this ankle pain. I got up early this morning and couldn't take it anymore. So, I just put a TENS unit on for a short bit. Well, that didn't really do too much. But this burning happens every time right around this time of year. I don't get it because I am in Airco most of the time. But when the temps go up...the burning comes on pretty darn bad. I guess it just doesn't matter that much...I must be a walking barometer or something. :) Honestly, at least in the past, when the cooler weather arrives...it calms down. But there may be more going on than I know at the moment. I have to have my PM go over my newer lumbar films.

The good news is...the Prednisone seems to have helped moreso for the arm and hand pain even though I am still feeling it a wee bit. But it is not near as bad as it was. But this morning...CT scan it is.

And, oh, believe me, I keep my meds aways from the dogs at all times. They, the pups, are NOT allowed to come upstairs at all...not until they are fully potty trained. :) And they are getting good at it LOL! But they have their own respective areas....especially with the Giardia deal. Oh, but just as an added thought...I think the one needs some major sedatation LOL! Just kidding...but he is hyper pup! I think I might be going crazy because I said to him the other day...you need some Versed!!! But I AM just kidding. They are cute and full of energy. I can remember when I was that way once LOL! It's just too bad that it is so darn hot for them to be out on the patio for very long at all. And I just don't want the intense heat to make them sicker. So, they stay in with me and DO have a large place to run and play. But I know they are just chomping at the bit to get outside. I noticed my neighbor even keeps his 3 German Shepherds inside now. The heat is just too intense. Oops, sorry for rambling...there is just a lot going on.

[Mark N]

Kathi, something you said about the pup hit home. It really does remind me of how I used to be when I see my dog running and having fun just because he is able to cut loose and let go. I used to do that and it was just the joy of running and being physical once in awhile. Thanks for reminding me I wasn't always in the condition I am in right now.

[GardeniaGirl]

Hi Kathy - I just wanted to say I can understand what you are going through-- I have been on steroids before and my body has a very similar reaction to the methotrexate I am on -- it makes me irritable, angry, moody, etc.

(I have been living like that for almost 3 years now!)

The benzos are what I am using for it and it has really calmed down my irritability a lot.

I think I would have been fired or quit about 6 months ago if I hadn't started on the Xanax.

Its not a perfect solution, but it does help calm things down.

I hope you get this resolved as easily as possible.

GG

[Kathi49]

Mark,

It is fun to watch them cut loose. :) But they also reminded me that I can't run or even walk as fast as they can. I had one the one on a leash one day when I first got him and he pulled so hard it sent some pain into my shoulder and neck. So, I thought...ooops...let's take this a little slower because he wants to gooooooo! If it weren't so darn hot I would take them on walks as I would normally do as it is good for me to keep moving. But even they stick their noses out the back door/patio and run back in like...uh, uh LOL!

GG,

I feel for you! I have been on the dosepaks before and of course, I get edgy, irritated and nauseated. But what I hate most is the nervousness. I asked my PM about that once when I first started getting injections and he DID say to take something like Xanax to counteract it. But his belief was that it wasn't the steroid it was more the numbing agent. And I suppose he said that because it was something like a day or two when I felt those jittery feelings. I don't really know for sure but it doesn't happen too much now when I get those injections. But, boy, I feel sorry for people that have to take this stuff all the time. I know my stepfather did for a long time for pulmonary fibrosis and I know it made him very sick at the high doses he had to take.

The benzos are great for anxiety, muscle spasms and work for this supposed neuropathy I have. I DID take Xanax at first because my Neurologist was at a loss as to what would work since I had tried everything. Her last resort was to prescribe Xanax and it was like a miracle pill at that time! But I didn't want to take 3 a day since I was still working. That's when she switched to me Klonopin. And it has worked very well until just recently. So, I need to have another talk with her...that will be next month. She also thinks there is anxiety component to all of this. So, yep, the Klonopin helps. It also helps my neck muscles to relax a little. I tried Soma, Flexeril and Skelaxin....all made me sick or felt like I was just taking nothing. So, when I had my fusions I was given Valium. Geez, that was a kick butt med too LOL! I just mean...kicked those muscle spasms right out. Oh, and that's why, too, the other day that my PM said just to go ahead and take a Valium when I needed it to get through this week. So, the Prednisone with the Klonopin and a bit of Valium really helped in different regards. The pain in my shoulders, arms and hands is way down...not like it was last Saturday. :) My CT scan was this morning. So I will know more about what is going on with my neck and lumbar too next week.

Anyway, sorry, got on a roll. But you are right. It is not a perfect solution but it works for me and does get things calmed down.

[airedog]

I can't comment on the med issues but my wife and I have 2 Airedale Terriers, an earlier one that died in November actually flew as her service animal and is sorely missed. Our pain docs think the dogs are great for us as they get us out every day regardless of the weather for low impact exercise.

Our newest is a rescue that came to us at 3 years of age, most of it being spent crated 23/7. To say that he is hyper is an understatement, he is also strong as an ox; thankfully he has a sweet disposition. On occasion when a pill has fallen on the floor they have shown some interest but generally will not try to eat them, think what giving Sentinel is like without cheese or a similar inducement. They do have a liking for coffee though and caffeinated terriers are definitely NOT a good idea.

Dogs are great as they allow us to get a perspective on things no matter how bad a pain day it is. If I find myself getting short with the furkidz, it's time for a reality check and some chill time. We live in the 'burbs and cannot let them off leash due to prey drives and local wildlife, they do cut up in the back yard though and the 3 year old loves to fly off the stairs into the living room. Does your breed engage in tuckbutt runs?

Airedog

Airedog

[Kathi49]

airedog,

I can certainly relate and emphasize...we had to put one of our very beloved Shih Tzus to sleep recently. I still miss him...and, well, I go out every day to where he is buried; clean off his marker and water the plant that my friend gave me to plant right near him. I know it sounds weird...but I just go out and say hi to him. Maybe I am just weird but I get a sense of closure and peace if I just go out and talk to him for a bit. It sort of makes me feel like he is still here and is just resting.

On a happer and lighter note you are right. We have two new pups...Shih Tzu's also which keep me very busy. And they make me laugh at their antics which also takes the pain levels down a bit. :) And they do help us to get a perspective. I found myself getting short just a couple of times...so again, you are right...time for a reality check. :) And, what can I say? My NS and my PM both said...KEEP MOVING! Well, that is definitely not a problem. I think with all the constant movement and up and down all the time has unlocked some stiff joints LOL! On the other hand some of the pain has increased by doing so much. But it as my PM said too...just try to work through the pain and I do try. But had to take the Prednisone! :eek: Truthfully, I think myself and my older Shih Tzu were getting somewhat lazy. If only I could bottle and drink down the energy these two pups have.

And speaking of Sentinel. You made me laugh. Both of my dogs (before the one passed away), LOVED taking Sentinel! I never had to hide the pill in anything...they would line up to see who could be first to get that monthly pill. And I don't have a problem with pups taking it either. You would think that they would spit it out but they don't. They just gobble it up and go on.

And I live in the "burbs" too. And keep them on a leash of course when taking walks. But, like you, I let them play in the back yard. I just haven't let the pups out except for the back patio which is screened in. I did take them in the yard a couple of times just for a few minutes but all they wanted to do was to eat the grass and leaves. And with this Giardia thing going on and the intense heat...it is better that I keep them in where it is cooler and control things a bit better. Shih Tzus are just very heat sensitive...so I have to watch it.

That cracks me up about flying off the stairs. The youngest one...3 months...just flies off this one step in our house. I keep thinking he is going to bust his head...but he keeps doing it. I guess he thinks it is fun. And his legs are only like 3 inches high so he make me laugh when he does it. The game they really like to play is to hide under the couch and tease the older dog. She can't get under there so they both constantly taunt her. But she seems to love trying to get them out of there. So, yep, they make me laugh all the time even if I am pretty tired at the end of the day. And I am not sure what you mean by tuckbutt runs LOL!

[Mark N]

Airedog, I too can commiserate as we had to put our beloved Golden Retriever down and how tough it was on the family. He did everything with us include taking trips and was the gentlest dog. I now have another Golden and he is taking care of me as I my health declines. He also wants to do everything with me. He takes me out for walks each day whether I want to or not but he doesn't run in the yard the way your dog does as he is a big dog and thick through the chest.

I think there is a reason we name them dog since it is God spelled backwards. They are a gift to us and our lives if we learn to treat them right and teach them to live in our world. I know I am blessed to have the two Goldens I have had.

[airedog]

Tuckbutt running is hind legs working in unison, as they go forward their rear end scoots low to the ground, and boy, can they corner! Otherwise Airedale Terriers will either sashay or prance, depending on how fast they are walking.

[Kathi49]

Airedog,

LOL! Nope, I can't say that my Shih Tzu's do that. Most of the time they prance though...if I had to describe it. What I really laugh at although sometimes I take pity, is when they get groomed and get a "potty patch". They don't like it! I don't think they like the air back there on them LOL! I will walk them after grooming and they will take a few steps and sit, take a few more and sit. I just tell them..oh, well, the hair will grow back LOL! Sorry, too much info. I know. But that's about the only time I see them tuck their backsides.

[airedog]

Grooming usually gets our guys prancing although close clipping can give them some concerns especially in summer when the mosquitos are out. Rupert, the one we lost in November, had obviously had an insect encounter at some point as he would tuck his tail in when the bugs were out, and leave it there for most of his walk. Given that Airedales usually have a tail like a flag pole this was a very strong response.

I think the funniest thing any of mine have done though is Joey, the rescue. Due to crating he came to us looking somewhat like a horizontal fireplug rather than having the tapering abdomen common to 'dales. We figured he did not have that much muscle tone and were proven wrong when we bought him a donut bed that he proceeded to treat like a chew toy by picking it up, pillow and all and shaking the heck out of it; it was easily twice his size but he had no difficulty. Took him a while to figure out that this one was his bed rather than a toy and he shook it regularly for a while. On occasion our guys will also pick up a toy or a ball and bark around it; makes us wonder if they are using them to mute their voices.

[Tbackpain1]

Its so funny reading this and seeing the "tuckbutt" runs. Dylan (4 y/o male Golden Retriever) does these all the time when he gets excited. I call them his "zoomies!" because he just zooms around the house and up and down the stairs, cornering like a race car!

I too find it an up and down with watching Dylan run and go. His prey drive is very high, so we've been doing what we can to give him alternatives to the local wild-life (he's tree'd so many of my neighbor's cats that they don't come in our yard anymore). Squirrels, birds, racoons and deer all inhabit the "country" here, so negotiating a walk here can be trying physically. We back up to a forest here, so I'm constantly on the watch for critters while we're out.

Kathi, I feel for you with the Giardia. When we got Dylan from the pet rescue, he was chock full of the stuff. I think it took close to 4 months to finally kick it, with numerous medication changes, gallons of bleach and sterilizing everything in the dishwasher. Be sure to take any linens (hand towels, dish towels, wash cloths, etc.) and hot wash them as well. I hated to do it, but we kept Dylan crated except when out for walks or food at first, because it was just too much cleaning for me if he had "accidents" or anal leakage outside of the tiled areas of the house. And to top it all off, Dylan had a leg ulceration from being in his own waste before he was rescued, so I had to keep that dressing from becoming infected as well. Oy Vey!

I hope you're feeling better now that some of the inflammation is abating with the steriods. Enjoy your Sunday. Its such a georgeous day here we're heading off to the state park shortly...picnic time!

Theresa

[Kathi49]

Thanks Theresa, :)

I will write more later as I need to lie down for awhile. :eek:

I just wanted to say though, I am washing everything just about every day! Whatever they come in contact with...gets washed, sanitized, disinfected...you name it! But, thank goodness for the hard floor downstairs...it makes it a little easier. Well, duh, not really...but at least I can keep it much cleaner than with carpet. And, yep, have at least 4 gallons of bleach downstairs LOL! Geez, I hate this Giardia thing!!! I have started to call them both my "G-Men"! And I told my niece, Crystal, my own little personal Vet Tech, that I am half tempted to buy cases of Panacur online LOL! Just kidding...I wouldn't do that. I'll let the Vet handle it. But I do know it can take a LONG time to get rid of it. Oh, but my niece told me yesterday that a Pug came in with it and had lost 4 the litter mates to it. So, this is one nasty parasite. Anyway, I will explain how it all came to be later. In the meantime, they are running around and never really did act sick at all except for the one time.

[BrokenBladder]

Kathi I'm sorry that I haven't been around to check the post, but WOW!! It sounds like you're wearing yourself out completly everyday. I just wanted you to know that I hope this goes away FAST!! Hang in there and try to take care of yourself as much as possible.

[Kathi49]

Thanks Lisa,

I AM tired and my back is hurting. The littlest pup had a bout again early this evening. So, my husband took him to the Emergency Vet where my niece works. Anyway, long story (they ran some fluids and an antibiotic for now) and the pups are due for more vaccines on Tuesday. But when he got him back home I bathed him again and dried him off and now my husband is holding him. And no water or food until after midnight. For now, I just told my husband to let him "go" a few more times, keep him from the other pup and make sure he soaps his backside; and then he will put him in his crate. I have to take my meds and get to bed myself. I feel so sorry for this little guy but we have done ALL we can do for today. I had to smile a little because I guess my husband told the Vet I am using bleach, etc., etc., etc. He said the Vet just smiled and said...bless you...it is hard work! And I did tell my husband that if he wakes up...just come and get me (he is staying downstairs with the both of them just in case). I know my husband needs his rest too since he is still working and I'm not LOL! For now, it is off to bed.