Billy - a bit of a positive update I hope

loveyoukaykay YOU CRACK ME UP!!!!  Do you eat Total for breakfast??? (they still make that cereal, right??).  Give that woman Excell and she'll be in heaven!!  (running joke folks - she totals everything, which doesn't sound funny but historically with our emails it's hysterical -- or should I say a total blast??? LOL!!)
 
he enters a different danger zone even when he's stable -- his immune system is SO depressed that 'normal' bacteria is tricky.  So the big deal will be him not getting sick until we can get him stabilized and his body back into line.  That means, sadly, no pet therapy for him -- which is really tough.  But we just can't risk it right now.  To many respiratory problems in the kids and elderly folks.
 
And he's still totally at risk from the thromboembolism (stroke/blood clot) as long as he's on the heavy steroids. And frankly I'm not willing to say he's really turned the corner until I see this blood HOLD for weeks and not jump up and down like a Mexican jumping bean. 
 
But it's darned nice to be able to post something a bit positive.
 
Many of you asked about the iron supplements.  We women take iron supplements because most of us LOSE iron every month -- but when blood isn't being lost, then iron - like any other mineral -- would build up and cause a toxic reaction in the body.  So we have to keep a watch on the total iron to make sure it's stable too -- because if I supplement more than he can use he'll get toxic from it.
 
I had a boss once who used to have to go once a month and have blood drawn (he went to the blood bank -- they drew it and threw it away) because he had a toxic iron condition -- his body didn't absorb and get rid of iron properly and he was constantly sick from the toxic effects of too much iron in his body -- so they'd have him get rid of a pint of blood JUST SO his body would 'use' some of the iron to manufacture new blood, thereby getting rid of the toxicity. 
 
Billy should just take in 'enough' iron to provide the body what it needs to manufacture blood that dies a 'normal' death -- and it all depends on how much his body continues to kill red blood cells (thereby giving the body a bigger need to make *more*).  So this all gets really complicated and that's why "stability" is such a loaded concept.  Make sense?
 
loveukaykay -- do you load up on iron rich foods??  Like hummus (chick peas are an *excellent* iron source), and of course leafy greens, cod, etc.??  The problem women find when they have to supplement iron is that it makes you constipated in supplement form.  So it's easier to eat the iron-rich foods. 
 
I'm anemic too -- but I have a hard time because since I have arthritis I can't take the veggies that are high in oxalic acid like spinach, etc (and frankly those are my *favorites*).  But I've discovered that hummus fits the bill for me in an big big way.  It's iron rich, doesn't give me "problems" and I like it. 
 
But the cold, low energy, sleepy feeling -- those are classic signs of iron-deficiency -- you might just want to find a different way to take it in.  I'm not a good pill-taker myself.  Vitamins generally make me feel like I'm on speed.  NOT a good feeling.
 
Tracy -- Apopka is just a spit up the road from me (I'm in Altamonte -- literally 'next' to Apopka.  If you want to give my email to anyone feel free. 
 
I'm gladder than anyone knows to have that darned e-mail fixed -- this has been a sore spot for months with me having to use web-based email far too often.  Just doesn't work with as much mail as I get.
 
Now we're just stepping thru to next Monday.  BIG Gainesville appt Monday when he'll get a bunch of blood tests.  One day at a time.  Step by step.

Callie, your posts are always so educational.  I can't count the number of things I've learned about dog care AND human healthcare just from reading your posts on Billy these weeks - never mind all your other posts, too!  Something I've been wondering lately is can people get AIHA?  I've known people who were just "regular" anemic, but I don't think I've heard of anyone with AIHA.  If it is possible in humans, are they seeing the increase like they have in dogs?
 
It's worrisome that there are still so many risks on Billy's plate, so we'll have to just focus on the individual successes . . .as you said, step by step.
 
What a coincidence that you're so close to Apopka!  Our friends just moved there on Memorial Day weekend.  They lived in Oregon for 8 or so years, then a job transfer took them to Cincinnati last year.  Rob left that job after a year and they decided to head to Florida where the grandparents to their children are.  The sad thing is their oldest dog died about 3-4 months after they arrived in Cincinnati, and now their middle dog died less than 2 months after their latest move.  All that going on with job transfers, multi-state relocations, twin girls being born 14 months ago -- it's been too much for one family! 
 
Anyway, we have friends near Gainesville, too.  So, on our long list of trips we want to take is a Florida visit.  We will certainly let you know if we'll be heading to your neck of the woods one day - it would be wonderful to meet all of you!

Yeah, Billy's still got a LONG way to go.  He's acting great but I'm seeing his color (the color of his gums) has slipped tonight -- because the iron was so high I backed off on that so I hope I didn't screw up but I really didn't want it to be toxic high.  But I just gave him some "snack florentine" (ricotta cheese and pureed spinach *grin*) for a bedtime snack.  Now how's THAT for unusual!!
 
Apopka is nice -- it's quite a haul if they're working in Orlando, but it's a nice town.  If you want to email me and let me know what type of dog they're looking for (and IF they are even looking for one) I can steer them towards a decent rescue.  FourPaws (Angel) has a friend with a german shepherd but I've no clue how it is with kids. 
 
Gainesville isn't far -- it's about 2 hours and a half -- it wouldn't be that far from Apopka (you jump on the connector and hit the Turnpike faster). 
 
David and I are always up for coffee with friends we haven't met yet!!

Hahahaha!  I dont eat Total for breakfast, lmao.... just you leave me and my calculator alone![sm=rofl.gif]  (Dont know why I have a need for the totals, lol)
 
I dont eat much iron rich foods... the amount of iron Im supposed to take daily was prescribed by a doctor to do for a few months and then go back for more blood tests.  I didnt do it though...  I have been turned down for giving blood because of it on a few occasions.  I suppose I should start taking the iron.  I did hear about the constipation thing though... nothings easy right, lol.
 
Sounds like Billy is a delicate balacing act... and thank goodness hes got someone as knowledgeable as you to do this for him! 

Last night I noticed his gum color looked more pale - but we've expected 'up and down' and it wasn't 'bad' but I thot I'd best watch it carefully.
 
This morning when I fed him breakfast it was too dark to really tell, and as exhausted as David and I have been we'd designated this as a 'sleep in' day (he still had to go to work however after lunch and all day tomorrow). 
 
So when it got nice and light with natural light about 11 this morning I checked his gums.  ACKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!! PALE PALE PALE
 
Oh lordy ... so I skimmed into clothese, called the vet who promised to let me zoom in on a Saturday (Thank you Dr. Susla!!!) and off we went!!!
 
I checked them again after we got outside and in the car -- pale pale pale -- UGH.  I was feelng horrible -- we've got a big UF appt on Monday and I SO BADLY wanted him to hold.  It looked like it was about down to 18 (trust me - I've got WAY too much experience with this at this point).
 
He was panting a bit in the car -- it's hotter than heck in Orlando right now but the air was on full blast but the sun was beating in.  But ... wait a second ... his tongue ... it looks .... ALMOST ... no .. can't be ... pink??
 
Got there and I did a quick check and it was definintely FAR pinker than at home.  Hmmmmm.  No I was not asleep!!  Weirdness.
 
It came back 33.  That's higher than when he went home a week ago last Thursday, but it's down from the 39 last Wednesday.  up down up down ... *sigh*.
 
So we didn't have to go to Gainesville .  I can only surmise that since he slept on the floor last night kinda with his chin out (slept on his belly I assumed because it was cool and he ususally doesn't sleep on his side unless he's feeling sick) that maybe blood just plain didn't circulate well up into his neck and chin. 
 
That's a question I'll ask Monday.
 
Another question is he's getting unquestionably weak.  He can't easily make the jump up to the waterbed (and is preferring the floor but it doesn't seem to be queasiness but just isn't doing that jump well). 
 
I know pred wrecks havoc on MY Muscles -- I will get horrific muscle cramps from it and I know sometimes dogs can get a horrible lameness from it.  We can NOT lower the dose yet -- not until he's really stable.  But my poor little boy .. I laid down with him and massaged his legs and back this afternoon and I think that helped.  He seemed to truly enjoy it so massage has gotta become a daily part of this I assume.

Callie-- I am so happy to read that Billy is doing so much better.  I hope you are getting some rest and taking care of yourself.  You must keep up your strength and health to be there for him.  I know you know this and probably don't need me to tell you, but sometimes we get so wrapped up in everything else and forget about ourselves.
 
Sending you always, lots of love, hugs and positive energy.
 
Billy--Romeo and I are so happy that you are holding up baby.  You are a great warrior.  Keep making your momma proud.  We love you, sweet boy. []

He enjoyed hearing THAT one!!  The funny thing is, one of my special nicknames for him is 'sweet boy' so he was over the moon hearing that one! LOL
 
I just told my husband I got a "knee tickle" -- he said what's that (my British husband NEVER wears 'shorts' -- says only little boys in the UK wear them and HE is a grown up LOL).  I said a knee tickle is when a short tailed dog gets happy when you're petting him with his back to you and the tail wriggles and tickles your knee! LOL  Thanks for the knee tickle!! YOU were ultimately responsible for that one! LOL

When I first started reading this thread I had a sense of doom, but was sooooo glad to hear that things turned around and Billie's actually holding his own fairly well.  I'm sure it got your adrenaline pumping too and must've been quite a relief  to see that he was actually okay.  Hopefully you've been able to enjoy the rest of the day and you, David and the kids can have an enjoyable, uneventful, Sunday.

p.s.  It's about 100 degrees here today, so I can relate to your description of the heat.

I'm just catching up on all of the posts.... Yea for Billy!! Hope the good news continues!!

Billy, you gave your Mom quite a scare!  I'm glad things were okay after all.  Save your strength only for really important jumps.  If you don't feel like jumping, then someone will lift you.  Let those massages ease any crummy feelings in those little legs of yours! 
 
Callie, better to be safe than sorry - it's good that you're so familiar with the color changes in his gums.  Lots of folks wouldn't even spot that.  I hope you are all staying cool and that your poor DH gets some calmer days at work soon.  BTW, my DH rarely wears shorts in public.  He says it's because he has white legs.  I tell him they wouldn't be white if he wore shorts!  It's a viscious circle, I guess! 
 
Here's to another week of slow but steady progress for you, Billy! [sm=wink2.gif]

Trust me, Tracy -- you get THIS far with IMHA and you notice all kinds of things that AREN"T there and you DREAM about it (yeah, I was dreaming about it/him last night *sigh*).
 
WE've got the big Gainesville appointment tomorrow -- a big full blood panel checking all kinds of stuff including the iron in the serum, etc. so I'll let everbuddy know what we find out.

I told Billy we were going to Gainesville tomorrow -- he didn't look over the moon.  I said "this is JUST for tomorrow -- you do NOT have to stay!" (eyebrow raised).  And Eric's switched over to the Large Animal Hospital so we gotta page him so you can see Eric tomorrow, ok?  (tail wag).

"Sooooo Billy, which treats do we take to Eric and for the techs to give you.  Newman's Own or the new ones (Royal Canin/IVD I got where they tested his blood yesterday - a guilt purchase)" (pointed to them).  The nose stayed riveted in the direction of the Newmans

"Can you be a BIT more clear ... these??? (Royal Canin ones - head swiveled as I touched the bag) or these?? (Newman's - head swiveled to those).  The head swung in *both* directions, back to me and then BACK TO NEWMAN's. 

ok -- so the boy has 'spoken'. 

We ARE prepared!! LOL  The PT Cruizer will depart for Gainesville at about 6:00 a.m. (appt is at 10 but it's rush hour the whole way and normally a 2 hour trip).
 
We're also probably gonna hear the Shuttle BOOM-BOOM in the morning -- gotta think of those folks tonight too!

I will keep Billy in my thoughts, so that everything will go ok tomorrow.
 
I am glad I was able to make him happy.  It put a smile on my face to know that.
 
Take care callie, many hugs to you.

Shhh -- this is ME .. Billy -- the Adventurin english cocker spanYELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Mom's doing that wet clothes thing (ya no, when humans sozzle their clothes/fur in water an make it all NOT smell so good an doggy then bring it in and lay it on tha futon SO WE CAN MAKE IT SMELL GOOD AGIN!!!!).  But she's OUt an I'm IN!
 
Now I unnerstand why she hadda stop on the way home fur sumtin ta drink.  I cud tell she was nervus but I FEELED fine! 
 
Mom sez we'z goin ta Gainesville tomorrer -- that's the place where everbuddy wears Gators on their shirts (don't they no them things BITE??) or else they wear funny same-suits.  (they call em 'scrubs'-- and they must wash em too much like Mom duz all her stuff!) 
 
You folks been SO nice ta me.  Mom reads ALL of em to me (she don't no I can read messellf pretty good.  I don't spell so good as the Fox usta but I spell bedder'n Luna Tunes! an Kee shu can't reach the chair ta jump!!)
 
I still get tired, but you guys tellin me all the nice things -- even when I was sick up in Gainesville -- HELPS.  I like it an I 'precshe-ate it!!!  You guys HELPED me big time.  I can just feel you guys love me.  An that's SOOOO Kewel!!!!
 
Shoot -- here she comes -- gotta make tracks -- byeeeeeeeeeeeee (slurps and wriggles ta everbuddy)

Ummm, Callie, I don't want to be a snitch and I know you won't mind, but your lil' man, Billie, stopped by to say "hi" to all of us.  It was the best thing I'd read all day, so give him a hug and a thank-you from me.  I'd like to think my girls were as capable of spelling as good as he did, but they think looking pretty's more important than acting smart - geesh!!  I hope tomorrow is a continuation of good news and you can just enjoy (ha!) the trip to Gainesville.  I will be anxious to hear the latest update but in the meantime give a big hug and a kiss on the ears to Billie for me.

sheesh it's me checkin back -- don't rat me out Miz Cathy -- you're one of my bestest lady peeples. 
 
An heck -- if we gets done by dinner time me 'n Mom can stop at this Zaxby's place -- man, what they do fur chikin strips is sheeer heven!!!!  ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh  Do ya s'pose if I think "Zaxbys Zaxbys Zaxbys Zaxbys Zaxbys Zaxbys Zaxbys Zaxbys Zaxbys Zaxbys Zaxbys Zaxbys Zaxbys Zaxbys Zaxbys Zaxbys" REEL hard all nite Mom'll get it??