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Monday, August 23, 2010

The Road to Home

Cell phone photo:  Joey gets temporarily disconnected from his IV's and oxygen to go outside Sunday, August 22, 2010

We've got more good news for your 'Long and Short of it All' host Joey's recovery and the beginning of the Road to Home.  He has been completely weaned off his fentanyl drip, but still has his fentanyl patch which will help provide pain control when he is discharged.  On Saturday, they attempted to remove his oxygen, but it was not successful; his breathing began to labor, and his pulseox showed low values.  This was a bit of a frustrating setback.  But the good news is that he kept the water down that he had on Saturday, so they offered him some baby food on Saturday night, and he was able to keep it down as well. 
On Sunday, they removed his catheter, and he has been able to go outside to go potty!  He does have some diarrhea, but it is being managed.  They also removed his heart monitor.  We were able to feed him his baby food on Sunday morning, and he ate about a half jar for us.  About noon on Sunday they attempted to wean him off his oxygen again, slowing it down rather than completely removing it, and things were looking good.  But he couldn't stand that itchy tube in his nose anymore, and about 6 PM he yanked it out.  They monitored him to see if it needed to be put back in, but apparently Joey knew it was time for it to come out, and his pulseox has remained very good.  So he is now officially off his oxygen!  He also ate some canned dog food last night, and has kept it down.  His amylase/ lipase values (which point to his pancreatitis) continue to be high, but the fact that he is keeping his food down is very positive. 
This morning's update notes that he is doing "very very well."  Pulseoxing well, vitals normal, eating  and drinking great, no vomiting.  The vet tech took him out to go potty, and he's too exhausted to walk back in the building by himself, so he is pretty weak.  He did walk back in the building for Dad and his friend on Sunday, but he was no doubt showing off for Dad.
On Saturday night a friend said that we need to set a date in our mind for him to come home.  So, we set the day of Tuesday - thinking that things will continue to resolve through the weekend, he will mostly just be monitored on Monday, and he will come home Tuesday.  We told the veterinarian this on Sunday, and she sort of looked at us with a blank stare.  We did ask the vet tech this morning if she knew when he might be able to come home, and she said "I keep hearing Tuesday around here."  So, obviously he won't be coming home until he's ready, but we got the rumor going. 
Joey continues to enjoy all the comments and emails left for him, he is read every single one.  Maggie is chomping at the bits to see her brother again, although she also enjoys being in charge of the house and having Dad to herself.  She smells him on Dad when he comes back after vet visits, and she's a bit confused about the whole situation.  She even hesitates to go outside when a car ride is announced, but all will be normal for her again hopefully very soon.

38 comments:

JANN said...

BLESS HIS HEART, I HOPE HE GETS TOTALLY BETTER SOON. WHAT A LOVING HOME HE HAS :) GOD BLESS.

Anonymous said...

It sounds like you are just coming right along! I am so proud of you for hanging in there for you Dad, i know he appreciates it too. We all love you Joey! Can't wait for you to get home on Tuesday.

We have been praying for you daily here in Dallas.

Nahlah said...

My humans and I love reading about your recovery, Joey! More healing thoughts your way.

Anonymous said...

Woof Joey. We are so happy to get this great news. Rest well and keep healing cause Dad Carson wants you home with him and Maggie as soon as you are stronger. It sure does show that you are missed at home. God love you all and a big Woof, Woof for Dad Carson for your unwaivering love for your pups. Your 4 fur friends from Quebec Canada

Anonymous said...

More excellent news! Keep on truckin' Joey. Certainly know all our anxious to see Joey home on Tuesday but it is good it will be "when he is ready". The Vet and vet tech team sound really good and will continue to be vigilant to insure he will be ready for the journey back home to Dad and Maggie. We'll keep the prayers for you and your Dad going.

Baxter's Mom (Kalyxcornucopia)and Dad

Jerry S. said...

Hey, Joey, great job on disentubating your poor, put-upon schnoz. Way to go, big guy.

Anonymous said...

Way to go, Joey!

Debi and Ringo said...

We are so glad to hear that you're doing better, Joey!!! We continue to pray for you and your family, and hope you can go home very very soon. Just think of all the treats and spoiling you will get! (Ringo made me say that :P)

Hugs,
Debi & Ringo

Oscar and Hans said...

Hey Joey -

We are so excited to read about your progress every day. Outside! YEAH! WOOF WOOF WOOF!

You are in our thoughts all the time, and we keep praying for you and your family. You will be home before you know it!

We want to give a special WOOF to Maggie too. We understand what it's like when one goes away and the other is left. So confusing!

--Oscar, Hans, and Holly

impromptublogger said...

So glad to hear that he is coming home! Bring Maggie along - that is what we did when Echo (our American Bulldog pup) got into some ibuprofen, was hospitalized for 2 days and when I went to pick her up I took Max along to make the homecoming even better. (It was also his 14th birthday so it was a great present for him as well)

Anne said...

outside Joey - that's grrreat news!!!!!! going potty and keeping food down is a HUGE deal!!! we are still keeping you in our prayers Joey and send all of our love & tail wags to you and your family who is anxiously awaiting your arrival home. WOOF.
-Roxie Lou, Coco Beane and Auntie Annie Em

firstyouleap said...

Good for you, Joey! Sometimes ya just gotta rip a tube out yourself. So glad that you continue to improve and have been able to go outside!
We hope you will be home soon but also know that you will stay with the extra human help for as long as you need it. We love you Joey Joey Joey, baby!
(and good for you Carson for continuing to be such a wonderful dad) Melinda and Jeeves

Linda Moss said...

Good work Joey on getting that tube out! Now that you are recovering so nicely and eating and pottying we bet you will get real strong real soon! Hope to read that you are going home tomorrow, but if you need another day of extra help that's okay too! You are doing great Joey! Hugs and cuddles to you!
Linda, Frankie and Maggie

John said...

Carson: The way you have kept us informed of Joey's condition and progress is absolutely masterful writing and oh so human. Thank you so much for sharing in this manner with your dachshund friends. John & Ozzie continue to hope and pray for Joey's healthy return home. The Halloween meet up will be here before we know it. I'm voting for Joey. John & Ozzie

Anonymous said...

GO JOEY!!! GO JOEY!!! GO JOEY!!

The power of love is a marvelous thing!!!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

doxieshar said...

We love hearing good news! It helps make the world a happier place.

Through your dad's determination and your own willingness to fight, Joey, you have experienced a blessing. And now we are awaiting to hear about a happy Tuesday reunion at home for you.

~Shar, Sawyer, and Abby

Cynthia (Geneva's mon) said...

What fantastic news! It just keeps getting better and better. Geneva and I send our best wishes - and heartfelt admiration - to Joey for being such a fighter!
Best wishes go to you, too, Carson, for all you have been through to save your best friend.

Anonymous said...

JOEY!!! So good to see you on the grass. Even better to know that you're on the mend and heading home. (You were looking a little sad in one of the pics from last week, I have to admit)

In dachshund love, Molly in McLean

Anonymous said...

Good news on the Joey progress report!

Progress is being made.

Keep wagging that tail, Joey!

HCT (Honey, Chill, Teddy)

Anonymous said...

Joey, darling! We're so happy to hear of your great progress! Wags and smooches from Fern the sausage princess and family (Montreal, Canada)

Podgirl said...

Way to go Joey. You look like you were caught by the paparazzi in the first picture. Can't a guy go potty in private any more? Maggie is awaiting your return so the two of you can continue your plot for world domination. BOL and Woof.


You rock Joey!
Schatzi and family

Jayne D. said...

We hope you get a little bit stronger each day, Joey, and that soon you will be able to go home and recuperate and be with your Maggie and your Dad. Be a good boy and HEAL QUICKLY!! Love, Jayne D. and Annie Belle

old lady said...

Yeah Joey! Eating - drinking - potty! Those are some pretty awesome feats! Glad to hear you're doing so well - keep it up!

Your doxie friend,
Rhett Butler

Unknown said...

Joey Joey Joey!!! My humans and I have been rooting for you...we are rejoicing and trust you will be home before you know it. Maggie needs you! Humans are endearing and all, but let's face it, they aren't weenie dogs - so hurry home to Miss Maggie!

Miss Edith Ann Dogette

Kim said...

Way to go, Joey!!!!! So glad to hear of your great progress-- keeping food down, going outside to potty, and getting rid of the pesky oxygen. You are a strong boy and we shower you, Maggie, and your dad with prayers, love, and affection.

Hope you are able to go home soon!
Good boy!

Anette said...

Such great news!!! Joey, tell your Dad to post WHERE exactly your luxury dog hospital is. It sounds as if the service and the medical expertise are wonderful and you are really taken care of very beautifully! Maybe you can recommend it in case other doxies need it too...
We wish you a speedy recovery!!! Greetings from Lovie and Anette

Anonymous said...

Big WOOF from the north of Germany to say thank you for these brilliant news, they really made our day. Even when Joey's recovery will happen in small steps - it's the direction that counts! And with the endless love and patience of Carson & Maggie he will definitely make it. Lots of love from Tobi & Ani

Anonymous said...

Joey, I KNEW YOU COULD DO IT! We are so proud of you, you are trying so hard. What a good boy Daddy has! Soon you will be snuggling Maggie and be in your own favorite spots! We love you Joey, keep going!

Stacey L and Toby said...

Alright Joey!!!!!! I knew he could do it. I'm so glad he's doing better :) :) :) :) :) :)

mirjam said...

joey, you are the Wiener;)
i am so happy about your progress.we need you, joey,you and your sister Maggie are the hosts and we missed you.

Anonymous said...

Sweet Joey, it made our mom's heart sing to see pictures of you outside in the sunshine. We all hope you continue to recover and will be home to Dad and Maggie very soon!

Wishing you tons of tail wags and lap snuggles,
Faith, Tigger and Petie (and their mother)

Anonymous said...

Yea for Joey! And Dad and Maggie!
Such happy news! You're such a good boy, Joey and you have a special place in so many hearts! Keep on the path to recovery and know that home awaits you (and your new jacuzzi!)
Best wishes to you, Little Guy!

Paul Rasmussen said...

Know the anticipation and excitement of bringing a doxie home from the hospital... wonderful news! Poncho sez: roo roo roo, Joey!

PS- Read your post about Benny Archuletta in Jacksonville, FL as we were perusing the archives. It was Benny who connected me with Poncho when I was living in J'ville in 2003. Benny's a friend and played a huge role in making my life better by adopting a dachshund.

Anonymous said...

Joey, we're so glad to hear you're doing better. We hope you continue to do well! Sending lots of love and tail wags!

-Taia & Slinky

kalyxcorn said...

Such wonderful news! Keep getting stronger, sweet boy!

Taffy said...

I'm so sorry we haven't been by earlier. Mom has been stressing out because I'm having some health troubles of my own, nothing like Joey, but she and I haven't been blogging much lately. We sit here with tears in our eyes knowing how hard this is on you. My mom and dad had to visit me in the doggie hospital a few years ago from a severe case of pancreatitis. I had to have surgery too and the vet didn't think I was gonna make it but I did! Joey, if I can do it so can you! Sending all our love3 and prayers to you and your family!
Hugs,
Twix and Mom

Anonymous said...

We know it's tough to be there, but just remember that all of us are pulling for you to get better! So rest and eat up, and we hope you come home soon so you can get all the love cuddles you could possibly want!

Vinny and Cinnamon from San Antonio, TX

Jablana said...

wel done Joey! wiiiiiii...
well we had a small accident yesterday! Lea being an advenureous doxie went snooping around and got stung in the nose, by what i don't know, but i rushed her to the vet asap. after a while her nose got twice as big and itchy but it sorted itself out tnx to the vet that gave her some medicine. leson: dont go snooping around, things might bite ya!:)
keep the recovery going! good luck to all of you!

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