Post Surgery Pain – What’s a mom to do?

The first night Sprite was home from the hospital was quiet and easy. I thought “Well, this isn’t so bad.” I was excited to have her home and already doing so well. She was happy and slept most of the time. I assumed she was still pretty loopy from the IV medications (morphine). She slept quietly all night. This didn’t last…

The second night was miserable. She woke up about midnight and neither of us got any sleep after. She spent the entire night waking up suddenly and seemingly trying to “run away” from her leg (that was no longer there). It was very scary and heart breaking. The vet had been nervous about pain meds with her because she is so young. But this just would not do. She was panting all the time and obviously in pain… I couldn’t handle it… what’s a mom to do?? Beg for pain meds!

 

That’s what I did. After talking with the vet again, we assumed she is having phantom pains. But she is only having them a night. He put her on Tramadol.  One pill at night to help her sleep. I tried giving it when we got home around 6 pm but she woke up at 3 am and cried and cried and cried. I was afraid to give her more so I just held her when she woke up terrified, looking at her incision, confused. The next night I gave it at 9:30 and it worked! She slept all through the night and was happy as could be the next day!!  So, we’ve found our pain management.

Sprite is doing very well otherwise and I am constantly impressed. No falls. She is listening exceptionally well to me! I think all this has really brought us closer together.

That’s all for now!

KEEP ON WAGGIN’
<3 Rachael

6 thoughts on “Post Surgery Pain – What’s a mom to do?”

  1. Wow Rachael! I was holding my breath reading this! So glad things finally settled down!

    Now, I’m no vet, okay? But are you telling me the vet didn’t give him any pain meds after major surgery until you asked for them? WOW! I guess the poor thing was crying!
    Glad he’s on so e tramadol now.

    You still may have some ups and downs, Eventually it wiil be ups!

    The bond that you two will share is incredible! It’s soul deep and defnitely infinite!

    Hope you get some sleep tonight!

    ((((((((hugs to all)))))))

    Saly and Happy Hannah

  2. He gave her quite a bit after surgery through the IV and more in the morning before I picked her up. She was fine the first day and I thought she would be fine… she only went one night without!!! and I gave her Benadryl to help her sleep….

    I am glad she’s doing better too. It was very scary at first!!

    She is my world. She is so smart and so NOT sorry for herself!!

    KEEP ON WAGGIN’
    <3 Rachael

  3. Rachael-
    Glad to hear Sprite is home and you’re figuring out her pain management. That can be tricky at times and every dog is different. Some need the pain meds for a while and some (like Shooter) are done with them in a week.

    Hope you get some rest. Take care.

    Luanne and Spirit Shooter

  4. So glad that little Sprite is back home and beginning her life on three legs. You will be amazed and how courageous and at how fast she adjusts. I’m so glad you got the pain management figured out what a tough couple of nights for all of you.

  5. Sounds like she might need some gabapentin, a very successful post-op pain med to help reduce phantom limb pain. Ask your vet about it, many Tripawds have had great relief from it.

    We hope this weekend is quiet and relaxing for you both. Keep us posted!

  6. Thank you everyone! Sprite is feeling much better. She is gaining weight and growing again! Yay! 😀

    KEEP ON WAGGIN’
    <3 Rachael

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