Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Absence makes the heart grow fonder...

Yes I am aware that my last post was on Monday, not three months ago, but I can't help but feel like I am neglecting everyone in my blogging family. This is has turned into a stressful week for me which is evident with the fact my stomach has been bothering me again.

First of all our new little man Lennon has already cost us a small fortune. Great Danes are known for their long tails and unfortunately many of them end up breaking their tails at some point in time caused by knocking them on doors and walls. I have never had a Great Dane that has done this but I have seen it first hand and have always been grateful it has never been something that I have had to deal with...until NOW!!! On the Sunday Daniel met and brought Lennon home he broke his tail on a door while being brought out to Daniel. They wrapped it up and Daniel proceeded to bring the poor guy home. I think we both were thinking, "we'll keep it wrapped and cleaned and he will be good as new within a week or so." WRONG!!!! Two weeks later and we have now had to schedule the amputation of his tail. He keeps taking the wrappings off it and every time that tail hits a wall I just cringe. My house looks as if though he have had several shootings occur, there is blood splattered on every wall and on every door. I spent about an hour this past Sunday with a mixing bowl full of hot water and soap trying to get as much of it cleaned up as I could. I don't know why I even bothered. The vet thought it was broken when we took him to see her on Friday and we now think he has broken it again in another spot because now not only is it bleeding but it's crooked as well. We made the decision to have it amputated after noticing that he is biting through his skin on the upper portion because it is bothering him so much. Poor dog is not only blind, deaf, and dumb when it comes to his squeaky toys, but now he is going to have a stub for a tail...what will all the other doggy kids think of him??

On top of my crazy dog issues my Uncle Dan was admitted to the hospital on Monday night. This man has had some severe health issues for the past four or five years that has left him in constant pain. It is something that he has to deal with on a daily basis and the amount of drugs he has to take just to try to alleviate some of it is ridiculous. He has congestive heart failure, COPD, which is something involving the lungs, and he also has some disorder where his body produces too much blood. He has to have the excess blood drained once a month or so. He was in bad shape over the weekend and his body swelled up to the point Doctors were giving him a drug intravenously to help rid his body of the extra fluids. What we didn't know at the time was that they were actually dehydrating him to the point that by the time he got to the hospital his kidneys were starting the process of shutting down. I stopped by the hospital yesterday and he was in much better spirits and was up walking around which was a 100% improvement from how he was during our Saturday night dinner. The Doctors said he was having a flare up of the COPD which was why, along with the kidney issue, he was so weak and felt so bad. They still aren't sure why he is swelling everywhere but in my opinion the swelling had gone down some which is a good thing. I informed him yesterday he had missed some of my posts and he said that he was missing it. It's good to have fans out there! :)

I am also dealing with the fact that my Husband is in the process of making a very, very big decision in regards to his employment situation. I can't give details at the moment as he plans on discussing the matter with all of the family on Saturday during his birthday dinner. What I can tell you is that it would require his leaving this country for a year, only getting to come home once every four months.

Now after just forcing you lovely individuals to read my moments of worry, I must admit I feel a little better to get the stuff off of my chest. I am a firm believer that when feeling bad about something no matter how frivolous you may think it is, you should share it with someone else. So since I feel better I think it's only fair that you should feel better. I want everyone to leave a comment to this post telling me one of their current worries. I don't care if it is as sad as having a relative pass away or as crazy as having to keep pulling your underwear out of your tushy because you gained five pounds. I want to know and trust me, it will make you feel better!! :)

Also, I promise my next few posts will go back to being about food. My daring husband has a birthday sneaking up on him and we are celebrating this Saturday so you all know that there will be food involved.

8 comments:

Willoughby said...

Your poor pup! It's a shame that his tail has to be amputated. And glad to hear that your uncle seems to be on the mend. I honestly don't have any worries to share today. Did you see my blog? I gave you a shout out for the shrimp recipe. We loved it!

Unknown said...

Aw Katie. I'm sorry! 1st off I think Lennon will be just fine without his tail. Dogs are resilient. I'm really sorry about your uncle. Having COPD complicates other matters of health. I'm sure whatever is going on with hubbie's employment will end up for the best...I will pray for him. But most importantly, I'm sorry you are ailing again. Prayers will be going up for you, too. Take care.

Unknown said...

Awww...hopefully your your pup won't be in too much pain and that is great that your uncle is doing somewhat better!

Lissaloo said...

I'm sorry to hear of all the troubles :( Poor pup, and Uncle. Hope all starts getting better fast :) As far as troubles here, I wouldn't know where to start or how to stop once I got started :) I am looking forward to more of your wonderful food posts :)

Raoulysgirl said...

Poor Lennon! What obstacles this poor guy has to overcome! He is a real trooper! I'm glad to hear that your uncle is mending. My thoughts are with him. I'm sure that you and hubby will make the right decision when it comes to his employment. You're so sweet to ask us all to share our worries with you...it sounds like you have a full plate! Keep your head up...it sounds like Lennon might be like his new mommy...a real trooper!!!

Gracey said...

Katie, I'm sorry for your troubles. I was always wondering why people are used to amputating Great Danes' tails (and I considered it cruel at some point), but now I know - and feel it is justifiable. I'm sure Lennon will be ok. Also, I am glad your uncle is better. Lastly, I understand your worries about your husband's employment (I am in a difficult place in this matter myself), but my constant mantra nowadays is "it will be for the best (sigh), it will be for the best". Hang in there, girl.

This post was somewhat therapeutic. I have been MIA from my blog for a reason, but you reminded me that sharing kind of relieves you from your troubles. So, perhaps I will return with a long, long post.

I really hope you feel better - and more importantly, that your stomach stops bothering you. We are here for you. :)

Sheila said...

Hope all things look up soon! Birthdays are a good thing to put a smile on everyone's face:)

Katie said...

Thank you to everyone for their well wishes. Lennon is doing much better, his tail is finally starting to heal but we feel that it is best that we still go through with the surgery for the simple fact if we don't...it will happen again. Uncle Dan was released from the hospital and is doing so much better. He is looking forward to the pulled pork for Daniel's birthday. Daniel employment is looking good, he is trying to get a civilian position over in Afganistan working on military vehicles. He has already been offered a job in Iraq but is hopefull that the one in Afganistan will be offered. He will be making lots of money which will help us to get all of our debt taken care of and finally start saving for our future.