Day 3 Post-Amp: Progress!

We’re still riding the roller coaster of recovery and today started with a valley but ended with a peak!

We had a much better night of rest, although Molly tried to get up and move around once at midnight. We were able to convince her that it was bedtime and she slept pretty soundly until just before 5. I woke up to her nose about half an inch from my face. I moved to the floor and slept next to her until 6, and then we got her outside for a little cruise around the yard. She showed signs of needing to poop but I think she was offended by her lack of privacy — she kept looking back at us with an expression that clearly said, “You have got to be kidding me.”

Jordan and I both had to work today and it was really hard to leave her. I made myself sick for the first two hours at work, but I immediately cheered up when Jordan went home around 10 to let her out and sent me the best post-amp text ever: “She pooped!” Never thought that would be such a momentous occasion. 🙂 So happy to be over that hump. It was still hard to be away for the rest of the day, especially because she hates the cone so much and we can tell how anxious she is when we finally get home. She has never been uncomfortable with us leaving (she loves to sleep all day on our bed) but I know she is still confused and nervous about what she’s been through.

She was very excited when we got home so we spent some time tramping around the yard and then relaxing (and taking Molly selfies) on the cool concrete driveway. She LOVED getting to be outside for a while — I can tell that this much time indoors is driving her bonkers. Right around this point is when she started to show little signs of her Molly-self again: soft woofs when someone drives or walks by our house, sitting up very straight and growling when she sees bunnies hop through the yard, playing one of our favorite games (although in a more mellow fashion than normal… video forthcoming)… It is so encouraging to see those bits of her personality emerge from the post-amp drugs. I read in the forums that day three is usually when the heavy surgery drugs are finally flushed out of the system but I didn’t expect to see such a difference. She is alert but still relaxed so we are much happier over here.

I did send our surgeon an email with a few questions about Molly’s PT plans, the state of her incision bandage, and the coloring of her bruising. (If you’re not comfortable with seeing a photo of her amp site, be sure to stop reading when the pics start.) She was so helpful — per usual — and said that Molly’s #1 job right now is to rest. She’s healing well, everything is on track, and there’s no rush in getting her back to “normal.” I needed to hear that again. Then, a few minutes later, I got a message from a woman I went to college with and was an RA with, who happens to be in her fourth year at CSU’s vet school. How amazing is that?! She said she has been following my FB posts about Molly and that one of her friends was working the Critical Care Unit the day/night Molly was there. She had the sweetest things to say about our girl and that was such a heart brightener. We clearly know how incredible the CSU facility, staff, and students are but this just put the cherry on top. Very blessed to have Molly in their care!

Finally, we ended our night with ice cream for everyone. I’ve also read in the forums that ice cream is allowed and encouraged for all family members in recovery 🙂 so there’s a photo below of Molly enjoying her scoop.

Post BM but still giving us major guilt for going to work today!

Molly’s amp site. We were worried about the discoloration at the bottom of her bandage but our surgeon says it’s okay. We’ll remove the bandage tomorrow (going to be traumatic… that sucker is tightly secured). The bruising on her belly is normal but we’ll watch it to make sure it doesn’t spread any more.

Molly selfie #1 while relaxing on the driveway this afternoon.

Molly selfie #2. Best selfie I’ve ever seen!

Summer nights (and recovery weeks) are for ice cream. YUM!

I told Jamie (Mac’s mom) earlier that I felt guilty for wishing this week would pass quickly because I know how valuable any time with Molly is. And it’s true — I am happy for every single moment with her but I want her to feel like herself again. I want her to be happy with every single moment. So, another day down and ready for the next. We will continue to feel grateful!

Love,
Kirby, Jordan, & Molly