Tuesday, March 13, 2012

An update on Payton

Sorry it has taken a while to get this post published today.  The past few days have been exhausting, physically and emotionally, but our family can’t thank you all enough for the outpouring of concern, and we are so grateful for all of the prayers.  We know they are helping.  And each comment and email has meant so much to us all.  Since Payton is resting,


she said that I could explain what happened, talk about her diagnosis, and update everyone on how she is doing today.  But I had to promise that I wouldn’t give away any details about her adventure so she can tell you all about it tomorrow.

It started on Saturday morning.  Payton began to cough, like she tugged too hard on her leash or had something in her throat.  There was a severe air quality alert where we were visiting (high pollen count and such), so it was no surprise that she was having sinus issues and sounded congested to all of us.  The entire day, Payton was alert and happy despite the cough, very interested in whatever we were up to and especially the food, so it was hard to justify a trip to the vet.  When we got back from the day’s activities, the coughing attacks became more frequent.  Evidently Payton wants to see emergency clinics around the country in the same way that her dad would like to tour all of the major league baseball stadiums.  

So we had to say goodbye to our friends a bit early and venture out after dark to find the 24 hour vet.  That was fun.  Google was way off and construction prevented a direct route.  But the staff was so friendly and caring that it made the hassle worth it.  By the time the exam, XRAYS, blood test, shot to help prevent water in the lungs, and paperwork was complete, we didn’t get back to the hotel until almost midnight and then still had to pack so we could head home on Sunday.  Why did daylight savings time have to occur THIS weekend? 


Anyway, on Sunday, Payton continued to cough off and on, but it became less frequent and has pretty much turned into an isolated occurrence.  However, she was getting cold to the point of shivers so easily and was having a hard time breathing when not sleeping.  Luckily she rested the vast majority of our drive home, but the last couple of hours in the car were rough.  First we got a flat tire.


Thankfully we were in familiar territory and a populated area, only about an hour from home.  Then after Tim put on the spare, Payton had a seizure while outside and whined during it.  This is new, and just broke my heart.  I almost lost it completely.  After that she really seemed in bad shape, so we had to stay up with her until about 3am.  Then we had to get up at 8 on Monday and take her into our local vet.

So after talking to both vets, it is most likely that Payton has a collapsing trachea.  She may also have an infection, maybe the beginnings of bronchitis, so she is on antibiotics to be safe.  Since we ruled out a heart condition during our last trip to Chicago, her restricted airway explains her fainting episode a while back and why she has seemed out of shape.  Unfortunately, the problem area is at the end in her chest, not the throat.  Worse yet, there isn’t really anything we can do.  She is either already on the meds typically given for the condition or can’t take them because of her PDE; for example, bronchial dilators do not mix well with PDE, so those are out.  We just have to keep her calm.  For the most part, this is no problem as Payton is pretty laid back.  However, we aren’t quite sure how we are going to handle her seeing Gammy and Gampy.  She gets so excited!  We will also have to limit new toys (shh! don’t tell her).  And I’ve already put a sign on the door asking that no one ring the bell or knock.

But we aren’t giving up.  In fact, we thought it might be good to talk to an internist that works with Dr. Podell, so we have an appointment at the end of the month.  We also discovered that Payton has lost another pound in the last 3-4 weeks, so she is down to 16 pounds and some change.  Seems like a ton of weight to lose (4 pounds since the fall) because of steroid induced muscle loss.  Perhaps there is something else going on compounding her issues.  Perhaps there is something that can be done for Payton, especially if she gets too excited and has a major attack.  We will feel better having explored all the options.

Ok, so on to the most important thing…how is Payton doing today?  Well, much better!  Yesterday after our morning trip to the vet, she was glued to my lap and slept most of the day away, except for meals of course.  She also had a good night.  She is still noticeably more tired than normal today, but that could also be due to the recent trip.  We just spent some time outside where Payton enjoyed the mild temps and soaked up some rays before “taking care of business”.  She has had to catch her breath a handful of times, but it is now only slightly worse and more often than it was before the events of this past weekend.  I don’t think she’ll have near the same energy level as she did, but we are optimistic that she will continue to improve as the week goes by.

Life is going to change for all of us again as we begin to implement new things throughout the day to make sure she doesn’t have an issue, yet still try and keep her life interesting.  Payton does love adventures.  Bathroom breaks are proving a challenge as they tend to cause her the most problems – breathing and seizure related.  Even picking her up is a challenge as we don’t want to put any extra pressure on her chest.  I think we’ll be more lax on treats and extra food.  I may even start making her food.  I had to do that once recently to fill in time while waiting for a new box of Honest Kitchen Zeal to arrive and she just LOVED it.  I think she senses that.  I took this picture today about an hour before lunch time, already in the kitchen waiting on me.  


I think she wanted a steak from the fridge.  One thing about Payton is that she has such a desire to live life to the fullest that she ignores the fact that she’s sick.  Although this makes it super hard to know when she is hurting, I am encouraged to know that my little fighter doesn’t want to give up.  We will keep you all updated.  Thanks again for your support and please continue to pray for her. 

Love,
Christy

32 comments:

Noodles said...

Payton
You are number ONE on my juju list right now. I know you will come out of this a little stronger.
Love Noodles

Unknown said...

Payton we are so glad to hear that you are doing better today. I have had the same problems with my trachea and was put on something called temeral (sp) that really helped my breathing and I haven't had to take it lately because it helped me so much. My brother and I really hope you start to feel better soon and so does our mom.

Woofs and licks

Puggsie

Punchbugpug said...

Miss Payton you are such a little trooper!!! Always living life to the fullest. God bless you and your family!!!!

Archie and Melissa said...

hi christie and payton
oh thank you so much for the update!
we have been thinking of you non stop and we are sending you all of our love.

she is the strongest little puggy in the world and so, so lucky to have you and you her.

we are always here if you need anything at all!

xoxoox
melissa & archie

Minnie and Mack said...

Payton, we've been waiting to hear how you are doing. You have such a positive attitude through all of this medical goings on. We are saying special healing prayers, and sending lots of juju to you and your wonderful family. Please know that even though we have never met you personally, we "know" you and love your sweet little face.

Take care and God bless you.
Minnie and Mack

Tamara Watson said...

Thank you so much for the update. Payton looks great in the picture taken today - that is encouraging. Obviously you are doing everything you can, and that's all you can do. Hearts to Payton and the family.

Tamara + Rupert

Sandra y Coco Pug said...

Payton
Please be strong and get better. You are my role model, an example of strength and courage to live a fun life despite ugly illnesses.
You are in our prayers
Love
Coco

Brutus, Ellie, Pippa and Otto said...

Payton, sweetie... we are all rooting for you and just know that you are going to make it through this! We will help you out by keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Pugs & Kisses,

Yoda, Brutus & Ellie

dw said...

Payton, I'm sending juju and prayers your way so you feel better and that your mom and dad don't freak out too much! *soft hugs*

Crabbie Chris said...

Peyton continues to kick some major PDE ass!! I know where you were this weekend (I'll keep it a secret!) and I wish we could have met. Between my messed up "bits" and your messed up lungs, we're ready to retire and play BINGO with the Gampys!!
Feel better soon Peyton!!!

agent99 said...

we are sending the strongest possible Paw Power!!

Sammy and Neko said...

Payton's mama.... your blog made me leaky today, but I am happy to see Payton in the kitchen waiting for you to make her something to eat. She has more in her, we know.
Please again, let us know if we can do anything to help.

Hank said...

Oh, Christy. That is a LOT to deal with. :/

It always helps when they still want to eat, huh? ;)

Hugs -

Sarah and Hank

Unknown said...

payton i hope you continue to get better - so sorry to hear all of this. keep up that positive attitude!

tubby3pug said...

Oh sweet Payton you are such a tough cookie. Mom was crying reading this post, it must be so hard on you all, but also because you are such an inspiring family. Such commitment to a loved one, dog or human, is sadly rare in this world.

We are thinking of you every single day

Urban Hounds

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Dear Payton
You are so courageous! You fight , fight, fight.
I know you are tired right now, but you will feel better soon
I have not stopped saying prayers for you, and I am still sending healing wishes to you in those "special bubbles" in the sky.
We are also keeping your family in our thoughts- with never ending prayers.
love
tweedles

Sequoia & Petunia & Emma said...

You are taking such great care of miss Payton she is in the best hands possible. Tuni has collapsing trachea and keeping her calm means less toy time too. Only a few minutes (2 to 3) is all she gets, luckily she is old and really just wants to snuggle and sleep not play. We hope Payton beats whatever this thing is and going to another vet is a good idea we did that too with Tuni. Give Payton a big hug from all us here!

The Girls and Jenn

Elgor82 said...

Glad to hear that you are getting lots of rest. You are in our thoughts and prayers! Hugs and Kisses ... Love Zoe, Peyton, Webster & Liberty

Southern Fried Pugs said...

You are an inspiration to everyone, Payton. We put you and your family on our Nanna and Pappa's prayer list at their church too. Much love from us.

Pug Slope said...

Payton, I'm sorry to hear about the stressful events that you and your family had to go through this past weekend. It just seemed like one thing after another. Sounds like you had some pretty scary events - and I know how much your 'rents worry about you (my 'rents are the same way). I'm so glad to hear that you are feeling better today and are back to dictating when dinner is to be served.

I'll keep my paws crossed and send you all the good juju I have. You are a very strong and courageous pug, and have such caring and devoted parents. We'll rooting for you, little lady!!!

If there's anything we can do, please let us know.

-Love,
Sid (and Brian and Jenn)

Suzy said...

Luv u, P! Sending healing thoughts your way! Stay strong, pretty girl xoxo

Chicas Libelulas said...

Hola Payton, Mom and Dad!!
We know she will fill better,she is a fighter and a pug!!!! We are sending a lot of Good Juju and many Prayers!!! Sending lot of Hugs and Bechos
Spongy, Licky, Patrick and La Mamma

Puglette said...

Payton, I am so sorry to hear that you are not feeling well. It sure sounds like your folks have a great plan in place to help you through this bout of illness. We are all sending you the power of the paw, that's lots of paws in our house, 28! get better soon, I look forward to hearing about your adventures when you are feeling better.
hugs,
Judy

Pugs2Luv said...

We want to let you know that we are in constant awe and admiration of your strength and endurance. We will keep you in our pugprayers, send you healing thoughts, juju and whatever else we can think of . Lots of hugs and kisses.
Love, Zoey & Phoebe

Meredith LeBlanc said...

Miss Payton, we pray for you everyday. We hope that you feel the juju we're all sending you. Enjoy all of the extra treats and foodies ~ you need your energy!

Lots & Lots of Love to you & your rents!
Meredith & Scarlet

Rumpydog said...

Payton, you are one heckova fighter for sure! You hang in there, we're all praying for you.

Michelle + Myko said...

Oh Payton you tough little pug, my mom has tears in her eyes just thinking about how much you and your rents have gone through. Keep on fighting little one, you bring such joy and warmth to all of us even though we have never even met in the fur:)

lots and lots of pug love!

The Daily Pip said...

I am so sorry to hear of Payton's latest struggles. I am sending lots of good vibes and prayers to Payton and family.

Your pal, Pip

pugmama said...

I heard of you via Tweedles.... Payton's a regular trooper! such a pug to keep on with the begging eyes, no matter what. she's lucky to have such loving pug-parents!

moPSY+MISIOber said...

Christy!! I pray for Payton and you and your family. There is no bigger fighter then Payton!!! We send lots of love and juju your way, we love you! PT

Tucker and Lola said...

Hang in there Payton girl, this is just another little hill you have to climb we all know how strong you are! It's just not easy or fair that these things have to happen to us. We love you and are sending a ton of juju!

Frank The Tank said...

Oh Payton I'm so sorry that I missed you feeling unwell, it sounds so horrible! I feel sorry for your Pawrents as they love you so much and I bet they were scared! I am so glad to hear that you are doing better now though! My Friend Jasper has had a lot of problems with his trachea, on one walk he was coughing and sounding weezy and then his toungue turned blue and he stopped breathing, his Mum rushed his straight to the Vet and he was treated, they say he may need an operation to widen it but they dont want to risk doing that yet as the problem can be controlled by less walks and less excitement! I always pray for you and send all my love to you and healing juju! Love from your friend Frank xxxxxx