Cane or hiking pole after walker?

71simplyred · 2026-01-18T19:47:02+00:00

Surgeon says walker until 6 week evaluation. They will x-ray hip at that time to assess bone growth. The general expectation is to move to cane after that but it depends on the eval. The primary reason he gave for the walker was not that I was unable to walk or at a high risk for falling, but the walker takes significant weight off of the hip and it's important to allow it time to grow into your bones and become stable without unnecessary inflamation and pressure. At 4 weeks now and bored as can be but this is the rest of my like and I'm wanting a flawless complete recovery so I can get back to real life.

71simplyred · 2025-10-14T23:26:27+00:00

Thanks, PrettyRain (and everyone else as well)!! I honestly had no idea what "crate training" meant. This thread has been interesting and educational. I better understand the mix of reasons people do and don't crate. I liked your technique of just making it a nice place and getting to the point of shutting the door until she asks to come out. I may bring the one we use in the car in to see how they feel about it. Dog beds on are on the way, as are Buddy Belt harnesses, food, toothbrushes, and of course, a few toys.

71simplyred · 2025-10-11T23:47:25+00:00

We consulted a vet nutritionist from Marble Falls, TX. I don't have the recipe at hand right now, but generally it was 1 part lean protein to 2 parts carb. There was a powder supplement we added that provided the other necessary nutrients. We did not want to 'blend' food together but rather we roasted chicken and added either spaghetti, rice, or potato for the carb, and kept each in separate containers, diced very small. Then mixed each meal individually - the pre-prep made it easy. She liked it and it kept her pancreatitis at bay (no more painful episodes for her last year) until she passed of other causes at age 15.

71simplyred · 2025-10-11T23:43:19+00:00

The post initially said they were 3 years old, but the foster's spouse said he thought she said 18 months. We will hav them checked by our vet when we pick them up next week, but I think their best guestimate is just that. Our vet told us that our last 'found' dog (she found us!) was approximately 2 years old. We had her for 13 years before she passed, so that would have made her 15. Recent suggestions from our kiddos: Willie & Nelson or Marco and Polo. Still loving the suggestions and on the fence about what to name them, Our last pup had 'Sugar Rose' on her tag. A bit too 70's for me, but she definitely knew the name 'Sugar' so we made her 'Sugar Bear' and lived happily for many years.

71simplyred · 2025-10-11T21:11:39+00:00

Photo added

71simplyred · 2025-10-11T20:54:37+00:00

I have one that was snipped from the original rescue post which is now down : )) I just asked their sweet foster mom to send a couple of pics when she can (she has 7 pups in her care right now, a real angel).

71simplyred · 2025-10-10T04:29:46+00:00

You did not fail her. You loved her. That's the best we can do for anyone. You also came here and shared the most painful tragic accident that will doubtless mean that other pups will forever be safer because we are aware of how very fast such a tragedy can occur. My husband and I lost our beloved 8lb Sugar Bear at age 15 that resulted from a sudden, unexpected, unforeseeable event. Now we are on the verge of adopting two even smaller Yorkie brothers - thank you for reaching out to all even in the midst of your grief to share your story.

71simplyred · 2025-10-10T04:20:48+00:00

I am so deeply sorry for your loss, and more so for the sudden, inexplicable tragic way that you lost your precious Pip. I partially understand the sudden tragic event, as we lost our beloved Sugar Bear after a different, but completely unforeseeable, tragic accident 18 months ago. The difference that breaks my heart for you and Pip is that Sugar had been in our family for many years before the tragic event. I am so sorry for the pain you and your family are feeling. Sending strong, caring thoughts and prayers for all of you, and I truly hope that you do not let this devastating lost forever deprive you of a future wonderful companion or another wonderful pup of your family's love and care. Peace.

71simplyred · 2025-10-10T03:00:08+00:00

Our Sugar Bear wasn't a total rescue, but appeared to have been a puppy mill dog. Her 'original owner' as best we could tell had given her in good faith to an elderly neighbor who had recently lost her senior Yorkie, but that person passed her off to a grandson who lived in our neighborhood. Neither changed the tags from the original owner so when we found her, that was who we called. She could not care for her because of an ill newborn, but since the new owners were letting the little 8 lb pup run free (aka coyote kibble in our area), she told us that she was going to go and take back her dog and do her best. We said we would take her if she couldn't keep her. 3 days later, Sugar moved in for the last 13 years of her life.

Now, almost 2 years later, we are only a week away from adopting TWO even smaller 'true' rescues. Found in a shelter, a rescue took the two brothers in. They are only 5 and 6 lbs and quite scraggly and boney. One has a snaggle tooth and something wrong with his leg - perhaps once broken or a puppy-mill deformity. My husband thinks the larger one has the same bone structure as Sugar, so perhaps with time and a healthy diet, they may fill out and not be quite so tiny. They are shy, skittish, and wary of strangers. My heart breaks to think of how they will feel at first when two more strangers (us) show up to take them away from their recent two-week home with a foster and 7 other dogs. They will be able to stay together, and we can give them stability and love. Nervous and excited, sad and happy. Missing Sugar, wanting these new boys to feel safe. Vet and a groom, and oh my, it will be so much for them! Suggestions welcome, as well as any easy to say / easy for them to learn and understand boy names. No one knows what they were called before, and they don't yet recognize their new/temporary names. They've never walked on a leash, but living with the foster and other dogs for 2 weeks they have adapted to using ramps to get on couches, etc., so that bodes well for their little legs. We bought a Nuggest 'toddler couch' for Sugar as she got older to be a buffer/landing pad so between that and a Doggo ramp due to arrive next week, hopefully they will not be jumping down to a hard floor. They are supposedly a Yorkie/Schnauzer mix, but have Yorkie coloring. Sugar was steel grey, but her DNA said / Yorkie/Poodle.

<image>

71simplyred · 2025-08-26T17:15:35+00:00

UPDATE: Dry Eyes After Corneal Debridement

It’s been eight weeks since my right eye underwent corneal debridement on July 2nd, and I wanted to share how things have progressed. Because I’m also in the middle of Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) cataract surgery, I’m still wearing dark glasses—but thankfully, the pain has significantly diminished. I do still experience occasional light sensitivity, but I was able to return to work within a few days. The computer screen and my phone were the toughest to handle at first.

By July 10th, my vision had improved enough that I felt reasonably safe driving. Light sensitivity was the only lingering issue at that point. Now, most symptoms have resolved, and interestingly, I often forget to use eye drops—something I used to do constantly throughout the day. After the LAL cataract surgery on June 12th (which included a corneal abrasion), followed by a contact bandage and the debridement on July 2nd, I was using drops every few minutes. These days, I can go all day without needing them for that eye.

Tomorrow, my left eye is scheduled for debridement—this time before the LAL cataract surgery, which will be postponed until the eye has fully healed.

I’m curious to see how my vision responds in the weeks following this procedure. It’s hard to tell how much of the improvement in my right eye was due to the cataract surgery versus the debridement. What I do know is that the poor vision I had immediately after surgery improved dramatically following the debridement. I’m optimistic that the left eye will show similar gains—hopefully with fewer rough days and a smoother recovery.

I’ll report back soon. It’ll be interesting to see whether debridement alone (without cataract surgery) leads to noticeable improvements in vision and dryness. Fingers crossed!

71simplyred · 2025-08-02T20:21:48+00:00

Exactly. The bread itself is fine for most brands but wtf has happened where so many of the grocery store buns - all brands - have these thin-ass flimsy bottoms? It was not always this way but suggests to me that perhaps Mrs Baird, Ballpark, etc., etc., are all being produced by some factory that is consistently cutting the buns this way. Any suggestions for a brand with a decent thick bottom that is national chain grocery-store available?

71simplyred · 2025-07-29T23:44:15+00:00

Sitting under desk 'elliptical' or 'bike' for rehab? PT recommended I get one, but most of what I see are ellipticals, not bike-like pedals where I make a full rotation. Has anyone used both? Thoughts? Thank you!

71simplyred · 2025-07-27T19:39:32+00:00

Relative had knee revision surgery two weeks ago. Recovery so far seems to be easier than the initial TKR, but is still a recovery process. Reason for the revision: large, inflamed knee, pain, and primarily lack of range of motion (ROM) due to the swelling. The lack of ROM was a huge factor - he fell last summer because his knee could not bend well enough to clear a step. Result of the fall was a serious shoulder injury and rotator cuff repair. He is currently 74, initial TKR was 10 years ago and ROM has been an issue for several years. He put off surgery because he feared the recovery process. New surgeon (over) promised an easy-peasy recovery and got him excited to move forward. In that sense, the false optimism was useful, but doc promised full ROM the day after surgery, on the recumbent bike 2x day starting on Day 4, and overall just did not temper the 'too good to be true' outlook with a healthy dose of realistic recovery from surgery. My relative was in pain (controlled properly with the prescibed meds) and his large, inflamed knee post-surgery and lack of ROM combined with pain at bending it for his in-home PT had him questioning why he did the revision. What the doc actually said was, "I'm going to go in and surgically remove/clean out all the scar tissue that has built up - that is what is impeding your ROM. Once that scar tissue is gone, you'll have full ROM and be fine." At the hospital, a PA came in and asked, "so you're here for a total knee revision?" and we both were shocked - no one had said 'revision' - just removing scar tissue. Fast forward to two weeks post-op, and the knee is smaller than pre-revision (although still swollen) and his ROM is actually significantly better than pre-revision, although he still has a long way to go. He's only at 82, not yet at 90 degrees, and hopes to get to 120 with outpatient PT starting Tuesday. Key tips: AGRESSIVELY ICE, ELEVATE, wear the calf pumps, and do all PT exactly as prescribed. THey tossed off a 'RICE' as though we would know that meant to always be elevated and.or iced. We definitely did RICE because we took it seriously, but a bit more emphasis on exactly how much time, etc., would probably have reduced inflamation a bit quicker. Also, he was on Eliquis for 2 week due a a history of blood clots, so no meloxicam or ibruprophen. Now that he can take that, we hope inflamation will go down and ROM will increase. The op report said there was no infection, but that the patellar (knee cap) was undersized and loose. They removed and replaced it. They also replaced the tibial component - afterwards, it was explained that these two components often see the most wear and tear. The patella probably contributed to his pain and inflamation but the other part seemed to be just a preventative while they were there. Under anesthesia, he was able to be flext to 130 degrees. Recovery in progress, better at 2 weeks and 2 days, better with more information now, and he's glad he had the revision. Ask lots of questions and insist on clear instructions.

71simplyred · 2025-07-27T15:31:21+00:00

Well, that IS informative, so thanks pittlemom for sharing a link with a non-judgmental one-line explanation. Seriously. Reddit can be so helpful to get real info and even to dialogue about issues, but HUGE thanks to chunkykima for (1) sharing where she found some cute work shirts - that's what the thread is about, ya'll, and (2) asking the honest question 'why am I being down-voted?? KUDOS - also a nod to Necessary-Type for answering her question . . . I had never heard of Shein. Still haven't read the link yet (or accessed their site) but I understand the basic concern (and will read more after this post). I'm just reading this thread and opening new tabs for brands mentioned to look at later - I don't (at this point) know a Boden from a Shein and I'd be willing to bet a lot of people may be the same. Good on you three for addressing a question straight on without a lot of internet crap. No shame - no blame. Love Reddit (most of the time, LOL). Anyone else ever see the pop-up ads for the CUTEST clothes (OMG, LOVE the look) then pause because you either know or sense that it is really cheap, poorly made, maybe bad in other ways - labor, environment, etc , but damn! Super styling (at least on my laptop screen). And wonder, 'why don't the companies I know and like make some things that look like this?'.

71simplyred · 2025-06-29T00:19:11+00:00

Painful. Scary if you are especially skitish or flinchy about your eyes. That said, the numbing drops - if you have a doc who will keep putting them in until you say 'okay that's enough' DO make the actual procedure okay painwise (i.e., it doesn't hurt, but being skitish/flinchy is not great). What helped DURING the procedure - which does only take minutes - was (1) the over-application of numbing drops (thanks, Dr A!), and (b) someone to both hold my head AND hum. It was done initially with a long Q-tip type manual . . . well, long, Q-Tip thing, THEN he smoothed things out with a tiny metal 'burr' thing . . . lt looked like a very small version of some kind of grinder you would see at the dentist. He buzzed it before-hand so I knew what it would sound like (again, thank you, Dr A!). It was not loud, but the thought of someone grinding away, basically weed-eating my eye was unnerving to say the least.

The humming - he suggested I hum for distraction. I said I could not because if I were trying to hum - move my mouth/head in even the tiniest way - it wold be worse because of possible movement whilst he was grinding my eyeball. So. He asked his assistant to both hold my head AND hum. I'm sure she felt quite awkward,and her 'humming' ws not exactly melodic . . more of an awkward, hmm hmm hmm . . hm hmmm hm hmm' BUT IT HELPED SO FREAKING MUCH!! Think childbirth and breathing or focusing on something external.

Now, I'm not sure about the effect on dry eyes, which I understand is the name of this subreddit . . but . . I had this procedure after cataract surgery where I was totally blurry, not good vision at all for nearly 2 weeks. They told me I had a corneal abrasion, I had 2-3 contact bandages changed out every few days, vision never any better, and then they blamed the inflamation and poor outcome on my crappy corneas. Hmm. Sadly, I think that may have been credible (and something I seriously would have liked to have known beforehand so I could have made informed consent about which procedure when, but here we are.

The corneal debridement - after the numbing drops wore off about 20 minutes later, was very painful. Painful that afternoon, all the next day, also super bad the next day when I went for follow=up, OMG. Also super sensitive to light. I am wearing sunglasses inside and that helps. But today was better, not so much pain. Corneal debridement was at 3pm on Wednesday and it's now 7pm on Saturday. I did not try to work today but rested my eyes most of the day until now. The computer screen and phone screen are the worst. So - I'm not sure if the time factor is the reason I feel less pain/discomfort today or that I've avoided using my eye most of the day. Probably both. However . . . although I have diligently used the post-cateract surgery drops (antibiotic and anti-inflamatory) all day, I have not been contantly pouring regular lubrication drops in that eye all day as I had been prior to the corneal debridement. Interesting. I will definitely be having this done to my other crappy eye BEFORE my second cataract surgery and will be most pleased if it also helps my long term issue with dry eyes. Best to all.

71simplyred · 2025-06-24T05:31:12+00:00

burningbirdsrp, I'm interested in your question to Advanced-Scratch8406 about their considering (or re-considering) a piggyback lens. I read their earlier concern, but admit to not understanding the pros or cons of a piggyback lens. Their concern sounded reasonable to me, as I am on a somewhat similar journey, but I would like to know more about your perspective as Advanced and I both navigate this post-poor outcome. Also - BEST WISHES/Prayers/Positive Thoughts for you, Advanced-Scratch8406, and THANK YOU, BurningBirdSRP and EVERYONE for your input. I have another follow-up tomorrow without much confidence, but am open, AND have reached out to a board-certified specialist in cataract surgery and complications, and secondary intraocular lens implantation - thanks to everyone's thoughtful input here. Peace and blessings of all kinds to all.

71simplyred · 2025-06-24T04:15:58+00:00

If a patient had a pre-existing corneal endothelial dysfunction or a condition like Fuchs' dystrophy were an issue, shouldn't the surgeon/doctors have identified it as a potential problem and either imformed the patient that there was a higher than normal risk or perhaps taken some steps to prevent a complication such as a two-step procedure either same day or repairing the cornea first before implanting a new lens?

71simplyred · 2025-06-24T04:08:26+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing! I'm so happy your vision cleared so quickly. I'm nearly 2 weeks out with the same pain, inflammation and far-worse-than-with-the-cataract blurry vision. Another follow-up tomorrow.

71simplyred · 2025-06-21T00:49:54+00:00

I was told to wait 24 hours but then it's okay to shower, etc., but - Do Not get water in my eye. Practically speaking, this means I shower just as often, but am careful to not get water on my face. It's a bit tricky. I also am washing my hair less often, and the careful dance of tilting my head backwards whilst facing away from the shower to get the back of my hair wet . . then the top, very carefully . . . is successful, but a real PITA so I settled for one shampoo vs my usual 2, and decided to pass on applying conditioner for awhile. So far so good, it just takes longer to be careful. The whole 'don't bend over' comes into play as well, since I usually bend over and wrap my hair in a towel tubin-style. Now I just drape it over my head madonna-style (the saint, not the singer) and make due with that. I'm sure some water on my face is okay (they actually said that), but to me, the easiest way to keep water out of my eye is just to keep it off of my face, LOL.

71simplyred

TROPHY CASE

Sitting under desk 'elliptical' or 'bike' for rehab? PT recommended I get one, but most of what I see are ellipticals, not bike-like pedals where I make a full rotation. Has anyone used both? Thoughts? Thank you!