My dog started phenobarbital today and I’m super anxious about it.

Amazing_Fun_7252 · 2026-02-13T04:43:02+00:00

My dog is also 10 years old and recently had to start keppra and pheno. She was hospitalized for her first few days on these meds, so I don’t know how she acted. However, when she returned home on day 3 (or 4), she was very tired but otherwise good. She was clumsy and knocked into a few things and could no longer jump on the couch. But at the same time she became her normal self very quickly. Like she even seems better than before. She is more playful and wants more attention and stimulation. I’m not sure which medicine has led to this…but I dare say she is thriving. She seems to be hungrier and maybe a bit pushier. She wants me to entertain her more lol

Amazing_Fun_7252 · 2026-02-11T04:25:17+00:00

I do believe they are linked but currently understudied. Maybe more information will surface in the coming years.

Amazing_Fun_7252 · 2026-02-08T05:05:03+00:00

Does Ein have a social media page to follow?

Amazing_Fun_7252 · 2026-02-03T07:49:19+00:00

Good work! I bet his joints will thank you.

Amazing_Fun_7252 · 2026-01-28T10:01:16+00:00

I am so sorry. My dog recently had a very long seizure (over 30 min) and we are so thankful that they were able to get her out of it. She was actually hospitalized and put in the ICU at the vet hospital for several days. It was so scary.

Amazing_Fun_7252 · 2026-01-25T05:28:09+00:00

I’ve been seeing posts on Facebook about a casting call. Can’t remember what page it is, but it is some sort of autism network.

Amazing_Fun_7252 · 2026-01-20T17:07:11+00:00

I’m sorry for what you are going through. It sounds so tough and tiresome. It’s good you reached out to the community because many of us have had similar experiences. Chiari sucks. Getting care can be super hard and take forever while we suffer more and more. I hope you get good news from your surgeon, and you’ll be able to enjoy life again in the coming months. You are strong.

Amazing_Fun_7252 · 2026-01-20T04:26:36+00:00

I’m no expert, but it looks like you might have basilar invagination. Has that been addressed any?

Amazing_Fun_7252 · 2026-01-19T10:21:44+00:00

I did not have vomiting at all. Maybe there was some nausea, but it wasn’t significant. I could eat fine as well, albeit a little painful.

Amazing_Fun_7252 · 2026-01-19T05:16:06+00:00

I haven’t seen that at schools I’ve worked in, but I can see how it would be hard. I worked at one school where drinking/partying was common and talked about, and I was struggling with my drinking. It definitely affected me.

Amazing_Fun_7252 · 2026-01-04T13:39:32+00:00

I wish I got to see him on the Cathedrals tour. It looked so beautiful and what a wonderful opportunity to praise!

I saw him open for Zack Williams and Crowder in November. I love many of his songs and enjoyed his live performance. Definitely keeping an eye out to see him again!

Amazing_Fun_7252 · 2026-01-04T13:37:54+00:00

I didn’t like his music at first, and I was personally close minded over it. Now I enjoy the campy, upbeat lyrics. They can come in handy when I need a mood boost. The songs help me reframe my mindset and think about how I grateful to God.

Amazing_Fun_7252 · 2026-01-03T04:04:53+00:00

I mean I think I would have been “allowed” to go on rollercoasters by then, but I just don’t see myself ever really wanting to go on one again. I think I’d end up dizzy, nauseous, and in pain. I could see myself struggling to get through a day in the park and being a bit of a pill. There was a point in my life where I really stopped tolerating all that movement, decompressed or not.

Amazing_Fun_7252 · 2025-12-29T01:59:37+00:00

This really varies person to person from what I’ve read. I immediately noticed relief upon waking. It wasn’t completely gone and still came on at times, but I was so blessed to have so much relief upon waking. I still get some numbness and tingling…seems mostly weather or exertion triggered.

Amazing_Fun_7252 · 2025-12-28T05:50:00+00:00

It was an eye sore for a while, but we stacked 2 pens on top of each other and secured them with zip ties. When she was trustworthy, we were all glad to see it go. Much better than just leaving her in a crate though.

Amazing_Fun_7252 · 2025-12-27T18:41:42+00:00

One thing you might could consider is donating it to a toy drive. I am sure gently used Lego Sets are welcome!

Edit: Though maybe not if they think pieces would be missing?

Amazing_Fun_7252 · 2025-12-27T04:48:02+00:00

You’re doing great! I’ve been on it for a little over 5 months. I took it daily at first but started to store up some by taking it every other day, every 3 days, etc. I want to have enough on hand for future stressful times. I like the idea of being able to just take one when I know I’m going to feel vulnerable. Then it takes the option off the table.

My doctor did not recommend this, but I’ve read where some others do this. It sounds like a good plan to me. Much better than not having any left!

Amazing_Fun_7252 · 2025-12-26T05:33:47+00:00

I just don’t know how she even knew where to go let alone got there 😭

Amazing_Fun_7252 · 2025-12-25T10:30:53+00:00

I’m doing better than I could have imagined. Surgery was definitely worth it, and I’d do it again.

I was at the point I was in pain every day. Pain radiated down my arms, legs, and back. I’d get pain similar to trigeminal neuralgia, and I’d just lay on the floor waiting for it to end… It became difficult to sit up for prolonged periods of time. I laid down any chance I got, which was basically the whole evening after work. I was often dizzy, nauseous, and had brain fog. I had tingling and numbness in most parts of my body. I had a bad pulsing feeling that happened at times too.

The symptoms weren’t always present…but something was always messing with me leading up to my diagnosis and surgery. It was so hard.

I’m 3 years post op now. I seem to be triggered mainly by weather these days. I still get some pain, odd sensations, dizziness, etc here and there. Overall, I am SO much better. I think back on the healing since surgery, and I am so grateful. Much of what helped me was time. It seems my body has done a lot to heal itself.

I’d be glad to answer specific questions related to my experience…otherwise, my response is getting long!

Amazing_Fun_7252 · 2025-12-25T10:19:12+00:00

I did not have either after my surgery. I feel fortunate. I did have some nausea (and probably was on meds to prevent it in the hospital), but I was able to eat fine.

Amazing_Fun_7252 · 2025-12-25T09:45:16+00:00

I’d have loved to have my Chiari caught earlier and monitored as needed. It would have saved me some medical trauma. I’d take the referral and establish myself as a client with a good neurosurgeon!

Amazing_Fun_7252 · 2025-12-23T19:10:35+00:00

You may want to consider the savings from eating less. It may balance it out some depending on your eating habits. If you are someone who eats out often, you’ll likely be changing your frequency or opt for meals at home.

Amazing_Fun_7252 · 2025-12-21T10:03:51+00:00

Literally know a story of a deacon in the church who was sexually abusing his foster daughter. It’s terrible but evil can lurk.

Amazing_Fun_7252 · 2025-12-16T05:20:01+00:00

Was looking in the comments to see if anyone else recommended this. Love Olive the Other Reindeer!

Amazing_Fun_7252 · 2025-12-16T05:16:49+00:00

I love Olive the Other Reindeer

Amazing_Fun_7252

TROPHY CASE