Pooka update: surgery

Just got back from talking to the surgeon, Dr. A. He walked me through Dr. C's notes, and then we got down to business looking at her X-rays.

On the right side, he's certain he knows what's going on and how he's going to repair, with a few minor variations (screws vs. pins and placement of those, etc.)

On the left, though, there are a few question marks I hope will be solved shortly. One is a big break that may be behind her illiac joint (am I getting that right, dad?) and therefore less critical to repair. Which would be good, because it's not an easy break to fix, he said. Risks of leaving it alone include possible interference with the sciatic nerve as it heals...but that is also a risk to going in and trying to fix it. He's inclined to be conservative on this until he sees it in another X-ray.

Then, looking at the angles of her pelvic area, he suspects another break hidden in the X-rays as they were taken on Saturday. He won't know if her sacrum has a break, or whether it's fixable, until he gets in there.

If he does nothing on the left side, he says she may experience some arthritis as she gets older, among other problems that essentially limit her activity level.

He seems cautious. Has a great bedside manner. Answered all of my questions patiently. Pooka's going to have to remain crated except to go to the bathroom for two months or more. No furniture jumping, no stairs. I may have to learn to help her walk with a sling.

That's all I can remember, though my notes are more thorough. She's in pre-op now, sedation for more X-rays, before the party begins. Think good thoughts, everyone.

Oh, and I went in to see her. She was super-whiney before and after I was next to her, but quieted down when I was there touching her through the bars. She put her head against the cage and closed her eyes. She's pretty drugged up, and panting heavily, but she's definitely still Pooka.

Pooks: Listen, Lucca, you're gonna be fine. I'm here for you. I promise, this is going to get better. The whole world is pulling for you, so stay strong, sweetie.