Thursday, June 9, 2016

Thinking on Thursday

It's my turn today, Ciara reporting on the latest news on the "S" front.


I am thinking I might need you all to find a little bit of the POTP to help me through the next two weeks, or maybe it is Mom who needs it more than me.

I had a big visit yesterday with Dr. C., my very nice neurologist.  He has decided that enough is enough, and I need to make the switch to phenobarbital now.  He says I have had way too many seizures and too many cyclical ones coming on since my last increase of Keppra and zonisamide.  Keppra is known to have a honeymoon period where the drug becomes less effective and requires an increase in the dosage, or just stops being effective and no increase will improve its efficacy (how's that for a big word from me?)  I have already had several increases in the dosage.  And zonisamide is most effective when it works in conjunction with the Keppra.  So if Keppra isn't working, then there isn't much point in taking the zonisamide. 




So starting this morning, I am going to be weaning off the Keppra and zonisamide over the next three weeks, and at the same time I had my first phenobarbital tablet this morning.  I will take it twice a day.  Once I am totally off the Keppra and zonisamide, that will mean TEN less pills a day, and just the two pheno and two of my thyroid meds. But the next 10-14 days could be a little bit rough as my body adjusts to the new drug.  I may be very groggy, sleepy, disoriented, unstable on my feet, or I could also get pretty hyper.  But after the 14 days, I should get back to normal and the seizures should be few and far between.  Mom wanted to get this going ASAP so I can hopefully be adjusted before the big 4th of July weekend hits.  In the past this has been an incredibly stressful time for me with fireworks. And this year could be really bad with the extra long holiday weekend.




Some of you may wonder why Dr. C. held off so long before putting me on pheno.  When my seizures first started, I was only four.  Pheno has some potential bad side effects that he was trying to avoid until I was older.  Well, I am not 7 1/2, hardly OLD, but older.  One of those issues is a dramatic increase in appetite.  Mom says I already have a weight problem because of all the meds I am on.  I think they are already starving me here.  But Dr. C. says Mom has to be strong and not feed me any extra just because I am super hungry - sheesh!!!  And then there is the whole liver damage issue. But with good effort on Mom's part to get my blood tests done as prescribed by Dr. C., we should be able to stay on top of any liver issues and take some steps to keep my liver as healthy as possible.  There are also a few other "rare" side effects that we are  hoping to miss entirely.




So far today, Mom hasn't seen too much of a problem with me, just an increase in my thirst and a bit of restlessness as I keep asking her to let me out.  She says it is way too hot for me to go out for anything other than a potty break.  Only 13 1/2 days to go.



So as you can tell, any extra good thoughts you have for me would be so very much appreciated.  Crossed paws will help too:)





And of course, I always have my very good brother to help keep me happy.  Lightning is a real comfort to me.

Woos - Ciara (and Lightning)

37 comments:

  1. Stay strong for me! My mom and I are praying for you, are thinking of you, and we love you!

    Your pal,
    Christmas

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  2. We NOSE just what your Mom is talking about as our April was on Pheno for many years before her liver was destroyed. BUTT it did work as far as holding off the S-Monster. She had regular blood tests (every 6 months) but they were always normal until the very end.

    I'm sure things have improved a lot since we lost April. We all have our paws crossed tightly for you and Mom is saying lots of extra prayers too. The 4th of July really sucks for us pups.....

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  3. Well, it does seem as there is good news/bad news; good news you will be off the other two drugs and then bad that your body will take time to adjust. My mother always took Pheno-for nervousness I guess while I was growing up. I think my sister took it too-actually she took Valium. I think if it wards of those evil monsters, it may be worth is.
    Sending love your way!
    Wags,
    Noreen and Hunter

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  4. Oh Ciara, we sure hope this eventually helps you a lot with the big 'S'. We all have our paws crossed for you and sending many purrs and some mighty Hee haws too. The donkeys wish you the best since Phantom was a friend of the donkeys that live near you. We just hope it makes your life easier and the Mom's too. Sending good thoughts.

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  5. Hi Ciara! First let me say, I LOVE the photos of you today - especially the first one and the one with your paws crossed! You are looking so beautiful!
    Now ... of COURSE we will step up the prayers for you! We understand about the side-effects of Pheno - and that it affects different pups in different ways. Mom wanted me to say that her second Beagle her family had while she was growing up was on Pheno for a good number of years. He lived a long, full life! You hang tough!
    Lots of love and prayers,
    Cammie!
    (And Mom and Mags, too!!!)

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  6. We'll be thinking about you, and hope that the phenobarb works well for you. Hang in there!

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  7. We are sending you TONS of AireZen and POTP, Ciara, and our paws are crossed!

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  8. we are keeping you in our thoughts always and hope the change in meds help. paws crossed there are not too many side effects.

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  9. We do hope that the days of transition go well for you Ciara and that the new med will chase that monster away!!! Mom was wondering if you could take Milk Thistle to help protect your liver
    hugs
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel

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  10. We think of you all the time sweetie sending lots of Fighting Like A Frenchie vibes
    Lily & Edward

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  11. We know Mom will stay on top of things for you dear Ciara. We've got POTP coming your way, and there are lots of paws here. Oh, that noise you hear are the healing kitty purrs coming at you sweet girl.

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  12. My paws are crossed with POTP,,, and a million magic bubbles to help too,
    love
    tweedles

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  13. POTP heading your ways and we've got our paws and fingers crossed. We hope it is an uneventful changeover.

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  14. Oh Ciara! Mom and I have our paws crossed tight for you. As you know, I take zonicamide and mom takes pheno. I have very mild seizures so the zonicimide helps me. butt you're right! I have to take 7 every day. My angel brother Buddy took Pheno, and after a few weeks he wasn't groggy or anything. We'll keep you in our thoughts, but I'm glad you're finally switching to the Big Girl meds. I think they'll really help!!

    Your pal,

    -Otto

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  15. 24 Paws crossed for you and your mom. We hope everything goes smoothly with the switch and you are doing better really soon.

    Thinking of you!

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  16. Keeping out paws crossed too and sending many wam fuzzy thoughts and prayers your way. Linda, Pepper, and Dublin

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  17. We're purring and praying that the transition goes smoothly and that you do well with the new meds.

    The Florida Furkids

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  18. Ciara my sweet brave little friend bless your heart. I wish I could be my daggers on those mean seizures. Sounds like your Vet has a good plan of action. Fingers crossed on the food issue...seems mom thinks I could lose a pound or too also. Maybe we can go to Curves together
    Now for those gorgeous photos. Girlfriend you have that camera wrapped around your paws! Lightning..your eyes are so pretty
    Hugs Madi your bfff

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  19. I could have written this post because we had a dog that had traveled this same road you are several years ago, so I know understand what you're going through. The change in the meds worked for our boy, and so without question, we're sending all our best vibes that it works for Ciara too!

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  20. Oh boy, we don't like you having the big S. We are truly going to pray very, very hard that this new medicine helps you and cures you. Hugs to you and your very worried Mom

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  21. Crikey Ciara .... there's so much POTP heading your way from downunder you wouldn't believe. Mum and I will be saying lots of prayers too.

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  22. POTP sent in my fastest teleport tunnel Ciara. You and Mom can do this med switch. We have your back

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  23. chiara all our paws and fingers are crossed for you... and we send a big bag with potp!

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  24. Sending POTP that this switch in meds does the trick and that the transition goes smoothly!!

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  25. Sending POTP that this switch in meds does the trick and that the transition goes smoothly!!

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  26. Here's to hoping the Pheno will be the "magic" pill for you, Ciara. Gibson was on Pheno & Potassium Bromide successfully since he was three. Pure pumpkin purée and green beans added to the food can help fill those "hungry mungries" from the Pheno. Gib did initially gain 20 lbs, but over two years I did trim him back down with the pumpkin & puréed green beans. Also while on Pheno, Milk Thistle is good liver cleansing supplement you can get from the health food store, so check with your vet about giving Ciara it. I hope her adjustment period goes well and I'm here for you any time! Hugs!

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  27. We are keeping every paw and hoof in the house and field crossed for you, Ciara. We hope that the transition will be smooth and that the pheno will work well for you.

    The weight thing is annoying. Are you already on low-fat kibble? I am in the process of being switched to low-fat (6.5%) kibble by #1 and I like the new kibble, but it's still mixed in with the old for now.

    Woofs,
    Tommy

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  28. POTP from all of us crossed paws and fingers and lots of healing purrs, we hope the transition goes smoothly. And we are wishing you a stress free summer.

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  29. My sweet Ciara, I am crossing my paws HARD that your new meds work better and keep that evil evil S monster away from you.

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  30. We are sending lots of POTP and pawsitive vibes to you (and your Mama), Ciara!! Hang in there sweet girl!!

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  31. Stay strong Ciara! We are sending lots of positive vibes to you and you guys are always in our prayers and thoughts! Hugs!!!

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  32. I hope Ciara does well on Pheno. Ruby takes it twice a day and it works really well for her. She has not experienced any of the side effects and has only had a few seizures over the years. I hope it works as well for Ciara! Sending lots of good thoughts and prayers.

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  33. Very interesting, we learned a bit reading this. We hope Ciara does well. Too bad about the lack of treats though!!!

    Kiki and Nala

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  34. Sending POTP from Spain. We follow your boogie regularly, we are not good at pawing comments BOL You will be in our thoughts and prey you have an easy transition onto your new drugs.
    Big Hugs
    Khumbu, Kyra and Rita

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  35. OH GURL! How did I miss this postie?! Wells, I'm glads your Moms and vettie have a plan, and I hope the phenobarbital does the trick. Does the vettie have you on Milk thistle too? It's to protect your liver, and is really safe. Ma gets hers online from Costco, and you don't need a membership to order it! They are small enough to hide in some delish treaties!
    Anyhu, I gots my paws crossed for you gurl! Tell Lightning that I am counting on his skills to watch over you!
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  36. All paws and fingers in our house are crossed, hoping that this is a great transition for you, Ciara.

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