I thought it might be about time to give folks an update on Bob and my boob. I've been afraid to say much before now because I thought I might jinx something. I can be superstitious that way. Anyway, the surgeon gave my boob a clean bill of health almost 2 weeks ago. I had an infection where they did the incision and they gave me some powerful antibiotics that knocked it out. I honestly think the infection was from the inside and not from the incision. So it was probably unavoidable. Even the nasty looking incision has softened and doesn't look quite as bad. I thought I'd have to walk around with a big smiley face on my boob! Now it isn't as noticable. Bob (my other boob - lol) is doing much, much, much better! I took him to the doctor last week and the doctor was very impressed with how well he his doing. His breathing is much better and the doctor did tell us that Bob's lung would probably take a few months to heal from the infection he had. Bob's blood sugar levels are leveling out and his white blood cell count is doing well. He has even started driving a bit on his own and going out to the store. Now I hope that next year, when I take vacation days, they won't be spent in a hospital! I am so grateful for all of you and your support and encouragement! You folks are the VERY BEST!

The ortolani sign means there is hip joint laxity, a predisposing factor to degenerative joint disease associated with hip dysplasia. It is great that your friend has a vet who is familiar with both the test and the TPO surgery. Unfortunately I know that the surgeons here prefer to do the surgery at 6-16 weeks of age (sometimes they push it back a little bit, but not to 18 months for sure), because they feel there is limited benefit after that time. The surgery consists of breaking the bones in the pelvis in such as way that the head of the femur fits better into the hip socket. Well, that's the short version anyway. But if the bones are not growing the conformation of the hip is not changed drastically enough to prevent signs of DJD and hip dysplasia. Also dogs that already have any radiographic signs of DJD are not good candidates for the surgery, which is why they are usually very young dogs. The radiographic signs of hip dysplasia, including DJD, are usually apparent much earlier than physical/clinical signs such as pain or altered gait. It is very possible that since last year they have discovered that doing the surgery later is still beneficial, but I haven't heard that yet. Hopefully for your friend's dog is a candidate for the TPO because it seems to be the best option, and the only one (besides breeding non-genetically affected dogs) that is a preventative measure.

I've seen a few people who "project" what he might like. I'd like to project the opposite to show what other intentions this stranger might have. He might like to know that you will continue with him and with whoever he can send your way. He might like having that income. He might be able to concentrate fully, pay attention to detail, and advise you well. It is possible. He might appreciate that you will pace things out to suit his current situation. Any other way of projecting is (in my view) a self-serving way of cutting away from someone in need. He could have been "between insurances" when he found the tumor growing, and not felt comfortable about lying / hiding / non-declaring while filling out the application form for the next insurance. I said it "sounds like what I would hear about one of those third world countries. I'll bet this wouldn't happen in one of those countries that have state-run medical services" because in those systems he wouldn't have been fighting against his life savings when a doctor first spoke and said, "buster, that there thing is bad, and you are going to have to get that sucker taken out real soon before it gits ya." Cutting it out happens real fast when the payor is a great payor. There are no delays when the payor is clearly going to pay. It was a cancer, and the best time to snip it out and start following the recovery process was right away. When all you've ever seen is people hedging about when to do things and how much, it may be hard to imagine that some guy like this would NOT delay this kind of surgery. In fact, the doctors don't even present it to you as "you have to get it done" they just say, "we'll schedule it soon, and if you want more tests to be even more certain, that'll be fine too." I saw a remark above stating that even if it were to happen at no cost to him, he might have delayed it until too late. Hmm. Well, we'll never know, because he can't live simultaneously under two systems so we'll never know how he would have turned out under another system. About the medical coverage, my first comments at the top of this thread could be taken either way. So if anyone wants to thank me, I'm willing to hear it. Recently one GW member wrote that I'm also good at projecting, and even to the point of it being a pathology ... Oh, no! Do I have to declare it in all my insurances? Does this mean it's a downward spiral from here on? Am I stuck with the insurance company I'm with now?

Thanks gang! You're all so gracious & encouraging! Seems so long ago now (last Christmas Day.... literally!) that I "finished" tearing it when I slipped on ice! OUCH! Then came the walk-in visit, x-rays, the "pre-hab", ultrasound-scan..........and finally, the April 20th surgery. Mixed into this Spring '17 time-frame was the 3T-MRI on the LEFT shoulder, & the steps involved with the (still possible!!) Stem-cell study. Sea!!! How's your journey going now?!!!!? Msm- For ME, she could get my arm down fairly early! Overall, my ROM was very good early on. I do have a couple "clicking points", when the elbow is out, & I'm bringing arm around or up. Faron