The BEST thing I've ever done! I lurk here all the time but seldom post...I want to say go for it! My recovery was very easy. I never took anything stronger than tylenol for pain. I took a month off from work not knowing what to expect, but I could have been back in a week or two easily. Now, 7 years later I'm still so glad I did it...wish I would have done it sooner. Let me know if you have specific questions. Judy

Thank you everyone for your kind words and advice. To answer some of your questions... Jovie is a rescue mutt - she was found in a ditch at 8ish weeks. She may be a collie/shepherd cross; we're not really sure. After her surgery she was doing so poorly gait wise that the vet took her off Tramadol as he wasn't sure why she was walking so funny and thought the opiods might be a contributing factor. I've since put her back on it as I can't stand to see her limping. It doesn't seem to be causing any adverse effects, and there is some improvement, however she is still struggling to get up from sleep. I'll be talking to the vet again about this on Wednesday. Water therapy sounds like the way to go. I did a web search and here seems to be (or was) a hydrotherapy clinic for dogs here in Edmonton, however the link is broken - have to call and see if they are still around. We have no funds to buy a pool because.. while initially being treated with NSAIDS a few months ago for her soreness, she counter surfed and ate 14 liver flavoured NSAIDS, which thankfully was caught in time and treated with a four day hospital stay. After paying for that and the surgery (plus a wedding in August) we are tapped out. We just took down our above ground 2 months ago cause no one was using it...the irony kills me. The vet even said that he's not sure if she can be on anti-inflammatories due to liver/kidney issues (although her last labs were normal). Another thing we have to discuss. Hence my interest in alternate anti-inflammatories or pain killer therapy, seeing that she may be on them for the rest of her life. I was hoping to be her physiotherapist (again because of funding) although I'm not sure if it's actually her elbows that are the problem as like I mentioned before, she seems sore all over. Has anyone tried herbs/natural meds for pain or to decrease inflammation? Thank you all again. She's been a challenge but she is very sweet and we love her tons. This post was edited by lpoham on Fri, Aug 2, 13 at 19:03

Please excuse the hijack anitamo. Those who have been through this know. You "handle" it until something pushes a button, which anitamo's post evidently did for me, especially Pal's link to the soft caps as I was talking about that with my sister the other day. I so appreciate the support, ladies. I'm super private as I believe it's impolite really to burden others. Everyone has problems, tragedies and crises in the course of a lifetime -- no one needs anyone else's. I believe in sharing the happy stuff -- I put up 2 favorite recipes on a new thread mtn started. Both really delicious. I've always had a very high stress tolerance and have an ability to thread my way through chaos. But losing younger siblings is a killer even when you're not close. My next younger brother passed suddenly 4 years ago. Now my sister is sliding away. It's like standing on a large island that's your life/family history and watch huge chunks fall off. I don't mind it changing me. I always have been lucky and I'm blessed in so many ways in this life. But my sister has had much to overcome and not a great deal of happiness. The idea that she must go so early and with so much pain and disability seems really cruel. Enough. Thank you all for your good thoughts and prayers. Big hugs to you. I so appreciate the empathy and support. It really helps.

Good to hear from you, Jackie. I'm impressed that you haven't needed any pain meds! 'You know who' must have covered you with her love. :-) A person who had Barbie/Ken butt surgery used a dimpled air-filled cushion (not donut) she got at a medical supply store and carried it everywhere she went. Not sure if that will help since that isn't what you done but it has to do with sitting. Maybe make some very high-loft cushions for every where you sit. OR, make and attach a strap on each side of the cushion and just tie it on! I'd love to see you walking down the street. I can send you some SBS squares for you to use and you can end up sitting on her! LOLOLOL OK, all kidding aside, so very glad things are looking up for you. Hugs......