You are doing fine Donna.   I count 18 posts this morning.   I enjoy reading
what you have to say.   My only thought is that we have more than one Donna.
Harv

Thanks! Always appreciated. Replies from you under my posts aren't showing
up on my reader either. What did came through late last night, after I
turned off the computer.

Yes, Thank you. She is starting to put a little weight on it occassionally.
The problem is her 'people pleasing' and goofy nature; she's trying to do
too much a little too soon. She keeps bringing us her tennis ball to play.
And when I say "let's go..." she gets all excited and starts romping
around - then realizes its too much and slows down her pace. We don't want
any set backs.

Honestly - she needs the surgery. We just can't afford it.

Non-surgical healing isn't going to allow her to run and play the way she
used to. She will now always be gimpy on both hind legs, instead of just
one. The other knee (and hip) has significant arthritis because she has hip
dysplasia on that side. That's probably why she blew out her knee - it's
been doing extra duty for twelve years.

So glad I took her to the other vet's office and got the reality check. Also
went to the office manager of my usual vet and told her how upset their
staff member had made me - making me feel I wasn't taking good care of my
pet if I didn't do the surgery or put her down. Got profuse apologies and a
flag on my file saying we would not accept care from that particular vet
except in emergency. Office manager asked if there was anything they could
do to make it up to us - should have asked for a discount on her meds and
flea control but didn't think of it.

Thanks for asking. Arthritis is status quo. CRP and sed rate aren't showing
any improvement despite being on Plaquenil for over year, but pain levels
are better. RD is doing another wrist MRI end of next month to see if there
are any changes (did one last year, planning to do them annually for now).
We are discussing change to Methotrexate, but he'd really like to hold off
on it given my age (46), coming from a long lived family, and family history
of my mom developing tolerances to arthritis meds fairly quickly. He wants
to make sure we have options and reduce my exposure to toxins as much as
possible, as long as there is no progression.

Before you jump and say he is being too cautious - remember this is the same
doc who moved heaven and earth to get Duckie into the Rituxan study. He can
be as aggressive as all get out. But in me he sees someone at early stages
with no erosions whatsoever, but all the classic symptoms of RA (I'm rh
neg). Many docs wouldn't even make the diagnosis. I think he's being prudent
and really taking in the big picture.

Now - if only my allergies would give me a break. Tree pollen is intense
around here right now, and so is my reaction. After three weeks of a throat
virus which irritated the reactive asthma, the post nasal drip from
allergies is continuing it longer. I'm getting plenty air. But the coughing,
throat clearing and sore throat of the reactive asthma is annoying and
keeping me from doing much or being outside much. Nothing in any way
dangerous. Nothing worthy of complaining about (except am in whiny mood).
Just annoying.

Right back atcha!!

Adelle