Watching an animal recover from a painful procedure is inspiring. Till isn’t worried about what he has to do tomorrow that will be difficult. Or what he used to be able to do that he can’t do now. Granted, the pain meds are helping with that! He isn’t feeling bad for himself, or wondering why it happened to him. He isn’t feeling guilty about being a slacker in a comfy pen, either. He is resting a lot because his body knows he needs it, not because he is confined. He just knows what to do, does it, and accepts it. Wow, just wow. Humans are so much more complicated.
I realize so much of the fear I had about Tilly’s injury and surgery was based on projection of my own painful state. I didn’t want to impose pain on him in any way. The surgeon reassured me that chronic pain from this surgery was not guaranteed, that the surgical pain would resolve over time. That he could have a good outcome. In my head I saw his little body feeling like mine does and I wanted to spare him the frustration, anxiety, loss, and general bedevilment of the whole lot. But maybe he wouldn’t feel that way anyway.
Put another check in the “what pets teach us” column.
Glad I am seeing the RA doc tomorrow. And the Pain Doc on Wednesday. And the GI doc next week. Hoping for a solid plan to have in place to address the continuing gut and arthritis issues, and especially the pain. I have too much art to make!!
Last night I printed more of the series I am making based on one of the collages I made earlier this year. Shifting colors and textures around digitally is so much fun and provides immediate satisfaction compared to the lengthy process of handwork. Not sure how these will be finished, but know it will be fun making them. New color schemes I wouldn’t have thought of myself (meaning finding homes for beads that I wouldn’t ordinarily choose.) After some floor maintenance and laundry, it is art time. Maybe a little art time before said chores, to make sure something gets done.
Hapi is meowing and asking for toast. And singing original tunes. Andrew Lloyd Webber, look out.
Still scratching my head over the happenings in the last month, but am happy to feel pieces falling into place a bit better. Might be the tapering of the prednisone yesterday (although I am not sure I can maintain gut peace on this dose) or it might just be the result of dealing with Tilly’s crisis (go adrenaline!) I’ll take it nonetheless. And keep taking pointers about life from my little white 8lb wonder-dog.