Dogster, as always, knowledge is power, especially in the realm of medicine. Bob & Andy, among others can tell you how sick I was 2 years back (well, according to Gpanda, I'm still quite sick, although in a different way), and knowing what I was up against and how to wage war with what ailed me was of paramount importance to my recovery. (Much to their mutual chagrin, I sought help out in Boston, which is not particularly close to my home! Batten down those hatches, you New Englanders!) In any event, do everything you can to fight this battle, because you can surely win it! Wishing you the very best, and complete recovery very soon.

BC

Congratulations, you finally know what's wrong! (If you want the big picture google "peripheral artery disease.") When you go see your repair person make sure to ask how many of these procedures he or she has done. That's one of the predictors of good outcome. Dogster wants big time experience.

I'm listening to Girl From Ipanema cause that's where we're heading tomorrow. I'll drink a caipirinha (or two) to your health. Be brave!

Glad you have a diagnosis! Sounds like lots of googling to come. Good advice from Marija. And I'm still big on second opinions on treatment, since this doesn't seem to be a "have to do it today" situation. Although I know nothing about how the Australian medical system works.

I'm glad you know what you are dealing with now. It sounds like you are deep into your research. I don't know how the Australian healthcare system works, how much choice you have in terms of providers. But Marija is quite right - one of the best predictors of positive outcome is how many and how often the doctor performs these procedures.

I'm sending you good vibes and perhaps we can suggest additional musicals for your distraction. South Pacific is a good place to loiter for a while. After that, The Music Man, perhaps?

Thanks for keeping us posted. I second everybodys opinion, make sure you get someone who is a VERY experienced vascular surgeon. Then listen to ABBA and Dancing Queen.

Really glad that you know what is ailing you. Hindsight is always 20/20 no sense in beating yourself up about this.

At least you live in a metropolis where the care is good, just think if you were out in the bush, no good vets there.

Do you want me to bake some of AskOksanas love biscuits and send them to you?

I don't really know what to say to you all.

None of us get to err... certain years without our share of death, disease and general crapola. Dog ain't Robinson Crusoe here - but, like all of us, I have my moments of weakness. So a word of support, a word of wisdom and more than a drop of cyber-grace from those who have been there too makes a whole heap of difference.

Thank you.

Australia has universal medical care. In [very] broad terms, it's free. In reality, if you want the best, when you want it - you pay for it. I don't have any trouble with that concept.

My word, I'm tired today. This has all been much more stressful than I thought. Best not to dwell on this too much. I'll do homework, practice defensive patienthood, learn all about my clogged illiac arteries [I didn't even know I had such a thing till today] and stay home some more.

Tomorrow's musical may have to be 'West Side Story'. After that, I've run out. I've discovered a man only needs three musicals in his collection - any more and it all seems a bit errr... affected. When you hear I'm playing anything sung by Judy Garland, just shoot me.

lol NY - we were posting at the same time. I was reflecting on AskOksana and her desire to be carried on a palanquin everywhere she went, thinking that was a possible solution to my problem.

But the thought of AskOksana's love biscuits has quite sent me into a flutter.

Hey Dog, sending you plenty of (((hugs))) from the UK

Old age is not for sissies, that's for sure. Hope that both shoes have dropped and that you don't have any more excruciating waits.

Dogie...my 86 yeaar old mother just had 3 stents in one of her legs. After 3 weeks she was back to her old self...including driving, as horrifying as that is. You will get thru it and back to the call of "Bali High". After all life is for "the very young at heart." Good luck and we are thinking of you.

All of our best wishes and prayers to you! Hope to read another one of your tails soon

Aloha!

Dogster, best of luck to you. Love Marge x

Hmmm...tails or tales, hawaiiantraveler?

Dogster, be proud of your battle scars, whatever and wherever they may be! (I have many, but also not usually visible to the eye.) They are proof that you have been a warrior throughout your life! (Sorry, I'm descended from Irish warrior kings, so I get a bit carried away sometimes.)

BC

a little tic bc

Oh no, Dogster is caught in the hamster-wheel of medical jargon, feeling crook, referrals and Google-info overload

My thoughts are with you – still recovering from a similar situation, and yep, the kennel is in turmoil – but as alpha dog, you get to choose the music, the treatment, the medication, the alternatives, and whether or not to accept the BARF (Bones and Raw Food) diet.

I found a great way to keep sane and on top of the situation was to write a Journal of all medical visits, technical details, lost files, lost specialists, pathology reports, and some truly bizarre experiences – always being my own health advocate - and then enjoying the day! Once all details are documented, the mind-churn is minimised and high-volume Edith Piaf’s “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien” can be revelled in with a rousing glass or two

Distemper shots and neutering are thus avoided.

Iliac, schmiliac. This dog will hunt again, and soon. But ABBA? Please, nooooooo...!

Great idea, FurryTiles. And from the diary we await a brilliantly written "Trip Report from Leg-oland," and all its medical surrealness. I've been to a place like this before. While it ain't a pleasure cruise, when all is said and done, you'll be singing "I Feel Pretty." I guarantee it.

Today's the day. Chop. Slice. Fillet. Stent. I confess I have to re-read this post to fill my heart up with positive thoughts before I hurtle out the door. So no more 'good luck's' are needed - just send me a silent prayer in about six hours, eh? It's a day thing - I should be back home by late afternoon.

So, when you next hear from me, I'll have been spayed.

I've got a bit scared now, so I'll stop. I hope they give me valium.

I expect they will give you one of those "miracle" benzos that not only relax you but make you forget the scary part of the experience. Your next report, fully relaxed, you won't know what all of the fuss was about.

All the waiting and worrying ahead of time is hideously stressful. It is so much better to get to this moment when you can just get on with it, no? Once the procedure gets underway, focus on the fact that every minute moves you closer to recovery. You are no longer captive of an imagination that torments you with 'what ifs,' you are solving the problem so you can get on with your life.

Good luck, even though it is not needed.

Soon you will be back on all two's and thinking of your return to SR or elsewhere and this day will be a fading memory. Wishing you well and a quick recovery.