Any ideas/suggestions please?

[Marhcarter]

A padded baseball catcher chest protector? If they can stop a baseball, they should stop a yorkie! They even have the flap that covers the privates. I saw some on amazon <$40.

[AbbyMax]

Four weeks may be just enough time to train your pup to lay on a new pillow/bed next to your DH.

Years ago when my mother had major surgery we were a little concerned about the family Yorkie at the time jumping on her (she was a proud teapot at 16 pounds). Funny thing about dogs, they just seem to know sometimes. Jackie would not jump up on the bed without permission (she never waited before) and would lay on one of our shirts we put on the foot of the bed or next to my mom.

Is is any wonder having dogs makes us healthier people.

Best wishes to your DH on the surgery - will keep him in our thoughts.

[wisteria]

Prayers for an easy recovery.

[Harrysmum]

So, a quick up-date!

I spoke to the Consultant's assistant about my fears/worries....and they looked at me like I was totally nuts!!!

I've arranged though to bring home one of those hospital-bed-tables (which I shall bleach and disinfect within an inch of it's life!!!) when I bring Andy home, which I shall cover in foil (brilliant idea!). At least that can be made higher or lower depending on where Andy is.

I loved the pretend pregnancy tummy....unfortunately he didn't - his face sort of froze.... I really think there's a market for this kind of thing, all you entrepreneurs out there....

What I'd also like to say is a great big thank you for all your brilliant suggestions, all the thought you've put into it....and for all the wonderful, caring, warm wishes Sally + Harry x (+ Andy!)

[yorkietalkjilly]

Oh, come on, Andy, put on that big fake pregnancy belly, especially right before the fellows visit you and hang out to help keep up your spirits!!!

All kidding aside, once again I wonder why medicine can't get ahead of this problem and medical equipment people make a protective, strong, torso-tent of something stable enough to protect the abdomen or chest from toddlers and pets for the post-op patient with a fresh incision and sometimes a drain-tube! Lots of surgery patients would rent it or buy it or whatever to keep the dog from landing slap dab right on the incision when you've dozed off and your caregiver has stepped from the room!

[kjc]

I have nothing to add to the great suggestions given already... but I'll be praying for Andy and you and Harry..

[BabyGirl Rosie]

Originally Posted by Harrysmum

So, a quick up-date!

I spoke to the Consultant's assistant about my fears/worries....and they looked at me like I was totally nuts!!!

I've arranged though to bring home one of those hospital-bed-tables (which I shall bleach and disinfect within an inch of it's life!!!) when I bring Andy home, which I shall cover in foil (brilliant idea!). At least that can be made higher or lower depending on where Andy is.

I loved the pretend pregnancy tummy....unfortunately he didn't - his face sort of froze.... I really think there's a market for this kind of thing, all you entrepreneurs out there....

What I'd also like to say is a great big thank you for all your brilliant suggestions, all the thought you've put into it....and for all the wonderful, caring, warm wishes Sally + Harry x (+ Andy!)

Sally I can't imagine anyone thinking you are nuts! . Glad you figure something out! Hope Andy pulls through the surgery and is back to putting up with you in no time.

[Maximo]

Sally, we will be thinking of your husband and you, praying for a successful surgery and speedy recovery.

I'm glad you were able to arrange for the table. That will be very useful and protective. I also agree with everyone who says Harry will likely know what's up and go easy on your husband. We had a recent experience in which my boys amazed me how intuitive they were, and how accepting they were, and how they behaved in such a helpful way. Dogs are so smart.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by Maximo

Sally, we will be thinking of your husband and you, praying for a successful surgery and speedy recovery.

I'm glad you were able to arrange for the table. That will be very useful and protective. I also agree with everyone who says Harry will likely know what's up and go easy on your husband. We had a recent experience in which my boys amazed me how intuitive they were, and how accepting they were, and how they behaved in such a helpful way. Dogs are so smart.

All dogs are pretty intuitive and sense what is going on but some just lose it at times or like any critter, make a mistake. My sister had emergency esophageal surgery, a post-op infection and was IH a month or so, came home with tubes, etc., and her poodle and Yorkie excited but sensed there were issues there, approached gently, after the initial wild greeting and excitement. All went well for a week until Magnum, the little Yorkie, one day just landed right in her middle as she slept in the bed, trying to kiss her madly, as if he'd restrained himself all that he could, she said. She said she couldn't begin to describe the pain and she had to keep the bedroom door closed after that as she feared he might go commando again. My sweet Scotty jumped on me after my surgery and he was so well-behaved otherwise - wouldn't hurt mommie for anything but he just forgot or went wild that once.

[Micah my love]

Sally i am praying that all goes well for Andy...Hugs to you & Harry

[navillusc]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

Oh, come on, Andy, put on that big fake pregnancy belly, especially right before the fellows visit you and hang out to help keep up your spirits!!!

All kidding aside, once again I wonder why medicine can't get ahead of this problem and medical equipment people make a protective, strong, torso-tent of something stable enough to protect the abdomen or chest from toddlers and pets for the post-op patient with a fresh incision and sometimes a drain-tube! Lots of surgery patients would rent it or buy it or whatever to keep the dog from landing slap dab right on the incision when you've dozed off and your caregiver has stepped from the room!

LMAO...but I wonder why there is not already something to protect a surgical patient's abdomen, too. I sure could have used protection when I had my my most recent surgery a few years ago. One of my kitties was very attentive and KNEW I needed him to nurse me back to health and it was difficult to keep him from snuggling on my chest and tummy...especially when I just got home less than 24 hrs after the 10 hr. surgery, thanks to the surgeon OOPS-ing it and whacking into some wrong stuff, too.

Sally, I do think the hospital tray table will help, and Andy may be able to use it as a 'brace' and 'walker' to help stabilize him right at first, too. I did that in the hospital in '83 when I had both feet operated on. The surgery, plus the meds, can make you a bit woozy and it is nice to have something a little solid feeling to hang on to as you shuffle slowly around. Oh, and those people who looked at you like you were crazy must not have ever been around any loving pet...

I am still sending best wishes for all to go well and healing thoughts for you and Andy.

[yorkiemini]

Years ago when my Father had hernia surgery he used a garbage can lid to lay over his belly (we even glued Velcro straps on it. It worked great but Puddin' learned very quickly not to jump up there.

[Harrysmum]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

All dogs are pretty intuitive and sense what is going on but some just lose it at times or like any critter, make a mistake. My sister had emergency esophageal surgery, a post-op infection and was IH a month or so, came home with tubes, etc., and her poodle and Yorkie excited but sensed there were issues there, approached gently, after the initial wild greeting and excitement. All went well for a week until Magnum, the little Yorkie, one day just landed right in her middle as she slept in the bed, trying to kiss her madly, as if he'd restrained himself all that he could, she said. She said she couldn't begin to describe the pain and she had to keep the bedroom door closed after that as she feared he might go commando again. My sweet Scotty jumped on me after my surgery and he was so well-behaved otherwise - wouldn't hurt mommie for anything but he just forgot or went wild that once.

That was my concern - I can usually say 'no' or 'off' and he does what he's told (Harry, I mean!!!! )

But it'll be that one odd time that my little whirling dervish will strike - probably doing his meerkat impression on the bed, looking at the squirrels in the tree....that was the thing really worrying me. So I need something to be constantly there - just in case! Sally + Harry x

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

All dogs are pretty intuitive and sense what is going on but some just lose it at times or like any critter, make a mistake. My sister had emergency esophageal surgery, a post-op infection and was IH a month or so, came home with tubes, etc., and her poodle and Yorkie excited but sensed there were issues there, approached gently, after the initial wild greeting and excitement. All went well for a week until Magnum, the little Yorkie, one day just landed right in her middle as she slept in the bed, trying to kiss her madly, as if he'd restrained himself all that he could, she said. She said she couldn't begin to describe the pain and she had to keep the bedroom door closed after that as she feared he might go commando again. My sweet Scotty jumped on me after my surgery and he was so well-behaved otherwise - wouldn't hurt mommie for anything but he just forgot or went wild that once.

Your poor sister! I agree that it is best to have extra protection and insurance to make sure the dog doesn't overwhelm the patient.

[Harrysmum]

Originally Posted by navillusc

LMAO...but I wonder why there is not already something to protect a surgical patient's abdomen, too. I sure could have used protection when I had my my most recent surgery a few years ago. One of my kitties was very attentive and KNEW I needed him to nurse me back to health and it was difficult to keep him from snuggling on my chest and tummy...especially when I just got home less than 24 hrs after the 10 hr. surgery, thanks to the surgeon OOPS-ing it and whacking into some wrong stuff, too.

Sally, I do think the hospital tray table will help, and Andy may be able to use it as a 'brace' and 'walker' to help stabilize him right at first, too. I did that in the hospital in '83 when I had both feet operated on. The surgery, plus the meds, can make you a bit woozy and it is nice to have something a little solid feeling to hang on to as you shuffle slowly around. Oh, and those people who looked at you like you were crazy must not have ever been around any loving pet...

I am still sending best wishes for all to go well and healing thoughts for you and Andy.

Cat - I know you'll be thinking and praying for us, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart

I truly don't know why such a thing doesn't exist - when the snow has cleared and I can get out and about again, I'm going to go to some medical suppliers and try to find out....I'll let you know! Sally + Harry x