I HATE migraines. I've had them for 30 years and I'm sick of them. Until the last year or so they weren't very frequent but now they're coming ever couple of months.

I'm feeling so much better today, and I can actually think for the first time in days. :p But, it's time to get on with the important stuff - Chelsea. I'm going to go through the thread and try to answer questions as best I can, as well as thank all of you for responding. :) I'd appreciate any thoughts, advice, questions or input any of you may have!

Thank you for all the prayers, Anne. :)

No ultrasound has been done yet (I'm guessing the cardiologist will be the one to do this if needed). She had not shown any signs of an infection and her WBC count was excellent so we're not looking in that direction right now. The bloodwork also ruled out Addison's Disease, and her hydration was good so no fluids were given. Chelsea did not show any signs of pain, except that Dr. Jones said her abdomen was slightly tense and Chelsea indicated it was tender up near her ribcage.

The doctor and I discussed at length on Saturday the possiblity of Chelsea ingesting something - he questioned me in depth. Given the circumstance of that morning, as well as the fact that none of the medicines I have in the house would cause this reaction, he felt that it was highly unlikely but always possible that she'd swallowed something. He said he wasn't ruling that out but he really didn't think that was the issue with Chelsea.

I'm normally just like you two - I should have insisted on a referral right away, and normally I would have. No excuses, I just haven't been thinking clearly. I definitely want her seen by a specialist. I'm terrified of what the next ECG might show. Before, I was praying it would be normal...now, I'm not sure. As Ann mentioned yesterday, Chelsea could have a normal ECG reading and still have underlying problems.

I have her confined to small area of the house (kitchen/dining) to try to keep her quieter. I put all the pups together so that she wouldn't get stressed being alone. She was like her normal self again last night....I pray that continues.

I want to add that deep inside, this is what I pray happened. I would be so grateful if this all turned out to be a one-time event and Chelsea was my happy, healthy baby girl for years to come.

You made me wonder about that, too. I googled yesterday and found they have a Holter monitor, similar to those they use for people, that can be put on dogs. I felt a big relief knowing that for some reason. :)

From reading all the detail in your other posts Ann, it sounds to me like IF this is a heart block Chelsea would be at a mild enough stage to not need a pacemaker. It's wonderful to hear that the do work so well, though I don't want to think of Chelsea having to have one. Thank you!

I'm trying so hard not to get ahead of myself and assume it's a heart block. I'm trying to draw comfort from the fact that the doctor let Chelsea come home, and that he waited a few days before wanting another ECG.

I had hoped to reply to every single one of you individually, but I'm overwhelmed by all the prayers and support. :ghug: Please know that I deeply appreciate everyone who posted and everyone who said a prayer for Chelsea. I ask that you all keep her on your prayer lists until we find out what is going on with her.

Love you all!
Hugs,
Bonny

You've got it. We continue to think of Chelsea and pray that she will be ok. Hugs!:)

Thank you! :)

Keeping you both in my prayers.... {{{{{{Hugs}}}}}

Remember to please take care of YOU :)
You can't help Chelsea if "you" are not well.
Please don't beat yourself up for "not thinking clearly".

For my migraines I take Imitrex and 2 Aleve at the same time (as per my Dr.'s instructions). Cool compress on forehead.
They also now have meds to help prevent them from occurring. I can't take this because of asthma.
Talk to your Dr. about new treatments.
Like you I have suffered with them for over 25 years. I read they can go away after menopause. Crossing my fingers.

Prayers and hugs! :aimeeyork

Bonnie, just checking up on you today. BIG HUGS for Chelsea and your family. :hands:

Thank you both! Big hugs right back to you. :)

Keeping you and Chelsea in my prayers.

Thank you! :)

I can't take Imitrex :(. There are a couple of other migraine meds that I just can't seem to tolerate. And unfortunately I haven't had any luck with the meds claiming to prevent migraines. If there's something out there that will help me with them, I'm sure my doctor will find it. She's terrific! :)

Thank you, Patti.

I want to send an extra special big hug to you and Nikki today. :hug:

Hi Bonny, I just saw this now & sending over big hugs & get well wishes for Chelsea. Will continue to pray & hope for a good outcome.

If it's true about migraines going away w/menopause...bring it on!:p

Thanks Jenny!

I hear ya! I'm ready for it now. :p

I can tell you that my tension headaches have gone away. They were awful for many years. One step short of being migraines. So...there is hope ladies! :D At least old age is good for something. :p

A heart murmur has been added to Chelsea's list of issues. :sad:

I took her in earlier this week for the follow-up ECG and the doctor gave her a referral to a specialist. We couldn't get in to see them this week so my vet wanted to go ahead and do another ECG this morning. Afterwards he took a heart x-ray, which appeared normal thank God. He'll be sending the x-ray to the specialist digitally so Chelsea shouldn't need another one.

We saw a different Dr. this morning (Dr. Haynes is on vacation all this next week). When Dr. Yeagley listened to Chelsea's heart he said he definitely detected a murmur. Given the tests that have been done so far, he's listing Chelsea's preliminary diagnosis as Structural Heart Disease. :cry8: He refused to give me a prognosis, which I can understand. I just hate the waiting and not knowing!!!

Dr. Yeagley was telling me what he expected the specialist will do.....an Echocardiogram, heart ultrasound, possibly a Holter monitor. I don't know whether all of this will be done in one visit, or what I should expect. I just know I'm scared for Chelsea. Please, continue to keep my baby in your prayers.

Thank you,
Bonny

Oh dear. So a prelim DDX. Heart murmur. Did he say what type?

Chelsea and u are in my prayers. Try not to worry too much until the specialists evaluation is complete

Thank you, Gail.

I don't think he said what type, and I didn't think to ask. After all the ECG's and stuff Chelsea's had this week I wasn't prepared to hear that the Dr. had found something else.

Chelsea has been acting pretty normally most of this week. But I have noticed that she seems to tire more easily. I'd noticed before but put it down to her growing out of her puppyhood. Now, I can see that she just doesn't have the stamina the others have. It's not just a huge change in her, but I can tell it's there.

I can't imagine...
 

what I'd do! You all are in my prayers!

I was just googling Echocardiogram. Is that the same thing as a heart ultrasound?

I wanted to add.....I'm not sure he would have given me a prelim ddx, but I have insurance on Chelsea and the claim form requires the doctor to put in something. Last week I was too scatter minded to remember to have Dr. Haynes fill out the claim form so Dr. Yeagley did it today.

Thank you! I'm still having a hard time imagining it myself.

Yes..you'll be able to see the heart pumping..the opening and closing of the valves..the chambers....etc.

Thank you. :)

Thank you, Lisa. Were you able to be with your girl when the echo was done? Chelsea is so nervous now about going to the doctor. I think she'd do much better if I could be with her while they do the echo.