See Diva Run

Just a quick note to say that I’m adapting to life after Jasmine. I still want to write a memorial post about her, but it probably won’t happen for a few more weeks. I’m in my last 2 classes, which is keeping me busy until the end of June. We discovered a beautiful old Dalmatian named Harley, through a rescue group called Old Dog Haven. He keeps me company while I work and study. There is something very peaceful about watching an old dog sleep. It helps me relax. Except for my Sunday walks with Cherl, and walking up and down the street with Harley, I’m not doing any kind of exercise. There will be a lot of changes in July.

Best wishes to all!

P.S. I make brief visits to Facebook. Look for me there - Jodie Ray Kelley

The vet called Monday to let me know her ashes were ready to pick up, but I wasn’t ready. Today was the day. It was hard. I still get overwhelmed thinking about her, so I mostly think about work. I greatly appreciate all the kind thoughts you have expressed. She was very dear to me, and it is going to take me a long time to get over her loss.

After giving us 13 wonderful years, Jasmine let us know this weekend that she was tired and suffering, and that she needed rest but was in too much pain to get it. We took one last walk together, and then we took her to the vet and gave her the comfort she was asking for. After dedicating 10 months to looking after her and doing everything I could to keep her comfortable and happy while waiting for her heart to give out, it was incredibly difficult to make this choice, but we had reached the point where there was nothing else I could do to make her comfortable or happy. It was hard for everyone, because the entire veterinary staff has worked hard to give her the best care possible. Everyone agreed that this was the right thing to do, and I am at peace with that part of it. My life has completely revolved around her care and her needs for the last 10 months, so it is going to take me a while to learn how to get along without her. One thing is certain. This will always be Jasmine’s House.

Last year when Jasmine turned 12, I could tell she was slowing down, and that our life together was entering a new phase, but I didn’t realize how big the change would be. We would lay in bed an extra 5 minutes, so we could enjoy the warm spot Mr Diva left behind. Then we would go out for our one mile walk and run down the hills like a couple of little kids. I had no idea that her heart was weakening or that her lungs were filling with fluid. When we rushed her to the emergency vet last May, I didn’t have much hope for celebrating another birthday. But here we are, celebrating quietly with naps, walks around the yard, a few tasty treats, and good friends.

We visited the vet yesterday, and learned that her heart has not gotten any worse, and that her lungs sound pretty good. Her legs are weakening, and she sometimes takes pain medication. We do our best to keep her comfortable and content. Tonight we will celebrate with pizza, which is her very favorite smell. She enjoys the crust, too!

The battle with the hip continues. I swear that sitting, not running is the source of the pain. I walked 7 miles with my son on Wednesday and felt great that night. I felt fine on Thursday, too, but ended up working an exceptionally long shift that kept me from running or doing much of anything else from 6:30 in the morning until 8:30 that night. I was in agony all day Friday and most of today. I walked 1.4 miles to the start of the Centennial Trail, went for a 4 mile run, and then walked home again. This didn’t help as much as I had hoped at the time, but it is helping this evening.

Friday evening I had an appointment at North Sound Physical Therapy in Marysville, where I had a consultation with a physical therapist who is also an ultra runner. I shared with him all the sordid details of my battles with plantar fasciitis and hip pain, and my belief that the plantar fasciitis was a result of the hip problem, and not the other way around. He told me that in most cases, plantar fasciitis is the cause, but in about 30% it is the result of a hip problem. He then had me lay on my back, placed his hands on my hip bones and noted that my right hip bone was a full inch higher than my left one. Voila! I was right. On the other hand, it is easy to open the phone book and find a foot and ankle specialist. Good luck finding a “hip doctor”.

I explained that Dr Webber had been adjusting my SI joint, but that it would never stay adjusted. Since Dr Webber said that it helps to strengthen the area, I was taking time away from chiropractic care to try and strengthen the area, as I’m limited to 26 visits per year, and I want them to count. There is also that little problem with trying to get time off to drive down there. Tony, the physical therapist said that there is a high probability that the cause of the problem is weakness in a ligament or tendon, and that strengthening the muscles may not help. He suggested a treatment called Prolotherapy, which strengthens the ligaments and tendons, and gave me the name of a doctor who specializes in this treatment. I left feeling excited, thinking I would finally be able to put this behind me. When I got home, I checked my insurance plan and discovered the doctor is not a member. I’m so tired of being in pain all of the time. It’s like having a toothache in my hip. Perhaps I should take the overtime from the long hours and pay for my own treatment?

If you have had prolotherapy, or know someone who has, please leave a post to let me know if it was successful.