It’s been 48 hours since Dandy’s visit to the specialist. Dr Rushing had recommended a CT scan and immediate surgery, since it is very likely that Dandy has had a recurrence of a herniated disc. However, the prohibitive cost of both items plus the timing of the last surgery (it’s only been about 10 months) has eliminated surgery as an option. Dr Rushing has therefore prescribed the alternative, medical management. This is often known as the conservative approach to treating IVDD; the doc suggested that the success rate is 50/50 if going this route. Given the quoted cost of $4100 for surgery and hospitalization, medical management is the only option at this time.
Dandy is still mobile however. She still has deep pain sensation and is able to eliminate normally; it is only her gait and speed that has changed. She does whimper/whine when she is experiencing pain or discomfort more than usual. The doc prescribed Tramadol (for pain and swelling) and Gebapentin (for neuropathic pain). We are looking at 4 weeks of crate rest and restricted activity. The IVDD resource recommends 8 weeks of crate rest. So it will be a long wait to see if Dandy can recover from this second onset of IVDD.
She is again residing in a split crate with Doogie; and she has to be carried everywhere, including outside to potty. She has seemingly accepted this treatment and willingly gone along with it. I think she needs the human contact most especially, since she is definitely anxious with what is going on with her body. Of course, being the typical food lover that she is, her appetite has not been affected in the least bit.
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I’ve noticed that pop3 attempts aren’t being filtered by Fail2Ban; I’ve seen an increase in dictionary attacks on this port and have had to resort to manually banning the offenders. I’ve also installed a LogViewer in WHM to assist in the fight.
August. Hottest month of the summer. It’s only natural that plants who haven’t had time to harden off succumb to the high temperatures and dry conditions. Among the lost: 1 white plumbago, 1 thai basil, at least 1 ornamental pepper plants, rosemary, spanish lavender, at least 3 salvia greggii, 1 catmint, 1 coneflower, several instances of dianthus, 1 or 2 phlox, 1 ageratum, 2 dahlberg daisies, 1 or 2 white cosmos. The salvia greggii failed due to what appears to be a broken sprinkler head and an overzealous weed whacker.
On separate occasions I’ve visited Gyros & Grill to try their gyros and kabobs. Their kabobs tended to be on the lean, tough and well-done side, but their beef gyros are spot on. If you pick up the combo, you can get either fries or salad with that. The salad is generally on display, pre-tossed, and typical salad fare. Fries are thicker than usual, with a better-than-average seasoning (probably the best fries available from this strip mall). I’ve also had their hummus and suspected it came from Central Market.
They have expanded their menu since my last visit, offering tacos, pizza, sandwiches, fish (grilled and fried) and rotisserie chicken on their menu. However I have one gripe with their posted menu. Often times one can’t figure out what combos are available and no descriptions are given on the picture menu. A little cleanup and de-cluttering is in order, methinks.
Gyros & Grill sits on the corner of a strip mall neighboring Grill Express. The dining room is smaller than other cafes on this strip, so large parties may have to get their Greek fix to-go.
FYI, a sign on their food counter indicates they are halal, though I did not ask to verify this.
Two words: Butter Chicken. 10 minutes and 2 music videos later, I was out the door and on my way home for some buttah luvin.
Tender chicken, a slow-burn spiciness, and delicious creamy sauce. Paired with rice and at $7.99 a plate, it made for a marvelous lunch. It was even too much for me to finish, and I normally gorge on this stuff.
I’ve also had their large wedge-shaped samosas (beef, chicken and veggie). Paired with their chutney it makes for great snacking.
This is a non-descript cafe, appropriate for casual lunches, and an unintimidating atmosphere for Indian food newbies.
Dandy appears to be experiencing some difficulty walking again. I thought previously that she might have some tummy problems after a mistake in her crate, but the trouble seems to be linked to her back. After all the emotional stress and financial woes of her back surgery from 2009 I am desperately hoping that it is not once again IVDD. Symptoms include trembling and weakness in her back legs. I’m on the hunt now for a reputable vet in the area to take her in for an exam.
