Dog Sense

I have not been feeling well for awhile.  Since I had my stroke in 1992, my auto immune system has not functioned as it should.  That means that I get infections and all kinds of weird things because my body is not able to fight invading elements that target me.   The end result is that I get serious infections like MRSA and Cellulitis and can end up in the hospital so I don't go into Sepsis.  To say it's a "pain" to deal with is funny on one hand, but very true on the other.

 

My immune system reacts to stress.  The more stress I have, the less I can fight off these dumb things that find their way into my system.   That means my legs, arms and torso end up in distress, with itching, dry and breaking skin and infection running rampant in my system. 

 

That has been the case for awhile.  I get to the point where I can't stand to wear pants or walk or really move, since any movement will irritate my legs and start the chain reaction of itching, scratching and infection.  It affects my sleep   I can't sleep.  I am in a constant state of movement and up and down all night putting things on my legs or any area that is affected.   It's a chain reaction--lack of sleep means stress, stress means an active outbreak of exezma, which means I am itchy and can't sleep. 

 

I went to my dermatologist today and found that I have indeed been experiencing a severe active outbreak, coupled with impetigo, an infection that is two steps away from MRSA which could land me in the hospital for the third time to get rid of this.

 

My doctor gave me three or four new prescriptions but also gave me a shot to reduce the itchiness and allow me to get some sleep.  She told me to be careful driving since this would make me sleepy.  She was right....I was almost home and could feel the effects of the shot.

 

I took Dixie out before I left for my 9:00 appointment and that was it.  Once I got home, I got into bed and slept without interruption for the next four hours.  It was great.  I felt drugged when I finally woke up, but I slept...finally I got some good sleep. 

 

I got up at 2:00 in the afternoon and worried that Dixie had pooped or peed in the house.  Relax, I said to myself after an inspection...all was well.   Dixie was laying near me by my side of the bed.  All curled up and sleeping lightly.  She got up when I got up and followed me around the house.  If I sat down, she sat at my feet.  If I laid down, she laid down in front of me.  When I did take her out, she was efficient and came right back in.  Tony said she must have sensed that I was not well.  I think he was right.  Dixie has been a wonderful puppy today and seems to be taking care of me, instead of the other way around. 

 

I remember Jack displaying the same type of support when I was displaced and out of work for six months.   If I was on the couch crying, he was in front of me whimpering.  He would jump up next to me and get close and just be there.  It was comforting, as it was with Dixie today.   I am lucky we have had such sensitive pets and hope to be immune improved very soon.   See, I always knew that dogs were people too!