Hey friends, it’s been a busy week so I haven’t posted in a week because I’ve been juggling a lot, but I wanted to share an pupdate of what’s been going on in our lavender world this past week. 🐾
Forrest had his very first trip to get acupuncture. He also tried electro-acupuncture, B12 injections, and laser therapy. I was honestly nervous about the whole experience — the trip itself is a long way from our house, so I had to take off work. I worried that the travel or any of the treatments might trigger a seizure, but thankfully, he did amazing, and no seizures came from it.
We’re really hopeful about the difference these therapies could make in his seizure activity, and we’re looking forward to his next session.
Speaking of seizures, Forrest had his 12th grand mal seizure since July 19th, 2024 — this morning at 3:08 AM. That’s only 22 days since his last one. I felt like it was coming on because he’s been shaking his head more the past couple of days and scratching his ears and rubbing his face last night. Even with his last phenobarbital dose increase on March 31st, he’s back in his usual seizure window of 17–23 days. Unless the seizures get closer together or worse, I’m hesitant to add more meds because of the long-term effects on his organs and quality of life. It’s such a hard balance — no clear answers with epilepsy, but I have to prioritize his quality of life. He’s only 8 years old, and I pray for many more years with him. Between seizures, he’s still his happy, energetic self, and that’s all I can ask for. During his seizure this morning, I sang Jesus Loves Me to him and quoted Psalm 23 over him, tears rolling down my face. I love him so deeply, and it tears my heart apart every time he has a seizure.
It never gets easier, though. I still research and learn, even after 10 months on this journey. But it’s not the same heavy burden as before when I felt like everything could trigger a seizure and I had to walk on eggshells. Aside from fireworks and us being apart, I haven’t found any clear triggers — believe me, I study him closely. That helps ease some stress.
Thankfully, I’m off work today so we have had a mostly chill recovery day because seizure days are busy days — stripping the bed, giving him a bath, and doing all the laundry. I try to get all that done in the morning so I can spend the rest of the day just being with him. Right now, I’m working on my computer while he rests beside me. After I write this, I am planning to disconnect and rest with him so I will be ready to work tomorrow.
The next big challenge I’m facing is the fear around giving his heart worm prevention, Revolution. I’ve been praying so specifically about it — telling God my plan to give it five days after his next seizure, when his threshold has hopefully built back up, and wanting to do it on a Friday off or a Saturday morning so I can monitor him all weekend. But that meant hoping he’d need to have a seizure on a Monday morning — and well, here we are. He had one this morning, Monday morning. I’m working Friday, but I can give it Saturday morning. His neurologist said I can give an extra dose of Keppra that day for extra coverage. Please say a prayer for us — I haven’t given him preventatives since his seizures started last July. We live in a high heartworm area, so I can’t keep putting him at risk. If he got heartworms, it would be especially hard on him given his condition.
That’s what’s been going on here lately — ups, downs, but always so much love. ❤️
Since it’s Memorial Day weekend, I’m also reflecting on the value of life, the precious moments we have with those we love, and the strength it takes to keep going even when things feel hard.
How do you stay strong during the tough days with your fur babies? I’d love to hear your stories or tips.
From our lavender world of grace — we’re holding onto hope and walking by faith. 💜
The Epi Dog Mom Blog 
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