Hi All,

It's Ella, here to give you all an update on my adventures.  This has been a very good week for me, as my vet has said that I am allowed to come off of my medication.  I've been having to take steroids as I was diagnosed with meningitis last year.  It started with pains in my neck.  Gemma and Rob noticed that I wasn't helping them with things around the house, but didn't realise it was my neck that was hurting.  I was taken to see one of my vets, Fiona at The Chestnut Veterinary Group, who took some bloods and gave me some pain relief.  I started to feel much worse through the night and so was sent to Davies Veterinary Specialist the next day.  They confirmed Fiona's suspisions of meningitis (with various tests conducted whilst I was under general anaesthetic) and started my treatment.  I had to stay at the hospital for a few days for my treatment. 

I had to stay at the hospital for a few days to continue my treatment and although I missed Ralph, Gemma and Rob, I was looked after very well.  I even had the nurses hand feeding me!

When I went home, my steroid treatment had to be gradually reduced to stop the symptoms from recurring.  In October my treatment was stopped but I had symptoms of meningitis again and so the medication had to be continued.

Anyway, the steroids have now been stopped for the second time, and we've all got out paws crossed that the symptoms wont start up again.  I'm feeling so much better that I did the first time that we stopped the treatment - I just have to get through the next few weeks to get the all clear.

I'm going to have regular checks with Fiona so that any symptoms can be caught early.  Although I hate having to go into the consultation rooms for a check up, Fiona always treats me so nicely and always gives me some goodies.

Due to my steroid treatment, I havn't been able to have my vaccination.  This has meant I've had to keep away from high risk areas, which unfortunately includes swimming.  Swimming is my favorite thing to do in the summer.  I just love diving in after my ball.  Hopefully, in the next few weeks, I'll be able to catch up on my vaccines and start swimming again. 

Anyway, I'll keep you all updated on my progress without the steroids, and look forward to my swimming!

Ralph says Hi!

Love Ella xxx