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Reality Of Continuous Travelling For Dental Care...

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LozzyBee

LozzyBee

Junior Guinea Pig
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Not sure where to put this really. Am having a little tearful worry and I'm annoyed at myself about it.

Our piggie, Elvis has had dental troubles. He had his back teeth filed right down at Trinity Vets 2 weeks ago, and appears to be just running into trouble again now (he's started doing the strange mouth thing he was doing that made me realise there was a problem in the first place)....

Trinity did say he would probably have to go back in a couple of weeks, and to see how it goes - however, I didn't want him going under a GA again as he did lose weight, and still hasn't yet regained it all.

I've booked to take him to Simon Maddock, but this is going to be a 5 hour round trip for me. The distance doesn't bother me, but what is an issue is that I have no childcare (nope - absolutely no one). For the first appointment, my husband is going to take a half day to make sure he's back for the children after school, but in reality this just can't continue long term.

I don't know what to do for the best. I really don't want Elvis having more GA's than necessary, but in reality, my husband can't take off endless days to be here for the children.

What would you do in this circumstance? Or can anyone see something that I'm not seeing? I'm having a stress over it, and I know it's not going to help matters!
 
...and also just to add to this - we are going away for a weekend 7-9th July, and then have a summer holiday in August. They will be cared for in boarding at a gp rescue in Aug, but in July someone is coming to feed them and I'm worried in case Elvis is still having trouble then.

You get the general theme - I am worrying about things that may, or may happen...
 
Is that 5 hours a round trip or 5 hours each way. I am sure Simon could make a appointment to suit you. Maybe simon could keep him for 2 or 3 days to sort him out. Or ask if anyone if they can help with a piggy train.
Oh by the way Simon does conscious dental work, so no GA. Ask if anyone can take care of them, I think Tim does it?
 
Tiamolly123 said:
Is that 5 hours a round trip or 5 hours each way. I am sure Simon could make a appointment to suit you. Maybe simon could keep him for 2 or 3 days to sort him out. Or ask if anyone if they can help with a piggy train.
Oh by the way Simon does conscious dental work, so no GA.
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2.5 hrs each way - trouble is, earliest I can leave here is 8.45, got an appointment for 11.30...but just asked how long we'd spend there and was told approx 1.5hrs (if x rays are needed would be 3pm). I need to be back here for 3.20.

This first time will be fine, it's subsequent visits I'm concerned about.

I think basically I need to stop worrying and play it by ear. Much easier said than done!
 
LozzyBee said:
2.5 hrs each way - trouble is, earliest I can leave here is 8.45, got an appointment for 11.30...but just asked how long we'd spend there and was told approx 1.5hrs (if x rays are needed would be 3pm). I need to be back here for 3.20.

This first time will be fine, it's subsequent visits I'm concerned about.

I think basically I need to stop worrying and play it by ear. Much easier said than done!
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I still think a piggy train maybe the answer, else you going to worry the appointment is to long or you won't be home for the kids. How old are the children. Can they be left alone for an hour or so?
Or could you pick them up early?
 
:mal::mal:
Tiamolly123 said:
I still think a piggy train maybe the answer, else you going to worry the appointment is to long or you won't be home for the kids. How old are the children. Can they be left alone for an hour or so?
Or could you pick them up early?
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13 year old could be left, 11yr old is a young 11 and couldn't be left.

Now I've got it out in writing, I think all I can realistically do is go along the first time and then work it out from there when I know how often he'll have to go back. Worrying isn't going to get me anywhere
:mal:!

Thank you for your help :)
 
OK, start by taking a deep breath.

I hear your pain with the child care issues - I am in a similar situation, however in an emergency I have usually managed to find a friend or neighbour who can keep the kids for an hour or two (often in exchange for a similar favour in return). Thankfully these days my girls are older and quite capable of letting themselves into the house and keeping themselves occupied and fed until i return.

But you need to start by taking one thing at a time.
Yes, multiple visits to Simon may be needed, but I have also heard of many cases where after 2 - 3 visits the problem is fully sorted.
You are doing the right thing by getting your piggy to the best dental vet in the country, and if anyone can sort him out it will be Simon.
If he does need return visits then cross that bridge when you come to it.
The Summer hols are fast approaching, so maybe you can schedule your next visit then and take the kids along for the adventure.

It is good to think things through of course, but try not to worry until after yo see Simon and have a better idea of what the longer term treatment will be.
Then you can come up with a plan.
 
Thank you @Swissgreys !

I proper went off on one going to all these places in my head, when in reality, I don't know what's going to happen! I have resolved to get this first visit out of the way, and then go from there. Something will work itself out - it always does. And to be completely honest, if it really really doesn't work itself out, it will have to be back to the local vet (who isn't actually local either - they're an hour away lol).

There's options, and this morning in my panic I was seeing no options at all!
 
LozzyBee said:
Thank you @Swissgreys !

I proper went off on one going to all these places in my head, when in reality, I don't know what's going to happen! I have resolved to get this first visit out of the way, and then go from there. Something will work itself out - it always does. And to be completely honest, if it really really doesn't work itself out, it will have to be back to the local vet (who isn't actually local either - they're an hour away lol).

There's options, and this morning in my panic I was seeing no options at all!
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I totally understand.
Sometimes things can seem very overwhelming, and I also start to worry about how to manage things that haven't even happened yet!
But it will work itself out somehow, and when you have a specific plan with Simon, there are lots of people on here who will be able to help out if needed.
 
Of course I don't know your laws, but wouldn't it be possible to bring your children with you? here in Italy children don't need any special permission for not going to school when a parent decides to keep them at home for any personal reason (also for going to a short holiday), but maybe you need it. Anyway, what's about talking with the Headmistress explaining her the situation?
 
rome_italy said:
Of course I don't know your laws, but wouldn't it be possible to bring your children with you? here in Italy children don't need any special permission for not going to school when a parent decides to keep them at home for any personal reason (also for going to a short holiday), but maybe you need it. Anyway, what's about talking with the Headmistress explaining her the situation?
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That's really nice that they're like that in Italy :)

We get fines here for unauthorised absences. They used to allow you a certain number of days, but I think they've cut right back on that now. My children are too nerdy (meant in the nicest possible way!) to go for that - they HATE missing school when they're not well, or have dentist or doctors apoijntments! They're not like I was at all - must be from my husbands side ;)
 
it would be better to have such fines here, too! because the problem is not at primary school, but later, when teenagers don't go to school because they know there is a test and they are not well prepared. And parents-slaves allow them... the result is that the teacher cannot do the test because more than half class is at home... and guess what? we are only asked to sign a paper with the "reason" of the "holiday"... but we can write whatever we like... also "personal reasons". This right given to families supposed to be honest is creating a lot of troubles. Of course it is a trouble only of nowadays, because when I was a student I was not allowed by my parents to stay at home if I did not have a HIGH fever! (there were tricks and legends for trying to get a fever before the tests!:sly: but nothing worked!:()
 
I am sorry for your predicament :(

Have you spoken with @furryfriends (TEAS) ? She runs a sanctuary for Guinea pigs with special needs and Simon is her own vet!

I know that Debbie takes on temporary residents so that they can receive the treatment they need but it really does depend on if she has a space available x
 
Claire W said:
I am sorry for your predicament :(

Have you spoken with @furryfriends (TEAS) ? She runs a sanctuary for Guinea pigs with special needs and Simon is her own vet!

I know that Debbie takes on temporary residents so that they can receive the treatment they need but it really does depend on if she has a space available x
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Hi! @furryfriends (TEAS) was very helpful with info that lead me to booking to see Simon :)

I have had another look this afternoon and seen that (after all that) the cat and rabbit centre is open on Saturdays. So if possible, if I can aim to try and make follow up appointments for a Saturday, it's definitely doable! If only I had seen that before I stressed out and started this thread...:oops:
 
LozzyBee said:
Hi! @furryfriends (TEAS) was very helpful with info that lead me to booking to see Simon :)

I have had another look this afternoon and seen that (after all that) the cat and rabbit centre is open on Saturdays. So if possible, if I can aim to try and make follow up appointments for a Saturday, it's definitely doable! If only I had seen that before I stressed out and started this thread...:oops:
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Don't worry about stressing out. We're all here to support each other :)
 
Hiya :)
So sorry that you are having dental issue with your littlun :soz: I've also been there myself, but Simon and his team have worked wonders with my piggies, I can't praise them enough! :luv:
I was literally just about to mention about the possibility of Saturday morning appointments being better for your situation. Fingers crossed for your littlun, keep us posted :) x
 
Hope you can work something out, sending healing vibes for your little one!
 
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