Today was Kara's kidney ultrasound and VCUG. She was SO good. She had no food or water for over 5 hours and completely missed her morning nap. She just quietly laid still for the whole ultrasound. They did one kidney at a time and then her bladder taking about 30 or so pictures. Then it came to the other part that we have been dreading for weeks. After waiting in the waiting room for what seemed like hours we were called in. She got cute robes to wear and was pretty interested in the whole x-ray process. She was so still. Then they had to insert a catheter. They said it would be harder on us than on her but I know it wasn't. It took 3 tries and she jerked and screamed her head off. She had it in her for about 45 minutes while they filled her bladder with dye. We watched and waited to see if the dye was going to reflux back up into the ureters or as far as the kidneys (which would be really bad.) We had our fingers and toes crossed that there would be no reflux. Unfortunately, one side started to go up into the ureter. Then a few minutes later the other side started to as well. I was so sad but at least we have some answers. Out of a scale from 1 to 5 (5 being the worst) she was about a 3-4 on one side and 4 on the other. It did go back into her kidneys. The technician said she had seen worse--but what is she supposed to say?! I am so sad that she had to go through that and now we have to take more steps to keep her from getting recurring infections and kidney damage. The reports will be written up and sent to our doctor within a few days and then we will go from there. I am, of course, going to request a urologist instead of just letting our regular pediatrician handle it (if she even does that.) I am glad we are getting this all figured out while she is so young and hopefully it will correct itself over time. All I know is is that we have several more catheters, ultrasounds and antibiotics in her future. This makes me sad. I don't want her to have to go through this. Teething her 1-year molars and possibly having 'thrush' now from her last round of antibiotics is enough stress for all us.
6 comments:
I have been praying all day that the tests would be ok. I am so sick to my stomach and cant help but think that it was because of something that I did while I was pregnant. I am so sorry that you are having to go through this. Please keep us updated. The pictures are too precious.
That poor, sweet little thing. I can't belive she had to go through all of that. It seems midieval that they don't give babies something for the pain or to calm them down for procedures. I'm so glad you've got answers now, and I'm certain you'll find a good doctor who knows what to do. Those pictures are so cute. It breaks my heart that she is just smiling while all this is going on. She's one tough cookie. Hang in there.
What a brave little Kara! I am glad you got answers, even though you had to go through this miserable process. If it means no more infections, then it's worth it
So sorry to hear the news. That doesn't sound like fun at all. I can't imagine Elizabeth going through something like that. You were all brave!
I was visiting my sister when I got the news on this. Believe me, my thoughts and prayers were for ALL of you during the process (well, have been, and will be!) and I'd like to think that the power of positive thinking and an amazing set of parents had something to do with the outcome. Not to mention the amazing care she was given during the pregnancy.
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