little MOMents from kristin: Annual Trip to the Specialist

Last Thursday we had our annual trip to the pediatric urologist at Children's Hospital in Omaha. When she was seven weeks old, Lizzy was hospitalized with an infection, which we later found out started as a UTI and was the result of VUR (a reflux that allows urine to pass back up to the kidneys rather than out of the bladder. Basically, it's supposed to be a one-way street, and hers is a two-way street. So, she takes a daily antibiotic to keep the UTIs at bay and they decided to complete the tests annually to see if it's better. Last year they gave her a 60% chance of growing out of it on her own, which is what we'd prefer to have happen. The alternative is surgery to correct the valve.

The tests she has to have done are pretty invasive, so I've been a little anxious about the day. First, they do a renal ultrasound to look at her kidneys to make sure there is no damage or scarring. She has to lay flat on her back, which is not the easiest thing for a 17-month-old. The next test is called a VCUG. They insert a catheter to inject dye into her bladder to see if it still goes up into the kidneys. This one is kindof killer. The catheter is painful enough, but she has to lay flat and STILL on her back and then they have to roll her from side to side. Ugh. This is where it's so nice to be at a children's hospital. Although the contraption they put her in looked a little like a torture device (seriously!), it was so much quicker and easier for everyone. She had to lie on her back on a plank and then get strapped to it so she couldn't move. Ugh. Not fun for anyone, but it didn't last too long. Later in the day, we met with the specialist and she still has VUR so we will continue the daily antibiotics to keep the infections away. Last year they graded her a 2/3 (there are 5 grades) and this year it was a 2 so it has improved, if even just a little bit. Last year the reflux was only on one side and this year it was on both, but that is probably because the VCUG was more thorough this time (last year St. E's didn't have the means to do as good a job).

Although the news wasn't exactly what we were hoping for, she is mostly a very healthy, thriving little girl. Being at Children's Hospital makes you so happy for what you do have because so many little ones and their families are suffering so much. Thank you, Lord, for the health of our little girl!

Another great thing about Children's: their waiting area is HUGE and filled with lots of fun things for little ones to do. And they give you a beeper so you can wander around until they're ready for you. Genius.