I know this might sound strange, but I feel (a week after the appointment) relieved that we have a clear answer about our next step in helping Gracie conquer her latest medical challenge. Last Tuesday (5/27) we saw our pediatric urologist and got Gracie's scan results. As it turns out, she does have a little bit of scarring on the upper poles of both kidneys. The doctor gave me a ball park percentage (as they just eyeball it) at about 5% of the tissue on each kidney. Not good, but it could be worse. The good news is that both kidneys are functioning equally and well. So we caught it as early as you can and now we know that she needs surgery, and it has to be the more invasive path as it is much more effective and appropriate for our case. It is scheduled for July 21st and here are the procedure details:
Ureteral Reimplantation SurgeryThe goals of surgery are to correct the reflux, prevent pyelonephritis (kidney infection), and preserve renal function. The surgical repair of reflux may not totally stop the development of bladder infections. It will reduce the chance of a bladder infection developing into a kidney infection.
The ureteral reimplantation surgery consists of creating a longer tunnel of the ureter through the bladder wall. The surgery is performed through an incision (cut) just above the pubic bone (bikini incision). If both ureters need to be reimplanted, this is done through one incision.
This surgery usually lasts between 2½ and three hours. Afterwards, the child will be admitted to the hospital for two to four days. Before surgery, the anesthesiologist will discuss a pain management plan with the family.
After SurgeryAfter open surgery, activity will be limited for four to six weeks. No tub baths for five days. Return to school can be one week after surgery or when no longer taking narcotics for pain control.
After reflux surgery, there may be limitations on physical activity depending upon your surgeon. Voiding every two to three hours as well as drinking adequate fluids helps healing. Your child may return to school the day after surgery.
For more info on VUR: http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/v/vesicoureteral-reflux/
We feel very sad that Gracie has to go through this but so thankful that there is an effective solution. Also, our amazing ENT will make sure that her airway is safe and under control for the procedure as Gracie is a tough intubation. I am happy to tell you that in the meantime we have her healthy and happy on a daily prophylactic antibiotic so she is not in any discomfort. We got the green light for travel, splash pads and normal life until the surgery. So we are braving our first flight with both kiddos this July to upstate NY for Ramsey's grandfather's 100th birthday party!!! So we are going to have lots of fun adventures, we will get through this procedure, and then our girl will be ready to rock again. And then no more medical mysteries please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ureteral Reimplantation SurgeryThe goals of surgery are to correct the reflux, prevent pyelonephritis (kidney infection), and preserve renal function. The surgical repair of reflux may not totally stop the development of bladder infections. It will reduce the chance of a bladder infection developing into a kidney infection.
The ureteral reimplantation surgery consists of creating a longer tunnel of the ureter through the bladder wall. The surgery is performed through an incision (cut) just above the pubic bone (bikini incision). If both ureters need to be reimplanted, this is done through one incision.
This surgery usually lasts between 2½ and three hours. Afterwards, the child will be admitted to the hospital for two to four days. Before surgery, the anesthesiologist will discuss a pain management plan with the family.
After SurgeryAfter open surgery, activity will be limited for four to six weeks. No tub baths for five days. Return to school can be one week after surgery or when no longer taking narcotics for pain control.
After reflux surgery, there may be limitations on physical activity depending upon your surgeon. Voiding every two to three hours as well as drinking adequate fluids helps healing. Your child may return to school the day after surgery.
For more info on VUR: http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/v/vesicoureteral-reflux/
We feel very sad that Gracie has to go through this but so thankful that there is an effective solution. Also, our amazing ENT will make sure that her airway is safe and under control for the procedure as Gracie is a tough intubation. I am happy to tell you that in the meantime we have her healthy and happy on a daily prophylactic antibiotic so she is not in any discomfort. We got the green light for travel, splash pads and normal life until the surgery. So we are braving our first flight with both kiddos this July to upstate NY for Ramsey's grandfather's 100th birthday party!!! So we are going to have lots of fun adventures, we will get through this procedure, and then our girl will be ready to rock again. And then no more medical mysteries please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!