Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Duplex Kidney

We are back from Caroline's ultrasound and her follow up with the specialist. With different news than we had expected. Caroline does not not have MCDK as originally diagnosed back during my pregnancy/and after her last ultrasound done at our local hospital. Everything changed again during this ultrasound. During the scan today we found out that Caroline has something called Duplex Kidney. She has an extra ureter on her left kidney. So, mostly everybody has two, Caroline has three. She also has a cyst in or on her bladder called a uretercele.

The specialist told us that she will now need to go for a Voiding Cystourethogram or VCUG for short. It is an x ray study of the bladder as it fills up and empties. This test will let the doc know if the urine is backing up into the ureters. This condition is called "reflux." This will let him know if there are any problems with the urethra.

Caroline have a catheter put thru her urethra into her bladder. Urine is emptied and then filled up with Iodine. Then her bladder will empty onto a towel. During this process (3-4 mins but painful) x rays will be taken.

So, back to Children's we go on Monday, October 2nd for this test. Then, we will go back to the specialist and he will let us know what will happen next. Either nothing (ereters are working) no surgery. Or there is reflux and she might need antibiotics to keep away infections in her bladder or surgery on her kidney. Worst case is surgery on both her kidney and her bladder.

So, not at all what we were expecting. Now, we wait again. It sure was a long day. Thank you Mom and Dad for caring for the others while we were with Caroline. We are grateful for the support.

9 comments:

PamnPat'sParadise said...

Cathy, stay strong and positive. Caroline has beaten the odds already, arriving safe and well to you and Cliff. She will make it through this as well. With the love and support of the other kids, and your parental units, she has no choice but to come out of this with flying colors. Keep the faith and will keep you all in our prayers

Allyson said...

In a heartbeat, Cathy and Cliff, in a heartbeat, we will be there. October 2nd, just leave me the car seats!
M&D xxxooo

Anonymous said...

Oh she will fly through the testing like nobody..You just watch..
((hugs))michelle

Anonymous said...

Wow, news you were not expecting... that is for sure. Please know that Caroline, you, Cliff and all the kids are in our thoughts and prayers. She has come this far and she'll continue to strive. I know the waiting will be hard and I am sure the procedure (seeing your little one go through that) will be even harder...
Know that we love you and I know and feel that things will be ok!
Hugs, kisses, shoulders, ears and love ~ always... anytime... Andrea xo

AmberW said...

Definitely keeping you all in my prayers Cathy. It's been a rocky road where Caroline's health is concerned but so far she has gotten through it all with flying colors. Sending you hugs - you will get through it!!

cathy said...

Christine! I remember when Nicholas went for his surgery. I am thankful to know that somebody else has walked in these shoes. Does the VCUG hurt? Did he have that when he was a baby?

Thanks Christine. I hope the results are awesome for Nicholas on October 5th. Love to you all too.

Carol Kerfoot said...

Cathy your little darling has an army behind her rooting for her health. She will do well. My thoughts are with you xx

Olena said...

Cathy, you and a little one are in my prayers.

cathy said...

Thanks for all of the support!