« Summer in December | Main | Bits from Christmas »
December 18, 2007
Reflux AGAIN
(I'm always apprehensive about being too honest on my blog cause I don't want to sound whiny, but this post will be very much where I'm at . . . whiny or not.)
Today was quite eventful since we had both older girls get VCUGs. Quick update- after we found out Caroline had kidney reflux our pediatrician recommended that our older girls get tested as well. Apparently its hereditary.
I really waffled on this decision, and got lots of opinions (all of which I appreciate). In the end we decided it wasn't worth the risk even though neither girls had shown signs that we could tell.
So I prepped the girls last night by telling them what a catheter was and all that they could expect the test to be like. I believe in the honest approach and I think our 4 yr old and 2.5 yr old handled the info well. Lizzie was very concerned and Julia was oblivious but I thought it was at least important that they realize it had to do with a private part so they weren't caught off guard.
So we went in at 10 am for the test and left two hours later drained and exhausted (well at least I was).
Both girls handled it like champs. It was not traumatizing in the least for them. Lizzie was visibly worried but warmed up to the nurse and chatted away barely even noticing the actual catheter. Julia was the same but not even worried and very chatty. In the end they are supposed to pee out the "contrast solution" that has been dripped into their bladders through the catheter, that was where it got challenging for Julia. She did not want to go potty on the table or in the bed pan or in her pull up. She realized we wouldn't let her down till she did and this is when the fighting starting. She was crying and when they tried to hold her legs she was kicking them. But if there was a melt down, better at that point and not when they were doing the catheter. That would have made for a long test. So it took 4 cups of warm water poured on her and she finally went.
All and all I am so proud of how they handled everything, they really are great kids.
We did find out that Julia has reflux, a grade 2 just Caroline. We'll go in and meet with our pediatrician to go over the results tomorrow and see where we go from here.
My mind is going crazy with possibilities. Is a grade 2 operable, or will we be on meds like Caroline and if so for how long? Since she's already two and a half how much longer would they wait for her to out grow it? All the kids that I know who have had surgery have been two, but they have also had grade 4s and 5s. And if we do have surgery, how will I be at the hospital with Julia if I am nursing Caroline? (see, my mind is going CRAZY)
I'm so tired in the head, did I mention that? I'm honestly not sure how much more we can handle.
Andy is still not fully recovered from his wisdom teeth which made for a very difficult weekend on all. I'm totally behind in house cleaning, grocery shopping (although this one is enabling me to have Lupis for dinner!) laundry, Christmas cards, and basically life. : )
Its the perfect opportunity for me to put into practice things like letting stuff go that really isn't important and not letting my imagination go crazy and remember that God is so much bigger than all of this.
So all in all, we survived today and we're glad we at least know about it. We'll take each day as it comes and try our best to remember that its the holiday season. That's supposed to mean celebration and not stress!
| By JennR | 5:03 PM
Trackback Pings
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://chattablogs.com/mt/mt-tb.cgi/44339
Comments
Your family has gone through so much in the last few months and I think you are handling all the stress really well. Hang in there, and don't be afraid to be whiny every once in a while-sometimes it helps :).
Posted by: Joy Lynne at December 19, 2007 8:32 AM
I had the opposite experience with wisdom teeth and a catheter. I had my wisdom teeth out in high school, and the anesthesia had a very strong reaction on me, so I don't remember most of the first 12-15 hours, but after that, I wasn't in much pain and was back at school after the weekend (and back at Girls Choir, where you have to open your mouth wide!) The only catheter I've had was very painful. It woke me from a semi-conscious state, but afterwards I was fine.
I am so impressed with the way you are handling all your trials! I think to myself that I could never handle things like that. I hate to be cliche, but I guess God gives each of us trials that we can handle (of course, not on our own, but depending on Him!) I have my own set of difficulties.
There are many prayers going your way, and Shan always reminds me that trials don't last forever---that life comes in seasons.
Posted by: martha at December 19, 2007 10:25 AM
Jenn! I'm so excited to see your blog!! It's wonderful. The pics of the girls are so precious.
I've been praying for Caroline and all the stuff that's been going on. It is so stressful to have your baby in the hospital! I'm glad to hear your pediatrician is so proactive and taking care of the whole family. That is great!
I'm glad you are going to OR for Christmas day! We will definitely be there and I'm really looking forward to meeting Caroline, and seeing Lizzy and Julia again.
I'm so glad I have a way to keep up with you guys now! Aren't blogs great?!
Love ya,
Paba
Posted by: Paba at December 21, 2007 11:16 AM