« VCUG, let this be our last | Main | thanks johnny »
December 3, 2008
a referral
Thanks to all those who prayed for our test this morning and checked in with me today to see how it went. I just now looked back in the archives of previous posts and our crazy year and I'm reminded that I am in a great community of friends and loving family. We're so thankful.
Being at TC Thompson always reminds me how healthy my kids are. I see a tired looking parent walk across the lobby and I wonder if one of their kids is staying for some sort of treatment or if they are here often or what they might even be here for. Our kids (even though we've had some super fun experiences this year) have been pretty healthy and for that I'm thankful.
All that to say, I don't want to sound ungrateful when I talk about kidney reflux.
Caroline had a grade 1 on her right side and today they upgraded it to a grade 2 (we wanted a 0) and unfortunately they saw reflux on the left side as well. That was the first we have ever seen on the left side. As far as I can understand, kidney reflux can be intermittent and it could have been on both sides this whole time. So I left the test bummed that she had not out grown it, that we'd be doing another yr of antibiotics and she would have to be tested again eventually. Then at the end of the day our pediatrician called and we are now being referred to a urologist. I think whats happening is that she is uncomfortable with the numbers climbing and its now out of her comfort zone to treat it so she wants us to see a specialist. That is purely speculation and a hunch of mine. My friends who have had kids with reflux saw a urologist right away but they were also grade 4 and 5 and more severe than our case. I guess you would think I would be relieved to get some real answers but it sort of reminds me that we're dealing with a real problem here that might be more complicated than just another year of meds.
I honestly feel like I'm doing fine. I still feel a bit drained and am generally tired but I don't feel overly anxious considering all that we're juggling right now. I have a pretty easy going attitude about Christmas which is shocking. (yes I just used the term easy going to describe myself) We don't have a tree nor do I know when we might get one. I've been thinking of getting the smallest one I can find and letting the girls do whatever they want with it. We're having wonderful advent readings every night after dinner, where we light our candle, read a verse and sing. The girls are loving it and its definitely a tradition I want to start. Thats what matter isn't it? Those family moments, not whether or not my shopping is done (or started) or if we have decorations up around the living room. I thought that buying a house and selling or renting this one would ruin the holiday season for me but I haven't found that to be true so far. I don't need all my lights up and wreaths out, just my family and some focus on the true meaning of the season.
| By JennR | 9:48 PM
Comments
I do that any time I'm at TC Thompson - wonder & worry about the kids I see around me. I did meet one one time in a wheelchair and head brace. He was only 2, but he needed support for his head. It looked to me like he never got to leave the wheelchair. As I was struggling to keep Mandy contained, I thought about that poor child who couldn't do normal toddler things like she does. So, yeah, I think any parent whose child has health issues that can be managed or corrected to the point of it not affecting their quality of life should be thankful.
Posted by: Lisa at December 4, 2008 12:25 PM
It's just precious. The girls sing and the adult shoulders start to shake. You just have to be there to experience God's love. Thank you Johnny.
Posted by: Nann at December 4, 2008 1:41 PM
So sorry to hear about the test results. I'm glad you have a pediatrician who is smart enough to refer you. It never hurts to see the people who deal with a particular problem all day, everyday. I hope this doc can present a plan for little Caroline.
I'll be praying for your heart as you manage this issue for your girl.
Love you,
Patty
Posted by: Patty at December 5, 2008 4:57 PM