The Results

Today was Leland's VCUG at the hospital. She was such trooper. I was amazed by how strong she was acting. I was trying hard to keep the tears from flowing. [Chuck edit: And not very well.] I was very nervous for my little girl. I wanted so bad to take her place. Chuck did well at keeping her entertained with all the fun "toys" - shoe covers and rubber gloves - that he could find. The staff gave her a teddy bear to help comfort her. She was the most excited that we all got matching bracelets. Leland thought it was funny that her dad was wearing a bracelet too.

She then got to drink the "happy juice" that was going to help her relax. The nurse said it was the child version of Prozac, but would also serve an an amnesiac. Tonight, while putting Leland to bed, she revealed that her memory of the day was not gone. I told her how proud I was of her today being so brave at the hospital. She replied, "I pee-peed on the table. That was so silly!"

Leland was excited to take a ride in the bed. She was still smiles when they laid her on the x-ray table. The medicine would soon kick in.

Chuck went with her to radiology. Since they were taking live x-ray pictures, he got to wear the snazzy vest. [Chuck edit: Yes, I know it looks like we were filming a Cindi Lauper video in there.] They inserted a catheter and filled her bladder with a liquid that shows up black on the x-ray. They moved her into different positions to see if the die went from her bladder backwards up through her urinary tract. Finally, they need he to pee to watch and see if that causes things to go backwards.

She had to pee on the x-ray table with 4 people telling her to do so, staring at her and waiting for her to go. Telling a recently potty trained 3-year old, who knows she is only supposed pee in a potty, to pee on demand on a table could create some issues. Chuck says that she got pretty hysterical and was crying. She finally relaxed and peed all over the table.

Before the appointment this morning, when I was telling Leland about the pictures the Dr was going to take of the inside of her belly, she was sure that they would see rainbows.

Well we didn't see any rainbows, but we did see the dye shoot into her left kidney when she peed. She is positive for reflux. So when she urinates some of the urine spits up into her left kidney. Not good.

We are very lucky that this was found early so we can prevent any damage to her kidney this could cause. We are also grateful that only one kidney is affected. My cousin at 3 1/2 years old (he is now 21) who had reflux to both kidneys had a kidney removed because it was detected too late.

Next week, I will meet with her pediatrician for the game plan. Most of what I have read says that this is something she will probably grow out of (at what age, I'm not sure). Until then she will be on a prophylactic dose of antibiotics to prevent infections. The technician did mention to Chuck that they would probably want to do this test again in just over a year from now.

It took Leland a little while for the medicine to wear off. She was very wobbly when she would try to walk and her eyes were heavy. Luckily there was a TV in her recovery area so we got to watch a little Dora, but mostly the Ryder Cup. Poor girl was very emotional the rest of the day. Every little thing would set off a flood of tears.

It was a very emotionally draining day for all of us. We are so grateful that my Aunt was able to watch Lucy for us while we were at the hospital. I am also so grateful for the great friends who thought to bring us dinner and dessert tonight. Thanks it was very yummy.