Gracie's tests performed today

Gracie had the tests on her urinary system performed at Medical Center of Lewisville today. Here is some information on the reasons for the tests and what they look for:

You may remember that Gracie had a severe urinary tract infection when she was two months old. About one-third of children with a urinary tract infection are found to have vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), which is the abnormal flow of urine from the bladder back into the ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder). Severe VUR is urine that backs all the way up into the kidneys. VUR can lead to infection because urine that remains in the child's urinary tract provides a place for bacteria to grow. Here is a great website I found that explains VUR: http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/Kudiseases/pubs/vesicoureteralreflux/

Ultrasounds and VCUGs are the most common tests performed to diagnose VUR. The ultrasound looks for obvious visual abnormalities and blockages anywhere in the urinary system that could be caused by infections. The VCUG (voiding cystourethrogram) is an x-ray examination that uses a special form of x-ray called fluroscopy and a contrast material that fills the bladder via a catheter. Fluoroscopy makes it possible to see internal organs in motion. When the bladder is filled with and then emptied of a water-soluble contrast material, the radiologist is able to view and assess the anatomy and function of the bladder and lower urinary tract. Here is another great site that I found that explains VCUGs: http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=voidcysto&bhcp=1

Gracie did great during her ultrasound, even "helping" the technician move the wand around. =) I did not get much information about the ultrasound as I could not interpret the images myself, so we will have to see what her doctor says about them. The VCUG was a whole other story. Poor Gracie was so good at first but once that catheter went in she was very unhappy. She quieted down for a minute or two at one point, but was back to bawling by the time they finally pulled the catheter out. I was able to stay next to Gracie in the x-ray room while the VCUG was being done and watched a monitor as the dye backed up one of Gracie's ureters all the way up to her kidney. I should be hearing from Dr. Conger, Gracie's new pediatrician, by Monday or Tuesday at the latest on how we should proceed with these results. I've read that infants at this age usually grow out of primary VUR (reflux caused by an abnormality in a valve where the ureter meets the bladder), and secondary VUR (caused by an infection or blockage anywhere in the urinary system) can be treated with certain antibiotics, so that is encouraging. I'm still concerned that it did back up all the way into Gracie's kidney, though. That means it is severe, although it is only one and not both kidneys.

I will keep everyone updated on what her doctor says. Thanks for the prayers!

P.S. We have a very fun weekend planned, so stay tuned for lots of pictures come Monday! =)
P.P.S. On a random note, today we noticed that tooth #7 popped through! Now she has her four front teeth on the bottom, and three front teeth on the top!
P.P.P.S. And tally up the fourth night in a row (last night) that she slept all through the night in her own crib! Hopefully this keeps up for good now!