So much to talk about! First, Leelyn had his 4 month check-up today. He is weighing in @ a whopping 15.1 lbs and a mere 24 1/4 inches long, WOW! (Blaine weighed 15.11). Growing like a weed that he is. His stats are right in the middle, whereas Blaine was always in the 90%.
Poor Leelyn had to receive FOUR (4) shots today! They were out of two vaccines on his last appointment so we had to make up for them today! As it stands, Brian and I are on the fence with vaccinations anyway, so it was extremely hard to get through this appointment for all of us. Blaine cried so hard once Leelyn started to cry, then I cried! AHHH! It is DONE and I am happy. I will never forget the look on Blaine's face when he saw that they were "hurting" Leelyn - he was NOT happy to say the least. I love that boy! I love both boys! lol
PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE Leelyn will be going in for his Vesicoureteral Reflux
test on July 9th, next Wednesday.
What is vesicoureteral reflux?
Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is the condition in which urine travels backward from the bladder toward the kidney and may affect one or both ureters.
In most children, reflux is a birth defect and is caused by an abnormal attachment between the ureter and bladder with a short, ineffective flap valve. In some children, an infrequent urination pattern may cause reflux to occur.
When the "flap valve" malfunctions and allows urine to flow backward, bacteria from the bladder easily enters the kidney. A child with reflux is more likely to develop a kidney infection (pyelonephritis) that can cause kidney damage. More severe reflux is associated with greater kidney damage. When urine back flow is more severe, the ureters and kidneys become large and distorted. Although reflux can have these serious medical consequences, it is a "silent" abnormality, that is, reflux does not cause pain, discomfort or problems with urination. Only occurs in 1% of children. How is vesicoureteral reflux diagnosed?
Reflux is diagnosed with a test called a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG), which is an X-ray of the bladder. A thin plastic tube called a catheter is inserted into the urethra. Fluid containing an X-ray dye is injected through the tube until the bladder is full, and then the child is asked to urinate. Pictures of the bladder are taken to see if the dye goes backward up to one or both kidneys. The VCUG usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. In some instances, the test is performed with fluid containing a tiny amount of radioactive tracer and the test is monitored with a special camera. Infection related to using a catheter for these tests occurs in a small proportion of children, so the urologist may recommend that antibiotics be given before and after the procedure.
Ways to ease discomfort and anxiety related to inserting a catheter should be discussed with the doctor. A few children become upset and need to be held during the test. (YA THINK?) Performing the test using general anesthesia may cause incomplete testing because it is important to observe whether there is reflux when the child is urinating.
If reflux is found, a isotope renal scan may be done to check how well the kidneys are working and to look for kidney damage. In some cases, a kidney and bladder sonogram may be done to check the size of the kidneys.
How is vesicoureteral reflux measured?
Reflux can be measured or graded. The doctor looks at an X-ray of the urinary tract to determine the reflux grade. The reflux grade indicates how much urine is flowing back into the ureters and kidneys and helps the doctor decide what type of care is most appropriate.
The most common system of grading reflux — the International Study Classification — includes five grades.
Grade I results in urine reflux in to the ureter only.
Grade II results in urine reflux into the ureter and the renal pelvis, without distention (hydronephrosis).
Grade III results in relux into the ureter and the rnal pelvis, causing mild hydronephrosis.
Grade IV results in moderate hydronephrosis. (This was his last result grade)
Grade V results in severe hydronephrosis and twisting of the ureter.
YES - he will need a catheter for the test on Wednesday. Pray for Brian and I also, PLEASE! As some of you may know, we have been watching his kidneys since he was in utero. 
I also had a couple of doctor appointments. While chatting with my PCP, she asked me if I have been getting any breaks.......HA! That was HILARIOUS for me to hear! A full time SAHM who's husband works 55 hours a week that has no family in town.....ya, what is a break I ask. So she started to share ways for me to get a 5-15 break: Run to the corner store, purchase magazine and sit in car for a addt'l 5-15 mins. to give myself time to "read", LOL....GUILTY! Stay in the shower for an addt'l 5-10 mins. and act like I needed to shave....GUILTY! Tell the hubby my nail polish is chipping so I can eescape to the spa for some needed RnR...GUILTY! I love my OB and PCP! Here is to going out to dinner with the hubby ALONE tonight. Thank you MaryJo and girls! XOXO
God- praying for healing, strength and courage.
