Urology Appointment

Grady, Matt and I met with the pediatric urologist today at long last to find out about the status of Grady's kidneys. Unfortunately the news is not great, although it is not horrible. Basically, Grady's right kidney has two ureters instead of the usual one. The top one connecting to the upper right kidney does not appear to have much functioning. The lower one connecting to the lower right kidney does have some functioning it appears, but also has a ureterocele, basically a little cyst where the ureter connects to the bladder. He also has some reflux in the lower ureter, so the pee is not just going out but is also going back up to the kidneys. The left kidney is functioning well, but also has a small ureterocele.

Early next week, Grady will have to go in for a procedure where they basically pop the ureteroceles. The procedure is done through a catheter, so he will not need to have open surgery. It doesn't take long, but he will need to be given an anesthetic and so will have to stay over night for observation. Hopefully the popping of the ureteroceles will fix functioning and reflux, but that is pretty unlikely so we are likely looking at another surgery a few months down the line. Before that happens though we will have a check up at 3 months to see how the kidneys are functioning.

The good news is at the end of everything, Grady should be just fine, but I wish we would get there without the procedure and likely surgery. It just seems like a lot for such a little guy.

Grady again was much braver than I. The procedure next week is supposed to be very straightforward, but I am still upset about it.

Here's a picture of Grady from today, getting ready for his big doctor's appointment.



Matt's parents just left to head back to Westfield. It was really nice to have them here and have them spend time with their newest grandson. I'm on my own now for the next 8 weeks, although luckily Matt's just across the yard!