VCUG

So after posting my last post, I received a call from Dr. Smith about Erynn and his discussion with the Pediatric Urologist. It looks like we will be making a trip to Tucson to meet with a specialist there.

Dr. Smith explained to me that there is a procedure called a VCUG or Voiding Cystourethrogram. It is where they insert a tube into the bladder and inject a dye. They then do an x-ray to indicate if there is any dye going into the kidneys to rule out VU Reflux. Basically there is a valve in the lower urinary tract that prevents urine from flowing back into the kidneys. If there is an abnormality with this valve, children are more susceptible to infections like UTIs.

Until we meet with the specialist, Erynn will have to be on prophylactic antibiotics to prevent any further infections.

Dr. Smith is thinking that this might be the case for Erynn considering she is so young to have urinary problems. It also appears that her kidneys were slightly enlarged when we left the hospital. I have been told the way to treat VU Reflux is surgery.

I feel a little bit better knowing that we might have found our explanation. I am just sad that Erynn will have to endure more poking and prodding in the future and possibly have surgery. This all seems worth it if surgery can fix the problem.