Vesicoureteral Reflux Grade 3

They sure do come up with some scary names for these things!!!

Lylah underwent tests at Children's Hospital this week (VCUG and Renal ultrasound....two tests we will become very familiar with in the years ahead). She was so brave but the tests were frightening for her, especially when the camera broke and we had to start all over.

Jon and I were both in shock when we looked at the monitor to see urine flowing up the tubes to Lylah's kidneys. The doc announced she had Grade 3 Kidney reflux. I just remember grabbing Lylah up off of the table and walking in circles in the room, crying. She has a condition that causes urine to go back up into the kidneys, and if the urine is infected, can be very dangerous to the kidneys. Her grade is on the "high mid end" and will require her to be on antibiotics indefinitely, have testing well into her adult years and possibly undergo surgery.

I have since done much research online...some of the info is upsetting, other info at least offers the promise of a healthy lifestyle, outside of routine testing and always being aware of signs of infection. Crazy how not many people write about the good stuff, mostly the bad stuff.

The good news...she is unaffected by this condition on a daily basis right now, other than taking an antibiotic every day. She is sweet and cuddly and drives her brother crazy sometimes. We, on the other hand, watch her closely for any signs of a new infection. There is a chance she will develop an immunity to the antibiotic at any time which leads to a risk of kidney infection....... Sigh......

I continue to digest everything and try to learn more....we will get second and third opinions until we feel we have exhausted all of the options. I know this will become something we just deal with as a part of our lives......... and one way or another, it will be ok!! I continue to consider myself very, very lucky for all of the wonderful blessings I have with both Lylah and Brady!