A little update from our appointment

We did not get to meet with the urologist today, but we do have an appointment with him in a few weeks.  Because of that, I do not have too many updates, but I do have a little bit of new(old?) information.  Madi still has renal reflux on the left hand side and it is still a level 5, which is the highest grade of renal reflux.  I was realllllly hoping that it had resolved, but it has not.  As of right now, I am not too sure what it all means.  I know eventually it will mean surgery to correct it, but I am not sure when they will decide it is not going to resolve itself on its own and that the surgery is necessary.  Thankfully we have a very conservative urologist who never rushes in to a surgery, so for that, I am thankful.  When we have more information, I will update everyone.  Please keep Madi and her urinary situation in your prayers and pray that we will clearly know the best way to proceed.  I have to share a picture of Madi from today.  She and Conner were playing with Titan, our dog, and were both laughing hysterically.  I had to snap a picture because it was just too adorable. It's hard to have a bad day when you look at this face!

A big day tomorrow

Tomorrow Madi has a urodynamics test and renal ultrasound scheduled (or maybe a VCUG, not a renal ultrasound; for some reason I just cannot remember!).  These are never fun tests because they require Madi to lay still for quite some time and they can be a bit uncomfortable, even with her reduced sensation.  Madi usually starts to cry before the procedure ever even begins.  Just looking at the tables she has to lay on brings tears.  I always bring snacks, toys, and books to try to distract her, but when your life is filled with appointments and those appointments are often not fun, you know what the real reason behind those distractions are.  You learn it pretty early on, sadly.  One of the hardest things about being a mom is knowing that those tests must endured, but wanting so badly not to have to see your child go through them.  On the other hand, I am so thankful that we have these tests.  It actually wasn't until more recently that I realized how serious urinary problems can be for kiddos and adults with spina bifida.  Madi, thankfully, is followed very closely and her urinary issues are under close scrutiny.  Urinary problems can be very, very serious, though.  Here is a bit of information on the topic:

After meningitis and hydrocephalus, renal failure is an important cause of chronic ill health or death. Early and accurate assessment of urinary tract function will, I hope, prevent later and intractable renal disease, which causes a high rate of morbidity and mortality. This problem must be considered almost as urgent as the associated neurological and orthopaedic problems of spina bifida. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1469-8749.1962.tb03173.x/abstract

and

Prognosis varies by the level of cord involvement and the number and severity of associated anomalies. Prognosis is worse for children with higher cord levels (eg, thoracic) or who have kyphosis, hydrocephalus, early hydronephrosis, and associated congenital anomalies. With proper care, however, most children do well. Loss of renal function and ventricular shunt complications are the usual causes of death in older children. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec19/ch292/ch292c.html

In light of that information, it almost feels silly to get frustrated and complain.  We have so much to be thankful for.  Madi is lucky enough to be born in a time where she can get the help she needs.  As much as I hate these appointments and as much as I hate having to cath Madi and what that means for her, it also means something amazing; Madi is here on earth with us and can live a long, healthy, and happy life.  These tests help her thrive and give her the chance at life that she deserves.  So, while I am not looking forward to tomorrow, I am looking forward, and I am so thankful these tests give me the chance to do so.