Annabelle's Appointment

Today we went to the hospital to get two tests done to see if Annabelle had Vesicoureteral Reflux. The first test they performed was an ultrasound, and besides being a little wiggly she did rather well. The second test which actually diagnosed the reflux is called a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG), which is an X-ray of the bladder. She didn't even cry or fuss when they put the catheter in, which the nurse said was the most painful part, but she did not like it when they had to strap her down. It was tough, but I knew it was going to help us find out whether or not she had this. You could see the dye they injected her bladder with flow up to her little kidney. The Doctor was really helpful explaining everything, and showing me that she for sure had it on her left side. He isn't sure yet if it is a stage 2 or stage 3. Higher grades of reflux are associated with greater risk of kidney damage. However, since we've caught it before she got another UTI and has been on antibiotics for about a month, reflux improves or disappears in many children because they outgrow it. The lower the grade of reflux, the more likely it is to disappear. My niece also has this and she is now 4 and completely healthy! I couldn't leave this update without leaving a pic and a short video!