First trip to the Urologist

Our first visit to the Urologist was more just of an informative meeting and a consultation about getting the work-up done to rule out "reflux".  Since Ashlyn had a fever and vomiting with her UTI a couple of weeks ago, they have to assume it was a kidney infection vs a bladder infection.  When a baby has a kidney infection at this age, they have to rule out reflux (where the bladder pushes urine back to the kidneys when it fills as it is trying to empty).  Untreated reflux can lead to chronic kidney infections which can lead to scarring and damage to the kidneys.  We learned a lot about reflux and the procedures they do to test for it. Ashlyn is scheduled to have the work-up done May 4th.  We aren't thrilled about the x-rays and the radiation exposure, but trust the specialists and agree it should be done.  It is very little exposure, but still...we would rather none at all.  And the procedure is done under gas sedation which we weren't too excited about either.  But it makes it easier on the baby and those trying to do it.  It takes less than 10 minutes.  They basically insert a catheter and fill her bladder with dye.  They take a series of x-rays as the bladder fills to determine if there is any reflux.  They will also do another sonogram of her kidneys to look for scarring (which is highly unlikely).  They did a basic sonogram in the office and her kidneys looked good...same size and no hydronephrosis.  Prayers would be appreciated for a good check-up and no reflux!  Will keep you posted.