Kaylee had another doctor visit yesterday. The good news is that the kidney she does have looks very healthy and normal. Bad news is that the testing that needs to be done to see if it's functioning properly (no urine backing up, bladder emptying properly, etc.) can't be done until after the rectal repair since part of the urodynamic study involves having a rectum!
However, we can do a simple test that will determine if she's having kidney reflux (urine backing up)and that will be done this week. The other tests will be scheduled in January.
Because Kaylee is at high risk for urinary dysfunction, until the tests can prove otherwise, the doctor wants to treat Kaylee as if she does have problems. Consequently, she's put Kaylee on a very low dose prophylactic antibiotic to ward against any infection. The doctor also said that the nerves affecting the bladder emptying properly can be affected after the tethered cord surgery, so she wants me to learn how to catheterize Kaylee a few times a day after the surgery to make sure the bladder is emptied properly.
If we find there is no urine reflux and no residual urine volume from cathing then we'll be able to stop doing the catheterizing.
Even though this is going to take dedication and work, Andrew and I feel it's very important to be diligent in caring for Kaylee's one kidney as we can. Of course, we're praying all the kidney studies will come back normal and this will be one less issue for her. And it's not like I don't already know how to catheterize. It's one of the basic nursing skills I was taught more than 20 years ago. It's just a matter of learning how to do it at home with a squirmy baby!
For other news about Kaylee that's more fun to talk about: In addition to her new skills of walking, she's learning new verbal skills. She can now say "moo" in addition to dada, mama, and uh-oh! I know, how boring, but for us it's a big step at acquiring a new language which she just started to hear almost 8 weeks ago! She's so cute when she purses her lips and says "mmmoooooo". She's also understanding a few things like "milk" and "sit down".
Her attachment to us is doing great. She easily looks at us and is quick to give and receive smiles, she knows how to give kisses, she trys to feed me her food which is a really big deal, and she comes to me for comfort. Now if she would just stop wanting a bottle for comfort in the middle of the night it would be great :)
Jennifer
