Kidney reflux progress at 17 months

Today Eamonn had a repeat of the big x-ray he had at 2 weeks old that confirmed his reflux diagnosis. We were hopefuly that his lack of any kidney infections since that diagnoisis would mean that his body was repairing itself, and he was growing out of the condition. today's results showed that was not the case.

His reflux was only downgraded from grade 5 to grade 4, so still really severe. His kidney growth is ok, but at least there isn't any damage. He only has a 20% chance of outgrowing the reflux now that he's 1.5yr. We're going to wait 6 months and see how his kidneys are growing, since he hasn't had any new infections, before deciding to proceed with the surgery. The surgery isn't a "big deal" surgery, but any surgery is stressful of course and has some risk. His doctor is confident that he would bounce back from it without any trouble. She didn't want to push us either way as far as waiting, as we're choosing to do, or electing to have the surgery sooner. She said there isn't evidence to support that waiting or not waiting is beneficial or harmful. So the best thing we can do is keep monitoring his kidneys for infections or signs of delay in growth.

 

HCMC has a special position just to entertain children during difficult procedures when they have to be awake. This is her iPad.

 

And here is Miss Allyson again showing Eamonn her cache of toys.

 

And the baby is very tuckered out after this uber long day!

Now for some messy face pictures from a few days ago...