Good news. The doctor doesn't think it is H1N1. Just the regular flu. Don't know what the difference is, but we'll go with it. John actually has Bronchitis-- and he is going to stay home at least one more day. This is huge for my husband who has probably missed a total of ten days of work due to being ill in the last ten years. I am so glad that he realized that spreading his germs and not taking care of himself was not going to do anyone any good.
Julia is finally doing better--- she has been up and about most of the afternoon. She feels good enough to go back to school tomorrow. Hopefully Caleb will feel better too by tomorrow-- yet he is staying home at least one more day.
I took Alex up to Children's Hospital of Central California (CHCC) for another test. He had a VCUG to determine his bladder and urinary tract function. I watched him be catheterized for the test. I thought it would be uncomfortable for him, but it wasn't. He said he didn't feel a thing. I guess that is good, yet it kind of confirms that he will not have any sort of bladder control-- but we will find out for sure when I take Alex to the Spina Bifida clinic. He does has some reflux-- whatever that means.
I am still learning so much. I have no idea what the future holds for him-- but I can't wait to find out.
Meanwhile, we keep plugging along.
18 inspiring thoughts:
Christine you left a comment on my blog,so I looked your blog up.What a wonderful family and may I says kudos to you and your honey..Yes,swimming is a great committment but what you guys do and have done with your growing family is an awesome committment to Jesus and to one another.I will keep up with your blog.You guys are a blessing.I pray God give you more of your heart's desires.Gosh,he loves you so much for your gigantic open heart and home.Your compassion is infectious.
Your New Sister in Christ,Monica
Suzanne's daughter Savannah has kidney reflux as well: http://thelifeofsuz.blogspot.com. I learned a lot about kidney issues by reading her blog.
Reflux is where the urine is going back up into the kidneys. Do you know what level his lesion is on his back? That would kind of determine what functions he *should* have. I say *should* because our daughter's level is very high. She should have NO function or feeling below the waist, but she does. However, there is an explanation for it, but too much to get into here!
Of course the lower the lesion the better!
Good Luck!!
Carla
I am NO expert but, I taught a little girl to swim who had "reflux" of the bladder (she was 4 an not potty trained). It meant the her urine would try to retreat buck up from her bladder, towards her kidneys, in the little tubes that are suppose to carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Her doctors said not to potty train her because they didn't wanter her "holding" her urine, in order to try and prevent this from happening. She eventually had surgery to correct it however!!!
The reflux means that some of the urine in his bladder washes up towards his kidneys, probably because he doesn't really empty his bladder properly, so it all builds up and needs to go somewhere.
If it's severe, it can damage the kidneys because the urine washing back upwards can be a route of infection. But in most cases it's just something which needs to be watched, and I'm sure the SB clinic will help you to sort out a bladder emptying programme for Alex.
I'm pleased cathing wasn't uncomfortable for him - reading all your investigations it does sound to me as though regular cathing is going to become part of his daily life at some point in the future; it's good to know that this won't hurt him.
Tia
So glad his procedure went fine. My daughter was in line to get one of those if things did not settle down for her. So far we have not had to do it.
Hoping the best for you and your family. Hope everyone gets well soon.
So glad to hear that your family members are beginning to feel better.
Glad it's not H1N1. Did the doctor urge flu shots for the family?
As for Alex, I sure hope you get some good news when you go to the SB clinic with him.
I'm sure you are going through lots and lots of bacterial wipes. Hope the flu bug is not with your family.
Christine,
Looks like you are getting really good at handling medical needs. This is something I never thought I could do. Sometimes though God will prepare us for things we did not expect. I have been thrust into a few things that sent my head spinning but I love the times when I am sure I have been prepared.
I think I will blog about this... lol... love ya - jen
You mentioned that Alex has some reflux when you were talking about his bladder, so I'm assuming you were referring to urinary reflux. My daughter has/had that.
Urinary reflux is where, as Alex is urinating and his bladder is emptying, some of the urine leaks back up the tube from the bladder back into the kidney[s].
It's not painful, but long term can cause infections and/or damage to the kidney[s]. They had put my daughter on a low dose of antibiotics for about a year to avoid developing any infections. Most children outgow it around the age of 5-6yrs old. Minor surgery is an option for the more severe cases and has a high rating of success.
Kidney reflux is when urine goes from the urether BACK into the kidneys. (so traveling backward) which can cause some problems with the kidneys. Sounds like it must have been mild?
Sending feel good vibes to your family!!!
I believe reflux is urine that is being sent back up the ureters to the kidneys. Amber was trained at camp to catheterize herself. She was in fifth grade at the time and it is a lot harder for a paraplegic girl to be able to do than it will be for Alex. Plus, I would imagine that things have come a long way in the twenty years since she learned.
Great to hear that everyone is starting to feel better!
Catherine
I had reflux as a child. The main problem, I think, is that when the bladder does not empty completely and the urine backs up toward the kidneys, there is higher incidence of infection. I had surgery as a four year old (They cut my urethra to an adult size. No wonder I sat on my heel!) but they no longer do that. Likely it didn't help much because I found a different way to keep it in... Now the treatment is more or less antibiotics to prevent infection. At least that is what they did with my friend's daughter.
Christine,
We have been praying for your precious ones to be better quickly! So glad for the update and will continue our prayers for each of the sickies and that the rest of you are protected from getting it as well.
Praying God's continued strength for you as you continue to be an amazing mommy and wife!!
Hello Reeds!
We have so enjoyed your blog off and on for over a year.
I hope you or someone else can help me to understand this new International Surrogacy Adoption taking place? It seems as though many people are playing God and building a child with their DNA in other countries? What about the many homeless and orphaned children?
http://poundpuplegacy.org/node/39791
Christine,
Daniel has been through a VCUG and of course he had surgery for severe reflux on the left side. We're still dealing with a swollen kidney and over enlarged bladder, but he is slowly gaining control for potty training. They originally thought he would have to have a permanent cathedar, but now we believe that he will gain full control. He doesn't miss number 2's but he has alot of pee accidents, however we're thankful of how well he's doing and the doctor is surprised. Please let me know if you have any questions about reflux - we've been through the gammit and TONS of testing so we're pretty familiar with the tests. In fact we go next week for follow up ultrasounds and to see the urologists again. I hope Alex can gain control and we're thinking about you and praying for Alex and you as you embark on all these medical tests.
Rachel
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