Again

On Monday we went in for Presley's VCGU and renal sonogram. Brad was not able to go with me because Kennedy had a 101 fever. (It was just a virus). Presley was scared, but I was very proud of her. It was hard for me, I did want to shed tears on several occasions, but I did not. I was very grateful for the sedation, glad Presley did not have do the test awake.

The people at Plano Pediatric Imaging were very kind. They explained what they were looking for and what they saw (as opposed to having to waiting for my dr appointment). The test did show bilateral reflux (both tubes). It was a grade III on one side and a grade III/IV on the other side. (The highest grade is IV). The renal sonogram showed some fluid on one side. Th dr said she thought Dr Ewalt would probably recommend a low dose antibiotic for a year and then re evaluate.

The entire test lasted about 15 minutes and then we were taken back to a recovery room. The nurse brought Presley three dum dum suckers for her to choose from. When she moved the bed to sit Presley up, Presley began to wake up and cry for a second, but just a second. Presley chose the cherry one first, then changed to the watermelon one. But Presley says she does not remember choosing a sucker. As soon as Presley was all the way awake she said she really needed to go to the restroom, so I ran her to the restroom. We did stayed long enough for Presley to change back into her clothes and drink a little sprite, then we headed out to our appointment with Dr Ewalt.

We had just enough time to get to Dr Ewalt's office (with a short stop at CVS for a drink and snack). Dr Ewalt was running a little behind due to a surgerical delay, so we began with the PA. The PA looked at the films from the test and explained that Presley did have reflux of a grade III on both sides. She said Dr Ewalt was always up on the latest research and felt that he would recommend surgery over a low dose antibiotic route. She said the research showed that 95% of children who are 4 years or older who show reflux of a grade III or higher who did the antibiotic regiment had to have the surgery to correct the problem. Dr Ewalt did join us and apologized that he was running behind. He looked at the films and recommended what the PA said said he would recommend.

I was not prepared to hear this news. I really wanted to cry, but I did not. I remember my surgery, this exact surgery. I was in the hospital for at least a week, I remember being in pain, lots of pain. Both the PA and the doctor assured me that the procedure has changed tremendously over the years. Among the many changes is the size of the incision, it is much smaller. It is now just an overnight stay. He said they did this procedure on a 3 year old late Friday, she was home by mid afternoon on Saturday and by Monday the little girl was feeling good.

So we scheduled the surgery for Friday, August 6th.

We are calling it a "procedure" instead of "surgery" so Presley will not freak out.

My conversation with Presley as we walk out to the car from the dr appointment:

P- "Mom, I don't want to have another test."

M- "I know, but we need to fix the problem so it won't become worse."

P- "Well I will just run away from home so you cannot find me."

M- "But you would miss all of your family."

P- "You're right. But I really don't want to do this again."

M- "I understand, but you you were so brave."

P- " No I was not brave, I was scared."

M- "It is okay to be scared."

Since then, Presley has overheard me talking about the procedure on the phone to our family members. I overheard Presley tell her Dad that her procedure was going to be on August 6th. She has been okay so far. I pray that will continue.