VCUG #2

My older daughter Destiny will be 23 months old when she returns to the urologist in September for her second VCUG. She got her first UTI at 6 months old and was diagnosed with VUR Reflux grade 3 bilateraly at 9 months old. She hasn't shown any damage to either of her kidneys so far... (Thank God!) She takes an antibiotic every night before bed and has not had any "breakthrough" infections. I have a few questions that I haven't been able to find answers to online... if anyone can help with them I would be very greatful!

1. What are the chances of it healing without surgery?
2. How difficult will potty training be & what age should I start trying?
3. Will they sedate her for this VUCG?
4. What are the chances that my 4 month old daughter has or will develop VUR Reflux?

[Dr Santos]

How are you? How is your daughter? Rearchers hypothesize that there is a genetic component that exists with VUR, up to 34% of those patients with reflux have siblings that also are affected. Surgical repair may be recommended in patients with persistent unilateral grades IV-V reflux or bilateral grades III-V reflux after a period of antibiotic. This is if you prefer definitive therapy over watchful management while receiving antibiotic prophylaxis. Potential risks and complications are usually discussed before the operation. And yes, the patient is usually sedated during the procedure.
I hope this helps. Take care and keep us posted.

[juliemarlo]

My first daughter was tested  for kidney reflux but was fine.  My second daughter was not . She is on med but she complain of stomick pain and she is always thirsty, and potty training ,she doesn't get. I think is because of the urine flowing back to the kidney. I have lot's of question not answer.  We hope to get more answer from the doctor.

[SuziB]

My daughter had grade 3-4 reflux bilaterally and had no problems toilet training, despite frequent infections while on antibiotics.(She has bilateral duplex ureters) She underwent bilateral re-implantation of her 4 ureters age 3 and never looked back. She has 2 older siblings, neither of whom have problems.  

[Lynseylou73]

My son (age 17 months) was diagnosed with grade 5 (left sided) VUR at 8 weeks of age. He had since then taken daily antibiotics and despite this in the past 6 months has had 2 breakthru infections (one which hospitalized him).

He had his first STING procedure 4 months ago which sadly failed as his reflux returned - he underwent his second STING yesterday and we are of the belief this will be an unlikely success due to the high grade of reflux.

To date all the tests, exams and surgery he has had for the kidney problem have been painless and straightforward and he has not suffered. We believe the next stage will be the reimplantation surgery if the STING fails and we are already prepared for this.

I know how hard it is as a parent to see our precious ones go through poking and prodding in hospital, and to a degrre they do seem well with the kidney issues going on inside - it is worrying, but the doctors are so good and only ever do what's best for our babies.

I am also a nurse and have cared for so many children in my career but when it is your own it is so difficult.

I wish you luck with you little one and hope that being grade 3 she will either grow out of it, or similarly respond well to the minor treatments she may require.

Good luck
Lynsey