This morning I took Jack to the GSH for a renal ultrasound and a VCUG (Voiding Cystourethrogram) which involved placing a catheter and injecting dye into his bladder and taking a series of X-Rays. Jack hated both the ultrasound and the VCUG. They had a difficult time getting a urine sample from the catheter -- I'd say it took over 5 minutes for any urine to come out.
Once that was done they started the dye drip and I had to leave the area due to being pregnant -- (I could see in through the tech's window). It took quite some time for the study (maybe an hour) and Jack screamed the entire time. I felt so horrible for him and he didn't see his mommy anywhere either.
The second part of the test is voiding (peeing) all of the liquid they just filled the bladder with. This is where it gets interesting. Jack's bladder was at maximum capacity and he would NOT pee. They told me I should get Jack dressed and take him down for lunch and come back in about 45 minutes. We did just that -- Jack had a yogurt (or as he would say shoshurt) and a banana. He had plenty to drink too. Then we walked over to the lab to drop off Jack's urine sample.
When we got back and they took another picture of Jack's bladder it was still totally FULL. We had to go away for another half hour. We went to the lobby and watched the cars go by. I had to call school to tell them to cancel the bus for Jack because he'd be in late today. When we returned to radiology his bladder was still partially full but he had wet his diaper pretty well.
We won't have the results for a day or two but from my brief conversation with the Radiology Dr. it's apparent that Jack doesn't fully empty his bladder. This is not good because that's how bacteria grows and can infect your bladder, kidneys or urinary tract. They are also going to rule out any other issues (like Kidney Reflux, etc.). The likely reason Jack doesn't empty his bladder fully all of the time is spasticity.
I hope to get an idea of what should/can be done for this (if it's even an issue since he's only had one infection to date). Hopefully the urinalysis comes back okay and we can just put all of this behind us. I'll let you know when we hear.
Oh Angela, I'm so so sorry that you had to go through this with Jack. It was very interesting information. I had never thought about the spacticity affecting the bladder before. I hope everything turns out okay.
ReplyDeleteJack, Jack, Jack, You silly, silly man! Didn't you tell Mommy you weren't screaming during your tests, you were singing! Those nurses doing the tests just don't know good music when they hear it! I remember almost 4 years ago, that "screaming" would have been music to everyone's ears! If I remember correctly, you were one heck of a fighter then too, lucky for us all!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure the tests will come back just fine. We'll keep thinking all postive thoughts and send them your way.
Love Grammie
PS: Mommy---we're sending those FULL TERM thoughts your way too! You're well on your way!