We have good news and okay news. First the good news. Part of Garrett's recent round of testing included a VCUG to study his reflux (see "Have You Seen This?" for definition) and a urodynamic study which measured the pressure exerted by his bladder when he "goes" to make sure that was not contributing to his reflux. So, the good news: his bladder is normal. Phew! One less complicating factor in an unlucky streak of being in the <2% population. One other note of good news: Garrett does not have hydronephrosis, as I had originally thought. Apparently there is a difference between his kidney being saturated in urine (caused by his reflux) and his kidney being swollen and/or impaired drainage (which he does not have).
Which brings me to the okay news (I dare not say "bad" news, as it could definitely be worse). Garrett still has unilateral grade II reflux on his left side. This means his urine is still backing up to his kidney but is not applying high-grade pressure on his kidney (as it did with grade IV). This is still unusual following the type of surgery he had (ureteral reimplantation) and still not ideal, but, like I said, it could be worse.
His doctor felt that the best course of action at this point is no action. Garrett will go off prophylaxis (antibiotic) and we will "wait and see". The hope is that he doesn't develop any UTI's or kidney infections (which we will check for periodically) and we will reassess his kidney function and reflux in nine months. At that point we should have a better idea as to whether his kidney will either show further atrophy or potential for growth, which will determine what steps we take next. Keep your fingers crossed.
In the mean time, Garrett is happy (but I'm happier) to not have to worry anymore about taking his morning medicine. And he's especially happy about not having to be catheterized again for a "long time" (hopefully). And we can all sleep a little easier knowing that while we don't have all the answers we have a few less questions. We will keep you posted with updates.
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