Garrett: 6 Weeks Post Surgery

So far, so good. It's hard to believe that it's already been six weeks since Garrett's surgery, but today you'd never know it. He has made a full recovery and is back to his normal, playful self. I'm relieved to not have to be limiting his activities anymore (any idea how frustrating it must be for a four year old- and his mom- to be told not to jump, run or exert himself too much?), except for the long term things that we've been advised against like rough, contact play, riding motorcycles and horses and anything else that could logically result in damage to his good kidney. Good thing it's almost summer and time for swimming- his favorite sport!

Garrett's first post-surgery ultrasound did not show any evidence of hydronephrosis (definition: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydronephrosis) which would indicate an obstruction either from scarring from surgery or the "kink" of concern that could interfere with drainage from the kidney. The next step is the VCUG (refer to the link under "Have You Seen This?" for a definition), which will be without sedation this time and we expect to be quite unpleasant but very necessary. This study will take place in late May and we hope to learn if the surgery was successful in correcting his reflux at this time. Until then, Garrett remains on prophylactic antibiotics to prevent UTI's and any further damage to his kidney.

Thanks again for the positive thoughts and well wishes. As always, we will keep you posted.