A children's (pediatric) voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) is an x-ray examination of a child's bladder and lower urinary tract that uses a special form of x-ray called fluoroscopy and a contrast material.
Fluoroscopy makes it possible to see internal organs in motion. When the bladder is filled with and then emptied of a water-soluble contrast material, the radiologist is able to view and assess the anatomy and function of the bladder and lower urinary tract.
Urine is produced in the kidneys and flows through the ureter, the tube that carries urine from each kidney to the bladder. A valve mechanism prevents urine from backing up into the kidneys as the bladder gets full. Urine leaves the bladder through the urethra and is eliminated from the body during urination.
In some children, an abnormality in the valve or the ureters allows urine to flow backwards, a condition called urinary reflux. In mild cases urine backs up into the lower ureter. In severe cases it can back up into a swollen kidney. Usually, children with this condition are born with it.
The only thing the above description leaves out is HOW they fill the bladder with urine. They have to use a catheter, which in my ADULT life has to be the single most painful thing I have ever experienced, so you will not be suprised to know the anxiety felt with Mallory having to go through the same thing over and over again. The past 2 years we have been seen in Boise for this procedure, and had minimal issues with pain or discomfort for Mallory. This year we were not so lucky. Not that this hospital in San Antonio is lacking, it just had some BIG footsteps to follow in with the care we received at St. Luke's in Boise.
So, without going into the long details, I will just tell you it was a traumatic day for Mallory, fo me and for Grandma and Grandpa. And on top of all the uncomfortable poking and prodding, we had to find out bad news.
Mallory's condition remains the same. She has not improved or gotten any worse, and the daily antibiotics are managing the problem just fine. But there is now less than a 10% chance of this situation taking care of itself, and there is a significant possibility surgery will be neccessary to fix her urinary reflux. Mallory has been on antibiotics daily since being diagnosed over 2 years ago.
The only way we will know for sure is to take Mallory off of the antibiotics and see if she gets a UTI. If she does, surgery is the best option. There is a chance she will never have any further issues, and really, the medical jury is still out on whether or not Urinary Reflux is even a problem worth fixing.
After much discussion, and continuous prayer, Charles and I have decided to take Mallory off of the antibiotics once we return from Korea in January. We will then wait and see what happens. We pray her little body fights and has no need for surgery, and we appreciate your prayers as well.
After 4 long hours of medical exams, Mallory deserved a TREAT! so we headed to Freddy's Frozen Custard. The lady at the counter felt bad after hearing about our long day. When she brought Mallory's sundae to the table, it had no less that 8 cherries and a boat-load of whipped cream! It was the most well-deserved sundae EVER!
Oh goodness, Amber. I often think about Mallory and how she is doing with all this. So sad to hear she is still dealing with it all (and you are too). Just that one VCUG with Trinity was enough for me. I will have Mallory on the top of my prayer list that she does magnificent once she is off of the meds. Please keep me posted. Hugs from VA!
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