Has anyone's DC had UTI's or been tested for kidney reflux??

Cree629

Lucy was diagnosed last week with a UTI (her first).  She has responded well to antibiotics and is feeling fine now, but they have referred her for testing to determine if she could have kidney reflux.

 The research I've done has made me realize that kidney reflux in itself is not dangerous, but recurrent UTI's can cause kidney damage in kids who have reflux, so I know that's why we need to know if she has it or not...

However, one of the tests she has next week (a VCUG) involves using a catheter to insert dye into her bladder (and then taking XRAY images, etc.).  Last week to diagnose the UTI, I had to pin her down and hold her while she was catheterized for a urine sample, and it was ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE.  I have never heard her scream like that, and she just kept looking at me with horror on her poor little face.   So, needless to say, I am not looking forward to a repeat of that.

 If any of you have been through this, I would love to hear what your experience was.  Did they sedate your little one for the VCUG (I guess some places do, others don't)?   How did they get him/her to be still for the XRAYS?  Is it as horrible as I am anticipating?

Thanks in advance, girls...

Jen748

DD had two UTI's before she was 2 months old...so she has had just about all of those tests! She has had multiple sonograms and the VCUG. They coudln't exactly figure out what caused her UTI's so she is on antibiotics until she is 1 year old at which point we will have another sonogram to decide what to do next.

The VCUG was rough, but not the roughest thing Sammie had to go through. She was so dehydrated that when they did the lumbar puncture to rule out meningitus they had to stick the needle in her back multiple times and most of them were without pain deadening meds.

She wasn't rolling over yet when they did the VCUG and I would imagine that would make it even more rough!! We took in a few toys and that helped distract her a lot! They didn't give her any sedation.

We have had Sammie look at us with that look of horror so many times...it is heartbreaking, I understand! Have someone go with you that DD is comfy with b/c she maybe "mad" at you when it is done if you are the one holding her.

Good luck and let me know if you have any specific questions or other concerns!

twinchic83@aim.com

We have an appt for the test next month, so I am not an expert.  But I have asked some of the ladies on here and they say it is not as bad as it seems.  No, they don't sedate them, but I have been told that the cath is the worst part of the whole thing.

HisBride05

D had a UTI when she was 2 mos old & had to get the VCUG as a follow-up. They didnt sedate her (didnt know any of them did) and she didn't even cry when they cath'd her - which was shocking to me!  The test was actually the easiest part of the whole ordeal for us.  The xrays only took a minute since her bladder was/is so tiny & filled up quickly ... she urinated the dye out and everything was fine.

GL, Hope it goes smoothly.

BitterOldHag

I'm sorry, we haven't been through this...yet.

S was born with a pelvic kidney and an u/s after he was born showed that he has some renal dilation so if he gets a UTI it will most likely become a kidney infection.

The pediatric urologist suggested the test if he gets UTIs and we are hoping he doesn't.  They are less prone to occur in boys I guess.  We have a followup u/s scheduled in a few months to see if there is any change. BUT, the doctor stressed that the test can only diagnose kidney reflux, it still won't make any difference unless he gets UTIs.

I'm a little surprised that they recommended the test after only one UTI.  Has she had other issues?

 

kdiguise

I had vesicoureteral reflux (kidney reflux) as a child and had surgery at 9 to correct it. I had UTIs, bladder and kindey infections while growing up. I had VCUGs starting at 4 years old every year until I was 12. I never remember it being that bad and I was never sedated. Of course, it's not pleasant but there isn't much pain, mostly just discomfort (if you've ever had a catheter, that's basically the feeling). I've always known it was very possible for any of my kids to get it and I was sent to a perinatologist when pg because they thought Noah had reflux in utero. All was well in the end, but I'm still scared about him getting it. I just wanted to say good luck to you and your DD. I don't think it's going to be as bad as you think it will be. And it will be over in no time and she'll likely just forget about it after awhile. I hope it's just a UTI and no reflux! Good luck!

southernarmywife7

my lo hasent had it but i did. my mom found out when i was 6 and kept having problems. i had to have VCUG every 6 months til i was 15 and ended up having to have multiple major surgerys. take their favorite lovey and during the test sing to lo! they dont sedate them as far as i know! if you need some more info or have any ?s pm me! i hope everythings ok!

BeachyGirl01

My daughter was dx with bilateral grade 3 kidney reflux last month.  She was sent for a kidney ultrasound and VCUG because she had a UTI that was coupled with a high fever.  I was very nervous about the VCUG also.   She hated having it done but I think it had more to do with being held still than the catheter. There were two doctors and a nurse present during the procedure, one taking the xrays, one doing the catheter, and one holding her still. The test itself went really quickly though and my husband and I were able to stay with her the entire time which I think was somewhat comforting to her.  

My LO needs to be on a prophylactic antibiotic for one year and then will need the tests again to see if the reflux has gone away.  Good Luck, everything will be ok!