At our 20 week growth sono they told us they thought they saw cysts on the kidneys but they wanted us to come back in three weeks and we would see if anything changed. Well turns out that wasn't it at all.
In the most simple terms of what's going on is that his left kidney is not functioning. Based on the fluid inside and where it ends, (apparently there are three places it can get blocked from kidney to bladder) it was explained that they are not optimistic they can save it. So for now all they can do is monitor it and see if it changes. One possibility they mentioned is surgery in utero where they try to open the valve that takes urine from the kidney to the bladder on the left side. But depending on how things go if we can avoid that after he is born they will take a long needle and drain fluid to test it and based on that they either can save it and put a shunt in or will remove it completely. Likelihood is leaning toward it needing to be removed completely. Either way ultimately when he is born he will need to immediately need to be whisked away to the NICU to be seen by a team of drs.
So what it means for now is im going to be seen every three weeks for a sono so they can measure the fluid in the kidneys and around him and the dr will meet weekly with the NICU team and the neonatal kidney specialist to formulate a plan and help us make decisions along the way.
Fortunately his right kidney is working well and he has enough fluid around him from it. His bladder is also functioning fine & also good was they took extra looks at his heart and its functioning perfectly.
He should be okay with one kidney and be able to live a normal life without a lifetime of severe renal issues. But knowing he will be immediately NICU bound and need surgery as a new born is scary as fuck.
Baby number 3 and we have never had to deal with anything like this before.
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Re: Baby's kidney not functioning
My husband was born with only one kidney and didn't even know until he went in for a completely unrelated issue in High School. He has lived a totally normal life with no issues.
I wll be thinking of your family in the months to come!
I just want to say how sorry I am about your little guy. You'll be in my thoughts.
I know you're scared but you seem to be taking this remarkable well and with a great and strong attitude, he's lucky to have you as a mother.