I am writing tonight with a heavy heart and and box of kleenex beside me. It has been an overwhelming week to say the least, but a blessed one at the same time. On Monday we took Emerson in for a follow-up appointment for her recent UTI. Little did we know that it would lead to more health concerns, and waiting for me and Josh. I pointed out a "swollen" spot on Emerson's inner thigh to the doctor, and that is when she noticed her resistance to movement of her leg. We already knew that the doctor probably would be recommending a sonogram of her kidneys - based on her UTI, to make sure everything was working properly, but she also recommended x-rays of her hips now as well.
On Thursday we went to Children's Mercy for these appoinments. Unfortunately, once again, this appoinment lead to more concerns - unrelated to the previous ones. During the sonogram of her kidneys, the radiologist noticed a "concerning" spot on her right kidney. After much time studying the pictures and a second sonogram, the radiologist told us that she believes that Emerson has a "pronounced" blood vessel around her kidney. She told us that she wants to re-check this spot in 2-4 weeks to ensure that it hasn't changed. Which, of course, means even more waiting. We are praying that the suspicious spot is not anything serious (the radiologist seemed confident to be able to rule-out the possiblity of it being a mass). Josh and I may have to make the decision of whether or not to go through with a CT scan if this is recommended, which has been mentioned by the doctor. We are worried about the radiation affects, especially to a little female and issues with fertility in the future, so again, we are praying that it doesn't come to this.
The GOOD NEWS is that after a dye test to check her kidney and bladder functioning, we found out that these organs are working great! She does not have kidney reflux, which can be a cause of UTI's in young children.
On Friday, we got a phone call from the doctor's office letting us know that Emerson's hip x-rays show that she has a condition called Development Displaysia of Hip (DDH). We've been told that this is caused by an abnormality of the tissue surrounding the hip. As a result, little Em is now going to have to see a pediatric orthopedist to determine what treatment is needed. Because of this condition, she has one leg that is signifantly longer than the other (which he had never noticed until Monday at the doctor's office either). This could cause problems with her being able to stand and walk, but we've been told that finding this early is to her advantage. We are anxious to go to this appoinment, and have been told that treament may include a brace and/or surgery, and more than likely can resolve this problem. Emerson is also having to see a pediatric urologist for another questionable area.
On a positive note, Emerson is doing great in her helmet! She doesn't really even notice it's there. She is still sleeping 12-13 hours at night and is such a happy girl - doesn't seem to be in any pain with all of this stuff going on, which we are so thankful.
Although this has been overwhelming, and scary, and stressful, we know that we are still blessed beyond belief. I won't lie, it's been really tough for me! I've probably cried every day this week. But, I am reminding myself that it's in God's hands, and that is settling. I know that there are many other people in this world dealing with similar, or far worse, situations and I pray that they too will find a sense of peace knowing that God is in control.
I am truly grateful for the many blessings that God has given me...my wonderful husband who works so hard to ensure that he can provide for his family's needs; my three beautiful children, who although may be facing some health issues, are so resilient and strong, and loved by so many; and the support of our loving family and wonderful friends. We truly are blessed beyond belief!! Thank you for all of your support and prayers! It mean so much to us.
Our Family of Five
Sunday, February 14, 2010
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1 comment:
I'm sorry she's been having a hard time medically. It's a good thing you were able to catch all this while she's so young rather than it go undiagnosed too long!
I will be praying for your family and that you have clarity in what to do.
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