The MRI shows that Susannah's ureters need a new bottom end. They are tapering off at the bottom, meaning they are too narrow to properly pass all her urine. The constriction is causing the dilation which is compressing her kidney tissue which threatens her kidneys' long-term growth and function. Make sense? Good. Pop quiz next week.
The dilation is severe in both kidneys--not just the left one-- and no one wants to let the kidney tissue thin any more than it already has. So what will happen is Monday afternoon, Susannah will have a procedure called a low ureterostomy. The gist is that the bottom of her ureters will be opened up and brought out through her abdominal wall. Her urine will be expelled via two small incisions in her groin. She won't have to wear bags or anything to collect the urine; supposedly it will flow into the diaper just as it does now.
The procedure basically diverts urine from her bladder. Apparently, simply repairing the ureters and reattaching them to the bladder is too risky at this age. When Susannah is about 1 1/2 years old, they will go back in and reimplant her ureters and deal with her bladder.
I know this all sound a little freaky. I'm getting a little freaked out just thinking about it. However, as surgeries on babies go, this a very safe and successful procedure. The recovery time in the hospital is only 1-2 nights. We saw our pediatrician today and he reassured us that all this was merely a plumbing problem that can and will be fixed. Make no doubt about it -- Susannah will still be able to R-A-W-K!
Tomorrow we have to go to NYU to get her pre-operative blood work done (another needle, fun for the whole family). Then Monday we get to do the whole starving her thing again, so Ben and I are trying to see if we can get Susannah interested in apple juice over the weekend. But by Tuesday or Wednesday, we could be home, and by this time next week it could all be a distant memory.
Thanks everyone for your sympathy and good wishes! We'll check back in with you on Monday.
Speaking of distant memories, one year ago today we found out that I was pregnant.
Here's our little munchkin today. Ralph Lauren wants to hire her but instead she'll be on the cover of Urology Today.
6 comments:
B&B you guys need to write the book on oversimplifying difficult urology terms! I am so happy I will be there Monday to lend support (yeah, I know, clean the apartment, run errands, throw out the sour milk)in whatever way I can.
I pray the needle lady today is calm and knowledgeable about what she is doing. I love you all and will see you soon. Grandma Moonpie
I had scheduled a Mass intention for Susannah on Monday - simply because it was available. Seems it's good timing. So, everyone at Mass will hold this pwecious wee Aplin in special prayer during Mass and on and on and on. Oh yea, prayers for mom and dad too! you both have more strength and courage than you can imagine!
with much love, corinne
Glad you're going to get this over with -- what a beautiful baby she is!
-- Grandpa Jim
We are so glad that Susan will be here tomorrow! We love you and will do our best to provide her with a calming atmosphere. Hang in there...Pat & Peter xo
Good luck tomorrow to you and little s. I cannot get over that photo! She's a strong little bunny.
I'm thinking of you! Love, L
Hi,
I am Lauren's mom, just wanted to let you know that Susannah is a cutie pie. I have been randomly following her life through your blog.
I know you guys are preoccupied with Monday's surgery, but from what you write, it all makes sense to me. Good luck and love to Susannah, I feel like I know her well.
She is such a little love, particularly the look on the latest photo.
Lauren's mom, Pam
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