Answers...

We traveled to Cincinnati Children's Hospital yesterday in search of answers, which we got. I've written before that Taylor has a whole host of health issues for which we have been seeing different specialist trying to find some answers. The most current issue has been trouble urinating, complaining of pain in the kidney areas, multiple UTI's, fevers, etc.

Taylor had a renal ultrasound (view of kidneys and bladder) and a VCUG (cath inserted and dye is run throughout the urinary tract). These tests confirmed that she has renal reflux. Basically her urine does not completely void her body and backs up into her kidneys. Reflux and urinary tract infections can cause kidney damage, so they do not take this lightly (although renal reflux is fairly common).

This is a condition that some kids can outgrow and the body repairs itself. The doctor is not hopeful that this will be Taylor's situation - her reflux is fairly significant (especially in her right kidney).

The plan: She will be on preventative antibiotics every day for the next 6 months. If she has a fever over 101 for more than 24 hours we need to collect a urine sample and have it tested for infection (specialist needs to be contacted with any infection she might have). We will follow up at the end of July with the specialist. They will perform another renal ultrasound at that time to see if her body has made any progress in repairing itself. If not, we will need to consider two different types of surgical procedures to repair this.

They also encouraged us to see their colorectal specialist (internationally known) in hopes to resolve her bowel issues. We just found out our GI specialist at St. Vincent's in Indy is moving to Canada, so this would be a perfect time to get a new set of eyes on her. I will call Monday to see when we can get in.

The good news: We have some answers as to why she has so much trouble going potty and this could also be an answer to her "mysterious" fevers.

The bad news: The specialist encouraged us not to pursue anymore potty training at this time. If she wants to go on the potty - fine, but no active toilet training. It has been painful for her to have bowel movements and urinate for a while now, so he wants to resolve these issues before we go any further with the training. Once it doesn't hurt anymore then we can hopefully change her mindset about using the potty. Anyone have any Pull-ups coupons they're not using?! :)

So, there you have it. We are very thankful for these answers. Our goal at this point is to find answers to her medical issues and improve her everyday life. We just want her to be a 3 year old and have fun. We know God is good and we truly felt He lead us in this direction. We have been praying for guidance and for the doctor's wisdom. He is the Great Physician!

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all they ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

Thank you for your prayers and concern for Taylor over the past year and a half. Please continue to pray for this antibiotic to keep at bay any infections, the doctor's wisdom, for Neal and I to make the right decision if she does need surgery and for her to just feel good and enjoy life! Thanks - we love you all!

More later...