Thursday, June 18, 2009

Savannah, her kidneys and upcoming surgeries

(This post is taken from an email I wrote to friends and family on Monday with new updated information)

Monday, the quads and I drove to Fort Worth for Savannah's appointment with her pediatric urologist, Dr. Pinto.

Ethan, Drew, Ben (Sav on the table)


Ethan


Andrew


Ben (who by the way--looked SO grown up to us when we returned from Chicago! Something about his face looks more mature)

We received the results from Sav's VCUG and RENAL SCAN that were performed on June 1, 2009. Not so good--pretty much worst case scenario for the poor gal. She has two very distinct and different situations going on with her kidneys/ureters and will require 2 different, big surgeries. I will do my best to explain.

Sweet silly Savi


SAV'S RIGHT KIDNEY (the worst problem):

She has almost a complete UPJ obstruction and lots of scarring, causing her kidney to swell.
The kidney is functioning around a 10% or lower capacity right now. (scary) Here is some info I found on the web to explain the surgery:

The classic treatment of UPJ obstruction is an open operation to remove the UPJ
and to reattach the ureter to the pelvis of the kidney, creating a wide junction
between the two. This operation, called a pyeloplasty, allows rapid and easy
drainage of urine produced by the kidney and relieves symptoms and the risk of
infection. The procedure usually takes a few hours and has a success rate in
excess of 95 percent with one operation. Hospitalization after surgery depends
on age of the patient. A variety of drainage tubes can be used to promote
healing, and the choice of which one to use is dependent on the surgeon's
preference. The incision usually is just below the ribs and just behind a line
that would pass from the patient's arm to the leg on the affected side. The
incision usually is two to three inches long.


The doctor told me that the surgery will last 3 hours and she will be required to recover in the hospital for 48 hours. They will also place a ureteral stint during surgery that will be taken out several weeks later in the office. Dr. Pinto was booked up until August, but managed to move the schedule around (including giving up a vacation day) for little Sav to get in sooner. She is now scheduled for next Friday, June 26th @ 2pm. Joe and I will spend the weekend with her in the hospital and she is expected to be discharged sometime on Sunday, the 28th.

SAV'S LEFT KIDNEY:

She continues to have vesicoureteral reflux at the highest grade (IV/V)---to the degree where her poor little kidney is completely swollen and full of urine. (not good) The good news is that the ureter is at least draining (unlike the right ureter), POORLY, but draining nonetheless. Here is some information about the surgery involved with this condition:

Open Surgery
The most frequently performed operation for the correction of
reflux is the Cohen cross-trigonal reimplantation. This is done through an
incision in the bladder and the ureters are relocated into the bladder to
prevent reflux. This procedure can be done with a 1-2 day hospital stay and has
a very high success rate – approaching 98% at most institutions. Due to the high
success rates of this procedure, some surgeons will forego follow-up VCUG. You
can read more about it here:
http://urology.jhu.edu/pediatric/diseases/reflux.php


HOWEVER, Sav's little body would not be able to endure both procedures in one day (it would be a 4+ hour operation)...not to mention that BOTH of her kidneys/ureters would be compromised at the same time (which is scary). So, we will wait a while for her body to heal from the first RIGHT kidney surgery, and then we will proceed with the Cohen cross-trigonal reimplantation for her LEFT kidney. (I'm guessing within a couple of months) Same scenario, 3 hr procedure with a 48 hr hospital stay.



Poor little girl does not act sick at all. You would have NO idea! Although we are relieved to finally take care of her renal issues, I am getting more and more anxious about the actual day of surgery. Please, please, pleeeeeeeease be praying for precious Savannah, our family, and all of the personnel who will be taking care of my sweet little angel.

After Sav's appointment, we headed upstairs to love on Dr. Tabor for a quick second. I just LOOOOVE all of his staff. Such sweet, caring people! I miss seeing their smiling faces every week!

The genius and his quads---its almost been 2 years!


Then we strolled across the parking lot to visit our buddies in the Harris Methodist FW NICU. You might recognize NURSE ASHLIE there in the middle! LOVE HER! MISS HER!


We also took a trip upstairs to visit the nurses on Jones 3rd floor where I lived in the hospital 2 summers ago. MY my my....just amazing to think about. (Forgot to take a pic, Jones 3! Much love)

And there you have it...a pretty intense little Monday afternoon for our family. I will keep you updated on Sav and her surgery. It is incredible to imagine how much your life is going to change once you have a child. One of my best friends once told me, that it is like having your heart walking around outside of your body. SO TRUE. Taking your baby in for surgery is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do (Ethan and Andrew had inguinal hernia repairs when they were just a few months old)---and it is getting more and more difficult the older they get. Praying for peace of mind and a successful, minimally traumatic surgery for the little girl.

post signature

106 comments:

Michelle said...

Will be praying for you all!

Samantha said...

Good luck and you are right. After I pushed my daughter in to this world it was like pushing my soul out. Prayers and hugs all around.

Wade's World said...

I'll be praying for Savannah (and her parents!) in the coming weeks.

Kevin and Christen said...

Suz....my hubby and I can relate to your anxiety and fear as you guys await the day of surgery. Our baby boy had 2 MAJOR surgeries in his first 6mths of life. It's absolutely amazing how resilient little ones are...I think it's harder on mommy and daddy then it is on our precious babies. We'll say lots of prayers for all of you...you'd never know our little one had one operation at 3mths lasting 5 hrs and the 2nd one at 6mths lasting 3 - he's doing GREAT and Sav will do great, too!!

annalee said...

continuing to pray!

nbjenni said...

Praying for little Sav. My younger sister had the same procedure done when she was almost 2 - and I remember how scared my mom and dad were.

Dorinda said...

At least she looks so darn adorable :) I'm sorry to hear that her kidneys are so bad and will be praying for you guys and for Sav's surgery.

Mike and Suzi :) said...

Will definitely be praying that both surgeries go well!

Casey's trio said...

Sweet Sav will be in my prayers. Poor baby girl. Amazing that she must be feeling so umcomfortable but still manages to carry-on as normal. LOVE her sweet smile and piggy tails in that last pic:)

Rachel said...

I don't know you all in real life, but every night before I fall asleep, I DO pray for the Steece fam...and I know Miss Sav will be fine. She has a strong group around her, and the personality of a strong woman in that little girl body! :) It's the mama I worry about. Keep your head up, keep your faith, and Gd will do the rest.

Jill said...

Poor sweet Savannah. I will definitely keep her in my prayers.

Charity Donovan said...

Praying for you guys!!! Look at her smiling face!!!! You're so right....you would NEVER know that girl has anything going on!!! What a little fighter!!! Huuuuuuggggs!

Jackie said...

Hi Suzanne,
I have been reading your blog for a while now (after the babies but I did go back to the beginning and read up:) You have the most beautiful family. I actually kinda wish I had quads just so I could experience the friendship and love that you quad mommas have for each other. I am just now (today) starting a blog and trying to get it up and running. I would love some tips on design and overall blog help (you know in all your extra time ;)

Anyway- just wanted to drop a little not and tell you I will be PRAYING PRAYING PRAYING for sweet little Sav.

Jackie

P.S. I am from Fort Worth and was actually born in Harris Hospital. I now live 20 minutes south of Memphis, TN but my ENTIRE family is in texas. They are about an hour outside of Austin

Laura said...

I will be thinking about you and your girl. Surgery is so hard on the parents. She will just fine and I will be praying for all you till I hear just that!

Anonymous said...

We will be praying for sweet sav and the rest of the steece family. You are right your life changes once you have a child but for the better.

Tiffany said...

I'm definitely praying for Savannah and all of you.

GlitteryKitchenTable said...

I will definitely be praying for sweet sav and for you two awesome parents!! So sorry you are having to go through this!!!!

Leah said...

Poor little Savannah! We will be praying for her! Hope everything goes well! BTW, in the pic of Ethan with the little green cup, where did you get that?? It would be a nice investment for my little Gavin!

Penny said...

Both surgeries have such a high success rate--- how comforting! And your Dr. Pinto giving up a vacation day! how sweet is that?! God bless and fear not! =)

AmandaM said...

I'll be saying many prayers for her!

The Drama Mama said...

Poor sweet Savannah (and poor Mommy & Daddy too!!). Girl, I've been there many times and it never gets easier! Just know that I will be on my knees for your sweet angel and all the doctors and nurses involved in her care. I will also be praying for you and Joe...I pray you feel a peace that only HE can give! Much love & HUGS, friend!!

Kate said...

You got it Suz! Prayers being said for your sweet girl, for you & Joe and for Sav's medical team. May you all have the calmness and strength to get thru this.

Susan said...

I have been reading you blog for some time. We have a daughter that is a few months younger than the quads and it is just neat to see what new things she will be learning next. My family and I will be keeping your family and little Sav in our prayers. God Bless.

Susan from Idaho

The Q. Family said...

Lots of prayers for sweet Sav and family.

Michelle said...

I'll pray for your sweet Sav, you and Joe, and the medical staff!

Bobbi said...

Praying for your family. Sounds like she is in good hands! How hard this must be for you.

Tara said...

Praying for your family!!!

rebecca said...

I will be diligently praying for your sweet little Sav! (and her mommy and daddy) :)

Unknown said...

Savannah looks so cute with her pig tails! I will be praying for your family.

Anonymous said...

My son had this same operation with much of the same symptoms at three months old. His kidney remains swolen and scarred now, 10 years later, but functioning. He just came home today from another surgery, this time for SVT with his heart. It's hard to place our babies in the care of others! Best of luck to you all! Prayers going your way...

Deanna said...

Suz and Joe,
I am praying for you guys and the kids. I know it will be hard on all of you. Dr. Pinto is a good doctor and so is the staff at Cook's as you already know. I know that does not help ease your fears. I know how it is when you have your baby go into surgery. Just know you have lots of prayers and God will get you through this.

Salsygirl said...

Hey Suz!!!! how Ironic. I watched both procedures a LONG time ago. Once as a nursing student and once as a new peds nurse. Both little kiddos did fabulously through Surg and recovery!! you are in our thoughts and prayers that Little Prin will be healthy and HAPPY!!!!

Ally said...

I will be praying for the lil princess and her mommy and daddy.

a portland granny said...

I've put her on my calendar to remind me to bring her before the throne in prayer. I will be praying for both of you, that you will experience the peace that 'passes all understanding.'

How wonderful that there is something which will change the outcome for her with her kidney problems.

Have been following you from the beginning--love your kiddos and especially Sav's hair bows. I chuckle to think how much you are enjoying a "girlie-girl"!

Blessings.

DJones said...

I can empathize. My daughter (8 today!) was diagnosed with reflux. We were fortunate in that she was able to be treated by a deflux procedure; having a much lower grade. But I feel ya. Just trying to process the info and what needs to be done. She looks/acts as though nothing is bothering her. Just image how spunky she will be!! :) Your family will be in my prayers.

Jill said...

awww....poor Sav :( i hope she experiences immediate relief as soon as she has her surgeries! gotta love her good attitude throughout the whole thing - just like her mom :)

Anonymous said...

That is definitely not something any mother wants her child to go through. I am glad it will be taken care of soon though. Little girl will be in my prayers and thoughts, as will the rest of you.

Abby said...

I will be praying for your sweet girl! I hope it all goes well.

Those are some cute kids you have there! I bet you draw a crowd everywhere you go! I am a new follower and I love hearing about your kids. My son is about the same age-he will also be 2 in August!

Melanie said...

your girl cracks me up!
i will be praying for her and for you, joe, and everyone involved!

Jody said...

Hi Suz~
We will be praying for your sweet family! Little Sav is just precious! Your babies are growing so fast. I can't believe they are almost 2!!!

Many prayers for you~
Janell

Tamara said...

Suz,

We will be praying for your precious baby girl and your family. Our son had a very similar problems when he was 13 months old. We were so stressed about the surgeries, recovery and everything that comes with it...I was so surprised how fast our baby boy recovered... After the 48 hour stay in the hospital Luka was acting back to normal by the end of day 3...I couldn't believe it!

You will be in our thoughts and prayers...

Frugal Jen said...

We will be praying for family and sweet Savi. You have such a beautiful family!

Amazing Greis said...

I will most DEFINITELY be praying for Miss Sav and the entire Steece clan during the next few weeks.

Ya'll are always in my thoughts.

XOXO

Fulton Quads said...

Suz~
After reading your post I have NO reason to complain when I have a BAD day! I could not handle what you are dealing with! OMG! How did you know that she had this problem? I will definitely keep you all & especially little Savannah in our prayers!
Many hugs!!!
Love, Cathy & her quads

The McCarter Family said...

I don't ever comment, but have been keeping up with your blog for a long time. I will definitely pray for little Savannah. I know it must be very hard to take your little one in to a major surgery like that! I was freaked out when my daughter (very close in age to the quads) went in just for tubes in her ears!!! But aren't we a blessed nation to have such wonderful surgeons who can help our children! God bless yall and prayers are going to be going up for the entire family!

Anonymous said...

My baby had reimplantation surgery in Feb. at Cooks (Dr. Pugach- Pinto's partner). Only in the hospital one night and reflux is now gone. Much easier than I thought it would be. I fretted for weeks!!! Surgery was 3 hrs. and the waiting was the hardest part. The hospital stay was good- great nurses and staff. She will be well taken care of.

Katie said...

Sweet little Sav and all of you will be in my thoughts & prayers!!

Stephanie said...

Definitely will be praying for pretty Sav and all the people involved! Poor girl, but with that smile..my heart melts!
My 6 year old has a scar on his kidney which caused extremely high blood pressure. Luckily he is on Enalapril and we are hoping he will outgrow it! We know all about those renal appointments!
Glad you were able to go see all your docs/nurses! I bet those 4 brighten their day!!!

Mrs. Ohtobe said...

Sending prayers for you and Joe, Sav and all the hands that will minister to her! How wonderful it is in today's age that her problems can be resolved with surgery. Blessings to ya'll!

Kristy said...

We use Dr. Pinto as well and he is AMAZING! Sav is is great hands. Continually praying for your family and sweet baby girl.

Unknown said...

Savannah will surely be in my thoughts and prayers (as will you and Joe!). What a sweet, strong girl to be enduring this so well. Hopefully that beautiful spirit will continue to help her through her surgery and recovery!

Nana said...

Praying for all of you and your precious Sav! May God Bless you all!!

Alyssa said...

I'll be praying for little Sav next week that her surgery goes extremely well. My son is having surgery the same day, so I know exactly how you feel. Many hugs!

Erin said...

Praying for a safe surgery and speedy recovery. Praying that God will bring peace to you and Joe as you are with her and waiting for the surgery, and comfort to sweet Sav as she undergoes this operation. Hold tight to Him!

Elyse said...

Miss Sav has my prayers and my heart. All the kids' smiles get me each time...so sweet! Also praying for peace of mind, calmness, and strength for you and Joe. Hang in there sweet mama!
~Elyse

LB said...

Bless her heart . . .and y'all's. I'll be thinking about you and praying for you. Our thirteen month old has given us quite the scare lately. She has ITP, but for a while last week we weren't sure what was going on and they were even testing for leukemia. We are going to have to keep a close eye on things for quite a while. I know what you mean having your heart walking around outside of your body. I would so much rather it be me - and you would never know anything is going on with her by the way she acts - just like Sav! Hang in there!

Viviane said...

From reading and following your blog now for some time, I see how God is in your lives and He will continue to be and be with Savannah's during all her surgeries! No doubt!

kellykelley224 said...

Praying...

Elizabeth said...

Hi Suz! I don't have a blog myself, but I love following your family and your other quad friends as well. I wanted to let you know that I will be praying for all of you guys next week! I work at Cook on a different floor than you will be on, but I will be there the night of the 26th. Please email me and let me know if you guys need anything at all! I'm sure you may not be up for visitors the night after surgery, but please know that I will be there that first night if you need anything at all!!
Liz

The McNulty Family said...

Kiss my poor little Prin for me and know that I love you ALL with all of my heart. Praying BIG HUGE prayers over here in Cali and missing you like crazy. I hate living so far away when I just wanna wrap my arms around you and take all your worries away.

See you soon mama.

XOXO
Gen

Kootenay Mom and Dad said...

I had a ureter transplant surgery when I was 11 years old. Same deal as Sav's right kidney from the sounds of things. Lots of scarring happened over the years and I have had to have stints put in since. I think the best thing that I have done most recently (past 5-10 years) is to take cranberry capsules. It's amazing stuff. You can use it as a preventative measure for any future blockages and I think it makes the kidneys stronger. You can drink Cranberry juice, but it's just not the same. YOu don't get enough of the good stuff from the skins of the cranberries and you get loads of sugar.

Just my tidbit for you!

Good luck Sav! Thinking of you!

debi9kids said...

Of course will be keeping sweet, sweet Sav in my prayers.

I have been wondering when you would hear about her kidneys. I am sorry to hear you will be needing surgery, but know that the Lord will keep her safe.

Blessings Suz!

cat said...

Ay Suz, what a day! I have marked the day on my calender and be sure that we will be praying here in Africa for little Sav.

Tiffany said...

Sending lots of love!

Tiff

Unknown said...

sending positive thoughts your way!

Kelly said...

I'm here for you like you were there for me last summer w/Miss Ash. (((HUGS)))

Rachel said...

My brother had a hernia when he was a few months old that required a lengthy surgery to fix. The doctor told my parents that my brother would be fine in 48hrs but my parents would need 4-6 weeks. It's funny how true that statement is. Loved all the pictures of the kiddos. Ben and Sav's pictures made me laugh with those big smiles! We are already praying for Sav!

Anonymous said...

Do you ever sit back and wonder what you used to worry about before having kids? I believe women get gray hair from worrying about her kids. lol!! I will definitely be praying for Savannah. I think she is in great hands..her doctor sounds amazing. What doctor gives up a day of vacation?? And Savannah looks so cute in that picture of her on the exam table. She has no clue what's going on..just the fact that she's out of the stroller and her brothers aren't. She is definitely a strong little girl..she even had to share her womb with 3 boys and still came out kicking! I think you and Joe are so lucky to have such a great support system that you both can be with Savannah after her surgery. When my son had his surgery, my husband and I switched off..he'd go home and be with our daughter and I'd be at the hospital. Then I'd go home and he'd be at the hospital. I'm glad you and Joe can be together. Just focus on how much better Savannah's kidneys will be after surgery. I guess being a surgical nurse has it's pros and cons..the good is...you know what goes on in surgery. The bad is..you know what goes on during surgery.
Prayers for your family!
Cathy in Frisco

Momma and Her Doodle said...

Hi Savannah,

This is Nick, way up North in Massachusetts! I wanted to tell you that my Mommy reads me your blog every few days. I wanted to tekk you that I will say a special prayer for you! You will be away from your brothers for the weekend following your procedure and have your Mommy and daddy's attention WOW... they sure love you LOTS and LOTS to do that! Your a cute little girl and those doctors are going make your kidneys function much better! I am lifting my sippy cup of milk to you saying cheers and special prayers at night to the skilled doctors taking special care of you! Hang in there Princess Savannah, I am routing for your recovery! Please let your brothers know, I say hi to them as well... and give your parents a great BIG hug!
Love always!
Nick Doodle

The Ripley's said...

You bet I'll be prayers for that sweet little Sav!

MeghanM said...

Praying for a successful, uncomplicated surgery for little Sav and for you and Joe to be worry-free. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done-Phillippians 4:6. That gets me through anything.

Alissa said...

You are in my thoughts and prayers for next week. My little preemie (28w6d) daughter had two intestinal surgeries before she was 6 months old so I really relate to your posting - that is gets harder as they get older - as I could not imagine how hard it would be to go through that now that my twins are 2.5 yrs old. My thoughts are with your precious Savannah!

Lost My Mind said...

We will be praying!!!

Aunt Susan said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Suz...Please hug and kiss the babies for me..I just know in my heart that Princess Savannah is going to be just fine..We'll definitely be praying for her doctors too :) Love and hugs to all..Hang in there little mama.. :)

MEGAN said...

Oh, the sweet little baby girl! Will definitely be pray all week for the whole family!

Patty said...

I'll be praying for your little girl, and I'm truly sad that her kidney condition didn't at least partially resolve on it's own. My 2.5 yo son has hydronephrosis caused by a partial blockage on the right side as well, but that one is functioning at around 35-40%, and is considered to be maintaining now (meaning no treatment). He had hernia surgery at 9 months as well, and next week is having his tonsils out! These babies sure know how to keep us on our toes!

I'll be praying for your little Sav, and good luck.

Molly said...

We'll be praying for her as well!! And the wisdom the drs, the nurses, and everyone else who will be with her during her procedure!!

Terri said...

Praying for Sav, praying you you, praying for whom ever will be watching the others, praying for the Drs! Lots of prayers!

Mom2Be09 said...

Hi Suz,I am just amazed at each every one of your blogs. I check the blog list often although i am not a quad mom I just love seeing the changes in others little ones and also send prayers up for those in need to heal,You have such incredible babies and I am sending a prayer your way for savannah surgery and I have faith in the good lord that he will be with you every step of the way through this trying time. I am 30 weeks pregnant with a boy and things are going well,although i had a abnormal pap a month or so but hopefully after delivery I can have the treatment to take care of it. You and your husband are absolutely incredible parents,so strong and have been faced with many trials. I just wanted to send a hug and prayer your way!! I hope things go well.

Julie

Jeremi said...

Oh bummer, so sorry to hear she has to have both surgeries. So hard, I can't imagine.

She sure is a darling though : )

Anonymous said...

praying for little Sav from MN! i read your blog daily and it's a blessing to me.
A sister in Christ.

John Ross said...

Will be praying for your family and little girl! Love your blog!
In Him<><

Alice said...

I am sorry that your sweet little girl is having so many problems. I do understand right now....my soon to be 2 year old is having a VCUG and Renal scan in July. She keeps getting UTI's and they don't seem to heal.....still on antibotics now for the same infection. This mommy is getting nervous about the procedure of the VCUG after reading your previous posts about Savannah's. Thanks for your openness on this blog. It helps other moms like me who might be going through the same things with their children.

Hang in there....we just have to believe that God is in control. Praying for you guys on that day of surgery.

Bridget said...

Little Miss Savannah...I will be praying for her and all those that will be working on her. She is such a strong little lady.

Anonymous said...

I enjoy your blog so and am keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.

A Child's Footprints

"Walk a little slower Daddy"
said a child so small,
"I'm following in your footsteps
And I don't want to fall."

"Sometimes your steps are very fast,
Sometimes they're hard to see:
So walk a little slower, Daddy,
For you are leading me."

Someday when I'm all grown up,
You're what I want to be;
Then I will have a little child
Who'll want to follow me."

And I would want to lead just right,
And know that I was true,
So walk a little slower, Daddy
For I must follow you!"

Love you all,

Idaho

KK @ Running Through Life said...

Praying for little Sav and your family!

Liz said...

Suz-
Is this your first trip to the OR w/ any of the quads? I can't remember if you've mentioned other surgeries for any of the kids before. It's very hard to hand over your baby the first time. My own Savannah was born with an eye muscle birth defect (strabismus). She required 4 surgeries to fully correct it & spent 5 years (age 3-8) in bifocals before she was declared HEALED! :) It's hard, but it'll be worth it in the end. I'll be praying for ya!

Jessicca said...

Thanks for the update Suz. I'll be thinking of you and Sav! Much love.

Jodi said...

Oh Suz, I am definitely praying for you and little Savannah!!!! I do have at least a little understanding of what you are going through, knowing you are facing multiple surgeries for your girl. She is SUCH a doll, and I can't believe she has all that going on with no evident pain!! Amazing! :) Praying for you guys....

Joanne said...

my son had a blocked kidney too. We didn't "find" it til he was 5 yrs old. He had surg and had never looked back! He's 25 yrs old today and you'd never know anything was ever wrong with him. Will be praying for you and yours.

Anonymous said...

Praying for your precious little girl and that all will go well with her surgery! I can relate as my daughter has had many surgeries and I always get very nervous!

Sherri
www.caringbridge.org/oh/kara

Leslie said...

i am so sorry your sweet baby girl needs 2 surgeries! will keep her in my prayers and you and Joe as well. hang in there. kids are so darn tough - esp those little girls with 3 brothers!!

LT (and Max) said...

those big grins of hers just melt your heart don't they? you're right..she looks like she feels just fine! will be praying for the entire family.

Unknown said...

Poor Sav! But what a blessing that we have such AWESOME medical care in this country. I'll be praying for her, as well as for you and your husband.

chelsea rose said...

Poor baby! I read your blog but have never commented before. I actually used to work with one of your high school friends, Julia Hunter. Anyway, I had the same surgery that Sav is having on her right kidney. Of course it was 19 years ago (it wasn't discovered until I was 7) and I ended up having complications causing a need for another surgery the next week. But since having the surgery I have never had another issue with my kidney. I'm certain that things will work out great for Savannah. I will definitely keep ya'll in my prayers as you approach what is probably going to be a difficult situation for any parent. I think its also good that she is so young so she won't have anxiety about having surgery.
Good luck and I'll keep reading to hear how things go and of course to see pictures of your cute babies:)

Brandy said...

So I don't think my comment went through when I tried before. One of my twin daughters Elyse had bladder and kidney surgery in May. She is 13 mos. old. We decided to take her right kidney out due to 13% function, her left looks ok, it still had some hydronephrosis but is a lot better. Anyway I am a Peds ICU RN and I know what it is like to know a little too much and I totally get how scared you are. Sav will do great and she will bouce back quick. My daughter had a 6 hr surgery and 2 days with a epidural and she did GREAT!!! There are pics on baldwingirls.blogspot.com of her one week after and she is smiling and swinging outside. Hang in there and I will be praying for your family.

THE MARTINOS said...

Hello Suz and Joe,
We have been reading your blog for SOOO LONG, years!! We think it is awesome and I love it. Who knows how we found it one day looking for something online, but we added it to our Favorites and we check...funny.
Today I couldn't help but write, because we just came out of a similar situation 2 weeks ago with my stepson (who had Femoral Derotational Surgery) and it was very very very hard: but it was over very fast too and now it is almost a distant memory.
We will pray for you, the surgery will be over and come out PERFECT and the recovery will fly by.
We know you are a nurse, but the situation is very different when it is your family... stay strong!
We send you hugs,
Ashley Thomas, Maria Fernanda and Antony: The Martino Family in Gainesville, Florida
PS:we do have a private blog long time but it is NOT very sassy! We use it for our family in South America, but if in the future you are curiuos to see us shoot me an email and we will authorize you.

Sarah and Chadd said...

Many prayers for your little Sav and for you and Joe during this time! Nurse Ashlie is an AMAZING person!! You are so lucky to have had her by your side w/ the babies!

Anonymous said...

My little boy is having surgery on Thursday. I totally understand what you are going thur. I will be praying for you and Savannah

C.Thompson said...

Will keep your sweet Sav in our thoughts and prayers. Hope she does well and has a quick recovery. Next week our daughter is schedule to have a VCUG due to a UTI to check for reflux.

~Shelly~ said...

dr tabor looks like harrison ford,ha!

Anonymous said...

My family and I are praying for you guys!

Mommy in Sugar Land, TX

Meredith Ramer said...

Hi! My daughter had a pyeloplasty done on her left kidney when she was 13 weeks old. I will be praying for you, your husband, your daughter, your other kids ( i too am a mom of multiples and know how they know when one is missing) and also for the physicians and nurses. God will take care of your baby girl. Little one's do bounce back SO quickly. I would love to talk with you some about this if you would like to email me. Meredith_Ramer@yahoo.com.au I will be praying for yall for Friday!!
In God's Hands! :)

Brooker said...

Suz and Joe--have nothing but faith. Your princess, Savannah, will be just fine in God's hands during her surgery. She is lucky to have such loving, devoted parents such as you. My prayers are with you and your family always.

Lori T said...

My friend Audra Laney sent me to your post after I did a post about my DD's VCUG today: http://www.thetowells.com/2009/06/kidney-reflux/.

We don't have her full report yet, but she probably has a mild Grade 3. I will be praying for your sweet little girl. So sorry you're having to go through this.

Also, Audra said you attended Harding; my husband and I (and my siblings) graduated from there in 2006.

boysmum2 said...

Even as theatre nurses, it is never easy to digest when it is one of your own!
The explainations were great and puts everything in perspective.
Good luck. I will be thinking of you during the day/night.
May everyone you need be with you.

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