Texas Childrens

Many of you know that Brooklyn was diagnosed with Hydronephrosis several months ago and it is something we have been monitoring monthly.  While we were in the USA we met with a Pediatric Urologist at Texas Childrens Hospital who specializes in kidney development and function.  Our Saudi doctors have had us on edge regarding B's condition and we were at a place where we felt like we needed more answers and a plan to help prevent any damage being done to Brooklyns kidneys.  A month before we left for the states, we sent all of Brooklyn's ultrasounds, scans, paperwork, lab results, tests, etc to TCH in Houston and had them look everything over.  Based on what they reviewed, no further tests were ordered for when we were in the USA.  We had B's kidney scanned three days before we left for the USA to provide an up to date glance of her kidney for the US urologist as well.  

My mom came with me to Brooklyns appointment to be another set of ears and help clarify questions that I had and to make sure I asked all my prepared questions.  The urologist was friendly and helpful.  At first we were greeted by an assistant who walked in our room, sat down, told us everything from our Saudi reports, and just said okay, Brooklyn does have hydronephrosis, but she's fine. And that was essentially it.   UMMMM...  not okay.  About 10 minutes later the urologist came in and did a lot more explaining, listened to our concerns, answered all our questions, and then gave us our future plan.  

Basically, Brooklyn does have a blockage in her kidneys and the tubes are dilating due to the blockage.  However, and this was the most important aspect we learned from the appointment, Saudi measures a certain area of Brooklyns kidneys that determined the severity of her condition where the US doctors measure a different area.  Based on the TCH urologist location of measurement, Brooklyn's condition is not considered severe.  The other part that is a huge positive component to what Brooklyn has is it has not affected her kidney function, which is something we've been watching and waiting for.  If her kidney function is affected that's when we know her condition is worsening.  We're grateful to know that her condition is not near as severe as what we thought and our current plan is to continue monitoring it every 3 months.  The urologist at TCH assured us that if Brooklyns condition worsens, it will take a while for any damage (that could occur) to affect her kidney function and we will be able to do something about it before that happens.  So, until then, we just wait and pray and hope that her condition will fix itself or no more dilation will occur!