Does ne1 know?

**mollykathleen** · 05-10-2005 16:40

when i was 21weeks pregnant an ultrasound showed that lil Alexi Georgia's right kidney was dialated 7mm. she's now 6 weeks and nothing seems to be wrong with her. she has an ultrasound tommorrow. can ne1 tell me what the likely hood is that there is something wrong and if its still enlarged what could cause it???

Below is a link for Alexi's online photo ablum:
http://www.freewebs.com/mollykathleen/photoalbum.htm

**JanetF** · 05-10-2005 16:44

It's always scary when something seems to be wrong. I hope you get some good news tomorrow. Something to remember about u/s is that it's not an exact science and it really depends on the technician and person interpreting it what result you get. U/s is not a wholly reliable diagnostic tool as a result of the level of human input required and bodies are full of soft tissue which is murky and hard to read. I bet there are loads of women in here who've been where you are and there's been nothing wrong at all. I hope you get some good IRL info and support if there is an issue with your baby but I really hope she's just fine *hugs*No signs of anything wrong by 6 weeks may well mean just that!

**Savannahsmum** · 06-10-2005 12:41

My Savannah had the same thing. The Dr said it was because she had some wee in there and there was nothing to worry about. They did a follow up u/s and she was fine!
She is now the most beauitful, happy 4 mth old girl in the world!!! Dont worry you will be fine and so will your baby!
I hope this put your mind at ease!
*HUGS*
Cherie

**Grubincubator** · 06-10-2005 13:26

My Ethan has the same problem. His left kidney was dilated during the pregnancy and unfortunately it still is. We went to the paediatrician on Monday to get the results of the latest US but the sonographer had already told me that it was still dilated sadly.
Now we have to put my little man through some more tests and I'm devastated about it. Sorry to put a downer on the thread but I'm really upset about it.
The first test he has to have involves catherisation and I don't know how I'll handle putting him through it.
I know it has to be done though. If we didn't get it done in the hope that it's just constitutional and it turned out to be a problem later in life I'd never forgive myself.

Has anyone else here ever had to go through with the MCU test?

**Maxs_MumMy** · 06-10-2005 13:40

Hi,

I wouldnt worry to much about it,hard to do i understand.

When i had ultrasound they descovered Max had 3 kidneys and all dilated. When he was born had to have tests done and it was confirmed that Max has 2kidneys on right and 1 on left and all in working order and all dilated, He actually got it from me, as i have exactly the same thing..its very very rare. But i have been told they the reason for kidneys to be dilated is due to them working harder than normal.

So maybe there working hard during your pregnancy as there developing but then they will be normal when born??!!

The test i had to have and same for Max was a die being run through the body and then taking scans etc...took 4hrs for test to be done.

Hope all goes well

**veve** · 06-10-2005 17:45

hey

sorry to hear the results of everyone's scans - although I have to say that I am relieved to find that i am not alone - PLEASE let us know how everything goes...

My bubs is due in Nov - and the Dr said that since both kidneys were enlarged at the 19 week scan (which lead to talks of downs syndrome etc... of which it is apparently an indicator???) - and that we would have to have bubs kidneys checked at 6 weeks of age...

so mollykathleen please make sure you post what happens - I would love to know...

Grubincubator - lots of hugs!!!!

it is always sad to see bubs going through tests... keep positive.... I hope all goes well... please post...

xxxxx

**Rell** · 07-10-2005 08:16

Hi Grubincubator I realy feel for you and your little bub. My DS had some kidney infections as a newborn and so had to have an U/S as well as a Kidney function test, not sure if this is the same one your little one is haveing. Basicly what they did was put a catheter in , injected some dye, then took pictures as the urine was passing. They do put an anasthetic gel on before they put the catheter in so it doesn't hurt bub. I think the test was worse for me then for him, he just didn't like having to lie still while they took the pictures. Thankfully Nathans test came up clear of any problems.
Hope your bubs test goes well and the outcome is a good one

**talon** · 11-10-2005 08:40

Hi Grubincubator,

My son also had an mcu done due to urinary tract infections. he was about 4 months old i think. please don't stress too much over it (i know it is hard, because i remember stressing about it also). It does not hurt them. My son did cry but it wasn't a pain cry, he just didn't like being held down on the xray table! I got to go into the xray room with him and they got me to wear one of those metal aprons so that it minimised the amount of xray i was exposed to. I got to hold him right up until the mcu was done. I undressed him, laid him on the table and just held his arms up a bit so they could get a clear xray. it probably took 10 - 15 minutes all up and i didn't leave him once throughout the whole thing. They put the catheter in (which he didn't stress about) and then use a big syringe on the end of the catheter to put in the dye. They take photos while they are inserting the dye and after it is inserted to check that the valves are working properly between the bladder and the kidneys (reflux) and then they wait under he pees it out to check that his water works are performing properly. He was fine and settled down once he was being held again.

Good luck and i hope the result is good. Hugs.

**Grubincubator** · 21-10-2005 14:40

Greetings all,

Well Ethan had his MCU this morning and we are excited to report that there's no sign of reflux!

It was exactly as everyone has said. A bit of a disturbed look on the face during catheterisation but didn't cry until he got the ****s with being held down so firmly. The staff at Qld Xray were really nice and it was all over in a minimal amount of time. DH and I were there the whole time and they got me to hold his shoulders firmly to stop him wiggling and to turn him when required to get the oblique shots.

He settled quickly afterwards and fell asleep within about 10 minutes.

We've decided that we aren't going to subject him to any further tests at this stage. The nurse this morning seemed surprised that we were getting this test done when he hasn't had any infections.

At the original consult with the paediatrician he said that if there's no reflux he wants another test done with radioactive dye to check for an obstruction in the tube between the kidney and the bladder but we don't see the point in putting him through that when he's asymptomatic... So unless we find evidence otherwise that's it for now.

Cheers all.
Hope all the other owners of swollen kidneys also have good outcomes