4 Month Old to See Urologist

Updated on August 07, 2008
K.A. asks from Rochester, NH
11 answers

My baby girl was a preemie, sort of - she was born at 37 weeks but had stopped growing at 34-35 weeks so her neonatologist has her classified as a 6 week preemie. Anyway - while in utero the Ultrasounds showed her left kidney as being enlarged. Follow up U/S's continued to show the same thing and all her U/Ss during her 17 day stay in the NICU still found her kidney to be dialated. At 2 months she had another U/S and they still showed the kidney dialation as well as calyeals (sp?) being dialated. Her peds want me to bring her to a urologist and have him examine her. They never really talked to me about what will happen next and I'm nervous.

What can I do next?

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S.L.

answers from Boston on

Definitely get to the urologist. The problem could resolve on it's own, or it could worsen, but the urologist can help you sort everything out and tell you what to expect next. I know it's hard not to worry when your child is involved, but try to stay positive do some research if you can once you talk to the urologist. Ask lots of questions. One of my sons had dilated kidneys in utero, and we met with a pediatric urologist at Tufts Medical Center's Floating Hospital. His name was George Klauber, and he was superb. He was very thorough and tried to put my husband and I at ease. A few weeks after my son was born, we thought he would need surgery to repair a blockage in the ureters (that feed from the kidney to the bladder). The blockage was causing the kidney dilation (condition called hydronephrosis--sp?). My son had lots of tests, and in the end, the kidneys gradually reduced in size (apparently the blockage cleared on its own). I believe the blockage is more common in boys, so your daughter's kidney dilation could be caused by a different source. Asking lots of questions definitely helped me deal with everything much better because the unknown is always difficult to deal with. We'll be thinking of you!

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E.C.

answers from Hartford on

My nephew had a similar problem when he was young. It might be different than what your daughter is dealing with, but I wanted to let you know that he is now five years old and he is doing just fine. He goes for regular check ups because things aren't perfectly "normal", but he is doing fine and has no complications. I wish you and your daughter the best!

D.B.

answers from Boston on

It's a shame they didn't give you more info, but definitely see a pediatric urologist - two, if necessary - to get the info you require. NOT knowing what's going on is even more nerve-wracking than knowing. There may be some very simple treatment in store but you won't know until you get a great referral. Be sure to let the pedi uro know how nervous you are so he/she can address your concerns. Take another adult with you (husband, friend, parent) to take notes and help you remember what is asked and answered, or to take the baby out if she gets fussy while you talk to the doctor. Get someone to stay with the other two girls so you can concentrate. Good luck!

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B.O.

answers from Burlington on

Hi K.,

I have a 16 month old son who has fluid on his kidney. We have been to the urologist several times and have ultrasounds every few months. The fluid has not cleared as of yet but my son has not gotten any infections. We still see the urologist every few months but hopefully it will clear up on its own. I know how scary it is to have to see specialists but I feel less stressed knowing for sure so I suggest going and getting the professional opinion.

Good Luck,

B. O

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A.M.

answers from Hartford on

I have no idea what happens next with what you are dealing with, BUT, I can completely relate to your feelings. Honestly, prayer got me through the first 6 months of my first daughter's life--the absolute worst 6 months of my life to date. At one day passed 6 months old, my DD had craniofacial surgery which lasted 4 hours--we were told to expect it to be more like 8. I can't describe the emotions/feelings/anything that I was experiencing at the time, but prayer helped. Also, I now have a wonderful, joyous, and vibrant 4 1/2 year old (today exactly! and 4 years ago tomorrow was her surgery). God has a plan. Everything that happens, He uses to further that plan. Put your darling baby in His loving arms and know that she is well taken care of. Trust that your child's dr's are the right ones--ask a lot of questions, make sure that you understand and don't be afraid to ask the same question twice if you still don't understand something. These people are being paid a lot of money to make sure that you and your daughter are well taken care of. Good luck. I will keep you and your little girl in my prayers.

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P.R.

answers from Boston on

I don't know where you live but Dr Bartley Cilento (jr) is an amazing pedi urologist out of Children's in Boston. He also has an office iN Weymouth. He's done 3 surgeries on my son and I can't praise him enough. Best of luck with your dtr

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T.D.

answers from Boston on

Strange that you should post this question right now. We have had 2 friends go through this in the past month or so. What they found out was that it is fairly common and treatable. One of them had surgery and breezed through with flying colors. The other one is just finishing up being evaluated. By all means go and see the urologist, WRITE DOWN your list of questions (it's hard to remember what to ask if you are nervous and anxious) and don't leave until you have the answers you need. Good luck.

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B.G.

answers from Boston on

Hey There,
We went through the same thing with my son. HE had enlarged kidneys in utero and it continued afterward. Our pediatrician (Dr. A in Westford) was awesome. He ordered the ultra sound immediately and told us generally what to expect and referred us to Dr. Klauber. I agree with other woman that responded that Dr. Klauber/FLoating Hospital is great. My son did have hyrdonephrosis (sp?), which is more common in boys. My son had to have some very extensive tests and more ultrasounds to try to find/clear the blockage. We decided not to do anything drastic and see what my son's body did on its own. Well, it cleared on it's own and my son's kidneys were normal at his last ultrasound shortly after he turned 1. (he's 4 now with no kidney issues)

I hope your daughter's case goes as smooth as my sons. There is so much they can diagnos and heal/cure these days. I wish you good luck and good health.

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S.S.

answers from New London on

I sorry to hear your baby girl is going through all this. It is important to get as much information from the doctors as possible. If you have questions, you should call them. It is their job to tell you what's going on.
I wish you all my best wishes.

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M.F.

answers from Pittsfield on

Technically your Pedi doesn't know what's going to happen next. Thats why they want you to bring her to a urologist.

The urologist is specially trained in the urinary system and will tell you everything that's going on. and you will feel better being informed won't you?

don't worry yet...
it may be nothing.

My daughter had the same problem in utero but it seemed to be resolved before she was born (at 36 weeks)
good luck!

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B.C.

answers from Boston on

Our son also had hydronephrosis, which was detected on ultrasound prenatally and following his birth. I have since learned that a number of friends have gone through this themselves or with their children. Experiences ranged from treating with antibiotics (to prevent kidney infections) to surgery. It all depends on what is causing the enlargement of the kidney. Our son's hydronephrosis turned out to be severe, so he needed surgery, but they were able to wait until he was a year old. I dreaded the surgery all year, which turned out to be so much easier than we could have anticipated. My son is now 16 months old and doing great. I had one friend whose daughter simply outgrew the condition. Another is still waiting to see. I recommend getting in to see a urologist as soon as possible so that you get clear answers. The tests aren't fun, but the answers are important. We went to Children's Hospital and Dr. Cilento, and I highly recommend both (I saw that another poster recommended Dr. Cilento). Good luck!

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