Early Morning Torture Session

I hate that we keep getting these o-dark-thirty appts that are almost an hour drive. It's rough getting out the door! Today was a little better, we didn't have to leave until 0630...it actually wasn't even dark, we got to watch a pretty sunrise on the way in. 

However, it was dark when I woke this little guy, and I think he was a bit confused. 

Foot was elevated all night and is still swollen. Not sure if that is normal or not. He sure is happy to move it again, though. 

Thankfully, we had a peaceful drive in.

And now you will notice, someone isn't wearing any clothes. Yeah, we had a mess when we got to ultrasound.  But I'm sure it mostly had to come off anyway!

He was so good. Never cried, only made some squawks. Those were mostly thanks to the cold gel. (They don't warm it at a children's hospital? I'm shocked.)

I'm no doctor,  but it didn't look good from what I saw. I missed most of the right side but the left kidney seemed to be worse in terms of fluid. Hoping I'm wrong. Bladder was definitely very large, and I'm concerned about it draining all the way as it is. Will see what urologist says tomorrow. 

Home now, Mom? 

Sadly, not. That was the easy part. Now we have the Mag3 scan. They will inject nuclear material to watch how it passes through his urinary tract. This requires an IV and catheter. 

The IV was not his fave. Blessedly,  she used the light and got it on try one. And he immediately went to sleep. He did wake up for the catheter, which we were so fearful about, but didn't do more than squirm and give a few small protests. Right back to sleep and he's been there ever since. Which is awesome as he is stuck here for a good hour. He's all wrapped up and I get to stay with him, he's doing great. Perfect time to share some photos (although I do wish I'd had some breakfast!)

Don't mind that Michigan colored paci holder. It will be replaced. 

Trying to get the ureters to fill. Once they do, they'll administer the Lasix. 

Here is some info on MAG3 tests. I don't know how frequent these will be, but I do know that this is supposed to be his baseline and there will be more. He is getting the second part, Lasix, to help provide more info.  

What is a renal MAG3 scan?

A renal MAG3 (Mercaptuacetyltriglycine) scan is a diagnostic nuclear medicine test that allows your child’s doctor to see his/her kidneys and learn more about how they are functioning.

A radiopharmaceutical called Technetium-99m MAG3 is injected into one of your child’s veins. Technetium-99m MAG3 has a tiny amount of radioactive molecules in it.

A special camera, called a gamma camera, is used to take pictures of the kidneys once the radiopharmaceutical has been injected.

When might a renal MAG3 scan be needed?

A renal MAG3 scan can help:

• detect and evaluate hyrdronephrosis 
• determine relative (differential) renal function in the right and left kidneys
• detect and evaluate obstruction in the renal collecting system
• detect acute tubular necrosis
• evaluate renal function in children allergic to radiographic contrast
• evaluate renal perfusion and function in certain cases of renal immaturity
• evaluate renal trauma

What happens during a renal MAG3 scan?

• To perform the examination, an IV catheter is placed in one of your child's veins.
• After the IV insertion, in some cases a bladder catheter will be inserted. The catheter will keep the bladder empty during the entire procedure.
• The technologist will then inject the radiopharmaceutical through the IV and begin imaging.
• Imaging continues for 20 minutes and a nuclear medicine physician will determine if a second phase, called a diuretic renogram, needs to occur.
• If so, this involves administering a diuretic called Lasix (Furosemide) through the same IV. This diuretic will cause your child's kidneys to make more urine than normal for a short period of time.
• It is important that your child remains as still as possible to obtain the best quality images.