Miracles do happen.

We received wonderful news today at Owen's urology appointment. His creatinine level, which should be below 4 was 2.7. His CO2 level, which they would like to be at least 22 was 18. That level is lower because of an imbalance in the acid and base in his blood. Dr. Gazak said that is to be expected considering the amount of issues he has had with his kidneys. We are supposed to start giving him half of a children's Tums twice a day. Since they are chewable that may prove to be a problem, but we will see. This is such great news, his kidney function is great! Owen also had a renal pelvic ultrasound today. As the nurse was performing the ultrasound I was looking at the screen thinking to myself that his kidneys seemed to look a lot better, had a lot less black spots. I didn't want to get my hopes up or ask, I was so nervous. The nurse made a comment that she thought his kidneys looked good, but she sort of said it to herself. Still, I was afraid to ask.

We were moved to a different exam room to wait for Dr. Gazak. He came in with two sets of ultrasound photos and a smile on his face, saying "I think we have some good news." Owen's right kidney (the side that still has the stent in place) had no hydronephrosis at all. The left kidney had significantly less hydronephrosis (which shows up as a black spot on and ultrasound) than the ultrasound done in December. We are not facing ostomy surgery, Owen may not have reflux at all anymore. He may have a lesser degree of reflux on the right side. What we saw today shouldn't have happened. He shouldn't have gotten better this way, but he did. I truly feel like it is a miracle. Of course Owen is not out of the woods, but he is so much better off. We have so much hope. Owen will be having his stent removal surgery on Monday, January 18. Dr. Gazak will remove the stent from his right side and then do a VCUG to check for reflux. If there is still reflux on the right side and it is a low level of reflux, he will inject a medication called Deflux which would hopefully help reduce it further. The stent removal is an outpatient procedure. We are very much hoping that it goes smoothly and we receive only more good news.

Thank you all so much for your thoughts, prayers and support. It means the world to us.