**Note** I forgot to mention that Ellaree will be on antibiotics for the next 6 months. They usually use Sulpha but since her body is already susceptible to it we had to go with Cephalexin. This is also used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. She is on this to 1 make sure that there is no bacterial infections before her procedure and then also so that with the help of her antibiotic maybe she will be able to grow out of this quicker. Her little body might become susceptible to this drug also, at that time we would need to reevaluate and give her a different kind. But for now we will see. Cephalexin has to be refrigerated and is only good for 14 days at a time, so Harry will be making many trips into the pharmacy for this. Also, the pharmacist asked if she should flavor the medicine "YES PLEEEEEASE!" So we will see how that goes and hopefully it is enough for Ellaree to take every day. It is going to be a challenge for me as she will not want to take it but we will get through it....hopefully!
I also found this on a website about the procedure that they are performing and thought maybe you all would be interested in it. I am sure this explains it better then what I did.
What is a Voiding Cystourethrogram? A children's (pediatric) voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) is an x-ray examination of a child's bladder and lower urinary tract that uses a special form of x-ray called fluoroscopy and a contrast material.
An x-ray (radiograph) is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Imaging with x-rays involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body. X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging.
Fluoroscopy makes it possible to see internal organs in motion. When the bladder is filled with and then emptied of a water-soluble contrast material, the radiologist is able to view and assess the anatomy and function of the bladder and lower urinary tract.
What are some common uses of the procedure? A voiding cystourethrogram enables a radiologist, a physician specifically trained to supervise and interpret radiology examinations, to detect abnormalities in the flow of urine through the urinary tract.
This examination is often recommended after a urinary tract infection to check for a condition known as vesicoureteral (VU) reflux.
About VU Reflux
Urine is produced in the kidneys and flows through the ureter, the tube that carries urine from each kidney to the bladder. A valve mechanism prevents urine from backing up into the kidneys as the bladder gets full. Urine leaves the bladder through the urethra and is eliminated from the body during urination.
In some children, an abnormality in the valve or the ureters allows urine to flow backwards, a condition called VU reflux. In mild cases urine backs up into the lower ureter. In severe cases it can back up into a swollen kidney. Usually, children with this condition are born with it. Other causes include:
~blockage to the bladder
~abnormal urination with very high pressure within the bladder
~incomplete emptying of the bladder
~urinary tract infections.
~Urinary tract infection may be the only symptom of the problem.
How does the procedure work? X-rays are a form of radiation like light or radio waves. X-rays pass through most objects, including the body. Once it is carefully aimed at the part of the body being examined, an x-ray machine produces a small burst of radiation that passes through the body, recording an image on photographic film or a special digital image recording plate.
Fluoroscopy uses a continuous or pulsed x-ray beam to create a sequence of images that are projected onto a fluorescent screen, or television-like monitor. When used with an oral contrast material, which clearly defines the area being examined by making it appear bright white, this special x-ray technique makes it possible for the physician to view internal organs in motion. Still images are also captured and stored either on film or electronically on a computer.
Until recently, x-ray images were maintained as hard film copy (much like a photographic negative). Today, most images are digital files that are stored electronically. These stored images are easily accessible and are frequently compared to current x-ray images for diagnosis and disease management.
A voiding cystourethrogram is usually completed within 30 minutes.
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