For our friends and family who have been asking, here is your update on Reagan.

At the time of our last post, we were working on getting her through a urinary tract infection with oral antibiotics and waiting for appointments for further testing. Her ultrasound yesterday revealed that her kidneys are growing normally, but that she does have what is known as a "Duplicated (or Duplex) Collecting System" on her right side, where there is an extra ureter attached to the kidney. This puts children at higher risk for urinary reflux (Vesicoureteral Reflux is the fancy term) and for dilation in the kidneys or ureters, which is bad. During the second procedure, the VCUG, we watched as her kidneys filled up with urine, indicating that she does in fact have urine running backwards up the ureters (urinary reflux). The reflux is not so much something to be worried about in itself, as urine inside of the body is considered sterile. However, if bacteria enters through the urethra (as with her urinary tract infection), gets into the bladder, and works its way up the ureters into the kidneys, it can cause scarring. At this point in time, we are waiting to hear whether there is any dilation as well as how severe her reflux is. The good news is that often times the reflux resolves itself somewhere between 1 and 2 years of age, so we may be just looking at giving her daily oral antibiotics to prevent infection until she has outgrown the condition. Worst case scenario involves surgery to correct the abnormality by removing the extra ureter.

Our doctor is fabulous and has reassured us over and over that even in the event of surgery, Reagan is going to be fine. She has referred us to a urologist here in Grand Rapids, and we will know more after that appointment. Reagan is in great spirits and is otherwise doing very well. We are anxious, but optimistic, but welcoming prayers!