So much for uneventful

Yesterday we went to see Dr. Spevak, and he told us a couple of things that were upsetting. First, those hacks at the ER on father's day drew a urine sample from Corey by catheterization, but the lab NEVER called us to let us know that he had a UTI. It was Dr. Spevak who told us yesterday, because he reviewed Corey's chart before coming to talk to us. Unbelievable the the cardiologist is the one reporting the urinary problem. And two weeks after the initial finding! Incompetence!

But that isn't the worst of it. If a baby as young as Corey has a UTI, then it may be because of a congenital kidney defect, so he sent us for a kidney ultrasound and a repeat catheterization. My poor little baby! More poking and prodding and crying! We had to go to radiology for the kidney ultrasound, and then back to those idiots at the ER (I can't tell you how much I detest that place) for yet another catheterization. The ultrasound was ok, but nobody would tell us the results, so we had to leave there wondering if there was a problem. Then it was back to the ER, and when we arrived, Corey had a full bladder, but because of the total bureaucratic bullshit of the system, he had to go through all the usual triage, registration, and all of that nonsense, so it was an hour and half later before they finally cathed him. Of course (of course!) the first stick was unsuccessful, because he had emptied his bladder during all that time, and they had to stick him again. And, AND, we had to force Corey to take fluids by shooting a 10ml syringe filled with pedialyte into his mouth, which made him throw-up, and then we had to do it some more. Nobody should have to torture their child like that. I was ready to walk out of there and refuse to let them cath him again. So we called Dr. Spevak on his cell, and he told us that we must know if there is a UTI remaining and treat it. I left the room. They cathed him again, and finally got enough urine to send to the lab. God how I hate that place and abhor that whole system!

Next we learned that the ultrasound shows dilation of the kidneys, which could mean urine reflux (urine travels back from the bladder to the kidneys). This condition eventually can cause major kidney damage, but to find out the extent of the problem, we have to have yet ANOTHER test. This time they will inject dye into the bladder, again by cath, and then take images of the urine as it travels through Corey's system. I just can't stand the idea that there is something else wrong with my baby. At least it's not life-threatening, and it can be treated. But worst case it will have to be corrected surgically. Did we need any more bad news? Do we need anything else to deal with? I don't think so. I'm so angry and upset at how crappy our medical system is. And, above all, I feel so bad for Corey.

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