RippsinNE

Dear Family and Friends,
I said I would write when we had the results of the testing done at the November 6th appointment. As many of you know Katie had blood in her urine in the NICU, after numerous urine tests, a renal or kidney ultrasound was done. The Ultrasound showed three stones or calcifications to the right kidney. I knew that something was different about the ultrasound this time because they came in three times to scan her. They took blood and urine at the visit as well. At the time of the first ultrasound in NICU the calcifications were not obstructing her kidney function. This ultrasound showed that she still has three calcifications and they aren't obstructing blood flow or function. The left kindey, however has shruken considerably which means that its function has also decreased. To compensate for the decrease on the left, the right kidney has enlarged. The key right now is to maintain hydration and watch closely to make sure none of the calcifications move or start obstructing kidney function. They feel that the left kidney damage is permanent, but again time will tell. Katie has been having problems with decreased appetite and increased spitting up, sometimes vomiting, so we are going to see a pediatric renal or kidney dietician to help us make sure Katie gets the fluids she needs. The labs tell us that her kidney function is very good. She still has a slightly high calcium level, but better than the last time. We are doing more urine testing to check for enzymes that sometime occur in people with kidney stones. These tests will tell us if she will need a special, low salt diet. Please know that Katie is happy and doing really well. She smiles all the time and talks more and more everyday. God is always good and that hasn't changed just because her kidneys are messed up. They are not sure why the left kidney has shrunk. One theory is a blood clot was there in the NICU, but passed before the first ultrasound and we are now seeing the damage that was done. The other theory is that when she developing something didn't go quite right and is now evidencing itself. Either way God is in control. Heath and I want everyone reading this to know that we thank God everyday for the gift of Katie. We pray that we get to see her grow to be a girl who understands she is a sinner and trusts Christ as her Savior. We also realize that anything could take her from us at any moment. I said all that to say that we choose to trust God always. We so appreciate your prayers for wisdom and your words of encouragement. By the way at her appointment today she weighed 15.1 pounds. She loves her swing and her stroller. She sleeps all night, most every night. She continues to be my favorite person to look at and play with. We love you all and will talk at you later. Love, Mommy and Daddy Rip