{answered}

The day it hit seems like yesterday.  And, then, it seems like a lifetime ago. 

He was three.  Evan was a few weeks old.  It started with some stomach

pain and vomiting and quickly progressed to uncontrollable pain.   On to the

ER we went.  I thought it was surely appendicitis.  When the phone calls

started occurring just outside our doorway to specialists, my heart sank.  Of

course, I diagnosed him with all sorts of things within that 20 minute time span,

including polycystic kidneys.  He was hospitalized at St. Edwards as they

worked to get him into ACH.  I would sleep with him in his hospital bed and 

get coverage to go over to a hotel and nurse Evan.  Then, he was stable and 

we were sent to ACH.  One of THE worst experiences in my life as a mom

as the diagnostic testing was EXCRUCIATING for him.  Angela and I paced

outside the doors when I would have to leave {per hospital staff} and then would

return to try and get him through it.  Being tied to the bed did not help matters. 

The rest of the family, well, they were pacing too. 

Diagnosis:  hydronephrosis of the kidneys.  Prognosis included everything from 

one end of the spectrum: transplants {yes, it involved both} to surgery to

no additional problems.  It would be a wait and see game.  A game that would

basically last his lifetime.   It was scary and heartbreaking. Typically it only

affects one kidney, but he somehow ended up with both.   The next several years held

MANY trips to the ER, continued testing, followups, and trips and a hospitalization

back at ACH.   Well, I found out Tuesday night after returning from being with Marta

and the girls most of the day, that we had an appt at ACH the next day.  Not

on my radar at all.  So, yesterday morning the four of us headed down. 

Long story short, after scans and meeting with two different physicians.....we are

released!  I kept doubting what I had heard.  The scans showed stability comparable

to last years scan with good kidney growth.  Since we have not had an obstruction in years

along with no infections.......for now, we are released. Yippee!  And, there always

seems to be a "but" with this diagnosis.  We are technically released until either

a) he has another bout with pain, obstruction or infection or b) when he turns or gets

near turning 18.  At either point we will be back in business with ACH.  At 18, he

will be given extensive testing again and be referred on to an adult urologist.

Although both kidneys have improved dramatically - he was almost as bad

as it could get when he was initially diagnosed - he will always have this to

look after and deal with.  But, for now, we are thrilled and thankful for

the news!  And, are just going to accept it for what it is today.  :)  

He does start have to wearing a watch because he is not doing too well on the

every 2 hour routine of emptying the bladder.  So, he will be "beeping" for

however long it takes to get back on track with that.  :)

We did have quite the eventful attempt to leave LR.  We were going to run across

town and see friends for a few minutes, but the skies did NOT look too good 

when we exited the hospital.  Found a local radio station about the time a tornado

warning was being issued for the area of Maumelle and I40.  So, south we went

taking the long way home through Hot Springs.  We did have a nice lunch 

and because we are getting season passes to Magic Springs this year, the

boys planned our summer out.   CANNOT wait to have them home with us!!!   

A happy, happy mom here!