2 for 1 at Texas Children's

I had originally scheduled both girls to have an appointment with their new renal (kidney) doctor at the begining of October. But last week one of the nurses called twice saying that after reviewing all of Keagan's blood work, kidney ultrasound and blood pressure checks from her pediatrician, she wanted to see her right away. That has had me a little on edge. But thankfully the appointment went better then I had prepared for. I love when that happens! 

Riley's appointment was just a follow up for her renal hypertension which is currently controlled by the medication Enalapril. All her tests look good but she needs to have a follow up kidney ultrasound soon to make sure her unusually small kidneys are still growing and blood work today. 

Keagan's appointment was because of a new high blood pressure issue. Doctor Malatesta had reviewed all her tests and said both her kidneys and her heart look good, thank heavens, and she doesn't have other risk factors but she does have high blood pressure. It's a little puzzling but she is concerned it may be either something hormonal or that it is "white coat hypertension." That is that maybe just being in the doctors office makes Keagan anxious which raises her blood pressure. We talked about my Keags being an anxious little girl and that this could definitely be possible. So she ordered some more blood work and an ABPM or Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor. That means Keagan has a portable blood pressure cuff on for 24 hours and it records her blood pressure every 20 minutes and then compiles the information. We will go back next week to review all that information with the doctor. Keagan isn't thrilled about wearing this but she's a total rockstar and has taken it in stride! 

The blood work was a whole different story! Riley's was quick with some obvious but fast tears. Keagan's seriously took 25 minutes to get her to actually let them do it. It was rough! It took 5 of us and a crying Riley who was worried about her sister to finally get it! That included poor Sami who Keagan insisted be the one to hold her! Sami accompanied us today in case I needed back up and I sure was SO thankful she was there! It was a long and busy appointment so I needed her and the girls were thrilled to have her! We didn't just torture her at the lab, but also after we left the hospital I decided the girls really had earned a ride on the Hermann Park train. They loved it and Sami was a trooper! Since we picked her up at nine, she was very happy to get home at four. See? Long day! 

Then tonight we had fantastic news to celebrate! My best friend Taryn has had a rough two months on a journey where several doctors told her she most likely had cancer. Today she finally find out it is not cancer and got a clean bill of health! This is a ginormous relief and totally a miracle that we are all so thankful for! So we were off to Cheescake Factory to celebrate! A tastey triumph at the end of a long day is my kind of party!