I’ve been avoiding this topic but I write today to ask for your prayers because in one week from today Sarah will have surgery to remove kidney stones from her right kidney.
We found out she had them because she began having a urinary tract infection that came back after antibiotics. Our pediatrician sent us to a specialist and she had an ultrasound and a cat scan done which showed three stones. One is 2 cm, one is 1.5 cm and the other one is –I can’t remember–but smaller. The doctors are intrigued by her because these stones are larger than they typically see for a child her age (5 and a half).
Children can get kidney stones for a variety of reasons, including a poor diet (too much processed food, high in salt, and a lack of adequate water intake). Generally speaking, stones are quite common, which I didn’t know or care about until my own daughter made some. (sigh)
Like most people, I get nervous about medical situations. I was very upset when we learned that she needed surgery and that the doctors couldn’t tell us right away why she made the stones or what we can do to prevent this from happening again.
However, as I force myself to look on the bright side there are many many things to be thankful for:
- She has had no pain. no pain!
- modern medicine and specialist doctors means they can be removed and everything will be done in an up-to-date and professional way.
- Although there is a chance she will need to have open surgery to remove the stones, at this point the plan is that it will be done robotically which means 4 tiny incisions and probably no stitches. They say she can probably go home the same day as the procedure.
- Ultrasound and blood work was normal, and the infection at the time of the diagnosis was very minimal. She takes a preventative dose of antibiotics every day to keep the UTI away.
- although she does have a slight amount of “grit” in her urine, her 24 hour urine test was also unremarkable (according to the doctor).
- all the doctors have been calm and unconcerned about this, which settles my emotions because THEY are the experts….and I am the over-reacting mother.
- in the grand scheme of things…..kidney stones?? not a big deal. She appears perfectly healthy, in fact, she’s brighter and happier than she’s ever been (she loves going to school) and she’s so smart!
- She enjoyed her experience at the hospital and looks forward to going back. (so weird) LOL She especially loved the button that you could push to get a nurse to come and do things for you.
I don’t really want to talk about this, but I did want to let my friends know what was going on because it’s on my mind, and usually the fears that I put out into the light tend to lessen in the sharing.
Psalm 136:26 Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.
Good to be Home 
I had to chuckle at Sarah ‘enjoying’ the hospital and looking forward to going back. That’s such a blessing and a sweet way that God is looking after you…that you know Sarah is not afraid. I totally understand your apprehension. It’s normal! I would be worried if you weren’t apprehensive about it. It sounds as if your doctors are confident, and you have the Lord on your side, most of all.
I will be praying for you and your sweet youngest!
I love you, Kara, you are such a good blogging buddy! I’m so glad to have your words of encouragement! You said just the right things. hugs
I love you, too, Shanda. Big hugs back to you!
My daughter has had seven surgeries and that is her favorite part – all the attention! For what it’s worth, I remember reading somewhere that removing dairy products was good for kidney stones. Worth a try anyway! I will keep Sarah in my prayers.
Oh shanda, I am praying for you and little Sarah! So glad you’re sharing so we can pray, and looking at the positives. Dear Father,thankyou for caring about all the details of our lives. Please be with Shanda. Surround her with Your Presence, peace,and comfort. Remind her what a big God we have. Help the drs as they operate. Give them wisdom. Just let everything turn out for the best. Thankyou for never leaving us or forsaking us. Amen.
Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you.
Love, christina
Know you are loved and trust that God will give you great grace in the midst of your fears which are normal and every mother would feel the same as you. I will gladly bear this burden for you in prayer on your behalf.
We will be praying for you all.
I am here if you need me..text, call, ect.
Psalm 61:1-3New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Confidence in God’s Protection.
For the choir director; on a stringed instrument. A Psalm of David.
61 Hear my cry, O God;
Give heed to my prayer.
2 From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3 For You have been a refuge for me,
A tower of strength [a]against the enemy.
Oh, I can imagine what your mommy heart is experiencing, but Father God is right there, and He will not leave her, even when those doors close and you can’t walk beside her holding her hand! She is healthy and will do fine. Soon it will be over and you will be wondering what you were so anxious about! Isn’t it good to know we have that rock and refuge! Praying for you and Sarah!
Praying for Peace that passeth all understanding thru all this!!
I understand! I am that kind of mom. I am praying!
Praying. And she’s such a big girl! She will do fine! So glad you found them now. I get it tho- our mom hearts. ~
Praying for you and Sarah. A mother’s heart yearns over her children.
Praying for you through this!!
Sarah looks so much like you and Grace. I love your list of good things about this. I understand your mother’s heart too. It is hard to see our children go through things, we would rather do so ourselves. So sweet that Sarah liked the hospital. 🙂
I will pray and keep praying, both for Sarah and for you dear mama. Isn’t it good to know our Father has such tenderness towards us, and cares just as deeply for His children.
Love you.
Hope everything goes well with Sarah,children cope so much better than us adults who fret all the time 🙂
Praying for you, and her! When my daughter was going thru a surgery when she was little, I was way worse than her! to her it was a adventure and she loved being the center of attention! May God give you the peace that passes all understanding!! and may you have a peace and calmness when the day arrives!
Absolutely praying. Hugs Shanda.
Shanda – I just saw this and want you to know I will also be praying for Sarah and you as the day approaches and finally the surgery. Praying the surgery can be done robotically and that she’ll be able to go home with you the same day. She’s such a cutie! Praying for peace for you dear Momma!
Catching up on my blog backup! Love to you, Shanda. You are such a wonderful, tenderhearted mama. I’m so sorry that Sarah has to go through this. I so relate to your feelings of anxiety about it. I pray for continued peace to rest on you, and that you feel Jesus walking you through this in a very real way. I also ask in Jesus’ name that Sarah not have to go through this surgery ever again, and that her body would stop making these stones. Also asking for wisdom for you to know the best way to help her. Take care of yourself too!!