Bilateral Vesicoureteral Reflux baby treatment...

[babyfish2]

Does anyone have any experience with VUR? My 5 month old has been diagnosed with it (it's where urine backs up into the kidneys). She's had 3 urine infections in the last 5 months, two of the infections caused her to be septic. I had a meeting with our renal consultant today crossing fingers and toes he'd recommend surgery to rectify the problem but he's suggested injections to create a temporary fake valve. She is stage 4 so very unlikely to outgrow it and he even said himself that the injections aren't that successful if you're past stage 2. I really wanted her to have the op to solve the problem but he seemed sure that she won't be having the surgery before she's 1 or 2. I'm extremely worried about the damage the infections are causing her kidneys. Am I within my rights to challenge him and almost push for surgery before the age of 1? Could I be referred to another consultant at a different hospital to operate on her before she's 1? I can't keep obsessing over every UTI symtoms she ever displays, it's making me crazy Any advice/ experience is hugely appreciated.

I think if you have ended up feeling like the wrong decision has been made it's not wrong to ask for another appointment / meeting / phone call to go through the reasoning for and against. Thinking of that as "challenge" to them seems more adversarial than it needs to be - you are both trying to do the best for the baby, applying your own perspectives and expertise. There are risks to surgery and age can make a really big difference. Usually decisions about this tend to involve some kind of multidisciplinary discussion involving radiologists, surgeons, medical nephrologists (often several of them) so it is unlikely to be the whim of one person.

Seeking a second opinion is completely valid and sensible doctors aren't offended by it and should facilitate. Remember that "second opinion" does not necessarily mean "different conclusion".

This all sounds highly stressful and you are doing all you can for your baby, hope you get to where you need to be.

Thank you so much @Iesugrist I really appreciate your comments. You're right, maybe 'challenge' was the wrong term to use. I think maybe I just feel a little deflated as I was hoping for a long term, definitive fix rather than a 'this possibly could work but more likely not' outcome. I have another appointment on Monday with nephrologists so will discuss my concerns there. One consultant listened to my worries and suggested surgery sooner rather than later so I think maybe this had gotten my hopes up slightly more than it should've. Again, thank you for taking time to read and respond.