Did We Mess Up?
February 9, 2010
Mackenzie first had blood in her urine at her 12 year old physical. We were first referred to a pediatric urologist and she had a lot of tests done that were all normal. The urologist told us not to worry. It wasn’t until a year later, at her next physical, that we asked the doctor about it. They repeated her urine sample and it was worse. Also, she had protein in her urine. The pediatrician now recommended we see a pediatric nephrologist. When we were facing the diagnosis of CKD, I had a lot of very clinical questions. My husband was listening and taking notes. When I took a break, the doctor asked if we had any more questions and my husband asked “Did we mess up? Is this something we may have missed because she skipped several years of physicals? Or is this something that could have a better outcome if we had pressed harder last year?” The doctor explained that early diagnosis is extremely important, and that based on all of Mackenzie’s labs, we had caught her early. When our pediatrician reviewed the paperwork, she called us to talk. He asked her the same question. Her reply was how grateful she was that we caught it at all. Many people are not diagnosed until they have symptoms and have already lost kidney function. She ordered the urinalysis, we reminded her the following year to do a repeat and we were quick to see the nephrologists. I think it is normal to question yourself, but getting over the doubt quickly is also important.
