An Update from Sally

Firstly a HUGE thank you to everybody who's been supporting and praying for us over the last few days. It means the world to us. I will try not to be too medical in this blog but still  keep you all updated!

Ffion was born on Thursday 7th, four weeks earlier than expected. We knew from the antenatal scans that she had kidney problems. Her left kidney is poly cystic and will never work. Her right kidney is swollen, due to being blocked, and its ability to work is unknown. She was transferred to the neo-natal unit on Thursday evening for tests and because she was having issues staying warm, due to being premature.

Initial tests revealed her creatinine levels (a waste product the kidneys get rid of) were extremely high and her potassium levels were also elevated. An ultrasound scan was done which confirmed the antenatal findings and the need for a nephrostomy (an operation to place a drain in the kidney and relieve the fluid and look to see exactly where the obstruction is). It also confirmed she would need this operation done very quickly if the levels continued to rise. Cover for this procedure was limited at Cardiff over the weekend, so we were transferred to Bristol Children's Hospital on Friday night. 

At Bristol....

Ffion was taken off formula and just put on glucose and fluid through her drip. The ultrasound scan was repeated and also a dye injected through her catheter to try to locate the blockage. These confirmed the need for the nephrostomy on the right hand side. However, repeated blood tests showed she was stable and the decision was made to transfer her back to Cardiff for the surgery to prevent a long stay in Bristol.

Thank you to all those of you were praying for her as her stabilisation. This has made an enormous difference from the point of view of her health and the transfer back to Cardiff makes a huge difference to us practically.

Ffion is now settled in Heulwen Ward in the Children's Hospital, UHW.

I will continue to update this as we are likely to have the nephrostomy done today or tomorrow. If the nephrostomy is successful and all the fluid levels begin to look normal again her future looks bright. If not, we are looking at long-term kidney treatment.