3 Yr Old and UTI

My daughter had a couple UTIs and her pediatrician told us at the time that if it continued to happen -- like over a period of 6 months -- then it she would need the VCUG. I think it's way too early to think about this test. Especially if she's only had one UTI.

Whoa! I wouldn't put her through that at this point. My stepdaughter had it done when she was around 8, but she had had multiple UTIs -- like 7 in a year or something obvious. I wouldn't do it for just one.

To be honest I would even skip the ultrasound, unless the doctor would tell me precisely what makes this procedure necessary for your little one beyond the general "just to be sure" after just one UTI... Ultrasound is generally considered safe, but the long term effects of it are still being questioned by some. It is a procedure that produces heat and mechanical impact on deep tissues. I'd save this for when it's truly necessary.

Is this her first UTI? and they want her to do the VCUG? Holy... honey, no she does not need the VCUG. I only had the VCUG done for my eldest daughter when she was 8 or 9 years old as a last resort because of a long history with UTI's and very specific circumstances surrounding them. We thought there was a high likelihood of her having kidney reflux disease. It was a miserable, miserable experience for her and for me, and although it had to be done I'm not sure I would make her go through it again. They would have to sedate your daughter for this procedure in order for her to be compliant. That makes it a very risky procedure.

I for sure wouldn't make your 3 year old go through it at this point if I were in your position. I just wouldn't. I would also hesitate on the U/S on the kidneys right now since there isn't a need while she's healthy.

That sounds like a very scary confusing thing to put a little girl through. I would wait and see if she has more trouble and then only pursue these tests if neccessary.

NO WAY! My daughter is scheduled to have both of those tests you mentioned in February because she has had 13 UTI's in the past 4 years. She has a big history of recurrent infections, and is allergic to sulfa antibiotics which is the go-to to treat these, so we have a hard time getting rid of them without rebounds.

In my opinion, some doctors just love to refer for tests when they're too lazy to try other things first. Make sure your daughter is getting enough fiber in her diet and watch for too much dairy. Constipation is linked to UTI's. If my daughter is constipated, she will inevitably get a UTI. She takes Miralax every other day.

Also, because of your daughter's age, make sure she is wiping front to back thoroughly. Just a little cross contamination of poop to the vagina/urethra can cause one. My daughter is 9 and still has to be extremely careful when she wipes, but don't we all. :)

Good luck and do not think twice about not having that test after one UTI. It's too soon!

Well of course I am no expert but I have heard (and it was confirmed by my pediatrician) that UTI's can be VERY serious in children. It's not the same as an adult, her kidneys could be compromised and I know you don't want that!

I understand not wanting to do unnecessary and invasive procedures but this is one I wouldn't take a chance on. Please look into it more before you decide, I like to use mayoclinic.com for information on this kind of stuff.

Unfortunately yes, you are wrong and the tests are very important. I worked in pediatrics for 7 years and the pediatrian I worked for treated any UTI the same way with the testing. One little girl ended up losing 1/3 of her kidney because the mom refused to have the tests done after the 1st UTI and due to the reflux that was occuring it killed 1/3 of her kidney. UTI's do not just happen and are not normal for little girls to get. I honestly feel it is very important to have the testing done. Which would you prefer, a short amount of discomfort from the testing or potential permanent damage from not doing it?
I hope this is helpful.
A.

If she has only had 1 Uti then I don't understand all the tests. I would be ok with the ultrasound if there was another reason for it, but not with the VCUG test. As always, question the dr. for the reasoning before any type of tests are done, especially on one so young. You are her voice.

I've had UTI's most of my life & I have never had this done. Or have a Dr. suggest it (if they did I was younger & they went straight to my mom, who said no). I say don't do it if the ultrasound looks good.

question is, is your daughter having issues urinating? pain, burning, incontinence? Why put her through it for one. They are suggesting not telling... let them check her kidneys, but dont let them cath her. More likely she will get another infection from being cathed.
I think if they see something concerning on the kidney test, then you should do the VCUG...

There is no way I would have this test done right now. I might be ok with the ultrasound but it sounds like the doctor is just trying to cover all the bases. Some doctors are so afraid of being sued (malpractice) they'd rather do tests that come up negative than no tests and miss something. I would wait awhile and keep track of everything happening with her. In the mean time, does she drinks lots of water? Plus, I would have her drink cranberry juice - not the greatest tasting but there are juice blends that kind of mask the flavor - it really does keep the urinary tract clean!! (Speaking from experience!)

Also, have you considered taking her to a specialist? Might put your mind at ease!!

Good luck!!!

After one UTI? No. That's way too invasive for that. Get a 2nd opinion.

Not a chance! That sounds awful and she is over the infection and in no pain. I wouldn't do it either. If the ultrasound is a must then that will not cause pain and no big deal, that other thing doesn't sound called for. Good luck!

I would do the kidney test but not the VCUG yet. If they notice sometiong on the kidney test then maybe I would have the VCUG done. I would just keep an eye on my daughter's bathroom usage, watch her while she is going to the bathroom to see if you notice pain or straining when she tries to pee... if it seems like there is an issue with peeing then I would consider the VCUG.

I can't see doing such an invasive procedure for one UTI. I could see if she was having continual problems peeing or is having reoccurring UTI’s.

You are the advocate for your daughter and if you feel the VCUG is unnecessary then tell them no.

My daughter had a urinary tract infection at 6 weeks and kept one until she was 2.5. We did the VCUG and renal sonogram at 10 weeks. They were looking for any physical (duplicate ureters, blockage etc.) reason for the UTI. For my daughter, I believed it was necessary (having worked in urology for years), because I know the damage that can happen to the kidneys if there is a blockage or if the infected urine backs back up into the kidney. On top of that she spiked a fever over 104 and her eyes rolled back in her head which scared me more than anything!!! Renal sonogram will check the structure of the kidney only. If you're thinking this is too agressive, you can always get a second opinion from a pediatric urologist. Thankfully my daughter was fine. We battled UTI's for over 2 years and I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

I don't know how many days after she finished the antibiotics that you had her checked. Please know (and I hope this isn't the case with your daughter) that if it was shortly after she finished them, it may be a false representation, especially if it's a "dip". Keep a close watch on her for several days. Ideally, 10 days AFTER a patient finishes antibiotics will give a more accurate picture if the infection is truly resolved.

Blessings!
L.

I too would wait for the VCUG unless the doctors have some other explanation of why they would do it after just one UTI. I had one done at age 3 but I had had several UTIs by then. I also had one as an adult and don't recall either one being all that awful, but I would wait and make sure it's absolutely necessary before having it done.