SimplyComplexJen

Hi Family/Friends;

You're probably looking for an update, but there's not much to share other than our plan of attack.

A little background to refresh your memory, last November, blood in the urine happened with bebe(think color of koolaid), and it was quite a bit worse. We went thru CT scans, xrays, and ultrasound and blood and urine tests each time we went to hospital. Her symptoms only lasted about 20 hours. The testing was done over a 3 week period. This Monday we were back in the ER for the same problem, but the symptoms only lasted about 5 hours and were less severe.

We've already been to several doctors this week, and luckily they all agree with the approach of the Kidney Specialist, which is outlined below.

Wednesday, when we were at the pediatrician there was still signs of protein in her urine, with a score of 2 positive. Today at the kidney specialist, of course it was gone. We have the most incredible doctor there, and since this has happened twice, they are going to move forward with a plan to see why this is happening. So, here is the plan to diagnose:

We first have to collect 24 hours of urine in a jug and take it back to them on Monday. As Bebe said, "that won't be lemonade in the fridge!" (ewwww). At that time, we have to also go get lab work done and they will use those blood tests to measure her kidney functions and compare that to the testing we had done last November.

Then in about 3 weeks we will get another ultra-sound to see if the inflammation of her bladder and kidneys has gone down any. The CT scan from Monday was negative for stones, but they will take another one the same day as the ultrasound to see if there are any changes, and also compare that ultra-sound and CT scans to the ones from last November.

After all of that, if there is still no clear reason for her problems, then we will do a biopsy of the kidney.

In the meantime, there's a few minor dietary and other changes to our routine, but it's for the most part, business as usual for her.

Thanks for all your emails and calls with concerns.

Many thanks,
Us

As my first triathlon is approaching, I have so many questions.... ranging from, how do I let the kayak life guards know I'm drowning to what socks to wear to how to setup my transition station to what to do with my hair. Seems frivolous to some, but to me, it's a worry and not for aesthetic reasons either.

I used to never go more than 6 weeks without my highlights being done and my hair being trimmed. That all went away about 2 years ago, it just seemed like a waste not to mention unnecessary chemical in my body. Lately, I've gotten real lazy bout it and have had 2 trims in 6 mos. The problem is I have this hair that the longer it gets, the curlier it gets, which makes it unruly and thick and hard to keep in check.

Obviously this hair issue is affecting my swimming. To get faster, I can decrease my drag, or increase my effort. Decreasing drag is much more efficient and easier to maintain.

So, here comes the issue...what to do to keep it out of the way? I hate to say, but pulling a Sinead is not an option, and yes, it's not an option for selfish reasons. I could get a easy-to-maintain cut, a lot like new moms and new brides do, but again, I like the long hair.

Trying to get it all in the cap? Not an easy feat.

Quick and easy bun with a hair-thingy after the swim?

A braid under the swim cap that hopefully holds thru the tri?

I know this sounds silly, but I will be seriously perturbed if my hair is in my face during the bike or run.

Ideas?