I went in September to discuss Lauren's internal anatomy in relation to the fistulas that she has internally between her rectum, vaginal and urinary tracts. This is not too uncommon to have one fistula with children who are born with an imperforate anus. But Lauren has 2 or 3, which is highly unusual.
So, the plan is to put Lauren under (anesthesia) and take a camera to explore her anatomy more closely. This will help them and the general surgeon to make a better treatment plan for her.
It still looks as if her colostomy will remain permanent. Her colon is located rather high and they aren't sure once they make the repairs to the tracts making each one separate, if they will be able to make one for her rectum.
It still saddens me, but I am able to be more positive now that I have had time to deal with things. It's definitely better to have that than her have to wear diapers... But who knows what they will be able to do in 10-15 years from now medically speaking.
I also learned more about the bladder functioning. It does two things: Holds urine and releases urine. Now, we know that Lauren is able to release her urine, which has been wonderful since we haven't had to catheter her... BUT what we have been noticing is that Lauren leaks ALL the time, meaning her urine comes frequently, which probably means that her bladder can not hold urine.
This presents a whole new problem. The urologists assured me that they would do everything they can to make sure that when Lauren starts school, we will have her urinary issues under control. Something will have to be done to fix this, but at the time it is going to be addressed later.
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