We received some bad news this morning. Our surgeon let us know that the test they did Monday for Skye’s left kidney indicated that its functioning was extremely compromised. Her right kidney is doing 96% of the work. And our doctor recommended no other intervention at this time since the stint that they placed in her left kidney on 12 February and was removed Monday precipitated no significant improvement of left kidney function.
The good news is that you can live to be 100 on one kidney and her right kidney is working fine. What’s also good is that Skye is in no pain at all and is back in school. We thank God for these blessings.
The bad news is that Skye is only 9 years old with only one working kidney (at least for now) and – more concerning – there is also calcification of the deflux on her right kidney as well. We do not know for certain that the deflux complication of calcification on her left kidney is what precipitated the loss of function, but it seems clear to me that it’s a possibility. I asked Dr. Mathews about monitoring this for the right kidney and he wants us to get it tested every 3 mos for at least a year so that we can monitor for this.
Dr. Mathews let Q-Med, the manufacturer of Deflux, know about the deflux complication and they’ve notified the Food and Drug Administration. We had heard of one other instance of this and today we learned that there is a grand total of three incidences of Deflux calcifying. I think this is just in the US where the FDA approved this procedure in 2001 (they’ve been doing this surgery for 15 years in Europe).
So we’re in uncharted territory here and we will speak to God about this and ask for his help. He made Skye and He loves her and He is good even when we don’t get it.
When you think of it, please ask God to protect Skye. She is such a precious little girl and our hearts are very sad at this turn of events. Please also pray for Beth, especially; she’s pretty discouraged. I should say that we are not “giving up” on the left kidney and are exploring with Skye’s surgeon the possibility of it starting to function. We know that sometimes kidneys do stop functioning temporarily.
Again, thanks to all of you for prayers, visits, cards, calls, emails, help, etc. I sincerely believe your prayers especially have made a difference.
Background:
Praying hard! When you get a chance can you send me your address???
Thanks!
Sorry for your little angels bad news. Expecting with you that God will bring good out of a bad situation.
Steve buddy. Tough stuff. I love you and I love your family. My heart goes out to such a precious gift. I came across a verse yesterday that seems right for the moment. The verse is Ps. 42:11 “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance, and my God.” We will pray. Lift up your heads, the Lord in near. Love you buddy. Let you beautiful bride know she is loved. Your buddy, Mark
Prayers – God gave you this angel and He will protect her.
With Much Love
Oh no! I am so sorry to hear about this news!
I will continue to pray for Skye, for Beth, and for all of you. Let me know if there is anything else I can do.
Rob
Bless her heart (and her kidney). Skye is so brave for going through this and having such a good attitude. I’m sure you and Beth are worried sick and scared for her. Thank God you have access to the best medical care in the country. I know that with all the love and prayers, God will take care of all of you. We will continue to pray for her health and healing and strength for you and Beth. We love you all.
Thanks for the update Stephen; I haven’t floated out for a while and just caught up today. We will surely pray tonight (now) and strive to keep her in prayer thereafter. There’s wisdom and maturity in noting God is good despite our limited understanding.
[...] you should pray for Stephen Shields’ daughter Skye, too. [...]
thank you everyone