Looks like RDu has what is called VACTRL association. My pediatrician thought so when he first looked at his paperwork. So did the International Adoption Clinic when I had them reveiw it. It is very interesting, and overwhelming, to read about all this that "might be". I'm on a few yahoo groups re:this as well to try to get as much info as I possibly can. It's hard to know what I need to prepare for because I haven't seen any sort of medical info past the age of 11 months for him. I emailed 2 different people at the orphanage but haven't heard anything back. Well, I did, but not from the doc or about his medical condition.
That poor little punkin. It seems like we will be spending quite a bit of time at the Cinncinati Childrens Hospital because they have a specialty clinic that is well known for their VACTERL work. Here's some info I copied off the site...
What is VACTERL association?
VACTERL or VATER association is an acronym used to describe a series of characteristics which have been found to occur together.
V stands for vertebrae, which are the bones of the spinal column.
A stands for imperforate anus or anal atresia, or an anus that does not open to the outside of the body.
C is added to the acronym to denote cardiac anomalies.
TE stands for tracheoesophageal fistula, which is a persistent connection between the trachea (the windpipe) and the esophagus (the feeding tube).
R stands for renal or kidney anomalies.
L is often added to stand for limb anomalies (radial agenesis).
Babies who have been diagnosed as having VACTERL association usually have at least three or more of these individual anomalies. There is a wide range of manifestation of VACTERL association so that the exact incidence within the population is not exactly known.
It is awesome you are getting so educated. And if you are spending time in Cinncinati, there is always the Creation Science Museum, Kimgs Island, the Reds. Any down time can be easily filled!!!
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