Update on Susan (And How She's Already Making a Difference)

Recognize the lovely young lady in braids, at left? It's my stepdaughter Susan, hanging out with a friend in Beckley, West Virginia.

Susan is nearing completion of a physician's assistant program at Beckley's Mountain State University. She'll be done with the classwork part of her program this May, and will then begin about a year's worth of "rotations" as an intern.

During the rotations she'll see real patients in hospitals and make diagnoses. She'll spend about four weeks at each hospital. Some of the hospitals will be local (Beckley and Charleston), while others will be farther away in states like Ohio, Tennesee, and Virginia. While working out of state she'll live in the group housing provided for interns.

Once her rotations are done, she'll graduate from the P.A. program (with a graduation date set for May 2010). At that time she will have earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree and can "open the door" for patients!

Her coursework has been rigorous. She said the sheer volume of information she has had to process has probably been the biggest challenge. Some semesters she has taken over 20 credits (that's a lot-- 12 is "full time"). One semester, about a year and a half ago, she took 21 credits... while also completing a mandatory 300 hours of volunteer work and 20 hours of on-the-job shadowing. Not to mention working two days a week at a pet store!

Here's her little brother Logan, at left. Logan is Kenny's age, and gets on very well with Michael and Emma.

Last night I had a phone call from Susan. She'd been reading up on a bladder condition she had as a child-- VUR (Vesicoureteral reflux). This condition had led to a series of bladder infections she experienced as a child, and was serious enough to warrant surgery at age four (just before I got to know her). I knew she'd had a surgery for recurrent bladder problems, but wasn't familiar with the details or even the name of her condition at all.

Anyway, the adult Susan decided to read up on VUR. She learned that about 34% of patients with VUR have siblings who are also affected. Siblings of patients with VUR are routinely tested for the condition, even when symptoms are not present.

Susan expressed concern for Emma, who she knew has had an ongoing problem "holding it" at night. She suggested I mention the family history of VUR to a doctor, and have a urinalysis done.

I took Emma in to the doctor today, and sure enough... she has a bladder infection, even though none of the usual symptoms of bladder infection are present (painful urination, fever, etc). After the rest of the test results come in they should be able to prescribe the specific antibiotic she needs.

We won't know, without further testing, whether Emma has VUR. If she does have it, it's likely not the severe form that Susan had. Grandparents, don't be too alarmed: we don't expect that surgery will be required.

But we are profoundly grateful that Susan pointed us in the right direction, and that Emma's (longterm?) "hidden" bladder infection will finally be addressed.

Sometimes these conditions go away on their own, with age. But in some cases they lead to serious problems, and should not just be ignored. Emma is very lucky to have a big sister who is not only loving and concerned, but also smart and educated enough to see the connections that so many others had overlooked.

Susan, I hope I don't embarrass you too much by blogging this... but your dad and I are just so PROUD of you. And not just because of your academic accomplishments. Thank you so much for helping your sister.