Alex Berling

My earliest memory was when I was 3 years old, being forcibly restrained in a very bright room, laying on my back, naked, on a cold exam table. There were several medical doctors, poking and prodding my urethra... I was screaming, begging them to stop, bawling crying to the point of throwing up. They didn't stop. They told me it would be over soon, but it seemed to last forever. No one I knew was there in the room to comfort me. I remember the pain, it hurt so much. I remember feeling embarrassed, as I was told to pee in front of them. My father was in the waiting room and heard my screams, and would take me to get ice cream afterwards. He hated taking me, said he would take me a couple of times because the doctors would tell him that was the only way to find out what was causing the UTIs I was getting at 3 years old. They never really found a reason, but the UTIs did stop eventually. Years later, I remember always holding my bladder as a kid, scared to urinate. I had frequent accidents, even up until 2nd grade, which all make sense now thinking back, and have to be PTSD due to the trauma from this procedure. Finding out the name for VCUG, many years later, and researching it gave me a little more insight. Kidney reflux is a serious concern, and anatomical defects need to be fixed surgically, I totally understand that. But there has to be a better way! Lifelong psychological trauma and PTSD from this barbaric medical procedure is not the way! Sedation NEEDS to be a valid option, when possible, offered to patients, and all of the actual risks need to be discussed with parents! Parents and child life need to be a part of the entire procedure. Other alternatives to VCUG need to be offered and discussed with all patients/families, so that patients/families can give actual informed consent.