My son is a caring, energetic and clever 3.5 year old. He has learned to ride a bike, has done his first ballet show, now attends pre-school and we’ve just submitted applications for primary school. They are milestones which to us demonstrate that regardless of his health needs he will be who he wants to be. He will not be defined by his health.

My son was born with posterior urethral valves (PUV), a blockage in his urethra that prevented him from urinating. This blockage meant during pregnancy urine built up in his bladder. The volume was so great that pressure built inside his bladder forcing the urine back into the kidneys, distending the bladder, both ureters and both kidneys. At birth, he required resuscitation and special care. At 2 days of age, a blood test detected an abnormal creatinine and an ultrasound confirmed the presence of valves and kidney damage.

Log in or create a free account to read this content

Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com

Access through your institution

or

Sign in or create an account
Continue with Google
Continue with ORCiD