Benjamin Caligari

Benjamin arrived into the world with the usual happy celebration, but at just thirteen days old he developed septicaemia.

There were three more bouts of septicaemia before Benjamin’s first birthday. Reflux (the most severe grade) was diagnosed when Benjamin was three months old. Scans showed he had hydronephrosis and pyelonephritis in his affected kidney.

Reflux occurs when the valve between the bladder and ureter does not close properly on passing urine. The urine flows up into the kidney instead of out of the body. This causes damage, scarring and infection over time. If severe enough, kidney function can be badly impaired.

Benjamin was referred to Great Ormond Street Hospital, where he had four operations. While in their care, he took part in trials for the ‘Sting’ procedure in babies, which is routinely used in America.

During surgery, it was discovered that Benjamin had no valve in his ureter - this would have caused his reflux. A new valve was implanted.

Benjamin and his mother Kerry spoke to delegates at the December 2006 VUR conference about Benjamin’s journey and what could be done to help parents in a similar situation. Kerry said later: ‘It has been a great source of comfort and security knowing where to get information for ourselves and other people. Being involved with Kidney Research has helped us to network with other people, find out more about the illness, and empower us to find out more.’

Benjamin is now growing into a lively, happy, chatty boy. He has medical checks every four to six months and takes long term antibiotics as another urinary tract infection is always possible. This is hard to deal with but support from Kidney Research UK makes this easier to bear. Unsurprisingly, he is not so keen on medical appointments these days.

Benjamin loves going to pre-school, loves music, dance and making people laugh. He is also very fond of Thomas the Tank Engine and older girls!