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PARENT TO PARENT: PREPARING FOR PEDIATRIC SURGERY

 

I. Introduction

  1. Find out all you can about your child's problem

  1. Ask the doctors for pamphlets.

  2. Check-out books from the library.

  3. Use the internet www.MedicineNet.com & www.Dr.koop.com are two suggestions, there are many more.

  1. Be certain this surgery is the right thing for YOUR child.

  2. Find others who have been through the same surgery, preferably at the same hospital.  Ask your doctor's nurse for parents' names whose children recently have had the same surgery, and would be willing to talk about it.  Ask for support group information.

  3. Tell your child everything that will happen to them.  NEVER say something will not hurt when it will.  Your child needs to be able to trust what you say.

  4. Don't be a baby in front of them!  If you can't handle seeing your child have blood drawn or given shots, have someone with you who can, so you can leave the room.   Don't act afraid, your child is watching your example

II. Before Surgery

  1. Get new pajamas that the child may only wear to the hospital and after surgery.  This makes the pajamas and the trip special.

  2. Have a pillow, pillowcase, autograph stuffed animal or autograph book that the hospital staff can sign.  If old enough, encourage the child to ask the doctors and hospital staff to sign it.  This also helps you to remember who has given care to your child

  3. Give them something to look forward to when they are able to go home, i.e. a new video, book, balloons, or favorite food.

  4. If possible, take your child for a tour of the hospital.

  5. Write down any questions you and your child may have, and don’t be afraid to ask anything.

  6. Reassure your child they will feel better.

  7. Check out ahead of time if the hospital will provide your meals.  If not, bring your own, or arrange for someone to bring in or relieve you.  Most hospitals will have a refrigerator & microwave available for families.  Put your name on all food in the he refrigerator.

  8. Check ahead with the hospital about finical services.

  9. Find out what you may bring to the hospital.  Some hospitals will not let you bring electrical items, (blow dryers etc.) unless they are first inspected by hospital staff, as per their safety regulations.

  10. Inform your child about the procedures in an age appropriate way.  Tell them everything to expect.  This means you will have to ask the questions.   Will they have an IV when they leave surgery?  How long will they be in the hospital?  When will they be able to see you?  Reassure them y you will be close by.

  11. Do try to focus on the positive, but don't gloss over the serious procedures.

  12. Check with the doctor if your child will need any prescriptions and get them filled the day before the surgery.

III. At The Hospital

  1. Have something to do while in the surgery waiting room.  Reading may be difficult, as your mind will wander.  Have a friend who is positive that you can talk with.  It is important that you occupy your mind in a positive way.

  2. Eat the meal you probably missed.  Either go to the cafeteria or have something brought in.  This is a good time for a snack basket.  Be sure to inform the hospital staff if you leave the waiting room.

  3. If you stay the night with your child while they are in ICU, get your sleep.   The staff will take care of your child, and you will need your rest for the days ahead.  Bring your own pillow:  hospital pillows are hard!

  4. Check with hospital about sleeping arrangements.  When a child has to be in ICU at night, find out if you have to reserve a "bed" for yourself.  Some children's hospitals will have McDonald House for family use.

  5. Keep a note pad in the room, and write down every procedure that your child receives and by whom.  If you don't know what is being done or given, ask! This will help you keep up with the time for medicines.

  6. Have extra change for vending machines.

IV. Miscellaneous Tips

  1. Prepare the siblings as well:  tell the w hat is going to happen, and keep them informed.

  2. Everyone wants to do "something to help".  Let them!  When family & friends ask, show them your list, and let them decide how to be helpful.   They can buy or make the PJ's, autographed pillow, or snack basket.  This will allow them to be helpful, and will take some of the stress off of you.

  3. Use prayer support through your church.  Research shows that patients who are prayed for do better than their counterparts who aren't.

 

This is the first in a series of pamphlets to share ideas.   If you have any suggestions that have helped you, please let us know so we can add them to later editions.

Parent to Parent: Preparing for Pediatric Surgery written by Leilani Holloway & Cindy Stephens.

Wild Designs Copyright © 2000 [Wild Designs]. All rights reserved. Revised: April 15th, 2000.

 

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The information on this website should not be used for medical advice.  Medical or health advice should be provided only by medical or health professionals.

©Craniosynostosis And Positional Plagiocephaly Support, Inc.2001