Preparing For Open Heart Surgery One of the difficult things that many parents undergo is putting their child through surgery. While the surgery is often necessary, this fact does not make it any easier to deal with. Parents who have children undergoing open heart surgery should make sure that they not only prepare their child for the ordeal, but that they properly prepare themselves to deal with it. The best way to prepare him or her will depend on the age of your child.
Prepare Them Based on Age If your son or daughter is an infant or cannot talk yet, there will be very little you can do as far as preparing him or her mentally. However, you can make sure that you will be present before and after the operation to reassure your son or daughter when he or she wakes up. For a child that is a little older, such as in preschool or toddler age, it is probably a good idea to give a simple explanation of what it going to happen. Be sure to avoid phrases like, “the doctor will cut you open” and “the doctor will sew you up” as these can concern your son or daughter. Instead, explain the problem in a way the child can understand and reassure them that the doctor will fix it while they are asleep. It is also usually a good idea to help alleviate feelings of anxiety by reassuring your son or daughter that you or other family members will be at the hospital with them and that he or she will be able to see them when they wake up. An older child may have more concerns about the hospital and may ask more pointed questions because they have more knowledge of what doctors and surgeons do. If your son or daughter is particularly inquisitive, it may be more comforting to him or her to know what exactly is going to happen.
Evaluate Their Needs You will want to make sure that you carefully evaluate the needs of your son or daughter so that you can meet them without providing concern. In some cases, you will not want to give details about what goes on in the surgery, but instead you may want to purchase a young reader book on visiting the hospital. Many of the books explain different parts of the hospital and provide your son or daughter with knowledge that makes him or her feel more at ease, but leaves out the more concerning parts of the operation. Of course, it can also be helpful to take your son or daughter to the hospital for a tour. This may help them know more of what to expect so that they will not be overwhelmed by everything when you go in for the operation. It can also be helpful to tell him or her about the recreation or play room that many hospitals have for children.
Explain that when they are recovering they will be able to play with other children in this room. Older children may also be interested in the variety of movies and video games that many hospitals have on hand. Another perk that may interest your son or daughter is the full meals provided by the hospital. If your child seems particularly concerned, you may want to take him or her to visit a child who has recently recovered from a similar operation and who is doing well. By talking to the other child, your son or daughter may be reassured that the operation will be okay. If you cannot visit him or her, sometimes you can talk on the phone or you can help your son or daughter send emails with questions.
As The Day Arrives As the day for the surgery draws nearer, you may also want to get your son or daughter involved in packing for the hospital. Be sure to include favorite blankets, toys, stories, stuffed animals, clothes and other comfort items so that your son or daughter will know that he or she does not have to leave these things behind. Another thing you will probably want to do is look into whether or not you will be able to stay overnight if he or she has to stay longer than a day. Most of the time, open heart surgeries will require a stay of five to seven days. However, most hospitals now allow at least one parent to stay. If you plan to stay, you may want to make other arrangements for other children or pets. If your spouse has to work, then you may need a babysitter or someone who can go and feed your pets. You may also want to pack a small bag for yourself if you plan to stay for extended hours at the hospital. As you properly prepare yourself and your child for open heart surgery, you will both be able to pass through the ordeal with as little anxiety as possible. Many parents and children have undergone this procedure before.