Hospital Help

Parents share survival tips for hospital stays and recovery

A doctor visit can cause children (and parents) distress, but a procedure, blood draw or surgery can be the source of severe anxiety, especially among families with medically fragile kids. Hospitals provide documents that explain what to expect during a child’s test or stay, but we’re taking it a step further. Below are survival strategies from the experts (local parents) that make hospital visits more organized and stress-free.

Communicate

Christine Pennington’s 10-year-old daughter Tiffany has Autism and Cerebral Palsy. She dislikes the feel of vinyl and the loud sounds of MRI machines, making it very difficult to remain still for accurate tests. Tiffany needs sedation to get through some invasive procedures, but as she gets older, her mom has developed ways to help Tiffany cope without medication.

First, she discusses the test with Tiffany two days before the procedure in an honest and open way. If possible, she shows her informative videos of the procedure. Discussing it too early creates anxiety, and telling Tiffany about it at the last minute causes a big reaction during or on the way to the appointment.

Pennington includes Tiffany’s older brother in all discussions because the siblings are very close. Pennington wants to ensure he doesn’t have anxiety about Tiffany’s procedures, and confirm that he can walk home with a friend that day, if needed.

Equally important, she discusses allergies or adverse reactions to sedations, contrast agents, medicines or adhesives with hospital staff.

Keep it Clean

Hygiene is very important. Oily or dirty skin impacts the effectiveness of adhesive (for monitoring wires) and can lead to infection if the skin is broken. To avoid this, kids should take a shower before appointments (either in the morning or the night before for early appointments). Have kids wear their favorite clean, comfy clothes with no metal rivets, zippers or buttons.

Set Up for Success

A few of the things Pennington does to set the stage for a successful experience are 1) Leave the house early to get a good parking spot, 2) Bring noise cancelling headphones with

Tiffany’s favorite music, and 3) Reward cooperation based on how invasive or scary Tiffany’s tests are. Pokémon cards are one of her favorites, so Pennington carries several packs in her purse. She reminds Tiffany that if she acts like a statue and follows the rules, she’ll receive her cards.

Other helpful tips include:

1. If your child is slow to wake up or requires a specific morning routine, make a later appointment.

2. Don’t add unprescribed sleep aids to nighttime medications the day before a procedure, as it could adversely affect sedation and your child’s mood.

3. Remember: the less stressed mom is, the less stressed children will be, so allow nurses and lab techs to take the lead.

Hydrate

Some tests require fasting. If possible, schedule these tests early in the morning so kids don’t starve all day. “When your child has a nighttime fast, it is imperative to fully hydrate the day before,” says Pennington. “Otherwise, it can be very hard to insert an IV

Products that Alleviate Wait Time Boredom

Franklin Goes to the Hospital

This Scholastic book, written by former occupational therapist Paulette Bourgeois, features a character wellknown to elementary students.

Sketch Pals Doodle Board

– Clark the Shark

MyBoogieBoard.com

Perfect for clipping on backpacks, kids can doodle or communicate needs; with the push of Clark’s nose, the doodle board instantly clears.

Fidget Marble Maze www.LakiKid.com

This portable occupational therapy tool is a great fidget for quiet playtime. Push a small marble through an enclosed, quilted, fabric maze. It’s fun and helps build fine motor skills.

Melissa & Doug Flip-toWin Travel Hangman

Unique design allows kids to flip attached letters and body parts as they play classic hangman. No loose pieces!

DoodleJamz JellyBoards or needle for a blood draw.” Equally important, ask at check-in if a urine or stool sample is needed, especially if there will be a long wait before seeing the doctor.

Filled with two layers of colored, non-toxic gel that is vacuum-sealed so drawings stay in place. Draw with fingers or the stylus to blend colors together. Similar to finger painting, but without the mess.

Products without websites can be found on Amazon.

Enlist Help

Viri Mendoza’s son Romeo has 22q 11.2 Deletion Syndrome. He had heart surgery in December 2022. A week before surgery, Mendoza limited socialization and pulled him from school to ensure he didn’t catch a cold or flu. She and Romeo’s dad covered shifts at work in advance to guarantee they had enough time off to be at the hospital when needed. Mendoza arranged support at home to ensure an easy homecoming.

“It’s important to let others help you—to not see it as an inconvenience to them,” she says. “If someone offers, take them at their word and let them help.” And don’t be afraid to ask.

Some of the support the Mendoza family received included church friends setting up a meal train and pet care, Grandma ensuring there were meals in the fridge and freezer, family members cleaning the house while Romeo was at the hospital to protect him from germs and infection, and readjusting sleeping arrangements at home to ensure Romeo could easily get to the restroom.

Create a Checklist

A few days before surgery, Mendoza suggests creating a checklist of things to bring to the hospital, such as:

• Snacks

• Water/Gatorade

• Blanket

• Phone/iPad

• Chargers

• Toothbrush

• Warm sweatshirt

• Surgery instructions

• Names and numbers of medical specialists

• Immunization card

• Medications (even though the hospital dispenses all meds, doctors like to see prescriptions and supplements in original containers)

• For younger kids, diapers and wipes for sensitive skin (the hospital may not carry your preferred brand)

For Romeo’s surgery, Mendoza also brought coloring pad and pencils, small rewards for rough patches, lip balm, extra slip-resistant socks, a favorite blanket and Mr. Howard, a stuffed pig he cannot sleep without. She washed all items the day before, so as not to expose Romeo to any germs right after surgery.

Be Mindful of Diet

Constipation can stop the absorption of important nutrients and medicines, as well as cause pain, which may cause kids to act out. To avoid this, Mendoza makes sure Romeo drinks plenty of water and gets enough fiber. For surgery day, she brought one of Romeo’s new, unopened fiber drinks (opened containers are not permitted at the hospital). She prefers this option to Miralax, which is sometimes prescribed after surgery and can cause bloating, low sodium, and dependence on laxatives if used for too long.

Set Alarms for Medications

Discharge papers advise parents exactly how to support a child for home healing, including a schedule for medications. Mendoza recommends setting alarms on your phone with specific medication names and doses. Create a paper chart (or shared online document) if both parents (or multiple caregivers) are giving medications. Following these parent tips will help get a handle on upcoming medical visits, hospital stays and recovery. Your specialist’s lead nurse can typically answer questions prior to procedures or surgery. v

Find parent support groups and more in the Parent and Family Resources section.

Emily Dolton is a local mom of two, one with 22q 11.2 Deletion Syndrome.