When a child has pediatric brain surgery there is going to be a significant recovery process. It is important for parents to have an understanding of what to expect so that they can prepare accordingly. Naturally, each patient is going to react differently to the surgery and their recovery process will vary accordingly. Thus, it is necessary to work closely with our surgeon and any family doctors throughout the recovery process.
Regular and ongoing appointments will monitor the recovery process so that we can adjust treatment plans. Working with the physicians is the best way to keep everything running smoothly. With that in mind, there are certain steps one can take to make the recovery process easier. These include:
#1. Prepare the house
After pediatric brain surgery, a child will need quiet time to recover. It is important to prepare the house and prepare a space for them that is free from too much stimulus, clutter and chaos. For example, families can place lamps into the room to diminish overhead lights. It is also wise to prepare a bed with any of the necessary things to keep the child comfortable.
At the same time, if the child is sharing a room with a sibling, it may be wise to temporarily place that sibling in a different room. The family needs to do whatever is necessary to prepare a place that is safe, calm and quiet. This will allow for the child to get the optimal levels of rest while preventing overstimulation.
#2. Prepare for appropriate entertainment options
Since too much stimulus and noise can cause stress, anxiety and even pain, it is important to prepare for the appropriate entertainment options. Things like the television, iPhone and radio may be too much noise and stimulus for the child. In fact, just the very images coming off the screen can cause discomfort initially.
Instead, it is better to read the child books, provide lots of options for an artistic expression like coloring and Play-Doh and have quiet games of pretend with stuffed animals and toys.
#3. Keep germs away
After pediatric brain surgery, it will be important for a child to avoid contact with other people who are sick or germs that could make them become ill. If anyone in the family is ill, it is necessary to have them in a different area of the home and if relatives live nearby, perhaps they could even stay there for a day or two.
This also makes it wise to avoid a child coming in contact with things like the shopping cart handle or even the lobby of the pediatrician’s office where other sick children are. Most pediatricians understand this and will make it possible for a recovering child to head straight to the exam room or sit in an area designed for good children.
#4. Ask questions
Ask as many questions as necessary to prepare for how to help your child recover from pediatric brain surgery. We will go over these things at the hospital as well. Ask what is necessary to best prepare for how to care for your child at home and we will provide as much information as possible, as well.
For more information, call our office.