Key Information for Your Child's Stay
post-procedure recovery
Take the Next Steps to Feeling Better
What your child does during the first few days after a procedure is key for a smooth, successful recovery. It’s common to feel tired, achy or sick to the stomach afterward, and your child’s doctor may prescribe medicine to lessen the pain.
Your child’s recovery may take a few days or a few months, depending on the type and location of the procedure. Make sure you help your child follow the doctor’s orders for moving, getting out of bed and walking to help their body heal faster. And ask the doctor when your child can:
- go home
- return to a normal diet
- start physical therapy or rehab, if needed
- go back to school
- play sports or do physical activity
Incision Care
As the incision heals, you’ll notice swelling, soreness and bruising begin to go away. Your child’s incision may also itch, but don’t let your child scratch it. Scratching can cause infection.
A nurse will check on your child’s incision every day while you’re in the hospital, but let them know if you see bright red blood, signs that it’s opening or signs of infection—like drainage, redness, heat or swelling. And make sure you know how to take care of your child’s incision before you go home.
Call the Nurse
Use the nurse call button immediately if your child:
- is in a lot of pain and pain medicine isn’t helping
- has chest congestion or trouble breathing
- develops bleeding around the incision or you see signs of infection
If your child has any of these symptoms after you leave the hospital, call the doctor right away.
Help Your Child Manage Pain
It’s normal to have some pain after a procedure. Talk to the doctor about how to best control pain while your child is in the hospital. The doctor may prescribe certain medicines or show other ways to lessen pain, like applying ice or heat to the area.
Sometimes your child may have trouble telling you about pain. Pay attention to what your child says and does. If your child is not eating, doesn’t want to play or is crying more often, they may be in pain. Talk to your doctor about other signs to look for.
Keep Your Child Busy
Your child may want to touch incision wounds or inserted tubes because they are itchy or painful. Try to keep your child’s hands busy with a toy. Provide entertainment so that your child isn’t thinking about the itchy or painful parts.