Going Home
After your child's surgery, your child's nurse will talk to you about the care he will need at home. There will be special instruction to follow during the immediate recovery period.
It is important that you ask your nurse or other care providers for the information you need to feel comfortable in caring for your child at home. If he needs special home care equipment or home nursing, your child's nurse will help you arrange it.
People to Talk to Before You Go Home
Before your child goes home after his surgery, plan to talk to:
- Your child's nurse about activity levels for your child, how to care for him at home, medications, therapies or follow-up appointments
- Your child's teacher about homework assignments and returning to school
- The school nurse about his condition and health care needs, and any necessary steps to take to arrange for returning to school
- Your child care provider about his condition and returning to a care schedule
- Your friends and family about help you may need, such as care after returning home or help with transportation home
Changes in Your Child's Behavior
You may notice changes in your child's behavior when he returns home after his surgery. These might include changes in sleep patterns or fear of being away from you.
He may also show behavior from an earlier age, such as thumb-sucking, temper tantrums or changes in toilet training. These are usually temporary.
Encourage your child to talk about his surgery and reassure him that going to the hospital can be upsetting. If changes in behavior continue for six weeks or more, please talk to your child's doctor.