Update Post #83. DS2 is going to have open heart surgery. help.

[TxCat]

P&PT for you and your family.

The CHOP resources posted above are a great place to get started. Most hospitals have a patient liaison office that you can work with and they can probably get you in touch with their office of Child Life - different names at different hospitals but those are therapists and educators who are trained in prepping children for their treatments and hospital stays. They should be able to help you tremendously.

[MMMommy]

I have no words of advice, just words of comfort for you. Lots of P and PT for your son and family. Hoping for a smooth and successful surgery with a speedy recovery.

[arivecchi]

Originally Posted by pinkmomagain

No advice, but sending you lots of positive thoughts as you go through this. Hope it is a smooth and successful surgery with a swift recovery.

That must be so scary. Hope everything goes as smoothly as can be.

[Indianamom2]

I'm so sorry you and your little guy are going through this. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

I don't have any advice except to say that kids are so very resilient and they often do better with this sort of stuff than parents. Many many Hugs!

[misshollygolightly]

Lots of PPT coming your way!!! I wonder if the Ronald McDonald House nearest your hospital might be a good resource?

[Green_Tea]

No advice, but sending P&PT!

[BabyBearsMom]

Couldn't read and not post lots of and PT's for your family!

[lizzywednesday]

Originally Posted by misshollygolightly

Lots of PPT coming your way!!! I wonder if the Ronald McDonald House nearest your hospital might be a good resource?

They might be a good resource for things to help the older DC with the situation, for sure, but I wouldn't count on it.

Their support services are slightly different from the things provided by the hospital to patients and families. At CHoP, they did sponsor a few parents' lounge areas and often helped coordinate meal deliveries (DD was born during March Madness, for example, and RMH-Philadelphia provided game-friendly munchies and treats for Dads in their TV-lounge area) and other activities, but the Child Life and Social Work offices were the primary go-to for what to expect in the hospital, where can you ask questions and what kinds of resources are available for non-physical needs. YMMV, of course, OP, but I'd start with the hospital and work your way out.

[larig]

hugs and PTs for you and DS2

[zag95]

DD has had several surgeries for cleft lip and palate, the most recent being in the summer.

I highly recommend as PP suggested contacting the hospital's Child Life group to assist you. We also during our pre-op appt were given booklets that explain the process- and sometimes they may give you a tour.

We waited to tell DD about her procedure just a couple of days before. We didn't want her to be overly worried about it- or project our anxiety (which as parents is probably more than the child's). We tried to be very matter of fact about the procedure- this is what they are doing, you will stay over night, your mouth etc may hurt. Everyone is going to take great care of you and most importantly, mommy and daddy will be with you. (although not during the surgery).

There are things that can be done prior to surgery- distractions in pre-op; a little versed or other medicine to take the edge off and make kids more relaxed etc. You may want to have the pre-op or team explain all the information to you, esp how they do anesthesia, if they have blood on standby (or other products since it is heart surgery) etc.

Saying a prayer for you guys that all goes well and that your DS has an excellent recovery!