Daughter Having Surgery - Midland,MI

While I was in the hospital some years ago for a few months what helped me get through things was to have items from home. I had my own pillows and blankets and also was allowed to have music brought in from home. I didn't have anything like a laptop so I think that's a great idea! Definitely make sure she knows that she has a full support team both while in and out of the hospital and no I'm not talking about doctors or nurses but rather family and friends. If she's an avid reader bring in some favorite books or get her some new ones to add to her collection and keep herself otherwise occupied.

You could go to a high school and/or churches that have youth groups that are near the hospital. Ask the youth leaders and school principals/counselors to see if some kids your daughters age would go for visits while she is getting well. This would be a good thing for everyone who participates.

If her computer has a web cam, she could visist via the internet with family and friends back home who have the same capability.

I pray your daughter's surgery goes well and she heals fast.

Blessings...

i think an ipad or kindle would be more fun for her. maybe look into something that can skype? can you set it up so the nurses give her one care package a day that you give to them all in advance?

i hope she does great and i hope that the worrying is as little as humanly possible for you

Not sure what type of flexibility/mobility she will have, but maybe some sort of craft that she can do -- friendship bracelets, beading, even knitting or crochet (it isn't just for old ladies anymore). I've even see "coloring books" for grown ups that are really cool.

Sorry you and she are facing this.

Laptops sounds like a good idea but get some recommendations from the hospital about securing it when she's not in the room or when she's asleep.

If she can do some on line games, even Words with Friends, it can pass the time in small amounts in case she's tired or in pain and can't focus for too long. She can play with adults and keep her mind active.

If she's into nail polish, and if she'll be able to sit in the right position, you could get her some fun things to decorate herself with! Or you can do her fingernails and toes for her.

Ebooks and movies?

Chat with the nurses or social workers on what works for other kids in the same situation. Sometimes hospitals have things the kids can use. When our daughter was in the hospital years ago for spinal surgery, they were so wonderful to her, and we wound up donating some video equipment for all the kids to use in the main room. Maybe they have things there already? And they can also tell you what DOESN'T work, which will save you some time and money and effort.

Good luck.

Yes, a laptop is probably the best idea ever. She will have a lot at her finger tips to keep her busy, entertained and in touch with her family & friends.
You could ask friends & family to send cards to the hospital also. Some hospitals offer a service where you go to the hospital's site, select a card, and write a message. Then the hospital prints & delivers. Just another way to brighten a day! I would also suggest a favorite stuffed friend or tokens from home; comfort items. A comfy pillow from home! Hospital pillows have just never improved over the years.
Best wishes and thoughts to you & your daughter. She is so young to go through this surgery. She is lucky to have a mom who is looking out for her as she goes through this process. Please let us know how she is doing!

Hugs.

I know this is not the same type of surgery, but when my daughter was 7, she had surgery for a Hernia. We all met with the Pediatric Surgeon with her, we explained to her about what it is etc. And then she had her surgery and she was a real Champ about it.
This all happened in the span of 2 days mind you. She was having pain and her Hernia was not going well, thus she had to have the surgery. Quickly.

Her recovery was fine. Got pain meds for her if needed. And she recovered at home fine too. BUT we also told her Teacher, about what she can or cannot do, per her physical activity, for over 1 month, per the healing of her incision, which of course is internally as well, not just the surface. And because we explained to the Teacher about Doctor instructions, she was fine in school too. AND her Teacher, nicely explained to the whole class, about how to "help" my daughter as needed. Because she could not carry anything etc.

At home, well there was the tv, and computer too.
And just keeping her company and anything else, she needed.
But even at 7 years old, her attitude about it all, was great. She heeded to her body, and would tell us if she hurt or was uncomfortable etc. We told her to TELL US, anything about her body or pain, so that we could help her.

Go by your daughter's cues. Talk with her, so she will feel assured.
And its okay to be scared. My daughter was too... BUT, the Pediatric surgeon actually let me into the operating room, and so I could hold her hand as she was sedated and put under general anesthesia. Then, I had to leave. But all of this was explained, to my daughter. So she knew what was to occur, and it helped her feel, less scared.

All the best.

**VERY IMPORTANT IS: the hospital and Doctor, SHOULD be sending you home with some papers about after care, and what to do or not, once at home. AND call the Doc/Surgeon, if you have questions. They will also explain or should explain, after care for her, while you are still at the hospital after the surgery.

I had a fusion a couple of years ago. I was in the hospital 3 days afterwards. Grant it I was 46 at the time. For mine, I had a fusion at the L5-S1. Lower back. I had an epidural in my back after surgery. Unfortunately, too much of the medicine came out and my leg went out on me and I fell in the bathroom. Please make sure that someone is with her at all times when she is walking. Even in the restroom. She is going to need a walker, for about 10 days. She is going to hurt as well. That is just a fact. Keep her on the pain meds. I didn't stay in bed. I sat in a chair with a straight back. My husband bought me a computer table with wheels. We used that as my table for dinner or when I would work. Walking was the best thing for me. I walked 4 times a day. When we first got home, it was the end of the driveway, then down the street, then around the block. If your daughter is going to have a brace for her back, I went and bought tight exercising shirts. A T-shirt will bunch under the brace and rub her back raw. I bought Champion brand in the exercise section in Target. I also bought shorts and capri sweat pants. She doesn't want anything tight on the wound.

Entertainment? The laptop is great. I don't know how much skyping she is going to want to do right after surgery and yes, they will have her walking that day! I would get books, puzzles for her as well.

When she gets home, she will be bored. Be sure to have friends scheduled in to visit. Keeping her connected will help.

Just be there for her. She will have good days and bad days. She will be totally dependant upon you. Just love her and show her how much you admire her for going thru all of this. It is not fun!

I am SO glad I had mine done! The first 10 days were very rough and I questioned my decision but I am pain free, have great range of motion and all is well!

Best of luck to your daughter! Instead of a laptop I strongly recommend you consider getting her a IPad.

If she'll have a laptop, she can Skype with friends and family that are too far away if the recovery room has wifi. She can also watch movies, write about her experience, email family & friends, etc.
My parents both had similar surgeries and the hospital recovery time wasn't the issue for either of them. It was the idle time at home. Making sure her bed is super comfortable and that she's got tons of things to do while laying down: reading, writing, arts & crafts (although some 15 yr olds aren't into that as much) and anything else she can do while sitting/laying down.