We use this for helpful tips.
No matter whether you are a parent, child,
or adult dealing with hydrocephalus and the possible need for shunt
revisions, the common threat of hospitalization looms in the midst.
If you are a parent, or a family member, you will deal with many
emotions before, during, and after the hospitalization.
Additionally, leaving the hospital does not mean that you forget
about your experience, for it is a distinct part of your child’s and/ or
your own life.
General Suggestions for all Patients and Families:
You
have the right to review your own medical records, or your child’s medical
records. You also have the right
to know what procedures you or your child will receive while in the
hospital.
Bring
familiar items from home to make the hospital look more inviting.
Keep a written or tape-recorded journal of
your feelings while you or your child are hospitalized.
Talk about your hopes, dreams, fears, and anxieties.
Writing or talking out you feelings is an important part of the
emotional healing process.
You are your child’s health advocate.
Ask medical and nursing staff questions about your child’s health,
and learn what your child’s health needs are.
Often
it is difficult for very young children to tell their parents how they feel.
Have your child draw pictures of how he/she feels physically and
emotionally in the hospital.
This can help your child release some possible tensions.
Some children feel they have to be brave in
the hospital, especially around parents who care about them.
Remind your child that it is okay to express feelings of anger,
sadness or frustration in the hospital.
Just
like parents, children feel the loss of control during a hospitalization.
Let your child do as much as possible for him or herself.
For example, let your child dress him or herself.
No
matter what stage in life you deal with a hospitalization, the experience
brings challenge. Keep in mind
that you are human, and it is okay if you cannot immediately talk about your
hospital experience. Every
hospitalized patient, and every family member, needs time to deal with the
emotions and the change that a hospitalization can bring.
Disclaimer:
This site is directed towards parents of children and
adults who have hydrocephalus.
Inclusion of any resource or website does not imply Hydrocephalus Family Support
Group’s endorsement.
Any medical or healthcare reference or
advice is intended for informational purposes only.
If you have any questions about you/your child’s condition, please
consult your doctor.
Helpful Info
