~ Visit the dentist if your child has teeth.
~ Have all dental work done at least 1 month before surgery.
~ Call your Cardiology Clinic to ask if your child needs antibiotics for dental work if you are unsure.

Let the Hospital know if your child becomes ill

~ Your child's surgery can ONLY be done if your child is healthy. You should notify the Cardiologist/Surgeons Office if your child has a runny nose, cough, fever, cold, or ear infection or other sign of sickness within 5 days of the surgery or has contact with someone with chicken pox, measles, mumps or viruses in the three weeks before heart surgery.
(every hospital may have variations of these policies)

Stop medicines that prevent blood clots

~ Give your child all his/her medications until the day of surgery except:
(NEVER start or stop any medications without the directions of a doctor)
~ Asprin - Stop 7 days before surgery, unless your doctor gives you a different time.
~ Coumadin - Your Cardiologist/Surgeon will let you know when to stop it.

Be on time for the Pre-Admission Clinic

~ Please try to find someone to care for your other children at home. Children soon get bored and cranky. It is hard for you to care for them as well as be a part of the clinic.
~ You may find it helpful to bring a support person along. You will get a lot of information. It is good to be able to discuss what you heard later.
~ It is suggested that you bring toys, books, and a bag lunch or snacks for you and your child.

At the Pre-Admission clinic you could expect:

~ A chance to ask questions and talk about concerns. It is suggested you and your child (if old enough) write down your questions and bring them with you.
~ A chance to tour the areas of the hospital where you can wait while your child is in surgery, and the wards your child will be staying on.
~ Specific instructions about fasting to empty the stomach and ways to empty the bowels before surgery.
~ Information on when to arrive at the hospital on the day of surgery.
~ Information from the anesthetist about sedatives to calm your child before the surgery and anesthetic for the surgery.
~ To answer questions about your child's health problems, immunization records, allergies, medication etc.
~ A physical examination of your child.
~ Information on recovery, particularly about getting moving right away, and breathing exercies to keep the lungs clear.
~ Tests like a blood test, a chest X-ray, EKG and perhaps an ECHO if required.
~ The surgeon to discuss fully the plan for surgery.
~ To be asked to sign consent forms for blood transfusion and heart surgery.

Preparing your Child

You are the most important person on your child's team. The rest of the hospital staff will bring their expertise to taking care of his/her needs, but, no-one will be able to give the comfort, support and encouragement like you can. The hospital doesn't think of parents as visitors. You can be with your child 24 hours if you choose. There are cots for one parent to stay overnight. (Every hospital may have different policies, be sure to find out what they are) The rest of the team will take regular breaks. It is encouraged for you to do this too. Eating well, taking walks and being in the fresh air will keep your spirits and energy up. (this is so true...doesn't have to be for long, but it really helps)

Start preparing your child for the experience before you arrive at the hospital. Use your child's age as a guide to when to start talking. The number of years is about the right number of days ahead i.e. 5 years = 5 days ahead, 10 years = 10 days ahead. (You know your child, do what you think is best)

Talk about what will happen during the stay in the hospital to fix the heart. Discuss what your child will see, hear and feel; what people will be there; what he/she might be asked to do, eg: take a deep breath, hold out your hand to have cream rubbed into it. Help your child to understand that things will be very different in the hospital. For example: different food, different beds, different people, and different places to play. It is hard for children under 5 to understand "surgery". It is suggested that you don't focus too much on this. Give your child a chance to tel you what he/she thinks will happen and take it from there. If you want books or a video to help with preparation call your Children's Hospial Family Resource Library.

The Child Life Specialist will explain with the best words, and use play, to give your child ways of coping with anxiety around the surgery. If you want more advice you can call your child life specialist.

Be honest with your child about what will happen. We sometimes hide the truth in order to protect our child from fear. Your child may be upset and angry, but the truth builds trust in what you say. Stay calm and matter-of fact about the event. Your child will pick up from you that this is something he/she can manage.

Tell your child your own plans for staying with him/her at the hospital.

*** a note about what to expect from your child in hospital ***

Routines of the hospital are not what your child is used to. Some children find it hard to adapt. They may show this by acting out, or, not being able to fall asleep or stay calm. It is normal for children to feel grumpy or bad-tempered for a few days. Staff understand this. It is suggested you try to maintain some limits on behavoiur but make allowances for the situation.

What to Pack

~ The hospital has pajamas, bedding, diapers and food for your child. (some children like to wear their own pajamas and casual clothes - this is fine)
~ Be sure to bring toothbrush, hairbrush, toothpaste, slippers and a robe.
~ If you child has favourite items, like a toy, movies, tapes/CDs, or a blanket, please bring these. (make sure your childs first and last name are on items if possible)
~ For babies, their own soothers, sleepers or T-shirts, cups, bottles, spoons make things more comfortable.
~ Hospital bed linens are available for parents but it is encouraged to bring our own blanket and a pillow.
~ Please mark all items with your child's name.
~ Phone card if you are from out of town.

This information was taken from "Preparing for your child's heart surgery" booklet. Developed by the health care professionals of the Cardiac Sciences Department with assistance from the Patient/Family Education Department of the British Columbia's Children's Hospital