Hi Linda,
Just wanted to agree with Nikki about a few things...
1. Pain management is the key. Talk to the Pain Services people BEFORE the surgery. You and Tara need to know what to expect, so you can keep the nurses/staff on the right schedule. If Tara is worried about being in pain after, have her (or you) ask the Pain Services people what they can do for that. Many hospitals allow PCA (Patient Controlled Analgesic) pumps. This allows HER to push a button and administer pain medication on an as needed basis. They are great for the first days after surgery. Like Nikki said, they CAN do something if she were to have breakthrough pain. Try not to let the pain get that far. It is MUCH better to stay on top of the pain med schedule than to let her get too uncomfortable. Her body needs to rest to recover well.
2. Visitors - if she doesn't want visitors, don't have them. She probably won't remember if they come the first day or two, but, it is still her wish. Respect that.
3. Moods - if she gets angry and yells at you, don't take it personally. She is scared and hurting, and you are the convenient one to take it out on. YOU need to be rested for the recovery time too. I'm sure she will lean on you more than she or you realize those first weeks.
4. Post-op recovery - If Tara has anterior and posterior surgery, she will likely have a chest tube (or two) draining the fluid from around her lungs. This adds another level of nursing care. Most posterior-only patients don't need chest tube drains. Most patients who have surgery that lasts 6+ hours will be puffy from laying on their stomachs for many hours. The swelling should go down. They will also watch her hemoglobin levels to make sure she isn't anemic or has any other blood problems. Braydon needed a blood transfusion 48 hours after his rod placement surgery. Within a few hours of the transfusion, he was a completely different child, and very well on his way to a smooth recovery. Before then, very different story. Don't be alarmed by her "look" post-op. It is very temporary. Also, don't be afraid to ask what things are for. The staff should let you know everything about what they are doing.
I hope Tara does well, emotionally. We met a mom who's 21 yr old daughter just had scoliosis surgery at our children's hospital. Her daughter was not happy about being there, and fought them the entire recovery time in-patient. Her emotional state will determine some of how well and how quickly she recovers. What makes her happy? What kind of relaxation things does she like? What music does she like to listen to? Bring things to the hospital that will be for HER. The more comfortable she feels, the better her recovery should be.
Good luck and we look forward to hearing updates.
Just wanted to agree with Nikki about a few things...
1. Pain management is the key. Talk to the Pain Services people BEFORE the surgery. You and Tara need to know what to expect, so you can keep the nurses/staff on the right schedule. If Tara is worried about being in pain after, have her (or you) ask the Pain Services people what they can do for that. Many hospitals allow PCA (Patient Controlled Analgesic) pumps. This allows HER to push a button and administer pain medication on an as needed basis. They are great for the first days after surgery. Like Nikki said, they CAN do something if she were to have breakthrough pain. Try not to let the pain get that far. It is MUCH better to stay on top of the pain med schedule than to let her get too uncomfortable. Her body needs to rest to recover well.
2. Visitors - if she doesn't want visitors, don't have them. She probably won't remember if they come the first day or two, but, it is still her wish. Respect that.
3. Moods - if she gets angry and yells at you, don't take it personally. She is scared and hurting, and you are the convenient one to take it out on. YOU need to be rested for the recovery time too. I'm sure she will lean on you more than she or you realize those first weeks.
4. Post-op recovery - If Tara has anterior and posterior surgery, she will likely have a chest tube (or two) draining the fluid from around her lungs. This adds another level of nursing care. Most posterior-only patients don't need chest tube drains. Most patients who have surgery that lasts 6+ hours will be puffy from laying on their stomachs for many hours. The swelling should go down. They will also watch her hemoglobin levels to make sure she isn't anemic or has any other blood problems. Braydon needed a blood transfusion 48 hours after his rod placement surgery. Within a few hours of the transfusion, he was a completely different child, and very well on his way to a smooth recovery. Before then, very different story. Don't be alarmed by her "look" post-op. It is very temporary. Also, don't be afraid to ask what things are for. The staff should let you know everything about what they are doing.
I hope Tara does well, emotionally. We met a mom who's 21 yr old daughter just had scoliosis surgery at our children's hospital. Her daughter was not happy about being there, and fought them the entire recovery time in-patient. Her emotional state will determine some of how well and how quickly she recovers. What makes her happy? What kind of relaxation things does she like? What music does she like to listen to? Bring things to the hospital that will be for HER. The more comfortable she feels, the better her recovery should be.
Good luck and we look forward to hearing updates.
Comment