|
Topic |
Tip |
Source |
|
Catheterization procedures |
This procedure requires the child to lay flat
for up to 3 hours. Toddlers may need to take a special toy or
a video to watch during the procedure. |
October 2000 meeting |
|
Dental hygiene and CHD |
Be aware that there is a connection between
dental hygiene and heart disease. Advise your child's dentist
of his or her heart condition so that preventive treatment can
be given |
September 2000 meeting |
|
Drugs: ketamine |
Ketamine is a generic name for a type of
anesthetic drug. It may be given to your child as an
anesthetic prior to a surgical procedure, and has potentially
hallucinogenic side effects. See http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic3/ketamine.htm
for further detail. |
October 2000 meeting |
|
Drugs: oral Versed |
|
October 2000 meeting |
|
First day of gym class |
Educate your child's gym teacher about his or
her congenital heart condition. Children with congenital heart
conditions may tire easily and turn blue in the face or lips
during physical exertion. Encourage them to rest or take a
break when this occurs. |
September 2000 meeting |
|
Learning disabilities |
Monitor your heart child for signs of a
learning disability, which are sometimes associated with
congenital heart disease. |
September 2000 meeting |
|
Medications given to your child |
Don't be afraid to ask physicians what type of
medications are being administered to your child. It's also
helpful to keep a journal of the different drugs they have
been given over time, including notes on any side
effects/reactions.
|
October 2000 meeting |
|
Nausea |
Try plain sparkling water if your child can't
take soda or juice during episodes of nausea. |
October 2000 meeting |
|
Preparing children for
hospitalization |
One rule of thumb we use for preparing
children for a hospital stay or a procedure is the
"one-day/one-year" rule, which suggests that for each year of
age, give the child one day's notice prior to entering the
hospital. For example, a two-year-old should be told about an
upcoming procedure two days prior to hospitalization.
Books such as Matty's Heart will also prepare young
children for a hospital stay. See http://www.execpc.com/~kdswhrt/book_order.html
for ordering information. Your hospital may offer a tour prior to surgery
to familiarize your child with the hospital
environment. |
October 2000 meeting |
|
Teenagers and CHD |
Talk openly with your teenaged heart child
about the dangers of smoking, drugs, and sex. |
September 2000 meeting |
|
What happens when your child turns
blue |
Children with congenital heart conditions may
tire easily and turn blue in the face or lips during physical
exertion. Encourage them to slow down and rest when this
occurs, and let their teachers (especially gym teachers!) know
that this condition may occur. |
September 2000 meeting |
|
Food Pyramid |
|
October
2002 |
| SCARS |
E-mail conversations about SCARS. |
Listserv 2003 |
| School Issues |
E-mail conversations about school behavior towards our children. |
Listserv 2003 |
