I’m a Brain Doctor, and I Made This Just for You
A Kid-Friendly Guide to Understanding When Someone You Love Needs Surgery
A Message Just for You
Hey there little one. I heard that someone special in your life is going to have surgery and you might be feeling a little nervous about that. That’s okay. It just means you care a lot about them.
As a boardcertified neurosurgeon, I talk every day to families about needing surgery. And it was actually my own 10-year-old daughter who helped me understand how important it is to explain things to kids like you. She told me that when kids hear that someone they love needs surgery, they often feel scared or worried because they don’t know what to expect.
So, in this video, we’re going to talk about what surgery is, why your family member needs it, and how you can be there to help them during the recovery.
It’s Normal to Have Lots of Feelings
It’s okay to have lots of feelings about this and I’m here to guide you through everything so you can feel more prepared and less worried.
You know how sometimes when your favorite toy breaks, it needs to be fixed. Well, our bodies are a bit like that, too. Sometimes a part of the body needs special fixing, and that’s what surgery is all about.
The doctors and nurses who take care of your family member are like expert fixers. They spend many, many years learning exactly how to help people feel better. In fact, did you know that most surgeons go to school for over 10 years just to learn how to do their job perfectly? That may be longer than you’ve been alive.
Who Helps During Surgery?
Your loved one has a whole team of special doctors and nurses who are experts at helping people get better. They know exactly what to do to help fix that part of the body that needs fixing.
When your family member goes to the hospital for surgery, they’ll be in a very special place called an operating room.
But before they go in there, they’ll meet with a doctor called an anesthesiologist who has a very important job. They give your loved one special medicine that helps them sleep during the surgery.
So, they won’t feel anything at all. They’ll be fast asleep, comfortable, and peaceful.
The surgeon has a whole team of people all working together like a group of superheroes to help your loved one get better.
What Happens After Surgery?
After surgery, your loved one may come home that same day, or they may stay in the hospital a little longer to heal.
At first, your family member might feel really tired and a bit sore, or even a little grumpy. This is completely normal.
They might have bandages on their body where the doctor worked and sometimes they might need special things to help them move around like crutches or a walker. They may even wear a special brace or a cast.
Your family member might also need to take special medicine to help them feel better. Just like when you have a cold and you need medicine to help you feel better, these medicines help with healing and make sure that your loved one is comfortable.
They’ll need to rest a lot more, too. And that means they might not be able to do all the things they normally do right away, but guess what? You can help.
How YOU Can Be a Special Helper
Here’s the really special part. You can be a helper in your loved one’s recovery. And there are lots of ways you can make them feel better.
- Draw them pictures to make their room more cheerful.
- Tell them funny stories to make them smile.
- Give them gentle hugs, but remember to be extra careful.
- Be understanding if they need extra rest or can’t play like usual.
- Use your indoor voice when they’re resting.
Just being there and showing them you care is one of the best medicines in the world.
Feeling Worried? That’s Completely Normal
And if you’re still feeling worried, that’s completely normal.
You might feel worried about what will happen or scared because you don’t understand everything. Maybe you feel sad because you miss doing normal activities with them. Or you may even feel a little angry that things are different right now.
All of these feelings are okay. In fact, having these feelings shows just how much you care about your loved one.
If you ever feel worried, it’s always okay to ask questions. The grown-ups around you, including the doctors and nurses and your family, are here to help you understand what’s going on.
You Are Brave, and Your Loved One Is in Good Hands
Remember, the doctors and nurses taking care of your family member are doing everything they can to help them get better.
They’ve helped lots and lots of other people get better, too. And you know what? You’re being really brave by learning all about this.
It’s not always easy when someone we love needs surgery, but understanding what’s happening can help us feel better about it.
Remember, it’s okay to feel worried or to have questions. That just means you care a lot.
And don’t forget that you can be a special helper in your loved one’s recovery. Sometimes the best medicine is having someone who loves you nearby, giving you gentle hugs and making you smile.
Your family member is in good hands with their doctors and nurses, and before you know it, they’ll be feeling much better.
They might need some extra rest and care for a while, but that’s just their body doing its job to heal.
Want to Help Even More?
If you want to learn more about how to help when someone you love is in the hospital, you can watch my next video where I’ll show you how to make special get well soon cards that will definitely make them smile.