Caring for Your Child after Spinal, Epidural, or Nerve Block Anesthesia

• You should have someone (age 16 or older) stay with your child for the rest of today and tonight.  This is for your child’s safety and protection.
• Your child may feel a little sleepy for the next 12 to 24 hours.  This is partly due to the medicines your child received during and after surgery.  Rest and relax for the next 12 hours.  Avoid strenuous activity.

 

For The Next 24 Hours

 

Follow the doctor’s advice about activity.  Be careful when your child sits or stands up after being in bed for a long time.  He may become dizzy if he sits or stands too quickly.

 

Food and Liquids:

 

For the rest of today, start slowly by offering clear liquids such as water, apple juice, and soft drinks.  If your child feels okay, then try soup, soda crackers, and other foods that are easy to digest.  Avoid spicy or fatty foods.  Be sure your child drinks several glasses of clear liquids to avoid dehydration.  Tomorrow, he can eat as he wishes.

 

Spinal or Epidural Anesthesia

 

These types of anesthesia are given through a small needle placed into the lower back.  There may be some back soreness, partly due to the needle and partly due to stretching of ligaments from relaxed muscles.  This should fade over the next few days.  Ask the surgeon what your child can take for pain relief.  If the pain doesn’t go away, or if a chronic headache begins, please call the paging operator at (608) 262-0486 and ask for the anesthesiologist on call.

 

Your child’s anesthesiologist was Dr. _____________________.

 

Nerve Block Anesthesia

 

If your child had a nerve block in his arm, we will sometimes let him go home before the numbness has fully gone away.  You must agree to protect the arm and hand from injury or extreme heat or cold.  Do not put the arm where prolonged pressure could injure it.  Take special care to protect your child’s elbow and fingers!  

 

When to Call the Doctor

 

Call if your child has

 

• A fever above 100°F (by mouth) or 99° F (under the arm) for 2 readings taken 4 hours apart.
• Trouble breathing or a “wet sounding” cough that doesn’t go away.
• Frequent vomiting after getting settled at home (more than twice).
• Trouble urinating by late tonight (or have a painful, full bladder).

 

Your child’s surgeon is Dr.______________________ from the _______________ clinic.

The clinic phone number is: 608-______________.  Call if you have questions or concerns. 

 

After hours, weekends, and holidays:  Call 608-262-0486 (Paging Operator).  Ask for the doctor on call for Dr. _________________________.  Give the operator your name and phone number with the area code.  The doctor will call you back.

 

If you live outside the area, call our toll-free number1-800-323-8942 (24 hr).

 

In an Emergency, Call 911

 

The staff at the AFCH Surgery Center will try to call you at home or work within the next few days.  We will ask you a few questions about your child’s recovery and the care he received.  Let us know if this is not possible or may be a problem.  

 

The Spanish version of this Health Facts for You is #6813.

 

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 10/31/2008

Copyright © 04/26/2006 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #6812

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