How to Know If My Child Needs Bypass Surgery

If your child has been diagnosed with a heart ailment, bypass surgery may be an option. Follow these steps to discover if the procedure is necessary.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Consult a physician who is skilled in pediatric cardiac care. Seeing a specialist of this type usually requires a referral from a pediatrician or family doctor.
2. Bring your child’s medical records to the specialist--you can obtain them from your family doctor. The doctors should have all available information regarding your child’s condition, including a complete medical history.
3. Research childhood heart disease. A good place to start is online, with Web sites such as Cardiac Risk in the Young, or CRY (see Resources below). This site explains the symptoms of juvenile heart disease, and includes statistics, advice, and links to support groups.
4. Discuss the treatment options with any child old enough to understand the implications of the condition. This can ease the burden on a child who likely may feel confused and scared.
5. Discuss every treatment option with your doctor and your child. Make the decision about heart bypass surgery for your child as a family.

Tips & Warnings

• New breakthroughs in pediatric heart care emerge often. Stay on top of new techniques by communicating with your doctor while continually researching online or at the local library.
• Talking to your child about what is happening is a good stress reliever for both of you.
• Don't feel pressured into one course of action by an overzealous doctor. Your child’s health is your responsibility and you have to make calm, informed decisions.

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