Your Child's Recovery
A congenital heart defect is a problem with how a child's heart formed. The doctor fixed your child's heart defect by putting a thin tube, called a catheter, into the heart through a blood vessel. This is most often put through a blood vessel in the groin.
Your child may have a bruise or a small lump where the catheter was put in his or her groin (the catheter site). The area may feel sore for a day or two after the procedure. Your child may need more sleep than usual for a few days.
This procedure can be stressful for you and your child. Your child's recovery will depend on the type of heart defect he or she had. Your child may need more than one procedure or surgery to fix the problem. He or she may need to take medicines and see a heart doctor throughout life. But many children lead a normal, active life after the defect is fixed.
This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for your child to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Following the steps below can help your child recover as quickly as possible. Your child's doctor also will give you care instructions.
Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
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