It’s a scary thing for a child to begin a new treatment. If your child is about to begin Intravenous Immunoglobin (IVIg) therapy there are a few steps you can take to ease his or her anxiety.
Before you can prepare your child it is important that first you understand the process. Visit MedPro Rx’s Web site for a description of IVIg.
Once you understand what to expect, you’re ready to prepare your child. Helping your child understand what treatment will be like can go a long way in making the experience more positive. Make sure you talk to your child in kid-friendly terms about the basics of how IVIg is administered and how it will help them feel better. Supplemental materials such as children’s books on the topic may help kids understand what treatment will be like. It is normal for them to be scared, but knowing what to expect will make the situation better.
Prior to the first treatment, think about ways to make your child more comfortable during the infusion. Taking a favorite toy or stuffed animal may relieve their anxiety. If your child has a fear of needles, you may request ahead of time that the injection spot is numbed before the infusion. Reassure your child that you will with them the entire time.
For more suggestions, check out parents’ discussion forums on how to prepare children for treatment. These discussions provide great ideas that have helped other families.
Sources:
MedPro Rx http://www.medprorx.com/IVIg.
Immune Deficiency Foundation http://www.primaryimmune.org/