Questions to Ask the Doctor

It is important to have honest, open discussions with your doctors and nurses. Feel free to ask questions, even if they seem trivial. It is a good idea to write your questions down so you will remember to ask them during each appointment. Here are some important questions you may want to ask:

• Where will the incision be made? (i.e. where will my child's scar be?)
• Will you shave my child's whole head?
• What is the recovery like?
• What are the risks of surgery?
• If complications occur, will they be permanent?
• Will my child need physical therapy, occupational therapy, rehab?
• Will my child need to be in the ICU?
• Can somebody stay with my child in the hospital room while he or she is in the hospital?
• When will you know the diagnosis?
• What will be the treatment based on the likely diagnosis?
• What are the side-effects and schedule of different therapy options which will be used to treat my child?
• What’s the goal of surgery?
• If the doctor suggests a biopsy, ask why a biopsy versus a removal?
• How much are you planning on removing?
• Who manages my child's care while he or she is an inpatient?
• Who assists you at surgery?
• When can my child shower after surgery? When can my child wash his or her hair?
• When can my child get out of bed after surgery? When can my child walk?
• When after surgery can my child start his or her regular level of activity?
• When will my child's follow-up MRI take place?