ARE MY CHILD’S FEELINGS NORMAL, AND WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT THEM? It is normal to be afraid to get an injection or take anticoagulation medications. These medications are monitored closely in children and can be given safely in the home. Children who participate in certain sports may have a significant risk of bleeding while taking anticoagulation medication. As a result, these activities may need to be limited, which your child may find frustrating. It is important to discuss any feelings and concerns that you or your child have with your healthcare providers. They may be able to recommend alternative activities while your child is taking the anticoagulation medication. HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD? Help your child maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes eating nutritious food from all food groups, drinking plenty of water, and exercising daily. Avoiding smoking—including secondhand smoke—and maintaining a healthy weight will decrease their risk of blood clots. Make it easier for your child to avoid immobility, especially when traveling. Keeping legs and arms active, moving around when permitted during airplane flights, and making frequent stops for movement breaks when traveling long distances in a car can help them avoid future blood clots. If your child uses estrogen-containing pills, patches, or rings, speak with their healthcare provider. People who have had blood clots or have a genetic tendency should avoid these medications. Other medications for menstrual regularity are available if needed. Ensure all medication is taken correctly at home. Obtaining lab testing as prescribed by your healthcare provider is the best way to monitor the anticoagulation medication. Check for swelling, pain, redness, or other unusual symptoms and report them to your healthcare provider. Listen to your child’s concerns and allow the sharing of feelings. Keep in mind that your child is still a child in spite of the diagnosis of a clot. As children go through treatment, they still have all the needs of a growing child. All children need love, attention, the opportunity to learn and try new skills, and limits. Do not avoid talking to your child about the treatment. Use explanations that your child will understand. Children tolerate treatment better if they understand it and are allowed to help make decisions about their care, when appropriate. The things children can imagine on their own are often more frightening than what is actually happening. As a parent you may find it difficult to watch your child go through treatment. Your feelings about what your child is going through must be balanced with the knowledge that treatment provides the best chance of preventing a recurrence of the blood clot and making it possible for them to live a full and meaningful life. Despite outward changes, your child is still the same person on the inside. Most healthcare centers have a psychosocial team that can support you and your child through diagnosis and treatment.
IS MY CHILD’S DIET IMPORTANT? Yes, your child’s diet is important. Research has shown that well-nourished children tolerate treatment better and experience fewer treatment delays. In children who are taking warfarin, many foods can prevent the medication from working as effectively as it should. This is because some foods high in vitamin K interfere with the effectiveness of warfarin. The general rule is to eat the same amount of foods high in vitamin K every day. Foods low in vitamin K are acceptable to eat. Foods high in vitamin K include • kale • spinach • brussels sprouts • parsley • collard greens • mustard greens
• chard • broccoli • green tea.
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