Being prepared helps put you and your child in control. Talk with the doctors and nurses about pain control methods that have or have not worked for your child in the past. Tell the nurses what words and signs your child uses to tell you that he or she is hurting. Tell your doctors and nurses about any allergies your child may have. Ask about any possible side effects with pain medicines your child might be receiving.
Sedation is a common side effect.
If you think your child is in pain or the pain is getting worse, tell the nurse so it can be addressed quickly. Relief is easier to obtain if acted upon early. This is a key step in proper pain control. Consider the non-drug methods listed above that you can do with your child to help relieve the pain. This may create unnecessary fear of something that might be a very important part of your child's recovery.