Recovery From a Kidney Injury
Activity After a Kidney Injury
Your child does not need to stay in bed but should walk and play quietly while they heal. They may return to school in two to seven days, but your child will be on strict activity restrictions for some time. Strict activity restrictions include no gym, running, activities with wheels, or any activity in which both feet leave the ground at the same time. Your child should not participate in any competitive / contact sports until the activity restriction time period is complete. The length of activity restrictions will depend on the grade of the kidney injury.
Returning to Daycare or School
Your child may require some time off school to be at home to rest. Your trauma surgery provider will give you recommendations regarding going back to school. If surgery was needed or your child has other injuries, they may be out of school longer. At school, your child should not be taking gym class until the activity restriction time period is complete.
Emotional Recovery
After the injury, your child may be tired and irritable. It takes time to heal. Use this time for rest and quiet activities. Have your child play board games, read or do small craft projects for short periods of time.
Infants and toddlers are harder to distract and will be more difficult to confine. Try putting your infant or toddler in a large crib or playpen. Ask family and friends to visit, but for short periods of time and not at the same time to minimize activity.
After any trauma children may experience acute stress symptoms that may be reflective of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you notice your child having nightmares, flashbacks, nervousness, irritability or any other concerning emotional symptoms, please speak with the trauma surgery provider. Short-term therapy can be provided to help children heal and recover emotionally after a trauma. If concerned, call the Trauma Clinic 513-636-8556.
- Fever higher than 100.5
- Difficulty with bowel movements
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea / vomiting
- Dizziness
- A fast heart rate
- Concern for wound infection (redness, swelling, pus drainage, or increased wound pain).
Follow Up / Contact Us
All children with a kidney injury will have a follow-up call or be seen in the Trauma Clinic one or two weeks after discharge. If needed, an appointment will be made for you before you leave the hospital, or you will be given a number to call to make an appointment. The trauma clinic number is 513-636-8556.
Your child will be scheduled for a kidney ultrasound in four to six weeks. Your child should have yearly blood pressure checks with their pediatrician.
When to Call Your Trauma Surgery Provider
Call the trauma clinic or seek medical attention if your child has:
- Increased or worsening abdominal pain
- Fever higher than 100.5
- Difficulty with bowel movements
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea / vomiting
- Dizziness
- A fast heart rate
- Concern for wound infection (redness, swelling, pus drainage, or increased wound pain).
