My 9 year old patient was raped and required surgery

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I currently have a 9 year old girl I am taking care of on unit. She was raped resulting in surgical repair to entire pelvic floor and also needed a colostomy. As I change her sheets and such I just don't know what to do. I cry everytime I walk in there. I just want to hold her. She isn't allowed visitors and she is so scared. My heart is breaking. Any advice?

Specializes in med/surg.
As a student, I have a medical question regarding this poor girl.

Is the colostomy temporary until her bowel area heals or is it permanent?

To me, that just makes it worse....like the child needs a daily reminder.

Reminds me of that woman that shot and killed her sons abuser in the middle of court about 15 years ago b/c he was getting ready to get off scott free.

The colostomy is being reversed this morning. She's healed enough that they think it's time to remove it. I am @ the hosp. now on my laptop holding my own vigil until she comes out of recovery and back to my floor. I'm not on shift today but I will be here all day. Thanks for everyone's thoughts and prayers. I will keep updating.

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Continue to keep us posted.

:icon_hug::flowersfo

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Specializes in med/surg.

She is in recovery now. Doing well. There were no complications during the procedure. Thanks for all your support and prayers.

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Specializes in ortho, hospice volunteer, psych,.
Thanks so much. Prayers are the best thing right now. I will have laptop with me tomorrow so I can keep updating while I hold vigil. God bless!!!

You, the child and all the health professionals entrusted with her care have been in our prayers as my husband and I go through our day. Please keep us updated. If you would like to talk offboard, I'm a good listener and have worked with both children and women who were abused in every sense of the word -- as a volunteer -- through two different Y programs. Hugs from us, and the furry zoo.

sharpeimom:paw::paw:

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Specializes in ortho, hospice volunteer, psych,.

I have always felt that there is a special ring of H*ll just waiting for pedophiles, abusers of babies, children, the elderly and animals and that all atrocities will have to be paid for eventually and the abuser held accountable in the next life. All of our cats had been abused, starved, neglected and one tortured as well. I would like a few minutes alone with the persons who committed all these terrible acts on children, the elderly and amimals and I wish they could be properly punished and never enjoy freedom again and be able to do it again as they surely will.:twocents:

Off my soapbox!

sharpeimom:paw::paw:

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Specializes in med/surg.

She's back on the floor doing well. I'm taking a little break while she's sleeping. She gave me a big hug when she saw me as she was being rolled into her room. She had a little smile on her sweet face, so I am feeling much better as well. The next few days are going to be rough but she's a tough little cookie.

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Specializes in ortho, hospice volunteer, psych,.
She's back on the floor doing well. I'm taking a little break while she's sleeping. She gave me a big hug when she saw me as she was being rolled into her room. She had a little smile on her sweet face, so I am feeling much better as well. The next few days are going to be rough but she's a tough little cookie.

You'll both be able to get through the next few rough days because you have each other to hug and to hang on to. Remember that being strong for her, gives you strength as well. While you can't magically make all "the bad stuff" go away or explain away why it all happened in a way a nine-year-old can truly comprehend, you are able to provide the warmth, nurturing and acceptance of what's happened to her (as well as support during what's to come), and she'll come to know and truly accept that, in NO way, was any of this nightmare her fault.

Hugs,

sharpeimom:paw::paw:

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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

I want to thank you for caring and being involved!

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Ortho/HH/Radiology-Now Retired.

Bless you for all you are doing for this dear little child.

I continue to hold her in my prayers.

It's no coincidence that you are her nurse!

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Specializes in Management, Emergency, Psych, Med Surg.

One night at triage I had THREE children come in after having been sexually assaulted, two 5 year olds (female) and one 9 year old male. All required surgical repair. It was horrible. I made it my mission to make sure these kids had something. I went to see them every day and I gave them toys. I wish I could have gotten hold of the perps that did that to these kids.

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Specializes in Acute,Subacute,Long-term Care.
i was thinking maybe you could give her a journal. say something like "i saw this and it made me think of you. i know you can get bored in the hospital, so i thought you'd like a journal to write in"

that may help her by showing that you care, giving her something to do, and it lets her get her emotions out in a safe way.

that is an excellent suggestion. to the op: i'm so very sorry to hear about this tragic event that happened to the child. she will need much care, guidance, love and understanding. she has a long road ahead of her. i don't understand how someone could do this to an adult, much less a child. its sickening. i also hope that they caught the rapist and will be charged with the max that can be given. thank you for being their for this child. you are truely an angel.:hgu: god bless you and the child. ( i hope its okay to say that on the board). the icon is supposed to a hug. :nuke:

wanda/ne

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Specializes in pedi, pedi psych,dd, school ,home health.

(((Southernyankee))) prayers and hugs for a speedy surgical recovery for your little girl; and a thorough and healing emotional recovery. will keep you both in my prayers , mary

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