What specifically would you like to know?

He'll have to fast including water, lollies etc.
Depending on the hospital policy, you may be allowed into the anesthetic room with him and to hold him when he goes off to sleep. It depends on the anesthetists as to which method they use. Some will put the drip in and use an IV medication to send them off. As putting an IV in can be distressing for some children, most will send them off to sleep with gas first. As Sagres said, this can be very distressing for some parents - especially as they (child) are often chatting away and then suddenly asleep. In some instances, the child will still reach out for Mum/Dad and usually twitch. I can assure you that from this point, they are not truly conscious and will have no recognition of what has happened. My DD had a procedure earlier in the year and was sent off with gas, she was still hanging on to me and when I pried her hand lose, she reached for me. As a nurse, I know she wasn't conscious at this point. As a mother, it made my tummy flip flop.

Depending on hospital policy, you may be allowed into recovery once the intubation tube is out and DS is stable. It is important to know that some children wake up distressed from an anesthetic. Almost like they're tantrumming. It doesn't mean something is wrong - just how they're responding to the drugs. It happens in adults as well, but moreso in children.

I always recommend sending something comforting from home for the child. Something like a teddy that they can take in to theatre with them and will be there when they wake up. It can be very scary for children going to sleep in a strange bed, then waking in an equally strange bed different to the one they went to sleep in!

He will have a cannula in. I explain it to children as a magic straw. I explained it to DD as a magic straw that the fairies blow magic potions into. DD is 4. Most hospitals bandage it on children to avoid it being ripped out. Some children still try and rip it out.

Pain medication. After this particular surgery, there will most likely be some pain or discomfort. But they're pretty good with kids and try to keep them comfortable. Let them know if he is sore and they will give him something. Don't panic if he can't articulate how he is feeling. Nurses use a different method of judging how much pain children are in. Also, children don't always recognise pain - they think it just feels different.

Take stuff to keep him occupied whilst he is waiting to go in. Fav books, toys etc.

Ask as many questions as you'd like. If there is something in particular that is bothering you - feel free to ask.



MG