My DS had a GA at 12 months of age. I was able to hold him in theatre while they put him under. Walking away and leaving my unconscious child in the care of others was one of the hardest things I have had to do as a mother - it goes against every protective instinct a mother has. Logically, I knew he was in good hands and it would have been harder and more frightening for him to be taken into theatre without me. He was distressed when he woke up from the GA, confused and disoriented. They took me into recovery and he settled well in my arms. We went home that evening and he was fine by the next day, no apparent effects from the GA.

I have had an MRI myself. I am an adult and I work in the medical field. The MRI gave me the heebie-jeebies and I wish I could have had a sedative for it! It is a smallish tunnel and the machine is very, very noisy. Lots of banging and thumping. It is imperative that the patient remains absolutely still during the MRI, which I think took about 30 minutes. I was fighting the urge to panic the entire time. There is no way a 2 year old could have an MRI without a GA.

I'm sorry I'm not telling you how easy it all is, but I am being honest! It sounds like the only way you will find the answers you need in regard to your DS's lump is to go ahead with the MRI under a GA. Make sure you find a doctor you trust and be guided by his/her advice. I would assume that you will be able to stay with your DS while he is being administered the GA and ask the staff to get you immediately when he is taken to recovery. I reckon when they give the child a pre-med they should offer mum one as well!!