I also had to use rectal Panadol for DS as he flat out refused medication orally.
DD was fine though.
Expect a lot of night wakes for the first week or so, and a bit of weight loss.
I had a gift for when they arrived.
Going under GA can be very confronting, as child just suddenly 'flops.'
Also they can thrash about coming out of GA. I ended up covered in blood, so don't wear white.

I too was very upfront with what was going to happen as I wanted them to feel they can trust me, consequently DD was not too polite to the aneathasist pre-op.

The hospital night for both of mine was HELL. Have someone else at home when you are discharged so yo can get a nap yourself when you get home.