DS (just turned 2) has to have a minor operation on Tuesday, just to unblock his tear duct. The actual operation is really no big deal, takes 10 minutes and its all done, assuming no complications. But of course he has to have a general and that of course means he has to fast and I am just dreading the whole thing. We have to be at the hossy at 7am on Tuesday, and Peter cannot eat at all that day. We don't know what time the operation is scheduled for- it could not be until the afternoon. I know Peter will be soooooo unhappy about not being able to eat and will just keep asking for food and its going to break my heart to say no. He's too young to understand.
Can anyone give me any tips or reassurance or anything?
(and I would love some prayers from those of you who pray!)
DD has grommets inserted last monday so i feel your anxiety, lucky for us as she was second youngest on the surgery list she was second in, she had to fast from midnight the night before, which was tough becasue she still feeds during the night, but we managed ok, her surgery was at 8.30 so we didnt have to entertain her as long between getting up and the actual op. we had it done in a private hospital
have youo spoken to the hospital/anethetist regarding the fasting seeing his age??
is it private of public?
do you have a portable DVD player or laptop you can take to watch??
ETA i forgot to add it usually goes by age, youngest first so you'll might find he's not far down the list, we had to be at the hospital at 7.30 for 8.30 op
Last edited by Olive; June 13th, 2010 at 09:12 PM.
Its public so I don't know how much say we have in it all, or opportunity to speak to dr's etc. I've never really had much hospital experience, so I don't know what to expect and what I can and can't do. I will be asking the nurses on the day when our op is scheduled. I'm just hoping and praying there's lots of older kids in on that day!
you'll find then it will go on age and urgency, but im guessing him being there at 7am the op should be in the morning, when does he have to fast from?
Olive is right, it is usually done on age when it comes to pead's. But it is also done on medical conditions - so a child with diabetes will be done ahead of a younger child without it if that makes sense.
Kids are actually pretty good when they're not tempted by food. Try not to eat or drink around him. Take comfort objects for him at the hossy including a snuggle object he can take into theatre with him. Take books and colouring in things. But also keep in mind, most pead wards will have stuff to occupy him - even day proceedure units. The DPU at RCH has tubs (for every cubicle from memory) with a range of objects including colouring in things) and also a telly... but I'd take a portable DVD player if you have one.
Ds got his tonsils and adenoids out last year. We had to be there at 7 and he didn't get into surgery until about 2.30pm. I ws worried about how he'd go fasting. I wouldn't say it was easy, but it wasn't terrible either. There is so much going in in hospital that there is plenty to walk around and look at, talk about. The hospital staff are really good at distracting children. He did really want water but we just made sure we avoided the water bubblers.
We are going to RCH- its good to know they have stuff to occupy them. And as DH just told me (he noticed me sitting here freaking out and came over and hugged me. What a nice hubby!), there will be plenty of other people in the same position and its not like the hospital hasn't done this before! Glad I have a calm hubby! He has to fast from midnight, but in reality thats from dinner since I don't think we'll be waking him up to feed him at 11pm!
My DS1 had to go under at the dental hospital when he was 2.5. Luckily he was seen first in the morning because he was the youngest. Our prayers were answered .
I assure you they are good there. And they ARE used to it - promise! I have a good friend who works there (is very senior) and I've "done time" there too. The kids get icey poles when they are awake enough providing they aren't nauseated. It can be pretty hectic there but don't be frightened. He will be well looked after. I'd send DD there in a heart beat despite having PHI.
Operation on Tuesday- help so scared!
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darl.
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he's first in line!! 
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