4yr old going in for minor surgery but still worried

Lillibet_2

My son, age 2 1/2, had to have a minor op in March, nothing like this (he swallowed a bottle top & it lodged in his esosphagus), but he had a GA. They let us stay with him in the pre-op room & I held him on my knee while they put a mask over his nose & mouth, it took a really slow count of 10 for him to fall asleep but once he did we put him on the trolly & we left, taking his bedtime teddy with us.. we were told the operation would only take about 20 mins but it was nearly an hour before they called upto the ward to say he was in post-op & we could go down to him, I was going insane with worry at that point! Turns out the nurse who told us 20 mins had underestimated! Only one of us was allowed in post op so I went in & it was another 10 mins or so before he started comming round. He was very drowsey but not confused, his first word was "Maurice" which is his bed time teddy which I put in his hand. After another 20 mins or so, during which time he came round a bit more, we were transfered back upto the ward. He was very sleepy for the next couple of hours but when he eventually woke up properly he was just a bit clingy & very thirsty, he was watching tv & playing within about 4 hours. (within 6 hours he had gone down with a horrible D & V virus & we had to spend a further 3 days in because of this, but that's another story!:rolleyes:)

HTH & good luck;)

Rikki

superstar wrote: »

Poor chap, did you get him to cut as well? :rotfl:

He's now my ex and I'd prefer him to be castrated. :cool:

chevalier

Thanks again. I guess part of the worry is that we went to the hospital for a visit yesterday which was fine. But he didn't really take in that he was going there for an operation. :rolleyes:

So I have explained it again to him, going through the whole thing, and he seemed a bit worried about it, but not massively so phew. But even though I used as simple language as possible, I still don't think he really understood it. Sigh.

However since then I have found a PDF booklet about all this from the Royal Cornwalls Trust, which spells it all out. Hadn't expected them to say though that it might be swollen for up to a month:eek: . We are meant to be flying in mid June so hope he will be fit to fly!

chev

ka7e

Hadn't expected them to say though that it might be swollen for up to a month:eek:

I remember DS's first wee at home, swelling and stitches meant it streamed vertically UPWARDS! For a few days we used an old potty to deflect the flow.

fabwitch_2

repeated post

fabwitch_2

Both my sons had it done when they were 7 years old. Within hour of having operation theyt were sitting up playing games. Your son will need to wee before he will be aloud home. First few days will be a little sore and swollen , will need to wear loose clothing. Ask the Hospital staff for some of the cardboard pottys as my sons found they really usefull to hold infront of their willys to protect it in the first few days. No SChool for two weeks and when they go back to School no PE for 6 weeks after operation. That includes no running about at lunch times. My sons spent lunch times in the library playing games or reading as it is not worth the risk of injuring themselves as their willy will still be sore. My sons also wore loose jogging bottoms when they went back to School as the School trousers were too tight and uncomfortable. I explained to the School and they were fine about this. Salt baths will help in the heeling. Wishing your son well.

andyrules

Rikki wrote: »

He's now my ex and I'd prefer him to be castrated. :cool:

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:
Priceless!!

Mine had this op when he was 2 - he wasn't really interested in prior explanations as he lived only for the moment then. (has moved on slightly in 16yrs!) But I went to the anaesthetic room with him and the recovery room when he awoke, it helped me too!

Yes, he was sore, but easily distracted by toys and healed quickly.

Glad

moneypanicker wrote: »

when your child goes in for the op, the nurses should give you advice about all his after care what to give for pain relief etc. He will be a bit bruised after, it depends on the child on how much it bothers them. He can always pee in the bath if it is too sore (it sounds gross but much less traumatic for them!!)

I agree
the nurses on the ward will be the best people to give you the correct advice

hope all goes well

chevalier

Thanks to all who replied to my thread about my DS's circumcision. He has had it done now and is home. Feeling a bit sorry for himself but not surprising really
chev

Sagaris

Aw - thanks for letting us know, chev - hope he's feeling better soon.
I seem to remember when my friend's little boy had it done he wore old trackie bottoms with a hole cut out in the front and no pants - she had to make sure he didn't follow her if she opened the door to anyone! :rotfl: