My DS has to have an MRI what can I expect?

[colnelcustard]

Hi my six year old has to have an MRI and go under an anasethic. this is the first time he has had an anasethic and I am unsure what to expect.

I understand that I can't be in the room when he has the MRI but can I see him?

I am finding this all a bit upsetting. Has anyone experience of this?

[oddgirl]

As far as the MRI goes-the important thing is for children to keep still and thats why most under 8s get a GA (general anaesthetic) for it. It can be very noisy inside the machine and can last around 45 mins so impossible and a bit scary for a child so a GA is much the best way. He will have to be starved of food and fluids prior to the GA (usually 6 hrs for food and 3 hours for fluid) but the hospital shd let you know-its also important he doesnt wear anything metal as machine is magnetic. There are 2 ways of having a GA-either an injection in his hand or via gas-depends on the child which is best and an anaethetist
shd discuss with you-the gas smells funny and some children find the whole idea of a mask a bit scary...others hate the idea of a needle in their hand but it can be put in with special cream to numb the skin.
I would be very surprised if you were not allowed to sit with him in the anaesthetic room while he goes to sleep but the staff will want you to leave once he is asleep. The most important thing is you try and keep as calm as you can (not easy I know) and just chat to him while he goes to sleep.
I know its all very upsetting-the loss of control over your child is very hard...however he really will recover quickly from the anaesthetic and hopefully be ok.
Try and be a bit careful with the language you use when you explain to him-in my expereince if you use words like "the dr will put oyu to sleep" he will invariably remember something about a dog being put to sleep and come up with some nightmare scenario-but always explain whats going to happen-childrens imaginations can and do run wild and clear calm explanations can really help.
I wish you all the luck-please try not to worry
HTH

[colnelcustard]

Thank you I am by myself so I am sure I will find it quite difficult to keep my emotions in check. But will try my best!

Injections don't scare him, he has one every day. I was hoping not to tell him he was going to be put to sleep, but lying to him will probably not help the situation!

[oddgirl]

I always reckon honesty is the best poicy-6 year olds can be bloody clever-I know its hard-you can have a bloody good cry when he has gone to sleep...