ds has an operation on his willy next week :( any tips for a hospital stay?

[treacletart]

My ds (22m) is having an operation on his willy next week to correct a hypospadias (his little hole isn't where it ought to be). He's also having a little cyst removed from above his eyebrow and his mild tongue-tie fixed at the same time.

We'll be in for a few days, then he will be at home with a superpubic catheter and a big dressing for a few more days. We go back to have the catheter and dressing removed and then he will be sore for a few weeks more.

I had some great reassurance from MNetters with experience of hypospadias last year, but his operation was cancelled in January because of a heavy cold. I got really freaked out when his op was postponed - came out in weird rashes round my eyes and got very down - I'm guessing I was even more stressed about the op than I was admitting to myself.

I think I'm calmer this time around. We've been reading an Usbourne book about going to hospital over the past weeks and I've been trying to explain what's going to happen to him - he likes the bit where I pretend to put anaesthetic cream on his hand but I gloss over a lot of the later parts of the procedure!

There was a similar thread about a year ago I think, but I cant find it. Wondering if any one else had experience to share or could offer advice or tips for a hospital stay.

[tiffini]

Pehaps you could play doctors a few times before he goes in to help prepare him.

Take in a couple of favorite toys.

Take in books to read to him as i dont suppose he will be very mobile for a while.

You could also do face painting while in hospital, that will get him loads of attention from the nurses.

[redsky]

When my ds had his tonsils/grommets done years ago I was totally unprepared for how emotional I would be about the whole experience..

[florenceuk]

Treacletart, this is the thread I started when my DS had a minor op: here . I got lots of good advice, although my DS was only in for a day operation. DS also had op on willy, but appeared remarkably resilient - only one day of feeling really off (watched lots of Teletubby videos) and then had to restrain him from doing too much!

Good luck and hope it all goes well. I think its definitely true that you will be more stressed than your DS. IME the staff that deal with children's ops are very good.

[jambo1707]

Hi

My ds had an op on his manhood last saturday

He had an undesended testicle, and is absolutly fine. he was discharged about 2 1/2 hours after op once he had eaten some toast. It did look god damn awful down their by sunday but bruising almost gone now.

He can go back to nursery monday he is well chuffed.

Also found out on Tuesday twin2 (15 month) needs same op

These kids are a treasure never complain its us mums that get stressed out

Good luck hope your ds is ok next week

[Eve]

My DS had operation recently and found the whole experience a bit of a thrill really, the attention from the nurses, the TV beside the bed (children don't pay for patientline!) and he thought he had gone to heaven in the childrens playroom.

Only downside was food, so try and bring nice things for him, such as fresh fruit, sancks etc. The meals are poor.

[treacletart]

Thanks for these, keep em coming! Thanks for the link Florence, I'd spent ages looking for it! Particularly like the idea of face painting Tiffini. Must get him a special toy for when he comes round... I've been on the look out for a nice friendly looking robot for him....hmmmm, may have to start another thread

[colette]

DS was in hospital last week just for 1 night and I found it helpful to have his sleeping bag and favourite toy ,so when I put him in it he knew it was time to sleep. Also bring in snacks for him (and you) and favourite books and his own cup.
Remember sponge bag and brush - I didn't and felt dreadful the next day with sticking up hair and smelly breath.
Hope it all goes well.

[jambo1707]

I told my ds about was was going to happen, the sick kids sent him a book about the visit also, he was allowed to bring things with him if he wanted.

he aint a boy for teddies etc but did choose to take mike and sulley(mons inc) teddies and a cosey blanket he got when he was a baby.

Nurses name tagged teddies like ds and they all went to theatre together for their operation.

[Blu]

My experience is on the linked thread.
I hope it all goes smoothly - really, it will be far harder for you than DS.

I hate to be wet blanket-y but the nurses might not let you use face paints - for the same reason adults have to remove make-up and nail varnish - it could hide signs of a rash or pallor.

[QueenEagle]

Take a change of clothes and wash bag for both of you and plenty of change for the phone. Although I think they do these prepaid cards now you might still need some. Be prepared to be very bored sitting by the bedside for much of the day so take plenty of reading material. The play specialists will talk to you about what toys your ds likes and will encourage him to go to the play room if he feels well enough or bring stuff to him if not.

The hardest/most emotional part for me when my dd was in (many many operations and stays in hospital) was the moment they go floppy after having the anaesthetic. It made me burst into tears every time, but the nurses were always fantastic and supportive.

Hope all goes well for you.

[treacletart]

OMG! Its been postponed again .... but at least this time just to next week. This is doing nothing for my frazzled nerves but I reckon DS might even be a bit dissappointed tomorrow. He left the house today saying "doctor! doctor!" excitedly

[wysiwyg]

When DD was in hospital (aged 16 months) we were in isolation for 4 days and I would have gone nuts without my radio. Also as I wasn't breastfeeding, I wasn't provided with any food by the hospital - however also wasn't able to leave the room/ DD on her own - so take plenty to eat yourself.
Could be an idea for a new kind of diet!
Hope all goes well.

[zippy539]

Second what others have said about food for yourself and reading material etc. DS has been in hospital twice (asthma not an operation) and both times he really enjoyed it (play workers, new videos etc). meanwhile I was going demented because I was trapped on a ward with no grub, tea or coffee, or anything to read. I would take in his favourite video/book/toy but def pack stuff for yourself or you'll go nuts!!!

Hope it all goes well.

[zippy539]

Meant to say, that if you can arrange for someone else to come and stay with ds while you go off and get a shower/coffee then do so - you'll really appreciate the break.