GA for 3 yr old DD; surgery at 3pm and have to fast for six hours!

[thehuntress]

I've read all the threads about preparing LOs for GA and surgery. My 3 yr old DD is having grommits in on Monday and the only time we could get for the surgery is 3pm. She has to fast for six hours prior to the surgery, so I'm wondering if anyone has any advice on how to get her through this. She is normally a very good eater, but not a big breakfast eater. I'm so stressed that she won't eat a bit breakfast and then be out of control by 3pm with hunger.

Any advice or good experiences?

[ajandjjmum]

Can you arrange for her to be busy at the time she might normally eat? Been there with a little one (with grommets) - ds had a morning op the first time, which was obviously easier, and he was out playing in the garden that afternoon.

[ronshar]

I would suggest perhap getting up a little early and haveing a small breakfast then. As you have until 9am to eat give her something again at 9am.

Why have they told you 6 hours?? It is normally 4 isnt it?

My DD1 has had this op twice. The first time round she woke from the anathestic shouting very loudly, second time no problems.
Distraction is the name of the game I found.

Good luck and I am sure it will all go really well.

[thehuntress]

Thanks. I'm doing my best to prepare her for it. I've told her that she will be seeing the doctor in a few days (she loves him) and that she won't be able to eat for a long time. But she's 3 so not sure how much is sinking in.

I think six hours is the norm. She can have clear liquids (water and diluted juice) during this time but nothing at all for two hours before the op.

I plan to buy a Snow White DVD for her to watch before the surgery (she loves loves loves Snow White).

We could postpone the surgery until January to get a morning appointment but the doctor is not keen saying her ears are really bad and that she needs them. I know she is in pain so I think it is better to go ahead too and just deal with it.

I think I'm focusing on the food thing to avoid the whole GA thing. I know that is going to be traumatic for me (although I will hold it together!) and I'm blocking it.

[tulip27]

Make a smoothie at 9 am with loads of fruit,esp bannana, that should keep her full for a while and she won't realise its food so may still eat cereal or toast

[thehuntress]

That's a great idea Tulip. She doesn't get fruit juice much so will consider it a treat! I'll also let her do the blending which she will love.

[CaptainUnderpants]

I am surprised that they have given you an afternoon appointment with her being so young.

At our hospital they do the younger ones in the morning then teenagers etc in afternoon.

I would phone the hospital today and get them to let you know of any morning cancellations as soon as possible by the end of Friday.

Will she be going in for syrgery at 3pm or is that the time she has to be at hposital ? if so surgery could even be a couple of hours later ?

My Ds has had grommets twicw - had to be at hospital for 7.45am but didn't go in for surgery until 10am .

I would clarify with hospiatl and consider a moring appointment.

[thehuntress]

CaptainUnderpants - I've checked with the hospital and this was the earliest we could get. The surgery is at 3pm so we have to be at the hospital a couple of hours before. She was scheduled to have it done the past monday but we had to postpone because she had a nasty cough and possible chest infection. So they are squeezing us in at late notice, so there's nothing we can do I'm afraid about the timing. It must be done.

[ronshar]

It will be ok. Honestly. Get the day over with and your DD will be like a new girl.

[CaptainUnderpants]

Well if she has to be at hospital a couple of hours before then at least that will be a distraction for her.

take lots to distract her whilst at the hosital - toys might be limited.

Good of them so say what time your surgery will be .

Good luck .