Young child having a general anesthetic

[Bigkingdom]

Has anyone had a young child go under general anesthetic? My 2 year old is going under next Friday for an MRI scan. How bad is it?

Aw your wee squish has had a tough time. The GA will likely be less traumatic than what you've been through already.
I have a 2yo and the thought of watching people hold him down like that is making me feel tearful, I'm sorry you both went through that.

My DC has had 5 anaesthetic so far and almost 3. It's tough on the parents but have found she copes fine. For my DD they usually read a story, or blow bubbles and while distracted slowly move the mask (with gas) slightly closer to her face. By the time its touching her face she is almost asleep. Sometimes they can go a bit jolty right before going to sleep which can be worrying if you aren't expecting it.

They wake up a bit groggy and confused but recover really quickly.

Ds had general anathestic at 15 months so a bit younger.
He was a bit distressed beforehand whilst we were waiting as he wanted lunch and his nap and people kept coming to measure, weigh him etc, but was calmed down by having the Gruffalo read repeatedly.
We carried him into the theatre and he sat in my knee calmly. When the mask went on he did panic a little and tried to get it off but soon went to sleep. The operation went well and we found ds afterwards totally fine having a cuddle with a nurse! Apparently he woke up crying a little but quickly stopped when cuddled!
He was given a drink and food which he demolished, had a ten minute sleep and woke up absolutely fine and bouncy and was totally normal after that
One thing to bear in mind, they put strawberry scent in the mask with the gas and when I wiped his face with a strawberry face wipe next day he completely panicked!
Good luck. I hope everything goes well for your dd and for you

In our hospital they had lovely heated blankets for the children as they were coming to

Mine had about 20 by the time he was two, plus a similar number of sedations and x rays.
There was no point in getting stressed about the number if I wanted him to survive.
Best wishes OP. All will be well and it will only be in his best interests.