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Original poster

Does anyone have DC who required anaesthetic in infancy?

45 replies

TheOwlSong · 02/02/2019 16:16

DC is nearly 1 and will likely need an MRI under general anaesthetic soon. We're aware of the studies about early exposure and cognition, white matter, behaviour etc but understand these suggest a small risk (if any). It sounds like the MRI will be around an hour but I've heard of them being up to three hours for infants with a similar condition!

I think in this case the value of early intervention would outweigh this risk and that is why our consultant has decided not to wait but for reassurance it would be great to hear from other parents of children under anaesthesia at an early age

It's possible she could also need surgery, depending on results of MRI, but I think (hope) it's unlikely at this age.

Thank you

OP posts:
scaryteacher · 02/02/2019 16:20

Ds had a general at just over a year. He is now 23 and has a First and an MA.

He seemed fairly normal growing up!

MemorialBeach · 02/02/2019 16:26

I have no idea what studies you are talking about but I had a general anaesthetic when I was a few months old, got good exam marks at school, have a degree and have a managerial job. I like to think I am "normal"

Gettingbackonmyfeet · 02/02/2019 16:28

Dc2 had anaesthesia at newborn stage he is absolutely fine , ahead of milestones and a bright happy ( unless you remove the ubiquitous train from his hand...but I am assured that is entirely normal and I don't need to access train obsession intervention) little boy

How that helps a bit

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Canshopwillshop · 02/02/2019 16:28

I had no idea there was any risk of lasting effects from early anaesthesia! DS was 2.5 when he had grommets put in and about 4 when he had a mole removed - both required anaesthetic.

MrsJayy · 02/02/2019 16:30

I have no idea which studies you have been reading I have a disability I have had anesthetics since new born I don't think the drugs had an long lasting effect but surely your Dds mri is important and that must outweigh any risk.

han01uk · 02/02/2019 16:33

My son has had over 40 general anaesthetics between 2 and 5yrs for eye cancer. Aside from majorly disrupting sleep pattern I can't say I've noticed any problems (although I don't actually know what he would have been like without them!)

Lkbbdg · 02/02/2019 16:33

My son had a general at 8 months old. GCSE and A level were all A* and he went to do medicine at university.

LoniceraJaponica · 02/02/2019 16:35

DD had her first GA at 9 weeks, and has had several since. She achieved AAA in her A levels last year.

VioletCharlotte · 02/02/2019 16:35

My DS had a general anaesthetic at 18 months. I wasn't aware of any risks. He's 17 now and totally fine.

MsAwesomeDragon · 02/02/2019 16:37

My dd1 had a general anaesthetic at 2. She needed a large abcess drained. She was under for about 2 hours I think. She's now 19 and away at uni having a great time, having achieved top grades at A Level. So the early anaesthetic didn't do her any harm.

My cousin had various surgeries as a tiny baby as his mum (my aunt) had an accident when he was 4 months and his skull was fractured Shock. He's a perfectly normal adult now, working in a competitive professional job, so he doesn't seem to have been harmed either.

WhatwouldCJdo · 02/02/2019 16:43

One of my children had 3 GA's by the time he was 1. And 1 MRI.
Perhaps that's why he can't keep his bedroom tidy or put stuff away?

I've not heard of these studies. Please tell your worries to the consultant. They can go through your concerns with you and arrange a chat with the anesthetist (who always comes for a chat with us on the day of the op).

It's horrible to watch them go through having GA's, scans, operations so take the support they can give you. I hope things go well.

Original poster
TheOwlSong · 02/02/2019 17:04

Thank you for these replies, they are really comforting - although I'm sorry, I've realised my OP is pretty insensitive given none of us want our children to go through any procedures and if they need them we have no choice

It's relatively new research - many studies have limitations, one suggests no impact on cognition but maybe behaviour and motor skills, etc etc. The overall message is caution but that would be applied anyway due to the general risks of anaesthesia

It's tricky because it was given to us as a reason the consultant might choose to wait, but we've been told now that he's decided to book it sooner rather than later. I trust their judgement but it was a worry nonetheless

OP posts:
steppemum · 02/02/2019 17:09

dd had an MRI scan at 10 days old.
It wasn't a long one though, 20 minutes I think

She then had 13 general anaesthetics between aged 18 months and 2 1/2.

She is now 11 and fine, and just passed her 11+ for a superselective school, so don't think there was any lasting damage!

Canshopwillshop · 02/02/2019 17:11

Hope all goes well for your DD Owl.

DrinkSangriaInThePark · 02/02/2019 17:12

My twins both had hip operations under general anaesthetic at about 2 years of age. They are both happy healthy and very bright 11 year olds now. Top of their class and very well behaved. Don't worry, if your child needs the operation or MRI just go for it

Cheetahssitonfajitas · 02/02/2019 17:13

Yes, twice. First at 12 months. He's totally fine.

Helenluvsrob · 02/02/2019 17:18

Son now 23 had GA op at 5 months.
He seems as normal as the rest of the family 😂 doing an msc in neuroscience so I suspect not intellectually stunted ( though his eldest sis is finishing a phd )

Dowser · 02/02/2019 17:20

My son had his cleft lip repaired at 5 months then the palate at a year
Loads of grommet ops and tongue tie , redid his lip, tooth in nose

He’s fine

DustyMaiden · 02/02/2019 17:23

I have read that the reason cognitive function reduces after anaesthesia is due to B12 deficiency. Which is not permanent.

RevolvingBananaHaiku · 02/02/2019 17:24

DS had GA at 8mo. He's fine. Hope you're feeling less anxious about it now.

HJWT · 02/02/2019 17:31

My nephew has to be put to side on twi occasions before he was 2, one for an op the other for MRI, he was fine but VERY upset both times after waking up, and its really not nice to see so the stronger parent/family member should do that part.

crosstalk · 02/02/2019 17:34

OP another one who had a DC under general anaesthetic for an hour for a hand/foot op under 1yo. DC also fine, gross and motor skills great, no impairment. But clearly all this stuff is anecdotal.

Ask your consultant about his/her reservations. Only s/he knows about the actual length of time and why now and not later in their opinion.

The very best of luck

elliejjtiny · 02/02/2019 17:36

My 5 year old has had 18 general anaesthetics, he had his first aged 6 months. He's had about 5 Mri scans too, first one at 2 days old. No problems, try not to worry.

Carrotcakeisace · 02/02/2019 17:48

DD1 had 2 GA before 13 months, one a 6 months for an MRI and the 2nd just after her first birthday for surgery. She also walked at 10 months so no noticeable motor issues. She’s abolshy teenager now but I think that’s hormones rather than the GA.

MarshaBradyo · 02/02/2019 17:50

Yes four by the age of 1. Two for MRIs and two for procedures.

She’s great, going in great guns still.

I did hear something but thought it was animals they had tested.

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