Toddler can't eat or drink before op, how?!

[MenArentMindReaders]

My toddler is going to have a minor op and can't eat or drink before it, how on earth am I going to manage his hanger and tantrums?

Any tips? I'm absolutely dreading it.

What time is his op? My DD (not a toddler but definitely hangry prone) had an op, she was early on the list so really had only missed breakfast. Is he allowed to drink beforehand?

You just need to keep them busy - whatever it takes. Honestly if you are both busy it will pass quicker than you'd imagine.

if it’s early morning, the change in routine helps with distraction. There is no getting around the fact that the child is going to be grumpy though.

We were lucky to be at an amazing children’s hospital filled with toys and staff who were used to dealing with scared and angry toddlers. Plus used to dealing with scared and exhausted parents. They guided us through everything and kept dc happy.

drunk toddler post-surgery is actually much more challenging. Ours was ready to get up and play and we just wanted to nap. We expected her to be groggy. She was supposed to be careful but was ready to run. The problem was she was basically drunk and kept running into walls and falling over, which was definitely contra-indicated for her surgical recovery.

Oh and check with your doctor, but when we had ours, breastmilk counts as a clear liquid so can be consumed closer to surgery than most other foods. That helped quite a bit if you are still breastfeeding.

I agree with keeping busy. Mine had an op at three and it was about 1pm when it was scheduled. We brought a small new toy to distract them and then resorted to the iPad with headphones for a bit when they got ratty.

Hope it all goes well

I have 3 dc probably had about 30 operations between them.
It depends on time of operation - if afternoon you will probably be able to give an early light breakfast, if morning I gave extra milk before bed, plus a snack. Lists are usually done in age order so you shouldn't be too late. I found changing routine/distraction helped. For example bath when got up, then dressed, don't even go in the kitchen and then straight to hospital. When at hospital there's new toys, lots of things to see it down passes. I also hot up before dc made sure I had a cup of tea and some toast because I didn't want to eat/drink infront of them but needed to look after myself in order to look after dc (especially when breastfeeding). You can usually let ghem have water/cordial but not blackcurrant juices if having gastric surgery. When dc is in theatre the first thing you need need to do is hydrate yourself (and eat if you can manage it) because you need to be able to care for them after. Honestly the thought of them not eating is worse than the actual process. The hospital had age appropriate booklets to read to dc about going to theatre that may help if yours do that.

They normally get the very young ones in first. My DD was 3 when she went in for her tonsils & adenoids removed. I bought the book Ollie’s Tonsils from Amazon and that definitely helped, not sure if your little one is old enough to understand a book?

How old?

At 20 months, I just distracted.
At 3yo I tried to explain, but obviously didn't do a good job because he stalked in to the ward and proclaimed "mummy is trying to starve me to death. She won't give me any food"
At 6yo I explained and made it a huge adventure with a midnight feast and treats.

He's 3. I have to be at hospital for 8am but they haven't said when his actual app will be. They said he can't eat or drink from midnight the night before. Hopefully he will be first in the list.