Looking after kids after general anaesthetic

[WHYohwhy12]

I'm having a ga today. DH is at home. However it's the Easter holidays so kids will be at home with me tomorrow alone. The NHS says don't look after children for 24 hours after a general anaesthetic. Has anyone looked after their kids after? Hopefully I'll be home this evening then DH goes to work tomorrow morning. I'm only gonna be under for about 20 minutes if all goes well so I don't know if that effects it
Thanks

It took me 10 days to recover after a GA - and I was only under for about 10 minutes!

I guess it will depend on how old your kids are, and if they can entertain themselves.

Depends on their ages and behaviour. A sensible 8 year old who can entertain himself is different from a needy 2 year old.

5 and 10

I’ve had quite a few GAs and have always felt don’t by the afternoon for small procedures (the ones you’re sent straight home for after). Longer ones I have been kept in hospital after.

I think a 20min procedure with be fine, especially with a good night’s sleep. At that age, a bit of tv isn’t going to hurt them if you don’t feel up for playing or the park.

I think you’ll be fine really , just plan a very chill day with lunchboxes already made , snacks prepped , tv on and tablet time .

Could be ok if they are sensible. 10 year old ought to be able to make sandwiches etc.
I would still make sure I am down on the sofa and not in bed, even if they are entertaining themselves.

You will be tired, but perfectly capable of making sure a 5 & 10 year old stay alive. The main thing would be pain and immobility from any surgery itself. I’ve had some where I was up and fine the next day and I’ve had some where I literally couldn’t get out of bed because of the pain. But I think you will be okay from the GA by itself, just hand off to Dh as soon as he walks back in the door and go to bed. He can sort dinner and bedtime.

I had three when I was a single mum. I felt great afterwards but the following day I was tired.

I think you’ll be fine as long as the 5 year old is likely to be happy playing in the house or watching a film with you on the sofa.
Have some easy to grab lunch & snack options ready for them, or get DH to make lunch boxes before he goes to work.

Please take care of yourself; whilst you will probably be fine, do a bit of research on the symptoms that can sometimes occur - I can be really tearful, for example, so perhaps explain that to your older child so they aren’t surprised x

Can your DH work from home if you are feeling ropey?

I was told to have an adult with me for 24 hours afterwards every time I've had a GA.

People respond differently to anaesthetic. I wake up ready to run a marathon whereas my husband takes a week to get over it. Unless you've had one before you won't know which you are! Either way, if your children are generally sensible and well behaved, and your husband makes sure food, snacks etc. are prepared for you so all you have to do is chill and keep an eye on them then you should be OK.