Anaesthetic - preparing for it for adopted/attachment needs child

[anotherneutralname]

Just that really. One of the DC needs an operation under general anaesthetic.
The standard "this is what having an anaesthetic is like" children's video from the hospital website would absolutely terrify them, based on my viewing of it.

I wondered whether any of you knew of any trauma-informed resources about this, or whether you had any real-life tips?

Many many thanks in advance!

My DD10 had a general anaesthetic this year, she’s had various health issues over the years and is very anxious about hospitals etc. What helped her was meeting the surgeon a few times before during the assessments for her surgery. During her pre-op (which was done by phone with me), the nurse explained in detail exactly what would happen in what order so I could do a visual schedule and my DD and I talked about it over the week beforehand. I explained she would be going for a sleep, that she wouldn’t feel anything, I would be with her.

In her pre-op examination the consultant met with her again, explained in child friendly language what would happen and answered all her questions clearly - he took them all seriously and spent time with her. On the day the consultant met her coming into the ward, introduced the anaesthetist who explained what he would be doing and everything happened according to her timetable.

All of the staff took time with her, joked with her and generally helped her feel comfortable - it was all fine, the worst for her was waking up feeling dizzy and sick but again the staff were on hand and very helpful.

The hospital was truly excellent and that’s what made the difference in preparing her, I didn’t use books or videos ahead of time we just talked openly about it and I explained how they would do things, and the hospital staff reinforced it at all of our meetings.

Shell need reconstructive surgery next year which she’s not anxious about at all.

Thank you so much, that’s incredibly helpful. I’m so glad your DD’s went well, and hope the next part does too.