to think DS will die?

[Flojo1979]

Ok so he's perfectly healthy normal 7 yo.
And I've always been pessimistic about stuff, like every time I get on a plane I wonder will this be the one to fall out of the sky, I won't go on fair rides etc cos I'm convinced MY cart will derail etc.
Balanced with that tho, I dont worry when I get behind the wheel of my car.
Anyway, DS is having an operation tomorrow just a simple routine thing, but I can't help thinking what if, what if, what if and what if he doesn't wake up etc.
I know I'm being unreasonable but I need a bit of hand holding! I'm a single mum so I don't have a DH to hold my hand so pls will someone be the voice of reason!

flojo..so glad it all went ok !!..maybe in your bed tonight !!

Soultrain ....ds3 had an op when he was 3 so not the same as yours but if I remember correctly they put a "magic"numbing plaster on his hand when we checked in so canula went in while I distracted ds .

But if you hold him in your arms while going under ..be aware of what a dead weight they become !!! Horrible feeling ...a nurse supported his legs while he was in my arms and we both lifted him to the table .

And dont worry if it all gets emotional ..I think they are use to it ...nurse had my handbag and coat ready on her arm to guide me straight out of there and made me a coffee (and gave me lots of tissues !!)

Take his favorite teddy or blanket(and dummy if got one ). The only thing my ds remembers now is that he was allowed juice and toast with JAM in bed !!!

Home now.
My DS was really upbeat when he woke up and was also excited to get toast with JAM in bed!
Only thing I can say is, its def much worse for the parents than the kids!
He's already asked if we can do it again soon!! To him its been a good day out, getting fussed over all day!
I do take him out btw!

Def recommend u take something to distract while going under. I never thought to bring anything for that and the nurses didn't have any toys or anything, probably thought he was too old to have rattles waves around the room, tho it probably would have distracted him thinking

So pleased for you flojo!

So glad it all went well!

Your wee boy sounds brilliant. Some kids dream of Disneyland. . . and others a trip to the children's ward. Typical! Like buying them a present and them playing with the wrapping paper.

Well done you, btw. You did it! You coped. Have a good night.

Another PP was asking about GA for littlies. With DD it was a mask over her nose and mouth that sent her off to sleep- no cannula. They did insert a line for fluids but that was done once she was under.

There were no toys for distraction?
We were very up on the benefits of distraction, and had all sorts for children from tiny baby to probably about 12 / 13 - usually where's wally books at that age. Everyone likes a bit of distraction even I liked looking at Where's Wally with the kids
Definately take a loved toy with you too.

Ok, thanks for your responses. It's just so terrifying .

Flojo - wishing your son a speedy recovery

Flojo - glad to hear

SoulTrain
We were given a pre-med for DS2 (2yrs 10mths at the time) as he was getting a bit wound up before the op so he was already quite sleepy before the GA. I held him while they held the mask close to his face and one of nurses held a Tigger toy for him to look at.

Soul Train good info here about children and anaesthetics
www.rcoa.ac.uk/childrensinfo

In general: GAs for children are very, very safe. Statistically safer than the car journey to the hospital (assuming you drive). Yet we generally don't agonise before we put children in the car every day! Human perception of risk is a funny old business.

Re: "going off to sleep".... method varies from anaesthetist to anaesthetist - you can either use gas or pop a cannula in and give intra venous medicine. Each method has advantages and disadvantages. The best one is probably the one the anaesthetist on the day is comfortable using... personally I vary depending on the situation and my impression of the child's cooperativeness.

Do try to make it all into an exciting day out, don't make a big deal to your child about fasting and good luck!

I second that, make it like an adventure, a great day out etc which is why my DS said today "I wish I could have an operation every day!

One thing that helped DS2's recovery from the anaesthetic was when he discovered the buttons that made his bed go up and down. He went from grumpy and sorry for himself to laughing his head off as the bed zoomed up and down. They really do bounce back far more quickly than us parents!

Thanks gasman will have a good read later. How's DS doing Flo?

DS is fine, I keep having to remind him that he should be relaxing today not zooming round the place!