To ask you to give me ideas to pass the time whilst DS has surgery.

[LadyMacbethWasMisunderstood]

DS (12) is having a major operation on Tuesday. I am going into hospital with him for 7am. We don’t know exactly when he will go to theatre. The operation is about 5 hours. I will stay in children’s theatres while he is in surgery. I shall not be able to concentrate to read I don’t think. I do not knit or sew. I have air pods so can listen to podcasts and I have a iphone and iPad. I do not usually play games on my phone but could if one was distracting enough. Any ideas of things I could download, or take with me to occupy my mind? I love classical music but find it quite emotional to listen to at times. I am hoping to be soothed and distracted. Listening to podcasts might be good. Usually I listen to political things or current affairs. But those would not be at all soothing. Many thanks.

Can you get out of the hospital? When DS had a major operation, I was strongly encouraged to get out for a while. Go have a meal, wander round a garden centre, walk in a park.
You'll likely have a hard few days on the ward during recovery, it was the break from the hospital that really helped me through it.

Wishing you and your DS well OP.
I find these adult sticker books nice and relaxing, you can just do a little bit at a time.

shop.balticmill.com/products/paint-by-sticker-works-of-art?variant=40228866916486

Thank you so very much for the great ideas. I really needed some help to get my thoughts going.

Children’s theatres has a dedicated waiting area for one parent or carer per child. I can definitely stay there. (DS had a much less complex procedure a couple of months ago, which only took an hour and was not such a worry and I was able to get on with a bit of work on my iPad on that occasion; won’t be able to concentrate for that this time around).

I used to love sticker books as a child. Then got to love them again when my children were little. I’ll have to see if it would come in time.

Rubik’s cube is a fun idea. I used to be able to do it when I was a teenager. But I tried a couple of years ago and had forgotten how! I’ll try again.

I think I’ll take the cube in my bag, my old copy of Jamaica Inn (which I loved years ago and is not a demanding read) and download a couple of the podcasts. And I will try the music suggested. I do get emotional over music but that is soothing.

I love jigsaws. Never thought of doing them on my iPad. Inspired.

And I shall set myself the task - if I’m up to it - of planning Christmas and ordering presents etc.

I feel better now, calmer in myself now that I have a bit of a plan. My older daughters are 22 and 19 and are fantastic. They and my DH and DF and DMiL will all keep in touch on the family WhatsApp too so I won’t feel alone.

Thanks for the heads up about how long he will be gone. Thanks to everyone. It’s all been really helpful. And to those saying try to get out of the hospital, I do understand how that is good advice. Just for the my particular reasons it’s not something I’m going to do. But thank you for thinking about me and suggesting it.

How are you @LadyMacbethWasMisunderstood ?

Hope it went smoothly