Small child general anaesthtic advice please

[FjorgynAndHotWater]

Hello,

My DS fell and cut his hand badly yesterday afternoon so took him to A&E. Saw a plastic surgeon who said they need to do an exploratory operation to check there is no nerve / tendon damage so we are taking him back in at 12 today when they will do the operation under general anaesthetic. I was in shock a bit yesterday so never thought to ask how long he will need to remain in hospital after he has woken up again.

Can anyone help please? My sister will be looking after my DD while we are at hospital but I have absolutely no idea how long we will be

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.

My DS had a GA aged 3 to have an operation on his foot. When he had the anaesthetic, he woke up from it and was extremely tired (this is normal). He then slept for 2 hours in the ward and then got up, went to toilet, ate sandwich, was fine and went home. I think it's standard. The anaesthetics are very light. The next day, you couldn't tell he'd had an operation - apart from huge bandages!

When they actually come round, before they sleep the anaesthetic off, they can be a bit disorientated etc.

Thank you babyapplejack that's very helpful

I do think children, like adults, react very differently to anaesthetics. My ds was awake and eating chips 2 hours after coming back to the ward and home after 4. But the child in the next bed was still very sleepy as we were going home.

One thing, just to warn you - something that shocked me was how suddenly ds fell asleep. They put a cannula thing in his hand (they used loads of anasthetic cream and he didn't notice them doing it) then he was choosing his 'bravery certificate" as they gave him the anaesthetic. One second he was chatting, then asleep in the middle of a word. I wish somebody had told me that it wasn't going to be a drifting off sleep!

He was absolutely fine, and still talks about how much he liked the "special sleep".

So try not to worry. Easy to say I know - but it will be fine.

Thanks for the warning seeker, I'm sure that would be v unnerving if you weren't expecting it. Will try not to worry then and pack a book...

How is he now? I hope you're safely home and watching the rugby!

Just back, he's fine They couldn't find a vein in his chubby toddler hands so he had to have gas in the end, but they let us go about three hours after he first woke up so not too bad. Currently running around like nothing's happened while I sit dazed and about 10 years older than this time yesterday...

Thanks for your help