Help - so emotional about ds's operation

[Tractorandtree]

Ds1 (4.7) has to have an operation tomorrow, it's routine surgery, low risk etc etc but I can't stop panicking about it and so so worried that something will go wrong.

I've been trying to be upbeat about it for ds1 and he seemed fine but then this evening he was saying he was scared and I really really don't want him to feel scared or to realise that I am scared.

I'm crying at the slightest thing at the moment as so worried that something dreadful will happen. I know the risk is low and I'm also aware that I'm very lucky that he's generally well and healthy and that many parents go through so much worse but trying to rationalise my worries isn't working at the moment.

Does anyone have any tips for how to appear calm to ds1 and how not to cry as he has the anaethestic? My eyes are welling up now just at the thought of it.

Please don't worry, anaesthetic is vv safe and I would much rather my dcs had a GA than something painful under local.

I used to be an anaesthetic nurse, he will be treated like the precious boy he is, recovery nurses love a cuddle with kids waking up
You will be allowed in the anaesthetic room, stay strong for him, make a joke of it like 'mummy wishes she was gonna have a little sleep'.

You will be called as soon as he's maintaining his airway, you will be allowed into recovery then

Good luck, he won't need it but you will {{hugs}}

My DS was similar age when he had to undergo a GA. They needed him to starve. That was perhaps the worst part. Also because he'd undergone so many other X-rays and blood tests etc he was getting annoyed by the time we got to this stage.

It was horrible putting him out but it had to be done. The drs and nurses know what they are doing.

Lots of luck.

Thanks both. Reassuring to hear how the nurses will care for him mosschops as I hate the thought I can't be with him all the time.

Yes the starving is not going to be good - going to wake him shortly for a very late supper to try and stave off the hunger pangs tomorrow a bit longer.

I know logically it will all be fine but then my neurotic brain says that there's always a risk

Tractor hope everything goes well and thank u for starting this thread my ds1 also 4.7 is having an op soon and iv found the responses helpful to me too :) good luck x x x

Just a thought re the post starving. He will wake up afterwards perhaps slightly grumpy. My ds was promised mcdonalds - I legged it to the nearest one whilst he was out. When he woke up, and after grumpiness, he wolfed his food down and promptly vomited. So... Make sure he takes his time...! Although how you can tell a 4 year old that is beyond me!! Good luck

My DS had a GA at 3 and I was feeling exactly the same as you if you can take another adult DH or your DM/DF I found it really helpful to have snother adult there to keep me calm whilst I kept DS calm iyswim.

Well he's in at the moment and I'm wandering around in a daze. Had to hold him while they gave him the GA which was good as he couldn't see the tears but was horrid as I felt him go limp feeling completely spaced out at the moment.

Tractor please don't worry about him, children are very well looked after in theatres
Have you had a GA before, he won't even know you were gone, it will be like 2 mins has passed for him

Tractor how'd he get on? Hope ur both ok x

Hi, thanks both. In fact it all went very smoothly for him, he made a quick recovery, wasn't sick at all, ate constantly all afternoon and we're home already and he's fast asleep in his bed . It was definitely harder on me than it was on him. I'm feeling much more relaxed now it's all over

Thanks for the support.

Hope all goes well with your ds' operation mummyto2boys

Glad to hear ur ds is ok :) go put ur feet up now and relax

Great news
Think you deserve a glass of wine now

Hello tractorandtree I 'm so glad to hear your son's op went well and thanks for your support too!