Baby is having surgery tomorrow

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My DS 18months is having surgery tomorrow. I am absolutely terrified and can't stop crying. It's a common procedure but I'm so terrified something bad is going to happen and he won't wake up.
I've never had surgery before so have no idea what it's like.
Does anyone have any advice or can just comfort me in any way?

My ds had a common procedure when he was 3yo, it was absolutely fine, don't worry.

They do surgeries on kids of this age all the time, honestly don't worry.

www.rcoa.ac.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2022-06/07-ChildsAnaesthetic2020web.pdf

My son had a 2 minute op (tongue tie) at 11 months. He woke up starving hungry and thirsty and wasn't phased by anything else. X

Oh sorry you are so worried

It is completely normal to be afraid. You know logically that the odds are very very much that everything will be fine, but is scary because... it is your baby!!

I think you just have to tell yourself the time will pass and the surgeons know what they are doing. It will eventually be time for him to wake up. But your feelings are not abnormal, IMO.

Completely normal to think the absolute worst things about the operation. Ds was 10 months old and the surgery was in a massive Children's Hospital and it really put it into perspective that there must be a lot of children under going medical care and operations to have a hospital dedicated to just children.

Ds was a little dopey from the anaesthetic but was soon bouncing around and eating yoghurt. I won't lie, it was awful when we knew the operation was taking place but we got through it and so did Ds.

Take a drink and some snacks and a pillow for you while he’s in there as you need to look after yourself to look after him. Maybe a paracetamol in case you get a headache from worrying! I know I did.
I also cried like I was a baby and the staff cuddled me and I will be forever grateful they looked after BOTH of us. So don’t be scared to let those feelings out.
I hope all goes well.

1stly you have to at least outwardly be calm as if you are openly anxious and crying they will pick up on it (believe me even after 20 surgeries each time dd has 1 inwardly I'm a wreck but all she sees is my confident face). Be prepared for a wait when you get there with a child that's grumpy they can't eat/drink. You will be allowed to stop with them till they are asleep which is hard to see but staff are always so caring. Afterwards they will probably wake up very grumpy and might be sick (spare clothes always a good idea).
They will be fine and not even remember it.

My son had major surgery at 15 months and it was a horrible experience. He was grand and well taken care of, but it was very traumatic to see him put under and to do the waiting. He kept taking off his mask, so they asked if I would hold it on to put him to sleep, so I stroked his hair and sang. By the time he was sleeping, I was crying but I knew the last thing he saw was me smiling at him. It was very successful though and he recovered so well. He smiled as soon as he woke up and saw me, just like normal. I would take a million things to try and distract yourself, because the waiting is the hardest bit imo.

I second what @Snugglemonkey says - please try and remain calm for your child - if they see you panic, they will also panic. My DS had to go in 2 weeks ago for an op and I was so scared. DH walked him down to theatre as I knew I would just cry, and DH is such a cool cucumber I knew he would be brave. I was lucky and got to be there when he woke up, so he saw both of us and we were both calm and happy so that relaxed him.

I hope his Op goes well and try not to clock-watch - easier said than done but do try and go outside for fresh air, go for a coffee and get some headspace. Minutes never drag so slowly than when you are waiting for them to come out of theatre.

Hope the surgery has gone/goes well and your DS recovers quickly.
It's natural to be worried and frightened. If it hasn't taken place yet, I would definitely second what a PP has said about doing your very best to remain calm in front of your little one. He will be looking to you for reassurance and his sense of stability. Completely understand it's easier said than done and perfectly natural to want to cry but if you can hold out until after he has gone under the anaesthetic, that would massively help. If you have a partner that can be with you and they feel they might find it easier to manage, let them go down with your child.
When your son comes back, try not to be too alarmed if he is crying, yelling and being grumpy. It's quite common and does (usually) wear off quite quickly. They can be very disorientated from the effects of anaesthesia and any pain. The healthcare team should be closely monitoring him and reacting to any pain if indeed they can give further medications. Usually pain relief will have been given in theatre as well.
Also, even if the procedure is quite quick, don't worry if your child is down for longer than you thought they might be. Time seems to slow down but there's the 'faff" factor of getting them into theatre and appropriately positioned before the procedure can go ahead as well as the post operative recovery time before a parent is called to be with their little one. Always feels like an eternity.
Good luck - and don't be surprised if you feel utterly exhausted and like you could sleep for a week afterwards. Your adrenalin and cortisol levels will be hugely raised and the 'crash' afterwards is all consuming.

Thank you for all the support! Babies surgery was this morning and me and partner were both allowed in together, he fought it and as I walked out after I broke down! But all went so well and he didn't cry at all when waking up!

That’s good OP 🙂 hope DC recovers quickly and is home soon x