What to take to hospital

[PersianStar]

Hi everyone
DD5 is finally going in for grommets, tonsils and adenoids on Friday and I’m now in a state of panic.
i have no idea if it’s supposed to be a day case or overnight so I’m planning as if it’s the latter. We were supposed to have a pre op phone call today but it hasn’t happened.
I'm packing the usual clothes, jamas, tooth brush, teddy etc. also taking a lunchbox of snacks for her along with entertainment in case we are waiting/ staying in but does anyone have any hidden tips that I may have missed?

Thanks 😊

Chewy sweets as per the recommendation of DD’s consultant! Exercising the muscles in the jaw and throat helps with pain

I would say it's unlikely you will stay in if she is an otherwise healthy 5 year old but no harm being prepared - can you maybe leave an over night bag in the car to save lugging it around with you if not needed?

Don't forget stuff for your self - both overnight and during the day. You need to eat too and a bottle for water. Bring your phone charger. Hospitals are usually boiling hot so bare that in mind.

My experience of children having general anaesthetic for minor ops like this is they wake up SUPER HANGRY. They are nil by mouth from the night before and by the time the op is done both of mine were besides themselves with hunger. Have those snacks handy and offer them early before panicking she is so upset.

You will need that pre-op call or to speak to someone from the team because you need to know what time she needs to stop drinking water etc.

Thanks both. Chewy sweets have gone on the list.
we have a letter that tells us the times for nil by mouth so we know that.

My daughter was in for colonoscopy last week - next bed in day case room was 4 year old tonsillectomy. They kept her 4 hours after waking up to check on her and then sent her home.

Phone charger, baby wipes, PJ's, clean pants, spare t shirt for you in case you get vomited on, snacks, favourite squash and water bottle, iPad with favourite shows downloaded as NHS WiFi can be sketchy, crocs for DD for post op toilet trips.

IIRC from when mine had the same op at 3, try have to stay in 4/6 hours post op as that's the most likely time for a bleed. So will depend on what time she's in. We ended up having to wait as they were originally not going to do his tonsils despite us telling the consultant persistently about sleep apnea. The anaesthetic took one look at this tonsils and said if they don't come out as well you'll be back next year and thankfully consultant agreed so we had to be moved to alter int he day which meant an overnight.

For you:
phone charger
tablet
book
snacks
water
tissues
pen and paper
head phones
extra sweater
wipes
hand Sanitizer
some coins

best wishes

Make sure she had a good drink if Water or squash as soon as she gets up. Helps stop the complaining later. Although we allow water until
An hour before.

You are wise to pack a bag just in case of staying in.

Take a couple of changes of clothes and err on the side of dressing for a hot summers day with extra layers in case they're needed. Take slippers for DD or shoes that come on/off quickly for trips to the bathroom. Don't expect the toilets or floors to be clean so definitely don't go in just socks/bare feet.

However, on the outside chance that you end up staying in, be prepared that it can get very cool at night.

Be prepared to ask for things that used to be brought to patients as a matter of course, for example a jug of water. The nurses are run off their feet to the extent that a lot of these things are left to parents to request rather than given as standard now but don't feel that you can't ask.

Take plenty of good food for yourself. Don't assume that you'll be able to nip to the shop. You can end up having a long wait to be discharged but you won't want to leave the ward in case you miss the doctors.

Be ready for strange reactions to the general anaesthetic like shivering, vomiting, being upset. My DD was incandescent with rage at everyone including me, which apparently they don't see as often.

Thank you to everyone who has posted, they were a great help. The bag in the car was needed!
we had complications with the adenoid removal so had to be rushed back to theatre.
now staying in just to make sure all is well. DD is completely knocked out from all the anaesthetic. Waking up for about 30 seconds to gulp water down then back to sleep for an hour

Aww, poor little thing. Hope she bounces back soon x