ds is having grommets the day after tomorrow and I feel like cancelling

[emkana]

He hates hospitals, I hate seeing him under GA, aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh

I know it will be quick and relatively painless, I know I know I know

So you know.

It's easy peasy, and he'll be so much the better for it. My step-son had them inserted too late, and it hindered him developmentally. This is the right thing to do, and he'll have fun! The hospital will be all decked out with Christmas stuff, and he'll feel really special!

Anyhow, have you got any new pics of His Royal Gorgeousness?

It's better he has this done than has recurrent ear infections and has reduced hearing. Children often fall behind at school if they are having problems hearing the teacher. You'll be doing him a huge favour. If you tell the nurse who is caring for him that you can't cope seeing him in the anaesthetic room then she'll go in with him. It'll help you both. You are able to do this. I've taken over from a few upset mums, they don't mind.

Yorkiegirl's DD2 had this done - her life was transformed. (Poor mite needs it doing again, but that is another tale)

It is everything you've just said! I had them in as a child and can't even remember!!
I know that watching your child go uder isn't nice, had to do it with two of mine and yes i cried (obviously they didn't see!), try to stay calm good luck!

I realy know how you feel My dd was just 2 and we we were so concerned about putting her thru the op. but it has been absoulutely amazing, she has blossomed now she can hear! I agree totally with scrooged talk to the nurses, maybe husband/ partner could take him into the anaesthetic room and you be there for him in recovery

good luck

Big hand hold to you, Emkana.

I know...it goes in waves. the first couple of times DS was in hospital needing a GA (after the first time) I felt a bit more blase about it..now I feel super-sensitised again, in an 'oh no, not again' way.

Really sorry you have to go through this. Is there anything you can do that would make him happier? Like leave his own bed at home all ready fro when he gets back, and make a big show of not packing his pyjamas...emphasising thatyou will be home for a certain event..tea or whatever? So that he knows that it's a short visit?

But don't cancel. (I know you won't, anyway)You don't want it hanging over you over christmas - it will only get worse with waiting. What is it the Brazilians say? Eat a frog for breakfast, or something. i.e get the nasty thing out of the way as early as poss.

Good luck.

emanka i cannot explain to you how your son will feel afterwards, I hardly spoke at all until I had the operation, not surprising since i couldnt hear!

i had grommets put in over 15 years ago and i can still remember that feeling of finally being able to hear the same as everyone else. The only problem when i got older was i started to speak very quietly because I thought I was too loud! The operation will be fine, can you take a favourite toy? the only thing that meant i would go in was my teddy!

I also had mine re done 4 times and the feeling afterwards each time was fantastic!

I hope it all goes well and wishing you both the best of luck and the quietest christmas yet!

It is a really quick operation and he will be up and playing with in hours of the operation.

It will probably be worst for you than him. The biggest trauma for my son was a nurse suggesting that he should wear a nappy incase he wet himself during the operation. That suggestion was met with toddler red mist and the nurse realised there was no way she would ever get my son to wear a nappy. Instead they put an incontinene pad under him, just like they do when adults have a GA.

When my son had his grommets he was playing two hours later. The poor nurse had to chase him inorder to do observations.

Thanks guys

I will be brave.

Honestly, it'll be totally fine. My son had his first set at 2.6 along with his adenoids removed and an hour later he was in the playroom causing havoc.

He had his second set in October age 6. Four hours later he was at home and out in the garden playing on his trampoline.

Its so worth it for the amount of relief they get from having it done. x

I used to work in an Ear, Nose and Throat operating theatre, and assisted at more grommet insertions than you can shake a stick at - and it honestly is just about the quickest, simplest operation you can have, and I don't think I ever saw even one child have problems.

I really understand the worry - I've been on the other side of the fence too, when ds1 needed minor surgery aged 4 - and even knowing what I know, it was still scary - but you've got support here, so please try not to worry (not easy, I know).

Hugs.

My son did have problems with grommets, but its really rare. I don't know anyone else's child who was as unlucky as my son in real life. I believe is one in hundreds of children who experience complications.

Even then the operation was very easy. His problem was the grommets fell out after 8 weeks, he had constant infections and the perforations took nine months to heal.

Even though my son was unlucky he did get benefit from the operation. His speech improved really quickly.

I suggest that you get some putty ear moulds to keep water out the ears during bath time. Ear bandits are good. In some areas you an get fitted ear moulds from paediatric audiology.

Another hand to hold, cyberly. dd2 is having tonsils/adenoids out in 4 weeks, and half of me feels like you - the other half can't wait to have her sorted out, because I hope and trust it will make her life a lot, lot easier.

I don't know anything about grommets, but hope it goes well, that you get lots of reassurance, and that ds enjoys some fuss and treats and not too much discomfort...