DS1 is going to hospital for an operation on his belly button on Friday. Any tips for kids having an operation?

[geraldinetheluckygoat]

DS1 (4) is going to Hinchinbrooke on Friday, as a day patient to have his belly button tidied up (he had an umbilical hernia when a baby). We've been to visit, he was very nervous, and hates all the poking and prodding, but after looking round (at the toys!), he's quite excited.

I on the other hand, am DREADING it!! Any tips for me? How can I make it as smooth a process as possible? We've said he can have lots of treats and a special toy when he comes out, Im worried that the hour long journey later that day is going to be really uncomfortable for him.
Can anyone give me any tips about what to take, or anything else you can think of to make it easier? I know it's only a very simple operation, but he's my pfb and I'm worrying about it

My DD had this aged 6. I too was worried sick beforehand and I have to say, she handled it much better than I thought she would!

There are lots of toys and craft stuff usually on the ward where they wait. DD loved this bit! The thing I would warn you about is that they put DD under the GA while she was on DH's knee so it would be more comfortable for her, DH found this very upsetting, the way she just slumped in his arms, so prepare yourself for that if thats the way your hospital does it.

Your DS won't be allowed to eat or drink anything, so DH & I didn't either in front of her, so make sure you have a good breakfast before you get there as you won't want to be stuffing your face in front of him

Def take a new toy as a present - why not wrap it up?

Within 10 mins of DD coming back from theatre, she was sitting up in bed having a feast of jam on toast, a banana and a glass of juice!

HTH, good luck

Is he having a GA? Because that was the worst bit for me - so prepare yourself that you will cry buckets.

For you - take a good book, knitting etc whatever works for you to pass the time while the procedure is being done. Distraction worked wonders for both me and ds2.

Maybe though (although might be a bit late now) the trick would be not to make too big a deal out of it, for him? Hard, I know, when it's all you're thinking about.

Ah thanks MamaG, your post has made me well up a bit (in defence, I am a bit premenstrual LOL).
Thanks for your advice, I had no idea they might put him to sleep on one of our laps.Glad you warned me of this, sounds horrific!! They showed him a big electric toy jeep, which he can drive himself to the theatre in, there's road markings and traffic lights down the corridoor He is very excited about that part!!

I am worried that he will be monstrous without breakfast, so hope we dont have to wait too long.

I am very heartenend that your DD came round and was fine very quickly, has made me less nervous! My own experience of having lots of ops when I was a kid was of feeling really horrible and spending the day being sick afterwards, but maybe things have moved on and this op is quicker so he hopefully wont feel so bad.

You're welcome. The jeep sounds fab

I remember how worried I was and then how relieved I was afterwards. Her recovery was great. My sister had a lot of ops as a child and was always ill afterwards (30 years ago) so its a good sign that things have moved on.

Oh, re the car journey, we had a 1hr 20 min journey home and TBH she slept for most of it, she certainly wasn't in any pain

Don't be surprised if he is very grumpy and doesn't want much attention when he first wakes up. GA can make a lot of children feel very cross for some reason. DD was a corker!

They should have a play therapist type person on the childrens ward, if you have a bit of a wait before going into theatre it's worth asking if they would come and spend a few mins with your son, they are used to children being restless or anxious.

Re the breakfast thing, we went shopping the day before and dd chose her special tea for when she cam home to make up for no breakfast. That helped quite a bit when she was grumpy in the morning, we talked about what we would do later etc.

brilliant, good to know about the journey. Thanks itsmeolord, for your advice too, great idea about special tea, we will definitely do that!
Yeah he is having a GA Runnyhabbit, am dreading it!! Im sure it will be all fine though, will be glad when it's all over...

How did it go?

just wanted to wish you good luck - my ds was born with this and v early on i had to face the prospect of having the op. however it popped in after a while. hope it goes well