What to expect in hospital with a 20 month old?

[Lisalumps]

Hi all

My 20 month old boy is due to go into hospital for an operation on his forearm and hand. he was born missing 2 fingers and with a shorter forearm so they are lengthening his arm and trying to give him better grip with the fingers he has.

Truth is I am a bit scared but also not sure what to take with me to hospital. I have been told to expect a 3 night stay and I am allowed to stay with him but never having done this before I don't know what to expect when I get there. can anyone help with advice?

Lisalumps

My son had grommets put in at about the same age. Only a day operation, but I bought a big etch a sketch and got some books for him as a special treat. Most childrens hospitals are fantastic and have heaps of toys and space.

BUT - DS came out of the anaesthetic in a full blown rage - tantrum of the century and stayed inconsolable for about an hour. Apparently this is known as an anaethestic rage and is quite common in children. It is really hard to watch - we ended up with him on the floor between us in an empty room with hubby and I just singing kids songs - more for us than him. No one had told me about this beforehand!!

Good luck and at this age it will be harder on you than him, just somehow try to make it an adventure for him.

Cheers

M

Sorry - forgot to mention that I was in Tasmania at the time, and not the UK.
I'm sure the hospital will be very well prepared for kiddies though.

Oh and most hospitals are very drying on the skin so take some nice moisturiser to pamper yourself with. Don't forget to look after yourself and try to eat well and relax when you can.

Thanks for all the advice I'll watch out for the anaesthetic rage!!

I have bought him a spercial Brum bag and loads of books to put in it. I have also knitted him an Iggle Piggle which is his fave Night Garden character.

I think you are right that I might find it worse than him, I'll be leaving my 3 month old and my 2 1/2 year old for 3 nights while I'm in with Jake so I think it will be a tricky 3 nights.

Lisalumps

I spent a week in hospital with my 4yo dd a couple of months ago. There was a chair next to the bed that folds out into a metal frame camp bed thing. They brought me sheets and pillow each evening to make it up. They was a play table in the middle of each ward/bay with plenty of play things for little ones, and of course a tv/dvd player that was great for mine as she's older. There was also a good play area near the nurses station with loads of toys and dressing up and games etc. Unfortunately, as is often the case of course, my dd was quite poorly and pretty much bed ridden so was unable to play there, but we were made most welcome rto go and help ourselves to toys for her to play with in bed.
I was at derby childrens hospital and there was more than enough to keep the more able amused. Good Luck.

I take some favourite toys, his own pyjamas and a light-weight grow bag for night time. It's always too hot on the ward when we go in (have been in lots of times over the last year after a liver transplant at age 13 months - he's 2.5 now). Remember stuff for you too. Also some of his favourite snacks/drinks.

Best experience after GA was when we managed to get him drinking plenty before hand (up to 2 hours before) so he didn't come round thirsty. And also remember to make sure they have their normal day-time nap if possible as GA is no substitute!

Lots of distraction when they put in canulas - The hospitals usually have lots of toys and ours has special play staff to help with distraction as well. He is still quite happy going back to hospital and clinic and has blood taken regularly without getting upset.

Good luck - hope all goes well.