what to take to hospital for dd ....

[dilbertina]

I know, there must be a million threads somewhere on this - but I can't find any!

Have just found out dd is having her adenoids out & grommets in op. next Tuesday. She is nearly 4yo and her op is scheduled for 11.30am so I guess it's possible they'll keep her in overnight.

What are the best practical things to take?

Also, for anyone who has been there done that, how long was it before they're up and about again? It's dds birthday on Friday and party Saturday...and I am being hugely over-optimistic not to cancel party?

Many thanks in advance for any advice!

Message withdrawn

Hi DD had this same procedure in June last year. IIRC she was away from us for about 1.5 hrs, she was also quite late on the morning list but didn't stay overnight, you have to wait something like 4 hrs from the time that they arrive back before you can go home(it's during these 4 hours that bleeding is most likely to occur). I think she went down about 11 ish and we were home for 5.30.

DD had to stay away from school for 14 days due to infection risks and we were advised to keep her away from crowded places during that time too for the same reason. I think I would ring the ward to find out about the party because of the infection risk. DD was up and about very quickly considering everything and hated being of school for that length of time.

We were also home later on in the day when my ds had this operation. Bring something to keep you occupied while you wait around, like a book, and also a snack in your bag as otherwise you'll end up buying something you don't want in the shop, as you won't relax enough to go to the cafe while she is having the op.
Just some books to keep her amused too - either reading, sticker, or colouring ones.

She probably will be well enough for the party, but I would agree that you should check with the hospital first.

well I'm glad you didn't all say def. no to party, I will check with hospital. Problem is it's a joint party with a friend with entertainer booked, and all other w/e in next month have parties already, so not easy to cancel - she'd prob. just not be able to go to own party if too big a risk

Is it normal to only get a couple of days notice of operation? letter yesterday, pre-op mon, op tues (with snotty note saying if we didn't take it up she would be removed from waiting list )

potoftea, hennipenni...was there a lot of pain post-op?

Ipod-free house I'm afraid, portable cd somewhere I could try to find, purchased for first labour when I thought some nice tunes might distract from pain - ha! stories for her might work after though - thanks cod

DD complained of a sore throat for a couple of days which was easily managed with calpol, you could use brufen based painkillers if your DD isn't asthmatic. The best thing to remember is to give her plenty of fluids as well.

They've probably had a cancellation which would explain why it's quick.

I think the speed is more to do with the PCT delaying funding approval...then the admissions team have to get them through quick else they exceed waiting time targets.
I'm all for getting it done asap since she needs it and can't hear very well....it was the tone that IMO was a bit off.

I've just had to tell my work "will not be in next week - sorry", I'm lucky I can do that and hopefully it not have too much impact - not sure many mums could though.