dd having spinal surgery

[whitetulips]

She has a curvature, which is being corrected surgically.
Anyone got any experience or tips??
She will be in hospital for a week, then who knows how long before she is back to normal.
She is 15.
I am terrified, but trying not to show it to her.
I am a lone parent ex H does not speak to me but will be there on day of op.
Will I be a bad parent if I stay with her the night before, see her off to theatre then do not visit until next day? Op will take 6 - 8 hours.

I really feel for you whitetulips. You must be scared stiff. You must keep telling yourself she'll be happier and healthier once it's done. If you have any problems you must insist on asking the surgical team.

15 is a tough age. She's going to feel pretty miserable. You'll have to be strong for her and plan something good for her to do once she's recovered.

If she won't know you're not at the hospital you are better at home. At least you can have a little weep (perfectly normal) behind closed doors.

Keep us posted

I don't know about this kind of op, but I have had back surgery myself.

I would think that she might like to see you after the op as it can be quite scary waking up and dealing with being immobile. (I yelled so loudly as they'd forgotten my painkillers that they put me back under - twas fine after that.) She is going to need someone - you or H - to be there to help her with not being able to move, reach things, go to the loo etc. Make sure she has enough painkillers (as she may not ask) and that she doesn't take them longer than she needs to (they're not good for you once you're not in pain).

I'd be terrified if it were my DD, but really it's not so bad (I resisted for years and it cured my problem). All the best to your DD, and get her plenty to do to pass the time afterwards (and make her do her physio exercises!).