DS having operation - how do I explain?

[applepie31]

DS 2.10 is having operation. It is in day surgery but will involve general anesthetic at a hospital we have never been to. To top it all off we are expecting second baby the same week! Hospital leaflets just say to tell him 2/3 days before hand about the operation - BUT - what do you say? He is definately too young to know exactly what is going to happen? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. PS Sorry this is long

HI Applepie
As long as you are honest and explain things in ways they can understand DS should be fine.
My DS 2.5 just had an operation - the nursery lent us a book (Usborne book of first experiences - I think) which included a hospital visit and operation. We also bought DS a doctor's kit from Tesco 99p!! and so both the nursery and ourselves did role play - teddies got covered in bandages etc. We told him the blood pressure cuff was like putting his armbands on so he was ok with that.
Try and be honest - say if he will feel a little bit poorly at first but will be given medicine which will make him fine.
The staff were also brilliant which helped. We bought him a new toy for being a brave boy which was a great distraction too.
He hated having the magic cream on his hands and in retrospect we would have been better taking it off - if this is the case they can just put the mask on their face and then the distress only lasts a few moments as they drift off.
I am sure they will let you go to visit the ward before hand to see all the toys etc so it will seem normal on the day.
Good luck with it all - what is he having done?

Even though it's day surgery it's still a really anxious time as parents. My DD1 also had day surgery (grommets) at 24 months. We told her for a few weeks before that we were going to the hospital for a little sleep that would make her ears better. We bought her a present that she knew she could have when she woke up. I think the worst thing for her was having to wear a theatre gown, but we got round that by wearing her dressing gown right to the last moment. When we went into the anaesthetic room, she did get a little distressed with the mask but it lasted less than 15 seconds, the staff really know what they're doing with young children.

Good luck! It wil be much harder for you than your DS!

Thank you everyone - sorry it has taken so long to post but it has been manic. Have bought special pyjamas and slipppers and have bought a little doctors kit as suggested. I imagine it is going to be harder for us than for him. Will let you know how it goes

How did you and your DS get on applepie31?