How to prepare DS for my impending hospital visit?

[AboardtheAxiom]

DS is 5 and ASD/HFA he is very clingy to me and dependant for reassurance and so on, and I have been given a date for my prolapse repair operation (19th Jan). I will most likely be in hospial 2 nights, then have to take things very easy once at home. Since I found out I was going to be having op I have refused to pick him up as he is huge, towers over my 7yr old niece but was wanting carrying like a baby/toddler. He is emotionally and socially quite young for his age, still has beakers and I am currently awaiting our first NHS delivery of pull ups as he soils pants day and night.

So how can I help prepare him?? My mum is going to have him while I'm in hospital. I don't know whether to do the big preparation for it or just let my mum say I went in with a poorly tummy but will be home in one sleep, let him come visit whilst I'm in or not, how much to explain to him, etc. Any advice appreciated.

Busy being mum - that sounds great my DS uses visual timetables at home and school and has had photo 'stories' for things like moving up a class and changing to full days in the past. Why didn't I think of that?!

at the "it will be ok", I lose count of how many times I say "It's alright...." during the day!

I would be very grateful if you could dig it out for me, it's very kind of you and would save me putting one together as I don't seem to have enough hours in the day ATM.

Did yours visit you in hospital busybeingmum?? Not sure if it would help DS or upset him.

Yes DS likes his routes too. He oddly likes the hospital as he once had an overnight and discovered the tellies above the beds have CBeebies. He doesn't have any appointments clinics at this particular hosp so wouldn't cause too much conflict from that angle I don't think. It'shard to know what to do for best really!

They have said may only need to be in one night, but I am planning for two then if I can go home after one night it will be a welcome bonus rather than being disappointed at an extra night in there.

Hi again busybeingmum, don't worry too much if you can't find it, I appreciate you looking.

Sounds just right for DS, not sure what TTR is, I have CAT though or can summarise here?DS doesn't respond that well to rewards to motivater behaviour unfortunately but is actually very caring towards me (but not that fussed at all about anyone else), so I think he will be ok from that POV.

Have CATed you back

If you are likely to have machines around you or drips it might be wise to explain those in advance. For instance - Mummy has to rest in bed. The nurses look after mummy. They have a machine to help them look after mummy. This machine listens to her heart. It beeps quietly. (Sometimes it rings to tell the nurses to look at it) An IV might be explained as (magic) juice to help you get better.
My son got rather freaked by the beeps and tubes ( DH and Ds visited unexpectedly). He needed reassurance that all the equipment stayed at the hospital (too much Dr Who perhaps). He was fine once I disconnected from as much as possible -IVs can often be disconnected for visitors. A long sleeved kimono /dressing gown will cover IV sites.
Preparation is wise. Hope all goes well!