Preparing a 3yo For Surgery & Making It Easier

[kimthebride]

My DS is having ear tube surgery, and I was looking for tips on how to prepare him for going in so he's not scared as well as what to do to comfort him once he wakes up afterwards.

Its only a 10 minute surgery, but he'll still be in a surgical room and see all the people with masks on etc.

Does anyone know of a good toddler-aged book I can read him?
Should I bring him a new toy or something as a distraction afterwards?

He takes 'big' things better without too much dwelling on the matter before hand, but I think I may need to do something...I'm just not sure how much to talk about it.

Any advice is appreciated!

[bluhimmy]

My DS had hernia surgery when he was 2. The surgery lasted for just over an hour; and seriously, I think it was harder on us then it was on him. :o

Getting some books about surgery would be a great way to prepare him, as to give him an idea what he can expect to see in the hospital. Usborne has a wonderful series of books called First Experiences, and there's one called Going to the Hospital (http://www.amazon.com/Going-Hospital-First-Experiences-Michelle/dp/079451006X/ref=pd_sim_b_title_1). I really like these Usborne books. I actually have used quite a few of them to help prepare DS on many of his firsts (new baby, dentist, plane ride). If your DS is a Geroge fan, he make enjoy http://www.amazon.com/Curious-George-Goes-Hospital-Rey/dp/0395181585/ref=pd_sim_b_title_5. I also found these 2 books dealing specifically with getting ear tubes that might help you: Chris Gets Ear Tubes (http://www.amazon.com/Chris-Gets-Tubes-Betty-Pace/dp/093032336X/ref=pd_sim_b_title_2), and Tubes in My Ears (http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=30301991&listingid=21766610&dcaid=17902).

Does your DS have a favorite stuff animal, toy, blanket, etc? If so, bring it on surgery day. It will be comforting for you DS to have that with him when they take him into the surgery room. The hospital will probably tell you this, but dress him comfortably. DS's surgery was early in the morning, so we just had him go in his pjs.

Now be prepared for when he comes back from surgery. Everyone is different, and how they come out of anesthesia will be different. In our case, DS got really angry. He started out crying and then it was full on screaming, and he started to thrash around. It took 3 people to hold down a 2 year-old. It really freaked me out when tried to pull out his IV.

The amazing thing is that kids come around pretty quickly. At least my DS did. His hernia surgery was outpatient, so we were on our way back home within a few hours. As soon as we got home I expect DS to crash on the sofa, or go lay down in his bed. Boy was I wrong. Within 10 minutes, he was jumping up & down! :rolleyes: His surgeon gave me great advice beforehand. Basically he told me that I shouldn't force anything, and to just let him be. If DS wasn't feeling up to doing something, he won't.

Good luck!

[EuropeBride]

I had my adenoids taken out when I was about three. I remember my mother reading to me after the operation, but more than anything I remember her giving me some kind of Hello Kitty set, it may have been a writing set, and telling me I could play with it after the operation. I remember lying there, completely taken in with that shiny red set, and I think I hardly noticed anything around me. I woke up after the procedure, totally out of it and felt immensly comforted by the fact that my mother was by my bedside and that the Hello Kitty set was right there by my pillow before I fell asleep again.

So I say go for a new toy! What's more exciting when you're three years old?
Good luck to you and your son!

[bea_mama]

I agree with the recommendation for the Usborne "Going to the Hospital". I read it to my older DD before my little one had surgery and it is really matter of fact and comforting, I think. It's also about ear surgery. The drawings include people in masks, hospital beds, etc.

Definitely bring his favorite toy - they will let him bring it with him into the OR.

They typically give children some "giggle juice" before they take them back - helps them to not remember any of it afterwards.

And, I agree, the worst part is when they are coming out of the anesthesia. B/c they are only under for such a short time, they really fight when they are waking up.

It is seriously the fastest surgery in the world, though!

Good luck and I hope all goes well. :)

[EJH]

My DD was younger (1) when she had her tubes put in -- so she wasn't as aware as he will be, but they let me sit in the OR with her on my lap, everyone, including the doc and nurses (with no masks at that point) sang her favorite song while he gave her the gas to make her sleep. She was out quickly and within 5 minutes he was out of the surgery. It's so quick and made a huge difference in DD's quality of life. We were petrified but glad in the end.

They got us before she even woke up and we were able to just snuggle etc while she woke up.

Wish I had more to offer on what to do for his age but just wanted to wish you good luck. :)

[Ellyn]

DD had surgery at almost 4months old - I know, totally not the same, but we watched a video the hospital sent us on prep, and they showed an older child getting ready for surgery.
A few things I remember that might be helpful:
*They often put lip smackers lip gloss in the mask to cover up the smell - DC will get to pick the flavor
*Bring a fave toy because they will let DC take it in with him/her

I'd talk DC through it and also recommend a book.
Here's a link to coloring pages that may help:
(DS who was 2 when DD had her surgery colored them to help him understand where she was going and what would happen to his little sister)
http://xpedio02.childrensmn.org/stellent/groups/public/@web/@forparents/documents/policyreferenceprocedure/042161.pdf

[lil_nance]

DS had eye surgery back in Jan. He was 2.5yr. Ahead of time, we just told him we were going to go to the hospital and the dr. was going to fix his eyes. It helped that he loves his ophthalmologist. I think I started talking about it about a week in advance. I just mentioned it in a positive way but didn't make a huge deal out of it. The surgery was at the same hospital where DD was delivered & he remembers visiting. He was fine going in. Coming out of anesthesia was a bit rough but not too bad.
I posted about it here http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1650882&postcount=3
Kim, feel free to email or call me if you want to know more.

[MrsSpencer]

I've had 7-8 surgeries major ones as well as tubes and most before kindergarten. I was always taken the day before to pick out a toy and knew I only got it after surgery. I had a big stuffed Mickey that they did everything they did to me to prep me which made it easier. I got to take him in the or with me..and when I woke up he was there (of course they removed him during surgery then put him back!)

[kimthebride]

i REALLY appreciate all the feedback & experiences!

I made up a bag of new toys for him to open before and after his surgery. I also printed out coloring pages and booklets to do with him tonight. I am glad for the other ideas, and I may add them to my arsenal. :)

Thank you!

[Cali_Katy]

I had multiple surgeries growing up, and before the first one, my parents took me to a class at the local children's hospital (where my surgery was) aimed at preparing young kids for surgery. We were shown all the equipment, given a chance to see the OR, role-played with dolls. I was four and remember it being a lot of fun. To this day, my parents talk about what a wonderful program it was and how helpful it was.

You may want to see if the hospital runs a similar program. Here's a link to the one I went to, years and years ago:

http://www.childrensmemorial.org/parents/childsurgery/day_after.aspx

[kimthebride]

I thought I'd check back with some things I learned from my experience.

Too many books/coloring pages were kind of overwhelming...he focused on one Curious George book and that's it.

We also kept the mood light and didn't act all "big impending deal" in front of him. I walked DS to the operating room and joked with him the whole time. It seemed to help.

Bribes are good too. :) He got upset at the thought of putting a hospital gown on, and the truck board books I had for him in his backpack took his mind off it.

[MollJay]

I'm not yet a parent, but a nurse so my advice is from a medical viewpoint. My suggestion would be not to make too much of a deal out of the surgery and to remain calm and positive. In my experience, no matter how young the child, s/he can sense when their parents are uptight and stressed. A confident and in control parent equates to a relaxed child. I agree with kimthebride about not acting like it's a "bit impending deal" since your child will feel your sense of dread.