Endoscopy/colonoscopy

Find a book that talks about going to the hospital or something that is relevant to what is going to happen to her. You can also make her her own book with a child-friendly sequence of the events she should expect. Good luck!

Hope this is not after the fact...
I would tell her that she's going to be put down to have a nap
if it's general anesthesia, they'll prob give her gas then meds thru IV. She should be relaxed after the "gas" and won't know what's happening, next thing she knows she'll be waking up and should have no recollection of the procedures or any ill effects. Maybe an irritated throat from the tube, but should be about all.

I don't have personal experience explaining this kind of a thing to a child, but I do have a 5-year-old boy who sometimes asks unusual questions. If I had to explain this to him, I would do it in the way he is open to, which is often through books. He's actually into books about the real workings of the human body. Right now at Costco they have these amazing books that have skeleton model in the middle that includes various parts of the body, including the stomach and large intestine. The book explains how the body works, and it has a whole section on the digestive tract. With my son I would sit down with a book like this, show him the pictures and explain to him what was going to happen.

Blessings to you and and your daughter. Sounds like this is challenging for both of you, but what a great mommy to look for ways to help her understand.

Take care,
B.

My 6 year old niece just went through this. We told her she was going to go to sleep and the doctors were going to check her tummy and throat. She will not feel anything and she'll be fine when she wakes up. Have her favorite stuffed animal/blanket..whatever gives her comfort with her for when she goes out and when she wakes back up. Be very clear that you will be with her for these as well.
Colon cancer runs in my husband's family so we are all too familiar with these appointments.

Good luck and you are in my prayers.

Dear Renee,
You have a right to be scared and worried for your daughter. I am 62 and have raised three grown children now in their thirties. Life is like a roller coaster ride and you are on one as you journey through it. Your daughter is in good hands and most likely you have gotten several opinions which leave no choice but to have her undergo a surgery. She will surprise and amaze you with her strength. She needs to see her mommy be strong. Give her the credit she deserves so she will bravely learn that the doctors will help make her better. Tell her the truth that it will be uncomfortable as she recovers. I've had the same type of surgery and everything is fine for decades now. She has a Guardian Angel and she's going to be fine and so will you!

I had a colonoscopy when I was 22. It really isn't that bad. The worst part is the day before because I had to take a lot of these pills that clean you out. So I was going to the bathroom like every 10 minutes and I could only have a clear liquid diet. That was the worst!! Just be honest with her and tell her whats going to happen, but just in really simple words, like "the doctors are going to put a little tiny camera inside of you so they can take pictures of your belly." I'm sure your daughter will be fine, just stay strong and calm.

My 18 month old son had to have an endoscopy when he was 9 months old. His procedure took place at CHOC-Orange. They had volunteers who went from patient to patient blowing bubbles and playing DVD's for the kids. Right before the procedure, they'll give your child a little medicine to inhale that makes them loopy. This is a memory eraser, so they don't remember going under at all. I would recommend that they give your child an anti nausea drug, so that when they wake up after the procedure, which is within minutes, your child doesn't throw up. Otherwise, I'd stick to Pedialyte or Gatorade only for the first day. I would also recommend bringing a family member or a friend fo moral support. It's much harder on the parents that the child.

Hi,
Well I can only tell you what it is, I've had them on a regular basis because of a chronic disorder. It's nothing more than a camera. Endoscopy is what they call any kind of internal camera. (Like someone I know had "endoscopic surgery" on their knee cap, which saves you from major inscisions.) They do use general anesthesia on some people (like me) because it is a very awkward and uncomfortable 15 minutes. Although, as an adult and experienced patient, I literally have to beg for it. Most adults (like all woman after 40 who have to do it regularly too) don't get anything, maybe a little valium if they're lucky. You don't really need it. They just put a tube up your butt, to put it simply. The tube is pretty long, and when I was awake for it once, I was amazed how much fit in there, but it does fit, and it doesn't hurt. It's a good way to find out what is wrong. There must be something or else they wouldn't do it, I am assuming, right?? The anesthesia is weak enough for your daughter to react to pain, so that they will not force it through any areas which are swollen or irritated, but strong enough for her to not object to having objects shoved up her butt. It's a totally short and harmless procedure which can shed a lot of light on the situation. Don't worry, it sounds worse than it is. It's no fun, that's for sure, but it's not that bad either.

Good Luck!!
PS- it's a good idea to avoid eating fruit and veg with thick skins for a couple days before because it is misleading when they find the tiny bits of bell pepper or tomato!

Renee, I have a sick child that's in and out of the hospital and I've found that honesty is the best. See if you can find something about the surgery on the internet and then edit it down for her so she knows what to expect. Tell her that it might be a bit scary,and it'll hurt, but that you'll be with her the entire time and that she'll be in great hands at the hospital. The staff should go over everything when you check in and make sure they do! Also, bring a bag of goodies, things that will keep you both busy and comfort you - a favorite stuffed animal really helps calm you when you are scared. Have her wear warm socks, cozy jammies and bring a good book or two. Usually before she goes under they'll give her a dose of Versed, which takes the edge off and causes amnesia so she won't remember much of the day - no traumatic memories. My three year old has had a lot of surgeries and this helps - I prefer a lower dose to a higher dose. My best advise as a mom is to ask questions. The hospital staff can tend to overlook your needs and you have rights so always remember you have a voice in everything. And she'll be fine. Stay stong and good luck. It's hard, but she needs this to get better and you are the best medicine - your smile and laughter will get her through anything. J. D.

I don't think she needs to know the details since she will asleep. Just explain a little bit about why she is getting these procedures done. "They just want to find out why you aren't feeling well", etc. I think it's more important to explain the things around the procedure that she will be awake for. Do you think you can get more info from the doctor's office. Also, find out if you can be with her the *whole* time. I know there are restrictions sometimes, but try to be by her side *most* of the time. Good luck!