My son must have surgery to repair two hernias he has had since birth. While it is a relatively simple procedure, he must go under anesthesia. It will be an outpatient procedure. How do I explain to him what is going to happen? And how do I tell our 6 yr old? Are there any children's books out there that will help explain this? Anyone else had to go through something similiar? Would love any feedback and advice.
Please ask the childs doctor if he or she has a video or recommends any books . I recently had back surgery and my dr had me bring my girls in and we watched a video there and talked and he also recommended i look for books on surgerys that the kids might understand better. Best of luck you will all be in my prayers.
I myslef had open heart surgery when I was young, five to be exact. The hosptial doctors and nurses did a wonderful job of explaining every detail to me. I can remember to this day (25 years later) the puppet show and conversation we had. I would ask the hospital/doctor for suggestions. They know the procedure better than you and have most likely done this before. I am sure they have their little ways of getting out just right. As far as your 6 year old- they can handle and understand more than you think. I had open heart again just a few years ago when my son was three- he still remembers that mommy had to go in to get fixed and better so that we could be together. He still checks my "boo boos" and makes sure I am ok. It might not hurt to have the sibiling in if/when the doctors takl to your younger one...that way they can talk about it in kid terms together.
Hi Anne,
My daughter had her toncils removed in May, and her Doctor was the one to kind of explain things to her. I also tried to explain to her that she was going to be put to sleep, that they where going to put a mask on her nose with a gas (she could choose the smell of her gas) that smelled like bubble gum, and that she was going to fall asleep and she was not going to feel anything.. and as soon as she would wake up i would be there next to her.
When the big day came, she was really calm and so was i.
Hope this helps!
You have gotten some great advice already! I just want to add one thing that petrifies me when I have had my surgeries (15 of them) I always have a talk with the Dr and anesthesiologist (spelling?!?!?) before hand since I hate when they use the term "put you to sleep". I always think of how they put animals to sleep and as ridiculous as it is it really scares me. So I am not sure if your kids have heard this term but if so be careful to not use that. I ask them to say instead they are going to make me sleepy or dreamy or anything but! lol
I hope the surgery goes well and remember that kids bounce back so fast! You and your family will be in my prayers!
Blessings to all!
- T.
Anne,
I would call your local library and ask the librarian in the children's section to pull some books for you. Good Luck!
Many hospitals offer classes for children about to undergo surgery. You might want to check at your hospial for such a class if times allows. If time does not allow, maybe they can offer an abbreviated personal visit with you and your child to help alleviate any fears. Best of luck!
