Question About Surgery for Kids.

My son will have a minor surgery later this month to correct his ascended testicles. While it is an outpatient thing.. he will still be under general anesthesia for about 2 hours.

I am in a RAW panic about it. I can't sleep for thinking of it. I find myself looking for reasons to put it off. I am very nearly in tears writing this because the thought of him under anesthesia makes me sick to my stomach.

Compounding my fears is the fact that the doctor's office referenced Robbie's height and weight as 5'1", 65lbs. Robbie is 65lbs.. but only 51". I was so upset by this minor error and it made me think - what if they screw up his weight when they are administering the anesthesia? What if he has a bad reaction to anesthesia?

My question is.. are there any tests that can identify a propensity for a negative reaction to general anesthesia BEFORE they put him under? How can I be certain that the dosages administered for anesthesia are appropriate for my peanut.. I don't want them misreading his chart and giving him a dose meant for someone bigger.

And.. how can I get over this insane fear?

Re: Question About Surgery for Kids.

My son had surgery at 4 WEEKS and 8 WEEKS and I was a complete wreck each time. I wanted to be with him as he was put under, but it wasn't allowed......

to put your mind at ease (somewhat), you will meet wtih the anesthesiologist before the surgery and double-check with him the proper dosage at that time. I was there when my son was weighed and I made sure it was put in the chart correctly.

As for testing for side effects beforehand, I haven't heard of such a test (wish there was one!).

You WILL worry, no matter what....but he WILL be fine!!

Re: Question About Surgery for Kids.

when miki had to go under for her tubes and adenoid removal, the anestheologist (sp) went over everything ahead of time, weight, what we were there for, etc

everything will be fine, I was a wreck but things went smoothly....her coming "to" from being sedated was the worst part, she was VERY upset but after she calmed down, it was like nothing happened

good luck, he will be perfectly fine

Re: Question About Surgery for Kids.

My DD had minor surgery when she was 4, but she had to be put completely out. They gave her some Tylenol with codeine (I believe) before hand to make her extremely groggy so there was no drama before going in. She was laughing and giggling and I was holding back tears. After the procedure when she started coming to, that was the worst part. She had no idea what was going on and she kept ripping out her IV's. Finally after awhile she calmed down, and hoestly she was back to her old self within a half an hour. I know it's a very worrysome thing to go through, but I think the earlier you get it done, the less they remember. Good luck...

Re: Question About Surgery for Kids.

DS had surgery at 2 weeks and 2.5 months.

I was a wreck.

You've got to trust the anesthesia team. Your DS will be fine.

My DS had heart surgery and had to go on bypass. It was by far the worst hours of my life. I basically just cried the entire time. I kept worrying that he would not wake up.

Post-surgery will probably be worse for your DS. I hope your DS is not in too much pain.

Message edited 10/7/2009 10:15:05 AM.

Re: Question About Surgery for Kids.

You can get over the insane fear by asking to meet the anthesiologist beforehand. Even if it's the day of his surgery. Tell him about the error in the charge & that it made you concerned about the surgery.

I am sure they are used to being grilled by worried parents. You certainly aren't alone.

Re: Question About Surgery for Kids.

My son had minor surgery at 9 months and a 4 hour surgery for Hypospadias at 11 months. Both times the anesthesia doctor went over what was going to happen etc. The second surgery I was NOT allowed in the room with him and when they took him away i broke down, but i trusted the doctors and he woke up fine, groggy, puked but otherwise fine. Its scary as hell but kids are more resilient then we think!!

Re: Question About Surgery for Kids.

When Kaydyn went in for her tear ducts they weighed her and took her height right in the pre-surgery area. We were able to confirm that what they wrote down was correct.

We also met with the anesthesiologist before the surgery and he explained everything.

I was even able to go into the operating room until she was put out.

The worst part for her too was when she woke up because she had no idea what was going on and was very upset...but as soon as we got in the car it was like it never happened...She was her same active self.

Re: Question About Surgery for Kids.

When DS had surgery (at 1.5 years), we went to the hospital beforehand, had a tour and met with some of the staff. We also met with the anesthesiologist. That helped calm us in the days leading up to the surgery. But there's no denying it's a gut-wrenching thing to go through.

Re: Question About Surgery for Kids.

Thank you all!

Robbie is NOT a baby .. he's 8. But I just can't help worrying. I feel like a jerk because most of you have been through so much more than this... but I am still a wreck. I guess no matter how small the surgery is.. it's still your baby.

It's going to be a LOOONG 2 hours on that day.