Ideas to Make Surgery Experience Pleasant for 6 Year Old

Check to see if your hospital has a Child LIfe Dept. Most children's hospitals do. They are trained child development professionals who can explain the procedure to your daughter in terms she can understand and relate to. They sometimes even have tours you can take before you have your surgery. This will help relieve a lot of anxiety about the unknown and will help you to feel better. As a teacher, I'm sure you know how children can sense what their parents are feeling and going through. Remember the things you know as a teacher! I am also an elementary school teacher but was a child life specialist previously. They have a lot in common.
One thing I did learn from my days in Child LIfe - no matter what! - when they tell you to begin giving her fluids after surgery -do it then and don't wait until the anesthesia completely wears off! The pain is more severe but similar to having a sore throat where it feels better once you are drinking and swallowing but hurts so much in the beginning that you don't want to swallow. If she starts swallowing while still under some effects of anesthesia then it won't hurt at bad and she will be more likely to keep drinking. This is important because the sooner she drinks the sooner she can get her IV out and go home!!!!
Also, ask about EMLA cream. It is a white numbing cream that can be put on prior to getting the IV and then there is less pain. Distraction can also help during the IV stage.
Totally up to you and I am not trying to tell you what to do - only relaying info. from prior experiences - use the correct terms and be honest with her if she asks questions. At 6 she needs to be able to trust and you don't want to jeopardize that. If you don't know an answer, tell her you need to ask versus making something up.
You'll be fine and so will she - honest. My son had this same surgery at just over 1 year - he didn't understand so that was hard. I do feel your anxiety though - as a mom it's never easy to see your baby go through anything painful.
Good Luck - I really think if you call CHild Life that will make a HUGE difference for you and her!

My 4 year old just had her tonsils and adenoids taken out at UCH Fletcher. I was struggling w/ this decision for 2 years and finally decided to do it. I decided to approach the surgery by being honest and explaining everything what would happen in detail. We started talking about it about 5 days ahead of time. When we got to the hospital, she knew exactly what would happen. When the dr came in and asked if we had any questions, I treated her like an adult and asked her if she herself had any questions. She asked whether her doll can come w/ her. And she decided the flavor of the gas in the mask to put her to sleep (strawberry). Everything went perfectly. She did didn't cry one time during the whole process. So, I believe kids should be treated w/ the same level of honesty as any other person. Then, there are no surprises. The surgery was very easy, and I was so glad I had it done. So, I wouldn't worry too much about the surgery....the recovery is another story. My daughter had the surgery 8 days ago, and still is on special soft diet. She will eat, but for some reason doesn't like to drink liquids. The pain killers are the key. Don't be afraid to give them to her regularly, so she will be more comfortable in eating & drinking. So, plan on being home w/ her about 2 weeks after the surgery. She will need plenty of "quiet" activities at home to keep her occupied (coloring, arts & crafts, new dvd's to watch, etc..). I wouldn't worry too much about the surgery. Just be prepared to care for her at home and follow all doctors orders carefully. If they eat something hard, and it causes bleading, they will need surgery again to stop the bleading. So, lots of ice-cream, mac-n-cheese, spaghetti (w/ no meat sauce), and yogurt. Avoid orange juice, it causes the throat to burn. Diluted apple juice or white grape juice seemed to work better. Good luck! She will be fine, if you just follow all doctors orders.

My oldest daughter had her tonsils and adenoids removed when she was six years old also. We sat her down with the doctor and they explained everything to her. I think knowing what to expect eased the anxiety. While she was there, I stayed all night in the hospital with her. Be sure that she is assured that she will not be alone. She got new pajamas and helped pack the suitcase. I packed a special surprise goodie bag. It contained a coloring book, crayons, sticker activity book, play-doh, and coupons for ice cream. I really didn't want to buy her a toy because they seemed like she was being rewarded for something to me?? But it didn't matter, her grandparents and friends brought her new presents. I tried to explain that when most people are in the hospital, friends and family usually send flowers, balloons and/or cards but with children, sometimes its best for a toy. Ended up the meds made her sleepy so she mainly just stayed in bed and slept or would watch TV some.

My 4 year old (soon to be 5) had it done last June. She was scared too. The morning of the surgery we went to the surgery center and she played for a few minutes. Then we went back in another room where the Dr talked to us again and she watched tv and looked at a book. Next the nurse came and took her back. We told our daughter she would go to sleep and when she woke up could eat all the popsicles and drink all the gatoraid/poweraid she wanted. That was special for her. Then that week she had soft foods till she healed. It is scary but stay positive and be honest with them. If they ask if it will hurt say yes, but only for a little while. Not sure if you can afford it or not but maybe offer to build a build a bear after or before to hold and hug there or afterwards. Good luck!

she'll probably do better than you.

I actually remember having this surgery when I was a child. My dad bought me a stuffed animal and brought it to me at the hospital. Since this type of thing wasn't typical of my workaholic dad, I remember it to this day.

Maybe there's something out of the ordinary you could do to excite and surprise your daughter before or after the surgery?

I have a 6 year old also. When she was 5 years old she had to go through the same thing. My advice is to not be nervous because she will sense that and it will be very scary for her. Talk to her and explain what they are going to do. Make sure she know's she will be asleep and let her pick out 2 things that she loves to take with her. My daughter took a blanket and a stuffed animal. They will not take them away from her until she is a sleep and that will give her some comfort. Going in will not be bad. When she wake up it will be very scary for her but before she wakes up the doctor or nurse will come get you so you will be there when she wakes up. She will be out of it a little bit just hold her and love her. My daughter has surgery at 11 in the morning and by 5 that evening she wanted to go outside and play. Lots of popcicles and ice cream. Good luck. Remeber the doctor will take good care of her.

Relax Mom,
This is a routine procedure and I told my 7 year old 2 things: it will help her feel way better all the time; and that for 2 days she could have all the ice cream she wanted! My girl did just fine and it was over pretty fast! She is now a lot healthier; and happier! But as a mom, I understand the worry- I was a bit nervous too, but we stayed with her till they had to take her into the operating room; and my husband and I kept telling her all about the 30+ flavors of Baskin Robbins! Plus we made a lot of jokes! Children pick up on our feelings quickly, so please try hard to keep this whole procedure light heart ed! Comfort & love them; and promise them that you will be right there! The hospitals allow you to be there when they wake up! It was a fine experience; and now if she ever needs any surgery, she knows it'll be okay after all. God bless you All!!!
Sincerely & with prayers,
Kathy N.

R.,

my daughter had her tonsils and adenoids removed last April, and also had her turbinates reduced (nose, more complicated). To make it a better experience and a little fun, I went and got a blank pillowcase and got some really good fabric markers(the ones I like the best are Marvy the Fabric Brush Marker, very thick and easy to write with).I had a bunch of our neighbors and friends sign one side (get well soon, etc.)Then the day of the surgery, we put it on a pillow and brought it with us - we had the whole surgical team sign it, the surgeon, the anesthesiologist, the surgical nurses, etc. sign the other side. The surgical team thought that was so cool and really talked to her about it. I had also written at the top of the pillow "Marlee, say goodbye to tonsils and adenoids and hello to skinny turbinates!" Then when we left the surgical center, she used her pillow all the way home and for the next few days - she then got to show her pillow off at school, girl scouts and around the neighborhood! Anyway, anything like that that you can do that is special for her! Best of luck!

D. ____@____.com

Most hospitals are very good at making children comfortable before surgery. My daughter was three when she had this surgery and the hospital and all the staff were wonderful. I will tell to give her the tylenol with percocet or whatever pain killer they give you along with the motrin every 4-6 hours even thru the night-DO NOT SKIP ANY DOSES! Also make sure you give her some liquids (water was best for us, juices were too acidic even ones you think are ok) every hour or two, again even thru the night, you dont want her throat to get dry. Days three and seven post surg. were the worst for us. It will seem like you have done the wrong thing for a bit, but she will feel much better in the long run. Good luck and hope she feels better soon!

I remember the Madeline book where she gets her tonsils out. That might be just right for her. Someone else mentioned a stuffed animal. My dad did the same for me when I got mine out (and I was in 7th grade). It was a panda bear (his favorite) and I always thought that was a special gesture.

She really won't be in much pain. You will be more frantic. Your throat doesn't really hurt too much afterwards. If she is used to sore throats (which she probably is if she is having this surgery), she probably won't feel too much more sore.

Dear Mamasource mom,
I completely understand! When my son was nine he had to have a swollen lymph node removed (surgically) from his neck. We went to a pediatric surgeon who did the surgery at St Joe's Children's Hospital. They were amazing! From the time we walked into the door until they put us in our car to go home, they were fantastic. The whole place is kid friendly, and the staff know how to relate to kids. They had someone come explain the IV to my son, showing him the parts so he would understand. They used a numbing cream on his hand so he didn't feel the needle going in. They asked if he wanted to watch them put it in; he said no. So they had this woman come stand where she would block his view and she had an I SPY book that she held open for my son to look at. The whole surgical team came and introduced themselves to me and my son (everyone who he would see during the surgery). I was allowed to be with him during recovery, even while he was still sleeping off the anesthesia. He made a great recovery. Good luck; usually the parents are more stressed than the child!

Don't be a nervous wreck. It will be fine. Don't show to your daughter that you are nervous. My son had his adenoids removed when he was 2yrs old. We only told him he is going to the doctor for him to be aware, but we didn't go into much consoling etc, because that would build fear. When we went, we tried to make him laugh, bring his toys and as parents not make it a big deal even though we were ourselves a wreck inside...at least I was..my husband was just glad it would relieve his symptoms. If it's any help, remind yourself the anesthesia will not make her feel much pain. Give her lots of hugs and just distract her from focusing on it too much. All will be well. I pray you have the strength to make it through..Best of luck.

I had to entertain my daughter for hours in the hospital when my husband had spinal fusion surgery. I made a litte goodie bag of things that she hadn't seen before. The biggest hit were the "I spy" books. You can get smaller paperback versions at Walmart and B-Dalton for less than $4 each. There are basic versions, as well as a Halloween and Christmas version. She will look at these books with us for hours, and even though she has seen them several times, will still delite in trying to stump us, and we make them "last longer" by asking "I spy" other things that just what is listed. Good luck!

My friend gave her child a teddy bear who was going to go through the same procedure. The doctors showed the bear what they were going to do, and the bear got to go into the surgery to be near the child. He loved it.

My neice just had her tonsils and adenoids out this last year at six years of age. Don't worry Mom she will be fine. You will be the one stressing. They bought plenty of popsicles like the doctor said. She ate them for the first day and then was begging for real food the next day. When I asked Cheyenne how her surgery went she said "Aunt Rosie, It hurt for five minutes and I got to eat all the popsicles I wanted"....so you see you have nothing to worry about. The younger they are when they have surgery the better the outcome.

How about reading some stories about the hospital adn maybe a trip before hand.

Also, when my niece was younger and had to have surgery, they let her bring in a stuffed animal til she was knocked out. Maybe take her to build a bear to make a special friend to take with her.

Don't forget to remind her about eating ice cream and popsciles afterwards.