My daughter is 5, and scheduled for hernia surgery next week. Has anyone else gone through this? Apparently, the surgery itself takes only a few minutes, but I'd like to know more of what to expect. Thanks!
I called Children's in Lexington and found out that they offer a tour of the facility, so the child will know what's going to happen. We did that last Thursday and I think it was helpful for both my daughter and myself. Of course, then she decides she wants Daddy to be there when she goes under. Which was fine, I stayed home and got her brother on the bus to school, then ran up there to see her. They wouldn't let me in because I have a cold, which I completely understand, but it was still upsetting to me.
Apparently, she had a great time getting attention from all the nurses and had no problems at all going in. When she came out of the anesthesia, tho, boy was she crabby! She didn't feel well, and threw up right away (completely normal). so she slept all the way home and has vegged in front of the TV. The doctor said the surgery went perfectly, no surprises. They gave her dissolving stitches, and she is sort of held together with super glue, so no bandage for her to fiddl with.
It's been 5 hours now and she's just climbed the stairs and is perky and moving around with no apparent discomfort. We live in amazing times!
Thanks, everyone, for your advice!
My 8 yr old had this surgery last year. It was very quick, and not too bad at all. She was sore for a few days, but recovered very well! Good luck!
Hi H.,
My daughter had this surgery at 4yrs old and I was terrified. The children's hospital in RI was wonderful. They ask the parent to stay in the operating room with the child and hold them until they are "under". It apparently keeps the child's heart rate down. Of course this sent mine's through the roof. After my daughter was under I went in the hall and fell apart and felt light headed. The nurse told me to get something to eat. The time it took me to get a sandwich (not to eat it) the ordeal was over...she was in the recovery room watching Babe...lol
What I am saying is I know it is alot to handle but it is easier on them then it is on us ;}
Oh I also wanted to mention my daughter is now "18" can someone give me some words of encouragement! HELP!
Good Luck,
T. G.
I did it when I was 7. The scar is minimal, and I don't remember much pain. That was 28 years ago... with the technology today I would not stress. It's a simple surgery and kids heal so fast.
Good Luck!
Please, please, please consider chiropractic before you do surgery. There are so many alternatives out there, surgery should be your absolute last option.
I had a horrible herniation that was taken care of with chiropractic care and my symptoms disappeared within days.
Please find a good referral to a chiro in your area that treats children and at least check them out.
Hope this helps,
E. K. :-)
I second the earlier message - it's harder on you than on the child. My son was 2 1/2 and the two things I remember being hard (besides the obvious) were not giving him anything to eat or drink the morning of surgery so it was a pretty cranky ride into Boston and the day after trying to keep him from hanging on his belly to get out of his crib (which won't be a problem for your daughter). It is rather over-whelming to go into the operating room but by that time I just wanted the wait to be over so he and I went in singing our favorite song. My husband had a hard time seeing him so still in the recovery room and watching him wake up because it's not like when they wake up from a nap. He would pull down his diaper and show everyone his boo-boos like badges of honor. Good luck to you and her.
My son had his hernia repaired at 2 years old. I was able to stay with my son the whole time while he was prepped for surgery and I also held him while they gave him the anesthesia. Once he was asleep I had to wait in the waiting room for about 20 minutes (longest 20 minutes of my life) and then I was called into the room where he was monitored for a few hours after surgery. He slept the whole time. After that he was moved to another room where he slept a few hours longer and finally got up and had something to eat and drink. The very next day he was back to himself and it was like nothing ever happened.
The worst part of the whole experience was to walk away leaving him in the OR on the table after he was asleep. I think the most important thing is to stay strong in front of your daughter. Don't let her see that you are nervous or scared, because they can sense that and will be nervous and scared. The doctors and nurses were so great at making him feel comfortable and not scared before the surgery, so he was not afraid at all. Once he woke up we gave him a special present for being brave.
In the end it was very uneventful and it was over before we knew it. Kids bounce back so easily. I'm sure your daughter will do great. Good Luck! :)
My son had this done when he was 2. His recovery was very fast and he did not remember anything. My other son had surgery (foot) at age 5 and the most important thing I remember about that is that I explained to him everything to expect that day. The surgeon said he was the easiest kid he's ever seen going under anesthesia...I told him about the operating table, the smock, the mask over his face that they'd tell him to breathe into...that he'd go to sleep...and I'd hold his hand the whole time and be right there when he woke up. It made a huge difference. Also, if she has a favorite toy or book...bring it with you so she has something familiar in recovery.
Best of luck but don't worry! It was very easy!
C.
Hi,
My husband (who is practically a child sometimes) just had three hernias repaired. The procedure was so quick and he only had very tiny incisions. I am sure that your daughter will do great. I really think it will just be hard for you emotionally, but it will done very quickly.
Good luck,
L.
