Toddler surgery experiences?

eyelovemascara

Who has toddler surgery experiences, good or bad? One of my twins (turned 2 in June) has to have major surgery on her kidneys and bladder next month. Thankfully she will be be asleep when they put in the IV and pain medication thing in (she gets a "caudal" like an epidural). What are we going to do for 2-3 days in the hospital? She still sleeps in a crib at home so will they give us a crib at the hospital? I am so worried that she is going to be freaked out and in a lot of pain after she wakes up

PepperBug

I can't speak to the surgery. The only surgery my son had was tubes put in at age 2. He was in pain when he woke up, he threw up, they gave him Percocet, he went to sleep and woke up back to normal. But when my 2 month old was in the hospital, they had crib-like hospital beds (they look like big medal cribs but move up and down and tilt). I would imagine they could arrange for you to have one - a two year old would definitely fit in it. I'd ask the hospital about it in advance if you're worried.

alake

I have no experience with major surgery.  DD2 has had two sets of ear tubes.  DD4 who is just six months, is having her ear drums reconstructed, in hopes to restore her hearing.  I just wanted to say, I will keep your family in my prayers.

erbear

No experience with toddler surgery (I'm sorry your kiddo is facing that . but my DD1 had a major skull surgery at 9 months. They have cribs in the hospital (they were like jails - very high sides) but my DD did fine in there.

The things that were hard were the waiting for the surgery (especially the last few weeks), handing her over to the nurse, and coming out of anesthesia. Mine, at least, was very sick for a few hours (vomited up everything, cried inconsolably for a few hours). 

The things that were helpful were bringing some of her familiar toys (loveys, etc), having people come visit us in the hospital so she could see some people she loved. 

The great news is that kids are incredibly resilient. Seriously, the day after her surgery, still in the PICU, my DD was smiling and laughing, even though she had just had a surgery that would have put you and me in bed for weeks.

Where is the surgery?

JoJoGee

They should be able to provide a crib. If they don't, request one. Or, better yet, ask the PACU nurse to call ahead to your room and ensure there is a crib. As for what to do, make sure to bring your child's favorite books, toys and movies. Our Children's hospital has TV and DVD players in every room. Just a few more suggestions... (1) Find out what the schedule of the day might look like. How long is it between when you check in and surgery? Will you be able to stay by your child until she is put under? How long will the surgery be? How long will she be in recovery until she gets a room? At our hospital, we usually wait two hours after check in until we are escorted back to her surgery room, where we watch her go to sleep. Then, we say our 'goodbyes' and 'I Love Yous' and are escorted to the waiting room. Once she wakes up in recovery, we are allowed back to see her. It is between 1/2 to 1 hour after that until we are escorted to her room. (2) What does it look like to be in patient? Are meals provided to your DD? Are meals provided to you? Is there a place for you to sleep in her room? When do the doctors round? How often do the nurses need to provide 'care'? At our hospital, DD's meals are provided, but ours are not. We can buy meal tickets in the cafeteria and have food delivered to us in DD's room (unless we're in ICU). There is a couch that pulls out to a bed in every room, and sheets are provided. However, the sheets are not warm enough, and the pillows are uncomfortable, so we tend to bring our own. The doctors round every day, usually in the morning. And, the nurses need to do care (vitals, diaper change, etc) every 3 to 4 hours. As you can imagine, this makes for a restless night. (3). Finally, you may want to think about clothing and IVs. Your DD is going to have lots of wires on her. PJs, a comfy dress, or a button down shirt would be best. Second, your child will have limited use of the arm that has the I'VE, if you think that will be a problem, you may want to request the I'VE be placed in her foot. Even if a child will not have any IV drips while inpatient, it is policy in our hospital to always have an IV port ready. That's about all I can think of, let me know if you have any other questions.

eyelovemascara

Thank you so much for the great advice and questions to ask! I never would have thought to ask for her IV in her foot. The surgery will be at the Primary Childrens Hospital in Salt Lake City. 

olechka

no advise but best of luck to your DD on speedy recovery

JessiUF

My daughter has had 2 surgeries.  At 10 months she had tubes put in her ears.  Woke up horrible from anesthesia and took a really long time to calm down.  Once she was calm she was okay.  In January, she had to have surgery again to put in tubes, take out her tonsils and adenoids.  This time she was 2 years 2 months old.  Again, she came out of anesthesia really bad, so bad that they had to knock her out again.  She was trying to rip out her IV.  Once she woke up the second time she was much calmer and happier.  She was potty trained but I put a diaper on her just in case.  Surprisingly, she didn't need it.  It took a few hours until she was fully awake.  This time they gave us a bed because that is what she used at home but first time was a crib since she was in a crib at the time.  The hospital experience was awesome.  The staff was so nice and helpful.  The hospital was amazing and had a playroom that she would visit.  I slept over with her and she did great.  They had musicians on call come in and sing to her, some high school kids brought a craft to do, and a middle school student did a music show.  They had a schedule of events for the kids so we didn't even use the toys that we had brought.  The experience was so much better then anything I could have imagined.  People came to visit and brought her gifts.  She ate a bunch of applesauce, yogurt, and popsicles.  To her it was not a scary and traumatizing experience thank goodness.  Your daughter's surgery is much more major then mine but hopefully her experience will be just as good.

Veittobe

Why is your daughter having surgery?  What are they correcting?  My daughter was also 2 in June and we go back to the urologist next month to re-evaluate her kidney for reflux to see if we continue with daily medication for another year or surgery.  Is your daughter doing anything similar?

islelily

Sorry that she needs surgery -- it can be scary. DS had surgery on his head when he was 20mo. He was put in a crib for his whole stay (about 4 days) and the staff was great. After doing pre-op, DH took him back into the OR. He said the anesthesiologist put on a gas mask for him, which made him sleepy. It was enough to have him fall asleep. The doctors then took him from DH and started the IV once he was on the table (and DH was escorted out).

A lot of times there will be a children's floor so they should have a lot of toys for the kids to play with -- there was even a play room for kids to visit at DS's hospital. But we were allowed to bring any loveys or comforting items with us. We also brought toys for him to play with in bed while he recovered (though he was pretty sullen the first day or so). Good luck!

islelily

They should try to put the IV in their foot first. DS ended up with it in his hand, as they tried both feet and the other hand had his sucking thumb. LOL. The first night was very hard. He woke up swollen and very thirsty, though he couldn't have anything but ice chips/water on a sponge. He cried, but was calmed down by us singing and talking to him. Do not be afraid to give her pain medicine, if that's an option. We were at first but realized he would feel so much better during the worst part of recovery if we gave him some when we thought he was uncomfortable. They're so little, no need to be heroic, ya know? Will you be able to stay with her in the room? We were so thankful that we were able to do that his whole stay.