Explaining surgery to child

[tina arvizu]

Gabrielle will be 2.5 years old in September when she is scheduled for Mod Quad. She seems to know what I am saying with small commands. I'm not sure how much gets in. She is still having trouble putting more than more word together. In the car last night I had a long talk with her about how she had to act at Easter dinner. I couldn't believe my mother-in-law wanted to take her to such a nice restaurant- anyway-
She looked like she understood and was a perfect angel. Rare these days! Will I be able to talk to her about the Mod Quad at 2.5 years old? Anyone have surgery at this age? I am so scared. The first surgery came up so fast I don't think I had time to freak. She was only 9 months old and did GREAT! She is my first so I don't know what to expect from a 2.5 year old. HELP It is all I think about.

[patty in mi]

the child life people took us on a tour of the back halls, showed hannah the mask and talked about the flavors she could smell when she goes to sleep. and took her polaroid picture and she was given a coloring book. Then when it was our turn to go down to the surgury room we walked with her in our own stroller, but they also had cars and wagons too, then the nurse carried her into the surgury room and waved bye and we went and ate by the time we came back it was all over with.
I think it was comforting for us to know what was going on, she was almost 3. I dont know if she really knew about it cuz we didnt make a big fuss and didnt show our emotions in front of her. But I did cry when we turned away, but Hannah was in good hands, and she was so brave and didnt act scared.

[francine]

Tina, before Maia had her caps surgery I asked the same question. Maia is a year older and I know that makes a big difference but maybe one of the answers I got will help you in some way. I put it up on her site..

http://www.injurednewborn.com/maia/whattotell.html

Trust your gut and you will know exactly what you need to do to make Gabrielle feel comfortable. The most important thing being that she will know that you are there for her no matter what.

-francine

[TNT1999]

Hi, Tina. Well, thanks to Francine, I don't have to repeat myself, but can simply suggest that you read her page. My comments are the first one listed on her page. I would also like to say that if she did great with primary at 9 months, then to me that's very encouraging. Nicole did NOT do well at all with primary surgery at 10 months and did much better with the Mod Quad at 23 months. I've also heard that many other children do much better with the Mod Quad than with primary surgery. Plus, the surgery takes much less time (usu. 1 - 1 1/2 hours in the O.R.) and most children are smiling and wanting to run around within 24 hours of the MQ surgery. I hope everything goes well for you and esp. for Gabrielle. -Tina )

[Anna]

We haven't gone thru surgery for bpi but my older daughter has had to go thru procedures for reflux. We used the books and I got her a doctor's kit as a special present a few days before and we played and acted out some of what she was to go thru. Also I found it helpful to call the nurse directly and ask specifically what she would have to go thru so I could put it in kid terms to explain it to her. (she was 3 at the time, but they understand more than we realize way earlier than we realize!) God bless!