Pre op instructions for kids stink. There. I said it for all the Mom’s out there.
Have you ever had to refuse to feed your child when you knew he or she was hungry?
Mister is having surgery on his tear ducts today, so our feeding instructions were:
Food/Milk until 4:30 a.m.
Clear Liquids only from 4:30 a.m. until 8:30 a.m.
Nothing by Mouth (NPO) after 8:30 a.m.
He slept until 8:15 this morning, when I had to get him up. Then I gave him some flavored water. He was happy until about 9:30 a.m., at about which time he started signing “eat” and “more.” He also pulled out a chair at the table and climbed into it and looked at me pleadingly. Then he pushed his highchair around the kitchen, letting me know that under no uncertain turns he wanted in it and wanted what should naturally follow… food.
As a nurse, I recognize the importance of withholding food/beverages prior to surgical procedures. The anesthesia could cause severe nausea if there is food/fluid in the stomach. Which could cause vomiting during surgery. Which could cause life threatening emergencies. Needless to say, we don’t want any of that. So, of course, we can’t feed him.
But, as a mother, I recognize the pitiful plea in my son’s voice that says “You are supposed to meet my needs.” And that pulls my heart strings.
His last surgery was in November, before he was a year old. And it was earlier in the day. So, we were able to transfer him from the crib to the car seat and head to the hospital, without the pitiful pleas. Once we got to the hospital last time, they were pretty quick in getting him back to the OR, so we averted any real drama.
This is him before the last surgery… isn’t he precious!
His surgery is scheduled for Noon today.
So, I prepare for drama.
Pre Op instructions for kids stink.
Be blessed!
Virginia
