One would think with the number of surgeries and sedated procedures that the kids have been through that it would get easier and the nerves would not be bad. But I think the nerves actually get worse with each procedure. I have lost count where we’re at in the surgery/sedation procedure numbers! I’m sure if I went back through my records and took the time I could figure it out, but who has that kind of time!!!!
This surgery we are actually having done at Children’s Mercy in Kansas City. Caleb was taken back about an hour ago. I am pleased with how things have gone so far. One thing that surprised me was that when we were called to check the pre-admission process I was asked if we had an “Autism Plan” to help Caleb when we first get to the hospital. This is something that they do if a child with Autism has severe anxiety about coming to the doctor/hospital. Anesthesia can be notified and give the child something upon arrival to make it easier to get vitals, et cet. I told them that I can generally talk Caleb through vitals as long as the nurse/med assistant is patient with me and him, we’d be able to get it done. And we did!
As much as Caleb hates surgery – for that all doctors and we have to go though the process of walking him though EVERY. SINGLE. STEP. even though he could probably recite them in his sleep with as much as we are at the doctors’ offices!
They did give Caleb some medicine that made him loopy about 15 minutes before they took him back to the O.R. with the hope that would help his separation anxiety. Unfortunately, it didn’t. He cried so hard because I couldn’t go into the operating room with him. It breaks my heart, every single time!
So now we just wait to hear from the doctor that the surgery is over and then Caleb will be in recovery for about an hour before he is assigned to a room. Depending on his pain level depends whether he will be discharged today or he will be kept overnight or not.
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