First-time surgery patients may receive anesthesia masks and surgical caps during their pre-op visits to get them familiar with different aspects of their surgery.
Recently our daughter, Molly, 1, had outpatient surgery. She had myringotomy, or simply put, ear tube surgery, and upper lip tie surgery. Things could not have gone better! The entire staff was so helpful, patient, accommodating and kind.
Molly attended the hospital’s Holiday Tree Festival to visit with Santa.
Originally, we were scheduled to have surgery in January but I called about getting on a cancellation list and was able to get in almost immediately. We had our pre-op appointment the day before surgery, and it was so helpful and informative.
Molly shows mom, Lauren, how the anesthesia mask goes on the face. What a pro!
To be honest, I was skeptical at first about whether that brief meeting would make a difference in my daughter’s anxiety about medical environments but we practiced at home with the mask and hairnet and in the car on the way there. I have to say I think it helped tremendously. In addition, the little car they had us drive her around in while talking to the child life specialist and nurse was super helpful, too.
Molly is all giggles with dad, Tom, before surgery. Thanks to her pre-op visit, Molly was ready to take on the operating room.
It would be much quicker and easier for the staff to just take her, crying, rather than spend the extra time warming her up to the environment, and I so appreciate that extra mile that the staff is willing to go. The entire process was very quick and easy, too. I didn’t even finish my coffee before she was done, and we were called back!
After breezing through surgery, 1-year-old Molly is back to taking on toddlerhood.
Dr. (Terry) Good met with us promptly after and explained everything thoroughly and made us feel at ease. Our post-op nurse, Aurora, stayed with us and went over every detail and was very helpful and accommodating. I am very impressed with this facility.
Editor’s note: For more information on preparing for your child’s outpatient surgery, click here.
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