Surgery and Autism
So, the subject of surgery and autism came up to me a few weeks ago in my mind. I had to go to the Ears, Nose and Throat doctor (ENT) due to sinus issues. After the results came back, I found out that I must have surgery. So, after thinking about this I want to share how to prepare, and what to expect.
Child life Specialist
If your child is nervous about having surgery, did you know that there is something called a child life specialist? So you ask what is a child life specialist? A child life specialist is like a hospital teacher. A child life specialist can help the child understand what is going on and what to expect during their time in the hospital.
What Activities Can a ‘[ Child Life Specialist provide
- Games
- Crafts
- Movies
- Playroom time
- Hospital education
- Food/ drinks
Imaging Before Surgery
So my imaging study before surgery was on a Friday. I was told to arrive at ten am for an eleven fifteen am sedation appointment. I was supposed to take one pill at ten am and one pill at eleven and go in at eleven fifteen, however it went wrong I was given one pill at 10 and one at 10:30 and put into CT by 10:32 am and given Compazine which I am deathly allergic to. I do not want my experience to become anyone else’s.
Imaging Advice
My imaging advice is if your child has anxiety, and your imaging center only offers oral sedation I would contact your local hospital and ask about iv sedation. For me Iv sedation works better because once I am on monitors and I know that I am safe and that my fiancé is with me I can relax. What makes me comfortable about the iv sedation is that they can give me anxiety medicine before I go to sleep. Then once I’m relaxed, I am put to sleep and my fiancé can walk to the end of the hall with us to make sure that I stay asleep. Once I am back from imaging I wake up with my fiancé by my side and a nurse to make sure that I come out OK and then I get to go home.
Blood work and pre op stuff
When it comes to my pre op blood work and covid testing of course any child with anxiety or autism is going to be nervous. When it comes to blood work for me my fiancé has determined that having me lay down on an exam table and distracting me from the needle usually works well. At the end of the blood draw, I usually get stickers for being good and rob will get me a prize. Now when it came to first ever Covid test it was the worst experience ever.
Covid Testing
My first covid test was the worst experience ever. When my fiancé took me to urgent care due to me having symptoms. The doctor at urgent care had no care in the world about my autism or my anxiety. The doctor pinned me against my fiancés car and had me feeling trapped, claustrophobic and more. The first time he attempted the test he was unsuccessful my fiancé watched me screaming and crying and finally got out of the car and told him to stop. My fiancé took me into his arms in a cradle position and held me and told the doctor that I have autism and anxiety and to learn how to handle special needs patients.
Covid Advice
- My advice when it comes to covid testing is to find a doctor that you trust to perform the test
- Let your doctor know that you have anxiety and autism
- Find a way to complete the test either laying down on an exam table/ have your fiance hold you etc
- One your test is complete treat yourself to a reward or lunch
- Try to calm down know the test is over
- Wait for results
Pre-Surgery preparations
When it comes to the pre operation preparations for surgery day there is a lot to consider when it comes to packing. For me there’s a lot to think about.
- Do I have my blankets?
- Do I have activities for overnight?
- Do I have my shower stuff?
- Do I have my comfort items?
- Do I have my pajamas?
Once I have everything packed that I need surgery then it is time for me to wind down for the night. Yes that means to get ready for bedtime.
Winding Down
When it comes time for wind down for me, I try to relax before bed. Usually by wind down time I mean
- Take a warm shower
- Listen to calm Disney piano music
- Dim the lights
- Watch my favorite tv show
- Have some warm hot cocoa
Once I’m ready to lay down I will let rob know by handing him the tv remote and lay down. For me I put my hand on robs chest and calm down. Usually, a little while after all my wind down time I fall asleep.
Morning of Surgery
On the morning of surgery rob wakes me up to prepare me for surgery and get me ready for departure to the hospital. Once we arrive at the hospital at the hospital we go to check in and complete the check in process. Once the check in process is complete, we report to the waiting room to wait for our nurse to call us back to our room. Once we are in our room then pre op prep begins.
Pre op prep
Pre op prep usually means pulse ox- heart rate- if you require pre op blood work then you get that as well. Next, I usually get either my pre op relaxing medicine then usually I will get my iv put in and given some fluids. Once I’m given fluids then usually, I just watch tv and relax until the doctor comes in. Once the doctor comes in usually, we talk about what to expect. Next the anesthesiologist which is the sleep doctor comes in to see me and talks to us about putting me to sleep. Finally, we get ready to go down to surgery.
Surgery
Once its time to go to surgery the doctors, nurses and my fiancé roll me to the operating room. My fiancé stays with me until I am asleep. Once I am asleep my fiancé goes to the waiting area to wait for updates during my surgery. Once your surgery gets going you won’t know it and it will be over before you know it.
Recovery
Once your surgery is complete you will be taken to the recovery room where a nurse will watch over you until you’re awake. Once your awake the nurse will get whoever took you to surgery to stay with you. Once your awake you will go to your pre op room to further recover. Once your awake if you’re going home the same day then you will go home. If your staying a few nights, then you will be taken to your overnight room and settled in.