I didn't know what to expect for Elle's hip spica cast operation/hospital visit. I thought it might be helpful to share some information on what you can expect, based on our experience.
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Firstly, expect a call from the hospital the day prior to surgery informing you of the time of arrival and instructions on fasting etc. This is the time to ask any questions you have.
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The fasting worried me. Elle was breastfed so she had a shorter fasting time. The hospitals usually admit the youngest bubs early in the morning so that the fasting time isn’t too long. They allow some sips of water too. I was very concerned how Elle would go but she wasn’t too bad at all.
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On the day of, follow hospital instructions on where and how to check in.
Once all the paperwork has been completed and you're checked in there will be a time to meet with the nurses (and potentially your Dr) before surgery. They will check bubs health signs (like weight, height etc) and give them a wrist and ankle band.
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Then there may be a bit of a wait until you’re called in. We got to play in a kid's playroom while we waited.
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When it's you little one's time for surgery, one parent will be assigned to take bub into the operating theatre. The nurses will give you protective clothing, hat and shoes. You will take bub into the operation room and stay there until bub is under anesthetic. Then you'll be asked to say your goodbyes and leave the room. I found this part upsetting so make sure you bring a tissue.
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Once the operation is complete, the Dr should come to chat to you and tell you how it all went. In our case we were relieved because Elle only had a closed reduction (not an open reduction which was on the cards).
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When bub is in recovery and wakes, you’ll be brought into bub in the recovery room. Bub will be hungry and want a feed and a big cuddle.
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We then went for an MRI to make sure the hip was in place. Elle was awake for this but told not to move. We found this part tricky and upsetting and took a long time.
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Once back to recovery ward, the OT should come to see you (if they haven't already) and figure out how bub will fit into a pram and car seat. They normally pad the car seat out with towels or foam and give you a letter to carry in the car re the modifications and why they’re required. Elle couldn’t fit in her pram, so we hired one from the hospital.
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You’ll need to put the car seat back into the car, then off you go home. It was a long and exhausting day for us.
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Once home, make sure to keep up the pain relief (panadol and neurofen) and provide lots of cuddles and kisses.
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Wishing you all the best for your little one's day in hospital.