How to explain to ds3

amother

OP ↓

Wed, Jul 24 2024, 8:08 am

Ds3 is having a medical test done where they put in a catheter and then he has to lay still for 30-60 min. Please help me with how to explain to him what will happen in a gentle way? He doesn't usually have these things so he'll be very scared....and I'm nervous that he won't cooperate....

amother

Clover ↓

Wed, Jul 24 2024, 8:11 am

They're not going to sedate him?? 3yo is very young to expect him to stay still.

Does the dr have a child life specialist who can help you with explaining it?

amother

↑ Clover ↓

Wed, Jul 24 2024, 10:40 am

Honestly, I'd look for another dr. that is more understanding of children's abilities and natures.

***

When I was 7 I had a procedure that was unpleasant. Not painful, but unpleasant. And they didn't give me another because I was over 6. To this day I resent my parents for not insisting on it. I have trauma and memories that I should not have to have.

***

Forcing a 3 year old to stay still for 30-60 minutes honestly doesn't seem practical. And inserting a catheter can be pretty traumatic too.

amother

Chocolate

Wed, Jul 24 2024, 10:43 am

You can create a little book together where you have some simple text and a picture on each page that goes through what will happen. I would keep it very basic and factual and include an ending that has him getting some kind of treat or prize. You can read it many times before and he can look at it on his own. I find that being prepared reassures the child when the time comes for the actual procedure because it feels familiar and they know there’s a good ending coming. This has worked really well for my kids with medical procedures. Hope it helps!

amother

↑ OP ↓

Wed, Jul 24 2024, 11:21 am

I asked the hospital and they had nothing to say "Hes only 3 I dont think theres anyway you can prepare a 3 year old"
Im waiting for the doctors office to call back

amother

Lawngreen

Wed, Jul 24 2024, 11:44 am

amother OP wrote:

I asked the hospital and they had nothing to say "Hes only 3 I dont think theres anyway you can prepare a 3 year old"
Im waiting for the doctors office to call back

I would definitely talk to the doctor and tell them your concerns. I can't imagine they expect a three year old to sit still for that long, and that would be without any anxiety about the procedure.
Ask them -- If they can't give anesthesia, is there anything else they can give him to help? Some sort of laughing gas or the equivalent? Maybe they just mean he won't be under general, but will still be sedated in some way?

I did one time have to get a young child to stay still for an MRI. I was allowed to be in the room with him. We talked a lot about it beforehand, and I went all out that day, acting silly and singing songs and making crazy noises to keep him entertained. He managed. But he was older than 3 (maybe 5?), a relatively calm kid in general, and I only had to keep him still for a few minutes at a time.

What you're asking for sounds impossible.

amother

Periwinkle

Wed, Jul 24 2024, 11:46 am

My baby will need another vcug in a while. He'll be about 2 and 10 months. I'm wondering how to prepare him for that..... He had one when he was about 19 months but that was easier. He was a baby and didn't understand.

amother

↑ Clover

Wed, Jul 24 2024, 3:45 pm

amother Periwinkle wrote:

That's the procedure that traumatized me ftr.

When I was younger they put me in a twilight state for them and I don't remember those. I just remember the one when I was 7. Because I was over 6 and they wouldn't give me anything.

Please learn from me and advocate properly for your children. Don't just accept the drs decisions.

amother

Amber

Wed, Jul 24 2024, 3:49 pm

You can read this with him:
https://dam.upmc.com/-/media/c.....g.pdf

But depending on how mature he is, it might not be very helpful. I have an advanced 3yo that this would probably help with, but not for the kid above when they were 3.

amother

↑ OP

Wed, Jul 24 2024, 3:51 pm

amother Clover wrote:

it is a vcug. I found this great guide that will hopefully prepare him well
https://dam.upmc.com/-/media/c.....E3482