Need to make a decision about dd's op - please advise us :O(

[BunnyLebowski]

DD is a few weeks short of her first birthday.

About 5 months ago we noticed a bubble/blister type growth on the inside of her lower lip.

Eventually it was diagnosed as a mucocele which although not harmful can be uncomfortable. It doesn't affect her feeding (she's breastfed) but we do think it's bothering her. It's very obvious when you look into her mouth too.

The specialist we saw mentioned the possibility of having it removed but thought at the time dd was too young (9 months) for the op as it requires a general anaesthetic.

We saw him again yesterday and now basically have to make a decision as to whether to have it removed or not.

The operation carries the usual tiny risks of GA plus a very small chance the area under the mucocele might be left numb and this could theoretically affect dd's speech in the future

Any advice??

I absolutely hate the idea of her being put under GA but if it's the best thing to do for her then obviously we will do it.

[BunnyLebowski]

Shameless bump. Would love to hear someone else's thoughts

[pixiestix]

Ahh your poor DD - have no practical advice I'm afraid but would think that it must be uncomfortable for her, and maybe better to have it taken off if the risks are small?

PS - I saw your pics when you had those almighty bruises from getting stuck in the window and your DD is GORGEOUS!

[BunnyLebowski]

Thanks pixiestix and thank for answering.

I agree with you and so does DP but with us so far away from family and as first time parents these kind of decisions are new and very daunting to us!

We see another specialist in November so will decide once we hear what he says.

I might be being pfb but the thought of dd being put under GA really upsets me. I've got to suck it up and do what's best for her.

Thanks again.

[Blu]

DS had 4 GAs between 11 and 14m, and there is no doubt that it is a bit heart rending. BUT I promise you it is far worse for the parents than the child, and that it will be better to do this when she is younger rather than older.

They have to tell you all the possible side effects, however remote, but really, they will take the greatest care of you, and it won't be as bad as you fear.

It sounds as if it is something they could do in day surgery, too.

[crokky]

My DS had a GA at 3yo and there were plenty of babies on our ward, some younger than your DD. I would try not to worry about the GA aspect of it (although I know it is really frightening) and make your decision based solely on the underlying thing - her lip. If your specialist thinks that getting it removed is the right thing to do, I would do it. It is obviously not nice to watch your child be put under GA and to wait for the operation, but you will be able to do it.

[crokky]

oh yes, blu is quite right, should be fine without an overnight stay. None of the babies and children on the ward with us needed to stay overnight, apart from one and that was because his surgery was quite late in the day.

[BunnyLebowski]

Thanks Blu and crokky. Good to hear from others that have been through similar.

Yes it will be a day procedure and DP has promised to take the few days after surgery as well as the day of the op off work so we can both be there for dd. I imagine she won't be a happy wee bunny.

The risks from the op are minimal but as you say Blu they are obliged to inform you of them.

In the long run a few days of discomfort and grumpiness are infinitely better than her having this thing in her mouth long term.

I feel more calm now. Thanks for your advice.

[crokky]

She might not be too bad re the grumpiness. My DS had an operation on his foot and the whole thing was heavily bandaged. Having spent a couple of hours sleeping off the anaesthetic, he proceeded to get off the bed and RUN!! across the ward. The GA doesn't knock them about much usually, but your DD might have a bit of soreness where they operate on her lip - they will give her painkillers tailored to her bodyweight whilst she is in surgery so she will not wake up in pain. Only thing is, when they first come round from the GA, they are quite grumpy and disorientated, but it wears off quickly, especially after a good sleep (she will be v tired after GA).

[sunburntats]

just looked at your bruises......WOW you are well ard with them!

daft bint! LOL

[Blu]

It is v good that you will have someone with you for the op - the staff will be very helpful, and are used to seeing parents and babies through opeations - it will all seem quite routine and re-assuring in the day. BUT there is nothing like seeing them anaesthetised and leaving them on the trolley. You hold it together to be calm so as not to alarm them, but i don't know anyone who doesn't cry seing them flop out. I have done it 8 times and always cry.

They will let you hold her while she goes to sleep - that will be fine - and hopefully they will use the gas. She may struggle, but the more they struggle the faster it knocks them out - it takes less than 10 secs, I promise you. And you have to think 'how often has she struggled having her shoes / clothes put on'!

But DS had a big leg operation when he was 11m, and had a thigh length plaster-cast. He woke up, giggled a lot, ate several yogurst, looked a bit surprised at the cast and crawled across the floor at top speed. As soon as we got home he managed to crawl up stairs.

I very much doubt she will be upset for several days, but it's re-assuring to have plans in place.