Cody the Cat has an Anaesthetic
A story for younger children having dental treatment under General Anaesthesia
My name is Cody and I am going to tell you a story about my trip to the hospital.
It all started when I visited the dentist with toothache. The dentist told my parents I had some poorly teeth which needed to be taken out under a "General Anaesthesia." The dentist explained this is where a doctor gives you some medicine to put you into a deep sleep so you don't hear, feel or see anything.
The night before I visited the hospital I ate my dinner early and went to bed. I couldn't eat anything after midnight as I needed to have an empty tummy for the next morning. I was allowed to have some sips of water to stop me getting thirsty.
The next morning we arrived at the hospital ward where I met my dentist and nurse. The dentist had a chat with my parents and the nurse gave me a name band for my wrist.
The nurse checked my temperature and weight. I then changed into a pair of hospital pyjamas and got into my hospital bed.
Then, we met the anaesthetist, the doctor who would give me the medicine and look after me while I'm asleep. The doctor explained the medicine would be given through a tiny plastic tube in the back of my hand. The nurse put some cream on the back of my hand to help me feel more comfortable.
A play specialist gave me fun things to do while I waited. Then, we walked to the anaesthetic room. This had lots of cool machines in it. They were there to look after me. I was allowed to have one parent in the anaesthetic room, whilst the other waited outside.
Sometimes the doctor can use a mask with some happy air to help you feel better, it smells a bit like felt tip pens. The doctor gave me my medicine through the tube in my hand and very soon I was fast asleep. Both my parents waited outside for me.
Whilst I was asleep the dentist took my teeth out and completed my treatment in the theatre room. I don't remember anything but the doctors and nurses in the theatre room all looked after me.
I slowly woke up in the recovery room where my nurse was waiting for me. I then saw my parents and was wheeled back to the ward for some rest. I finally had something to eat and drink and the plastic tube in my hand was taken out. My mouth felt a bit different as there were some gaps in my teeth.
Before we left I was given a sticker, my teeth stayed in the hospital to be sent to the tooth fairy. We said goodbye and my parents told me they were very proud of how well I had done.
Further resources
Royal College of Anaesthetists: https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2019-08/ReesBear.pdf
All images illustrated by Nikita Visaria-Shah