Post by laurasnowbird on Oct 20, 2007 13:09:40 GMT -5
I wanted to share this, because it is working soooo well for Ethan.
Back when he was having the horrible problems with constipation a while back, I started working with him on some relaxation techniques. I know, sounds weird, but stick with me for a minute on this! Part of his problem at that time was the he was soooo scared of the pain, that he was withholding, and he was clenched up so tight it was amazing.
So I started having him lean against me, saying, "Now, just RELAX, Ethan. Take some deep breaths with Mommy......", and then I'd take a deep breath in and slowly let it out. And then repeat it, asking to take another deep breath with me. He caught on FAST, and it really helped when he was stressed.
Fast forward to the multiple appts. we've had lately, and I ended up using the same technique when he was scared. It was soooo helpful! They did a fiberoptic scope of his tonsils and adenoids, put this thing that was like big piece of spaghetti down his nose, and I was holding him and coaching his breathing. They ENT couldn't get over how well he did, and how much he listened and cooperated.
For his tonsillectomy, I persuaded them to let me hold him in my lap while they put the gas mask over his face, then coached his breathing. Four deep breaths and he was out. The anesthesiologist was thrilled. It worked really well like that....as opposed to the MRI a couple of weeks ago, they made me put him on the table and they held him down while I coached him. He fought that much harder, but he still did better with me there coaching him than he would have done without. So we took it up the next level for the tonsillectomy and that worked even better!
Just thought I would share. Sometimes our kids have to deal with so many stressful doctor situations that it really felt good to give him a tool for helping him with his fear. Hope this helps someone else!
Back when he was having the horrible problems with constipation a while back, I started working with him on some relaxation techniques. I know, sounds weird, but stick with me for a minute on this! Part of his problem at that time was the he was soooo scared of the pain, that he was withholding, and he was clenched up so tight it was amazing.
So I started having him lean against me, saying, "Now, just RELAX, Ethan. Take some deep breaths with Mommy......", and then I'd take a deep breath in and slowly let it out. And then repeat it, asking to take another deep breath with me. He caught on FAST, and it really helped when he was stressed.
Fast forward to the multiple appts. we've had lately, and I ended up using the same technique when he was scared. It was soooo helpful! They did a fiberoptic scope of his tonsils and adenoids, put this thing that was like big piece of spaghetti down his nose, and I was holding him and coaching his breathing. They ENT couldn't get over how well he did, and how much he listened and cooperated.
For his tonsillectomy, I persuaded them to let me hold him in my lap while they put the gas mask over his face, then coached his breathing. Four deep breaths and he was out. The anesthesiologist was thrilled. It worked really well like that....as opposed to the MRI a couple of weeks ago, they made me put him on the table and they held him down while I coached him. He fought that much harder, but he still did better with me there coaching him than he would have done without. So we took it up the next level for the tonsillectomy and that worked even better!
Just thought I would share. Sometimes our kids have to deal with so many stressful doctor situations that it really felt good to give him a tool for helping him with his fear. Hope this helps someone else!
