This page is updated often, so check back to read about additional procedures.
Surgery
Will I have to change into a gown?
You will be given special pajamas to wear while you are in surgery.
Will I be able to feel the surgery?
The doctors will help you sleep during surgery. You will not be able
to feel anything during this sleep.
How will they help me sleep?
The doctor who helps you sleep during surgery is called an anesthesiologist.
This doctor gives you certain medications so you are in a very deep sleep.
Sometimes you can breath in the medication and sometimes it is put in
through an IV. This sleep is unlike regular sleep because you cannot wake
up until the anesthesiologist stops giving you the medication when the
surgery is over.
Will I remember the surgery?
Because you are in a special sleep, you will not remember the surgery.
You will only remember going to sleep and waking up.
Do I have to get an IV?
Many times the medicine you need in order to sleep is given through a
small tube that goes in your arm, called an IV. Your doctor or nurse will
let you know if you will have one.
Will I have stitches? What kind? How long?
Depending on what kind of surgery you have and where it is on your body,
you may have small tapes called steri-strips, regular stitches, or staples.
Your surgeon will explain which kind you will have and how to take care
of them after surgery.
Am I going to have pain after surgery?
Your doctor will prescribe medicines to ease your pain from surgery.
You will also receive information about taking care of yourself and when
you can return to normal activity. Ask questions if you still have concerns.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
What is an MRI?
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It is a machine that takes
special pictures so the doctors can see inside your body. The machine
looks like a big doughnut that has a table in the middle for you to lay
on.
How long does it take?
Most MRI sessions take about 30 minutes, or the length of one TV show.
Will it hurt?
No. There's nothing to it. You will lay on the soft table and need
to be as still as possible. You will be given pillows, and sheets are
available if you get cold. When you're comfortable, the table slides
into the camera (the part that looks like a doughnut). The camera is open
on both ends, and there is a fan.
Do I wear my own clothes?
In most cases, yes. This depends on what part of your body we'll
be taking pictures of. Sometimes if your clothes have a lot of metal buttons
or clasps, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown.
Will I have to have an injection?
Sometimes. This depends on why you are having the pictures taken. If
you will need an injection, the needle is very small and your skin will
be numbed ahead of time so you won't feel it.
What if I get claustrophobic?
That's OK. Lots of big people get claustrophobic, too. The technicians
can see and hear you at all times during the exam, so you're never
alone! There is a speaker and microphone in the machine, so if you feel
you really need to stop we can hear you. Just speak up.
Is it loud?
Yes. It sounds like a big tractor is right outside your bedroom, but
you will be given earplugs to make sure your ears don't hurt. The
sound is only made while the machine is taking pictures, so it will go
for about 4 minutes at a time and then pause.
Can my parents be there with me?
Yes. They will be asked to empty their pockets and take off anything
metal, but they can be right in the room the whole time and even touching
you if you'd like.
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