C’s mom,

My daughter is 13 now and had surgery at 18 months, 8 yrs and 10 yrs.  No, they dont like the iv’s and no they dont like everyone touching and bothering them.  It is what you make it for her.  We would tell our daughter "when the nice lady comes in to put your shot in, mommy will be here with you"...then we said,"oh look shes here, yea".... as she most likely screams and cries and tries to get away you just tell her "what a brave big girl you are and that mommy is so proud of you".  And dont you get flustered.  Its what you make it.  Really it is.  We used a pretend shot for her to do one on me.  They will give you a needle free syringe if you ask. 

The catheter feels like a wet string being pulled out of you. Of course my daughter couldnt describe that to me as a toddler but could as she got older.  She says if feels wet but isnt painful and she was happy to get it out.

And oh that weekend fast...  The emptier she is the better.  Just occupy her time.  Play with her, read lots of books, take her to the playroom on the floor, walk her around to see things.  Bring toys.  She wont really realize shes that hungry unless you are eating in front of her.  We let our daughter lick the salt off of crackers when she couldnt stand it anymore but she was older then.  Im available by phone if you need anything at all.