Palmy hospital will let one of you go in with him while they put him under.
I have done 3 generals now with my boys (not as many as Emma
), and I have found going under is fine and the anthistist(sp?) will help you getting them sorted as will the scrub nurses. Them coming out is the hardest as they trash around and cry so loud (well both my boys did), and are in so much pain there is nothing you can really do but hold them down.
Ask to go straight to recovery once you are out of your scrubs so you can be there to meet him, so he feels safe knowing mum is there - I found that worked with Andrew as I wasn't there the first time but the next time was a little better.
Ask the nurses for help, they will help you with everything.