How to get blood drawn on a terrified 5 y/o?

[MJMama]

Hi Everyone!

 

Our DD is 5 has been diagnosed by Dr. T with PANDAS. She was on abx for

most of July, August and the beginning of September. She has one unique

characteristic which is that she is suffering from severe fatigue in

addition to the facial tic and behavioral problems. We have had her blood

drawn 2 times already and the first one was a nightmare, she raged

and raced around the room BUT we got it done. The second one was actually

better, she screamed and cried but it only took 30 minutes versus the

1 1/2 hours the first time. Last week we went to do another round so that

we can test for Mono and some other things as well as to monitor the ASO

titers....well, it was an epic fail! She was so ready for it, really

wanted what we were bribing her with but then she just flipped out...she

wanted to do it I think but was so scared....after over an hour we had

to just leave and she was so sad that she didn't get the special treat...

this just bites what these kids have to go through....Now we can't even

mention it or she will start to cry but we need to get it done. She

had a stuffed animal, the people were so nice, I don't know....does

anyone have any suggestions?

 

Thanks! Kathy

[peglem]

We use valium for blood draws- but valerian root may work also. Sometimes (we used to ALWAYS need this) we have to lay her on the little exam table thingy and climb on top of her to get control of her body while a few staff members hold her arm and draw blood. Its always traumatic. We have also used emla cream, but I think its the fear, more than the pain, that is the main problem.

[smartyjones]

i think there is a special section on anxietybc.com about fear of blood draws

[sww817]

I will only second the emla cream. I use it with my son and we talk about how it will not hurt, etc. The first time he had blood drawn, he was two and they took 10 vials. It was horrible! After that, it was a battle. Now we use the cream and I remind him it will not hurt. Also, for my son, he has to watch. Strange to me because I look away. But I covered his eyes once and that was all he talked about- how I could NOT do that next time. Next time I did not and he was fine.

 

I know the anxiety is the bigger battle. I totally get that. But maybe if you get this cream (assuming you have not used it in the past) and talk about how this is going to block the pain? Maybe that will help quiet the anxiety...

 

Good luck!