Needle phobia

[bws1565]

We are looking into testing our DD15 for Lyme and coinfections. She has had several symptoms that we could not explain, only if she would be positive for lyme.

 

We took her to a doctor who would test her, and she ABSOLUTELY refused to take a blood test. I realized this kind of phobia is not uncommon here. WHAT DO WE DO??? Do we diagnose her clinically and treat? Do we force a child who has this severe fear of needles???? Someone even suggested laughing gas or similar.

 

My opinion is that before we pour tons of abx into a child we need to have something black and white. I would be a little uncomfortable with so much medicine based on clinical observation.

 

Also, what is the chance that because this is going on for so so long, we will get a negative result, and it is lyme anyway?

 

Thanks

[pr40]

there is no absolutely reliable test for lyme as of yet. you can consider it a clinical diagnosis, i.e. one based on symptoms alone.

in your place, if my child had Lyme symptoms, i wound not be worried about having something black and white before starting treatment as there is nothing black and white other than her symptoms.

start abx, perhaps two different kinds, and see if there are any changes within a few months.

give her probiotic at the same time.

also, you can start a herbal treatment for lyme and see if it works -- consult earlier posts on this forum for possibilities.

[WorriedDADNMOM]

As for testing, I think Fry Labs in AZ does a test looking for biofilm.......which is another added puzzle piece. I think fear of needles is quite common. You don't speak of symptoms or other blood tests previously. Do you have a known tick bite?? If so, and the symptoms like up with Lyme.....starting ABX long term i think would be beneficial. Any strep infections just previous to the lyme symptoms???? I have heard a few times that strep "triggers" latent lyme.

 

I think getting to an LLMD really would be beneficial.

[Mayzoo]

We use klonopin (anti-anxylitic) and Emla cream (reduces pain) prior to the draw. Other than that, I tell her it is not optional, and in the beginning, we had to hold her down (4 people) but then again my kiddo was only 11 then. Now, with the klonopin only, she is still upset, but understands that it is not optional and she will be held down if she does not "allow" the draw. She also understands this is the only way to "see" what is going on inside her body and we cannot help her if we cannot "see" what is going on. Now, it just requires one person to hold her draw arm and I put her in my lap and hold her other arm. This is more for safety than anything else now.

[sarojane]

We have almost the same issue. We need to do a blood draw for lyme and coinfections soon. This will be our fourth attempt.

[WorriedDADNMOM]

For what it is worth. If it takes major restraint... getting it done and getting treated will be worth the stress and pain of that moment. Our kiddo took needles almost perfectly fine after starting and and vitamins and minerals from integrative pedi. Really strange how the anxiety reduces after starting treatment.

[mmiglio]

My daughter also had to be held down while they drew six vials of blood for the full battery of tests. When it was over she was almost laughing at herself at how ridiculous it was but she is still terrified of needles, and the next time will be just the same.

 

I agree that it's better to just get it done and over with. Not an option. Like wearing a seatbelt.

 

Hang in there. We've all been there.

[Wombat140]

Trouble for me is I'm 23 so I don't think it would be the done thing to do that! Even supposing I'm not in fact stronger than our nurse!