Finally got bloodwork done!

[tantrums]

Last week, I went to get the bloodwork done that Dr. T ordered. The tech could not find out what it all was and had to call him. During the wait that time, DS ticced like he'd NEVER ticced before. I'd never seen anything like it! He pretty much stopped when we left, but a few residual tics remain still.

 

They called me Monday to let me know they had everything in order but today was the first day I was able to get out of work in time to get back to the lab. Poor kid was a mess when he saw me walk into daycare to pick him up

 

No ticcing at all this time, but some OCD type stuff, nothing major. However, I saw all of the vials - I believe it was 8? and actually asked if I should expect any problem. Tech said no. However, DS stood up after he was done and promptly collapsed and started to vomit.

 

has anyone else experienced this? I'm not sure if it was a lack of blood or just a nervous reaction. I know it could be worse. He isn't one to kick, scream and fight bloodwork. What he normally does is nearly go into a state of shock. He shakes and just looks panicked for quite a while, but this was obviously more extreme. It's very sad actually. Both of my brothers are like this - will literally pass out at the sight of a needle, so I've seen the reaction.

 

If it's lack of blood, is there anything I can do to help? I already had him drink some soda. We're eating dinner soon and hopefully he will eat it. He's not much of an eater to begin with.

[kimballot]

Have him drink lots of liquids and eat some food with iron like spinach or meats. I don't know if that will help - but that is what they tell me to do when I give blood.

[tpotter]

Also, since you now know this is possible, always make sure they take his blood lying down, and he stays that way for a few minutes afterwards. They need to keep an eye on him to. Both my boys used to almost pass out afterwards. That's what they told us to do for them.

[tantrums]

Thanks! Great tips. The techs there are funny. The woman is sooo scared of my little boy it's beyond ridiculous so I was happy she wasn't there today. But then when he fell over, the guy wasn't much better. I will have them let him lay down next time.

 

We actually planned a spinach salad for dinner so that should help. And I can throw some roast beef on top of his to add some iron.

[justinekno]

My ds(20) has always had low blood pressure (which I'm told by the dr is normal for kids) and passes out very easily when dehydrated or anxious (my husband and I laugh that he will never witness his kids being born!). The dr told us to make sure he gets plenty of fluids days before he will be either in a sports game, in a stressful situation or out in the sun. He said waiting until the day of the "event" won't help as much. So when he's going to have blood drawn, he makes sure he is fully hydrated and that he lays down right away afterwards (in the lab room). He had to have an MRI (where they insert dye) done last summer for a shoulder injury and forgot to tell the technician about his low blood pressure and he fainted immediately after getting up. The nurse said that stress and/or giving blood can lower your blood pressure drastically. After we left, we went straight to the store for Gatorade. Some day he will learn

Edited June 17, 2010 by justinekno

[amy s]

It probably was a vasovagal response.

 

I agree you should always have the techs draw blood (or if rec'v an injection of some sort) do it with him lying down and have him stay there a while...sit back up slowly, come to a stand slowly and walk away slowly with someone nearby. It can happen minutes later, after the person has walked away from the area!

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasovagal_response

[P_Mom]

My son has passed out in blood draws and ticced like crazy beforehand......nervous stuff.

[peglem]

Wow, wish my kid did that- instead of thrashing around with super human strength! I mean, yeah, it would freak me out (at first), but would be so much easier to get blood if she was unconscious!

[tantrums]

Wow, wish my kid did that- instead of thrashing around with super human strength! I mean, yeah, it would freak me out (at first), but would be so much easier to get blood if she was unconscious!

 

Yes I realize that would be MUCH harder BTDT with clients, adult and children. Imagine dealing with a developmentally delayed 200 pound adult in that situation... So I have "done my time" so to speak

 

So now of course I am worried he will only build on this experience next time. But I will take these tips and have him lay down. Hopefully that will help!

[smartyjones]

We actually planned a spinach salad for dinner so that should help. And I can throw some roast beef on top of his to add some iron.

 

 

your son will eat spinach salad ??!!

 

hope you all had a good evening!

[tantrums]

My son is a rebel from the get go He is naturally a VERY adventurous and healthy eater - that is WHEN he eats anything. But he loves veggies, chinese food, sushi (OH GAWD GAG!!!!), fish, just about any fruit... Actually, eating healthy is somewhat of an obsession so I am a bit nervous sometimes. I on the other hand, live most days on the candy in my purse (I'm an on the road social worker and rarely have time to eat). So he does NOT get it from me!!! LOL!

 

He was fine after a couple of hours and out playing with a friend. I was trying to calm him down and wanting him to take it easy, but he was having none of that. All the better I imagine that he was feeling fine and up to old tricks.

[lynn]

When my son almost passed out and started throwing up during the blood draw, the tech told me that next time I should make sure he is more hydrated. So the next time I made the poor kid drink water all morning and he had no problem. However, according to DS the improvement was mainly because he had figured out that blood draws are no big deal by then.

[saidie10]

Last week, I went to get the bloodwork done that Dr. T ordered. The tech could not find out what it all was and had to call him. During the wait that time, DS ticced like he'd NEVER ticced before. I'd never seen anything like it! He pretty much stopped when we left, but a few residual tics remain still.

 

They called me Monday to let me know they had everything in order but today was the first day I was able to get out of work in time to get back to the lab. Poor kid was a mess when he saw me walk into daycare to pick him up

 

No ticcing at all this time, but some OCD type stuff, nothing major. However, I saw all of the vials - I believe it was 8? and actually asked if I should expect any problem. Tech said no. However, DS stood up after he was done and promptly collapsed and started to vomit.

 

has anyone else experienced this? I'm not sure if it was a lack of blood or just a nervous reaction. I know it could be worse. He isn't one to kick, scream and fight bloodwork. What he normally does is nearly go into a state of shock. He shakes and just looks panicked for quite a while, but this was obviously more extreme. It's very sad actually. Both of my brothers are like this - will literally pass out at the sight of a needle, so I've seen the reaction.

 

If it's lack of blood, is there anything I can do to help? I already had him drink some soda. We're eating dinner soon and hopefully he will eat it. He's not much of an eater to begin with.

 

Now the wait...hopefully he is feeling better poor thing!