[Fwd: Re: Labs/ Bloodwork]

July 30, 2002

I always make sure to give my son plenty of water in the hours preceding

the blood test. There is nothing worse than a technician having to

" dig " for a vein because your kid is not hydrated. I also use the same

two technicians every time because they are very good and they know what

we need.

Originally I had to bribe my son (the first few times) to let us do the

blood tests (without requiring the 4 adults to hold him down.) It also

took lots of discussion to prepare him for the tests. Now I only tell

him when his next test is and remind him when we are about to go. He

sits so nicely and is very proud of himself when we are done.

When we began Kutapressin injections I also used similar techniques. If

your child is old enough to understand, try to make sure they feel some

control over the situation if possible. I asked my son what time of day

and in what room would he like to receive his shots (but he knew without

a doubt that they were going to happen).

Good luck. I think it is really harder on the parents than the kid. No

one wants to see their " baby " scared or in pain. Just remember it

should become much easier in a very short time.

sonyaemerson wrote:

> Does anyone know of a good lab to have blood drawn in the Pasadena

> CA. area? My 2 1/2 year old son Aidan has a terrible time getting

> blood drawn. It takes four people to hold him down and last time he

> threw such a fit that his veins kept collapsing. It was awful. I

> know I can't sedate him every six weeks, (although I wish I could!)

> Does anyone have any suggestions?

> Thanks

> Sonya

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