blood tests

[Guest guest]

has to get blood work done on Friday, I wanted to see if there

is anything people test for with a child who has autism. Like, we did

test mercury and lead, she is okay on that, but what about yeast?

Would that be elevated? Anything help would be appreciated. We like

her to get poked as little as possible.

[Guest guest]

<< has to get blood work done on Friday, >>

Not especially for Autism but has she had bloodwork for celiac yet?

Sherry

[Guest guest]

My son has to have blood work every 6 months, sometimes it is a nightmare and

sometimes he cooperates. He is 13 and we've been doing it since he was 5. But

usually it depends on the tech. If they are good and fast we don't have a

problem. I have found that the hospital lab is best for . The lab techs

at labcorp can never get it. We get authorization from medicaid to go to our

local hospital. Also has a special needs stroller and I keep him

strapped in so he can't push forward or fight too much. I think he also feels

safer and isn't as scared as when we used to try it on my husband's lap too.

Terry

Blood tests

I'm hoping to get some ideas....My son (7 yrs old w/DS and ASD) has to have some

blood tests done. We have been putting it off for months knowing that this would

not be easy. We finally decided last week to just bite the bullet and take him.

Well, it was a total nightmare, just like we had imagined it was going to be. My

husband held him in his lap and tried to restrain him, but he just screamed and

fought so hard that the tech. finally said that she couldnt go on since it was

dangerous for her as well as my son. My question is...now what do we do??? What

advise can any of you give me to get this accomplished? Is there a way to put

him out for it? Any ideas would be greatly welcome. I'm so frustrated since I

just dont know what to do and yet it has to be done.

Thanks in advance,Phoenix, AZ

Villanuevaerika@.... www.viajestogo.com

[Guest guest]

Hi. I had the same thing happen with my son. So we took him to the emergency

room and knocked him out and had all the tests done there. We included urine,

chest, neck, hips exrays and all the blood work. It was much better for all of

us. I will probably do this every couple of years as I know this is the only way

the work will get done.

Thanks!

Kim L Doll

IT Solutions Delivery - Customer Care Project Manager

(w)

©

On Aug 1, 2010, at 11:48 AM, Villanueva

> wrote:

I'm hoping to get some ideas....My son (7 yrs old w/DS and ASD) has to have some

blood tests done. We have been putting it off for months knowing that this would

not be easy. We finally decided last week to just bite the bullet and take him.

Well, it was a total nightmare, just like we had imagined it was going to be. My

husband held him in his lap and tried to restrain him, but he just screamed and

fought so hard that the tech. finally said that she couldnt go on since it was

dangerous for her as well as my son. My question is...now what do we do??? What

advise can any of you give me to get this accomplished? Is there a way to put

him out for it? Any ideas would be greatly welcome. I'm so frustrated since I

just dont know what to do and yet it has to be done.

Thanks in advance,Phoenix, AZ

<mailto:Villanuevaerika%40viajestogo.comTel>

Villanuevaerika@....

<http://www.viajestogo.com>

www.viajestogo.com<http://www.viajestogo.com>

[Guest guest]

Hello,

My son is 19 and we have been through the blood test nightmare, too. I

don't know is any of this will help, but I will share what we did. We had to

work through the restraint phase, but before we left home I always described

what the nurse would do, that it would be quick and not hurt much. Then I

had the nurse do a slow, step by step explanation after we got there.

Sometimes it worked.sometimes not. He likes to listen to music, so this

last time I asked the nurse if he could leave his headphones on. She knows

him well, so she agreed. It worked well.

It took a couple years to finally get to this point for him. I hope it is

quicker for your son. Just let him look, touch, whatever, so he get

comfortable with the process.

The most important thing is that I have found a lab with a very capable

nurse and that is where we go every time. She's soft spoken, smiles and

welcomes us both. She quick with the draw, too!

Janet, mom of , 19 y/o, DS/ASD

WA

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf

Of Villanueva

Sent: Sunday, August 01, 2010 11:48 AM

To:

Subject: Blood tests

I'm hoping to get some ideas....My son (7 yrs old w/DS and ASD) has to have

some blood tests done. We have been putting it off for months knowing that

this would not be easy. We finally decided last week to just bite the bullet

and take him. Well, it was a total nightmare, just like we had imagined it

was going to be. My husband held him in his lap and tried to restrain him,

but he just screamed and fought so hard that the tech. finally said that she

couldnt go on since it was dangerous for her as well as my son. My question

is...now what do we do??? What advise can any of you give me to get this

accomplished? Is there a way to put him out for it? Any ideas would be

greatly welcome. I'm so frustrated since I just dont know what to do and yet

it has to be done.

Thanks in advance,Phoenix, AZ

Villanuevaerika@...

<mailto:Villanuevaerika%40viajestogo.comTel> .

www.viajestogo.com

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Um, yes - I have been in that boat...11 years now. We got to the point where we

only did labs when we knew we could piggyback them on a procedure like ear

tubes. Once he was diagnosed with Hashimotos and more frequent blood draws were

needed, especially when we started going through his atrial sepatal aneurysm,

it got a bit more dicey.

Then I was dealing with using PECS of every step to pre teach and use during

the procedure. Then it was a matter of preparing the staff that was going to do

the draw. If they weren't responding well to the information I was giving them

on how best to draw from my son, then I wasn't going through with it at that

lab. I always tell them upfront this draw is going to be your toughest. WE

need all hands on deck. The people need to take your cues, you know your child

best. They need to provide their best stick - the person needs to be able to

hit a moving target and get the bullseye. I make sure they understand that all

these things I'm saying are for everyone's benefit. The people need to be kind,

gentle, and take their cues from you. They can't be the type that try to talk

to your child and tell him to behave. Not going to work. We have tried every

lab in the state of Maine it seems. I have finally found that the hospital lab

one hour from my house is best. So it sucks - I drive an hour for a blood draw

- but it's worth it. We all make a great team.

Then you need to factor in your childs ability to grow nine limbs during the

draw and turn into a noodle and pull out of every hold while also kicking,

hitting, and screaming. Therefore you need your child sitting on your lap with

your only job to be giving him a giant hug that includes your hug also going

over the arm that is not being drawn. That's it. That's your job. You talk

sweetly and calmly to him about what your going to do after. For us it's

getting a milkshake. This should be included in your PECS when you are talking

about the order of events. Include the big prize at the end - whatever it is

that your child responds positively too. If it's something you can buy and

bring with you - do so. If it's something you need to get, know where you're

getting it so you can get there quick. For us it's a milkshake in the hospital

cafeteria. We go and we make a BIG deal the whole time. Praise Praise Praise.

Okay. back to the draw. So you've got your child on your lap. Then you have

the phlebotomist doing the draw - their job is to do the draw - that's it. Then

you need three other people, two for the legs and one to help hold the hand of

the other arm that you are also holding. The job of all these other people is

to hold their limb and be on praise patrol. Nothing but good talk during the

whole thing, talk about how great he's doing and what you're going to do when

you're done. For us, , my son - age 11, calls for his big brother when

he's stressed. WE talk about telling , big brother, all about how great he

did, we talk about the dog, the classmates he talks about, anyone he mentions,

we go along with it - we're going to tell everyone. We don't ever have to tell

the other people about it because as soon as it's over he's moved on - but his

immediate family sure makes a big deal. Once that needle is in and the arm band

is coming off we're telling him how we're almost done. Now remember, for some

kids, like mine, a band aid is sometimes far worse than the draw. Include that

in your pre teaching and your pecs. We assure him that that band-aid is coming

off just as soon as it can.

Now as soon as that needle is out and the band aid is on - it's praise time. A

round of high fives and good jobs from EVERYONE! Lots of cheering and whoo

hoo's! It's a big deal.

Just went through this last week for a thyroid lab check. Meds had to change so

now in 6 weeks I've got to do another lab draw. No fun. I feel your pain.

This is how we get through it. Biggest advice is to go with your gut on the lab

- if you don't get a good vibe from the person that's going to do the stick or

the people that are involved - don't go through with it. You have to trust your

gut and you have to make sure that the people that are doing the draw are kind

and gentle people who are going to help you and listen to you. IF not, tell

them you don't think this is going to work. Go to another lab. There are many

labs to try. Trust me. You'll find a team that works out. Make sure you

praise the team at the end too - I always let them know what an amazing job they

do and that I appreciate their taking the extra steps for a positive outcome.

You can do it!

Jayne

>

> I'm hoping to get some ideas....My son (7 yrs old w/DS and ASD) has to have

some blood tests done. We have been putting it off for months knowing that this

would not be easy. We finally decided last week to just bite the bullet and take

him. Well, it was a total nightmare, just like we had imagined it was going to

be. My husband held him in his lap and tried to restrain him, but he just

screamed and fought so hard that the tech. finally said that she couldnt go on

since it was dangerous for her as well as my son. My question is...now what do

we do??? What advise can any of you give me to get this accomplished? Is there a

way to put him out for it? Any ideas would be greatly welcome. I'm so frustrated

since I just dont know what to do and yet it has to be done.

> Thanks in advance,Phoenix, AZ

>

> Villanuevaerika@... www.viajestogo.com

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

A few other things I wanted to say...

When was younger we did the draws in his Maclaren stroller as well. He

felt safe and it was easier to hold him in there.

We also tried giving him a little ativan - it didn't really make a difference.

I bet Versed would work - as we use that before surgery with good results. But

I just don't want him to feel so out of it after a draw. That's me. If we

hadn't been able to get where we are now though, I probably wouldn't hesitate.

It's about making him comfortable.

The other thing to mention is that we use a butterfly needle. That's it. It's

the smallest needle and the easiest for sticking especially on kids and

especially on patients with Ds.

That's it - all I've got!

Jayne

>

> Hello,

>

> My son is 19 and we have been through the blood test nightmare, too. I

> don't know is any of this will help, but I will share what we did. We had to

> work through the restraint phase, but before we left home I always described

> what the nurse would do, that it would be quick and not hurt much. Then I

> had the nurse do a slow, step by step explanation after we got there.

> Sometimes it worked.sometimes not. He likes to listen to music, so this

> last time I asked the nurse if he could leave his headphones on. She knows

> him well, so she agreed. It worked well.

>

>

>

> It took a couple years to finally get to this point for him. I hope it is

> quicker for your son. Just let him look, touch, whatever, so he get

> comfortable with the process.

>

>

>

> The most important thing is that I have found a lab with a very capable

> nurse and that is where we go every time. She's soft spoken, smiles and

> welcomes us both. She quick with the draw, too!

>

>

>

> Janet, mom of , 19 y/o, DS/ASD

>

> WA

f

[Guest guest]

The way we finally got our son to cooperate with blood testing was to bring

a portable DVD player and put his favorite DVD on. He gets so engrossed in

it that he doesn't pay attention to what they're doing to his arm. It also

helps to ask if there's someone there who's especially good with kids, and

when they're available. We also like to go as early as possible in the

morning when things are slow and quiet.

Mike (dad to , 11)

_____

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf

Of Villanueva

Sent: Sunday, August 01, 2010 11:48 AM

To:

Subject: Blood tests

I'm hoping to get some ideas....My son (7 yrs old w/DS and ASD) has to have

some blood tests done. We have been putting it off for months knowing that

this would not be easy. We finally decided last week to just bite the bullet

and take him. Well, it was a total nightmare, just like we had imagined it

was going to be. My husband held him in his lap and tried to restrain him,

but he just screamed and fought so hard that the tech. finally said that she

couldnt go on since it was dangerous for her as well as my son. My question

is...now what do we do??? What advise can any of you give me to get this

accomplished? Is there a way to put him out for it? Any ideas would be

greatly welcome. I'm so frustrated since I just dont know what to do and yet

it has to be done.

Thanks in advance,Phoenix, AZ

Villanuevaerika@...

<mailto:Villanuevaerika%40viajestogo.comTel> .

www.viajestogo.com

[Guest guest]

Hey! Your the first Dad I've seen posting. Awsome! How many Dad's are here?

You Dad's are so important. My son seeks Daddy approval just like any other

kid. It take special men to be special Dads. My husband doesn't know how

special he is. He doesn't beleive me. So I thought I'd meantion it to the

Dad's in case they don't beleive their wife either.

>

> The way we finally got our son to cooperate with blood testing was to bring

> a portable DVD player and put his favorite DVD on. He gets so engrossed in

> it that he doesn't pay attention to what they're doing to his arm. It also

> helps to ask if there's someone there who's especially good with kids, and

> when they're available. We also like to go as early as possible in the

> morning when things are slow and quiet.

>

>

>

> Mike (dad to , 11)

>

>

>

> _____

>

> From: [mailto: ] On Behalf

> Of Villanueva

> Sent: Sunday, August 01, 2010 11:48 AM

> To:

> Subject: Blood tests

>

>

>

>

>

> I'm hoping to get some ideas....My son (7 yrs old w/DS and ASD) has to have

> some blood tests done. We have been putting it off for months knowing that

> this would not be easy. We finally decided last week to just bite the bullet

> and take him. Well, it was a total nightmare, just like we had imagined it

> was going to be. My husband held him in his lap and tried to restrain him,

> but he just screamed and fought so hard that the tech. finally said that she

> couldnt go on since it was dangerous for her as well as my son. My question

> is...now what do we do??? What advise can any of you give me to get this

> accomplished? Is there a way to put him out for it? Any ideas would be

> greatly welcome. I'm so frustrated since I just dont know what to do and yet

> it has to be done.

> Thanks in advance,Phoenix, AZ

>

> Villanuevaerika@...

> <mailto:Villanuevaerika%40viajestogo.comTel> .

> www.viajestogo.com

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi - my name is - I rarely post, but had to jump in here. My son, Jimmy,

is 19. He has at least annual bloodwork done. After many years of struggles

with doing this, he now sits calmly in his chair - I don't even have to hold

him! The secret was EMLA cream! It's a lidocaine cream that numbs the area

where it's placed. You just squirt about a teaspoon on the inside of each arm,

slap on a tegederm, and give it 1/2 hour to work. I have my pediatrician

prescribe it. That way, Jimmy can't even feel the needle going in. It works

like a charm for IV's too. The EMLA cream combined with a trip to Mcs as

a reward afterwards does the trick every time!

It may take your son a time or two to realize that he can't feel the needle

anymore, but hopefully the EMLA cream will do the trick for you!

Good luck -

[Guest guest]

I had forgotten about the wonder EMLA> Also heard recently about a buzzy

bee device which a nurse created. The battery operated buzzy bee buzzes the

spot and creataes numbness enough that the needle isn't felt as it goes in.

have not found the write up - think I saw it on the news one evening!

On Mon, Aug 2, 2010 at 1:38 PM, Villanueva wrote:

>

>

> Wow! Such great ideas! I thank everyone for their input. It use to be so

> easy to get his labs done and we use to have to do it every 6 months or so

> and he wouldnt even shed a tear. Now it's like wrestling a bear! So putting

> together all of your ideas I'm going to try and use everything...I'm going

> to ask the doctor to presribe some versed and EMLA. I will also prepare my

> son a little better by putting together a social story and take along his

> itouch to show one of his favorite movies and bribe him with french fries.

> Lastly, I think I'm going to try and get this done at childrens hospital if

> my insurance allows (have to check into it) and prepare the lab

> techs....Once again I THANK YOU ALL! for your ideas and support:-)

>

>

> Villanuevaerika@...<Villanuevaerika%40viajestogo.comTel>.

> www.viajestogo.com

>

>

>

> From: petricig <petricig@... <petricig%40cox.net>>

> Subject: RE: Blood tests

>

> To:

> Date: Monday, August 2, 2010, 12:36 AM

>

>

>

> The way we finally got our son to cooperate with blood testing was to bring

>

> a portable DVD player and put his favorite DVD on. He gets so engrossed in

>

> it that he doesn't pay attention to what they're doing to his arm. It also

>

> helps to ask if there's someone there who's especially good with kids, and

>

> when they're available. We also like to go as early as possible in the

>

> morning when things are slow and quiet.

>

> Mike (dad to , 11)

>

>

> _____

>

> From: [mailto:

> ] On Behalf

>

> Of Villanueva

>

> Sent: Sunday, August 01, 2010 11:48 AM

>

>

> To:

>

> Subject: Blood tests

>

> I'm hoping to get some ideas....My son (7 yrs old w/DS and ASD) has to have

>

> some blood tests done. We have been putting it off for months knowing that

>

> this would not be easy. We finally decided last week to just bite the

> bullet

>

> and take him. Well, it was a total nightmare, just like we had imagined it

>

> was going to be. My husband held him in his lap and tried to restrain him,

>

> but he just screamed and fought so hard that the tech. finally said that

> she

>

> couldnt go on since it was dangerous for her as well as my son. My question

>

> is...now what do we do??? What advise can any of you give me to get this

>

> accomplished? Is there a way to put him out for it? Any ideas would be

>

> greatly welcome. I'm so frustrated since I just dont know what to do and

> yet

>

> it has to be done.

>

> Thanks in advance,Phoenix, AZ

>

> Villanuevaerika@...<Villanuevaerika%40viajestogo.comTel>

>

>

<mailto:Villanuevaerika%40viajestogo.comTel<Villanuevaerika%2540viajestogo.comTe\

l>>

> .

>

> www.viajestogo.com

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

We used to use emla.....it works. IF IF IF you are afraid of the pain.

Maddie is non-plussed about the actual needle. It's the holding still, being

held still, being in the sterile environment. Honestly, she fought more to put

the darned emla ON than actually getting stuck. But the stuff DOES numb the

area well.

Donna

> I had forgotten about the wonder EMLA> Also heard recently about a buzzy

> bee device which a nurse created. The battery operated buzzy bee buzzes the

> spot and creataes numbness enough that the needle isn't felt as it goes in.

> have not found the write up - think I saw it on the news one evening!

>

> On Mon, Aug 2, 2010 at 1:38 PM, Villanueva wrote:

>

> >

> >

> > Wow! Such great ideas! I thank everyone for their input. It use to be so

> > easy to get his labs done and we use to have to do it every 6 months or so

> > and he wouldnt even shed a tear. Now it's like wrestling a bear! So putting

> > together all of your ideas I'm going to try and use everything...I'm going

> > to ask the doctor to presribe some versed and EMLA. I will also prepare my

> > son a little better by putting together a social story and take along his

> > itouch to show one of his favorite movies and bribe him with french fries.

> > Lastly, I think I'm going to try and get this done at childrens hospital if

> > my insurance allows (have to check into it) and prepare the lab

> > techs....Once again I THANK YOU ALL! for your ideas and support:-)

> >

> >

> >

Villanuevaerika@...<Villanuevaerika%40viajestogo.comTel>.

> > www.viajestogo.com

> >

> >

> >

> > From: petricig <petricig@... <petricig%40cox.net>>

> > Subject: RE: Blood tests

> >

> > To:

> > Date: Monday, August 2, 2010, 12:36 AM

> >

> >

> >

> > The way we finally got our son to cooperate with blood testing was to bring

> >

> > a portable DVD player and put his favorite DVD on. He gets so engrossed in

> >

> > it that he doesn't pay attention to what they're doing to his arm. It also

> >

> > helps to ask if there's someone there who's especially good with kids, and

> >

> > when they're available. We also like to go as early as possible in the

> >

> > morning when things are slow and quiet.

> >

> > Mike (dad to , 11)

> >

> >

> > _____

> >

> > From: [mailto:

> > ] On Behalf

> >

> > Of Villanueva

> >

> > Sent: Sunday, August 01, 2010 11:48 AM

> >

> >

> > To:

> >

> > Subject: Blood tests

> >

> > I'm hoping to get some ideas....My son (7 yrs old w/DS and ASD) has to have

> >

> > some blood tests done. We have been putting it off for months knowing that

> >

> > this would not be easy. We finally decided last week to just bite the

> > bullet

> >

> > and take him. Well, it was a total nightmare, just like we had imagined it

> >

> > was going to be. My husband held him in his lap and tried to restrain him,

> >

> > but he just screamed and fought so hard that the tech. finally said that

> > she

> >

> > couldnt go on since it was dangerous for her as well as my son. My question

> >

> > is...now what do we do??? What advise can any of you give me to get this

> >

> > accomplished? Is there a way to put him out for it? Any ideas would be

> >

> > greatly welcome. I'm so frustrated since I just dont know what to do and

> > yet

> >

> > it has to be done.

> >

> > Thanks in advance,Phoenix, AZ

> >

> > Villanuevaerika@...<Villanuevaerika%40viajestogo.comTel>

> >

> >

<mailto:Villanuevaerika%40viajestogo.comTel<Villanuevaerika%2540viajestogo.comTe\

l>>

> > .

> >

> > www.viajestogo.com

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

>>>That way, Jimmy can't even feel the needle going in. It works like a charm

for IV's too. The EMLA cream combined with a trip to Mcs as a reward

afterwards does the trick every time!<<<<

Oh you are so right. I didn't hear about Emla till I got online when

was 9 and I was so ticked off that noone from any of the dozens of labs we'd

been to or doctors' traumatic visits had ever thought to mention it. We could

have saved so many years of trauma. Once we started using it we would turn her

head away so she didn't look at the needle going in and wouldn't panic and roll

a vein like usual.

I've also had her in the (peds) ER recently where they used a numbing spray

which was applied immediately before the stick so we didn't even have to wait

for the Emla to kick in. Whereas at one point it took 5 nurses and my husband to

get blood drawn...she now just sits there and lets them work...even without

Emla. It does get better people.

Sherry

[Guest guest]

ADORES daddy!!! He's fully and 100% a daddy's boy. The other 3 are all

mommy-centric.

Sent from my iPhone

Hey! Your the first Dad I've seen posting. Awsome! How many Dad's are here? You

Dad's are so important. My son seeks Daddy approval just like any other kid. It

take special men to be special Dads. My husband doesn't know how special he is.

He doesn't beleive me. So I thought I'd meantion it to the Dad's in case they

don't beleive their wife either.

>

> The way we finally got our son to cooperate with blood testing was to bring

> a portable DVD player and put his favorite DVD on. He gets so engrossed in

> it that he doesn't pay attention to what they're doing to his arm. It also

> helps to ask if there's someone there who's especially good with kids, and

> when they're available. We also like to go as early as possible in the

> morning when things are slow and quiet.

>

>

>

> Mike (dad to , 11)

>

>

>

> _____

>

> From: [mailto: ] On Behalf

> Of Villanueva

> Sent: Sunday, August 01, 2010 11:48 AM

> To:

> Subject: Blood tests

>

>

>

>

>

> I'm hoping to get some ideas....My son (7 yrs old w/DS and ASD) has to have

> some blood tests done. We have been putting it off for months knowing that

> this would not be easy. We finally decided last week to just bite the bullet

> and take him. Well, it was a total nightmare, just like we had imagined it

> was going to be. My husband held him in his lap and tried to restrain him,

> but he just screamed and fought so hard that the tech. finally said that she

> couldnt go on since it was dangerous for her as well as my son. My question

> is...now what do we do??? What advise can any of you give me to get this

> accomplished? Is there a way to put him out for it? Any ideas would be

> greatly welcome. I'm so frustrated since I just dont know what to do and yet

> it has to be done.

> Thanks in advance,Phoenix, AZ

>

> Villanuevaerika@...

> <mailto:Villanuevaerika%40viajestogo.comTel> .

> www.viajestogo.com

>

>

[Guest guest]

Great description. Especially the irony of wanting someone who doesn't try to

chat with your child and just gets on with the process right away and works

fast. I always tell them this, but the nicest, kindest nurses sometimes can't

resist trying to chat and its perverse that it makes it harder. Also, we remove

Darwyn's shoes so his kick is a bit less dangerous.

Re: Blood tests

Hi ,

Um, yes - I have been in that boat...11 years now. We got to the point where we

only did labs when we knew we could piggyback them on a procedure like ear

tubes. Once he was diagnosed with Hashimotos and more frequent blood draws were

needed, especially when we started going through his atrial sepatal aneurysm,

it got a bit more dicey.

Then I was dealing with using PECS of every step to pre teach and use during

the procedure. Then it was a matter of preparing the staff that was going to do

the draw. If they weren't responding well to the information I was giving them

on how best to draw from my son, then I wasn't going through with it at that

lab. I always tell them upfront this draw is going to be your toughest. WE

need all hands on deck. The people need to take your cues, you know your child

best. They need to provide their best stick - the person needs to be able to

hit a moving target and get the bullseye. I make sure they understand that all

these things I'm saying are for everyone's benefit. The people need to be kind,

gentle, and take their cues from you. They can't be the type that try to talk

to your child and tell him to behave. Not going to work. We have tried every

lab in the state of Maine it seems. I have finally found that the hospital lab

one hour from my house is best. So it sucks - I

drive an hour for a blood draw - but it's worth it. We all make a great team.

Then you need to factor in your childs ability to grow nine limbs during the

draw and turn into a noodle and pull out of every hold while also kicking,

hitting, and screaming. Therefore you need your child sitting on your lap with

your only job to be giving him a giant hug that includes your hug also going

over the arm that is not being drawn. That's it. That's your job. You talk

sweetly and calmly to him about what your going to do after. For us it's

getting a milkshake. This should be included in your PECS when you are talking

about the order of events. Include the big prize at the end - whatever it is

that your child responds positively too. If it's something you can buy and

bring with you - do so. If it's something you need to get, know where you're

getting it so you can get there quick. For us it's a milkshake in the hospital

cafeteria. We go and we make a BIG deal the whole time. Praise Praise Praise.

Okay. back to the draw. So you've got your child on your lap. Then you have

the phlebotomist doing the draw - their job is to do the draw - that's it. Then

you need three other people, two for the legs and one to help hold the hand of

the other arm that you are also holding. The job of all these other people is

to hold their limb and be on praise patrol. Nothing but good talk during the

whole thing, talk about how great he's doing and what you're going to do when

you're done. For us, , my son - age 11, calls for his big brother when

he's stressed. WE talk about telling , big brother, all about how great he

did, we talk about the dog, the classmates he talks about, anyone he mentions,

we go along with it - we're going to tell everyone. We don't ever have to tell

the other people about it because as soon as it's over he's moved on - but his

immediate family sure makes a big deal. Once that needle is in and the arm band

is coming off we're telling him how we're

almost done. Now remember, for some kids, like mine, a band aid is sometimes

far worse than the draw. Include that in your pre teaching and your pecs. We

assure him that that band-aid is coming off just as soon as it can.

Now as soon as that needle is out and the band aid is on - it's praise time. A

round of high fives and good jobs from EVERYONE! Lots of cheering and whoo

hoo's! It's a big deal.

Just went through this last week for a thyroid lab check. Meds had to change so

now in 6 weeks I've got to do another lab draw. No fun. I feel your pain.

This is how we get through it. Biggest advice is to go with your gut on the lab

- if you don't get a good vibe from the person that's going to do the stick or

the people that are involved - don't go through with it. You have to trust your

gut and you have to make sure that the people that are doing the draw are kind

and gentle people who are going to help you and listen to you. IF not, tell

them you don't think this is going to work. Go to another lab. There are many

labs to try. Trust me. You'll find a team that works out. Make sure you

praise the team at the end too - I always let them know what an amazing job they

do and that I appreciate their taking the extra steps for a positive outcome.

You can do it!

Jayne

>

> I'm hoping to get some ideas....My son (7 yrs old w/DS and ASD) has to have

some blood tests done. We have been putting it off for months knowing that this

would not be easy. We finally decided last week to just bite the bullet and take

him. Well, it was a total nightmare, just like we had imagined it was going to

be. My husband held him in his lap and tried to restrain him, but he just

screamed and fought so hard that the tech. finally said that she couldnt go on

since it was dangerous for her as well as my son. My question is...now what do

we do??? What advise can any of you give me to get this accomplished? Is there a

way to put him out for it? Any ideas would be greatly welcome. I'm so frustrated

since I just dont know what to do and yet it has to be done.

> Thanks in advance,Phoenix, AZ

>

> Villanuevaerika@... www.viajestogo.com

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Everyone has shared fantastic ways they deal with blood tests.

While you read thru each, please remember that every child is different & if

like my child can also change how they act from blood test to blood test (sigh)

Take all our suggestions & then think about your child. Which would work or

appeal the best?

Also think about what you observed during the struggle-when did it start-when

did it escalate-what happened to make it worse? The reason I mention this is

that I noticed from day one that my child hated being held " tightly " by his dad

for medical procedures. So until he got bigger than me, it was my lap he sat

on, my silly songs & not " too " tight hold that got better results.

As the years went by, I noted when he began to show fear/distress at blood

pressure cuffs & the tubing used for blood draws. (I assume he had grown in

" awareness " thus the fear)

Rightly or wrongly, I was always very politely firm in never allowing anyone to

papoose or restrain him.

Like others have mentioned, I also learned over the years to provide info which

to this day includes the factoid that no successful blood draws ever come from

anywhere but his hand due to deep & rolling veins (DS byproduct). Which I would

think the techs would know but don't.

When my child was first diagnosed with hypothyroidism, he had to have blood

tests every month, then every 3 months, then eventually to twice a year. We

entered Dante's hell during that time.

I spent alot of time trying to find any way to help him cope with what was

frightening, alien & painful. Which has included me spontaneously & suddenly

yelling to " Channel his inner Incredible Hulk " much to my horror during a test

last year...Heh, it just popped out but it worked cause he was so surprised that

he stopped struggling long enough to get it done...

It is now about 4 years later & much better. Not perfect & each visit is never

the same re what will work-so I go prepared with diverse methods of magic &

bribery to put into play. Our success is measured by the fact that he no longer

needs 5 or more beings to hold him, he no longer leaves with broken blood

vessels on his face from screaming & Dad & I are not completely psycho.

And the factoid that AFTERWARDS, he is instantly fine aside from wanting the

bandaid off asap.

Hope this helps some. I know how nerve racking this is. Oh & if needed, ask any

& all needed blood tests (ie: annual thyroid test, cbc, etc) be " processed " from

that draw. I have asked this of my endocrine to save my child further needle

" torture " from other docs in his life.

Heart hugs,

Kris

-- In , Villanueva wrote:

>

> I'm hoping to get some ideas....My son (7 yrs old w/DS and ASD) has to have

some blood tests done. We have been putting it off for months knowing that this

would not be easy. We finally decided last week to just bite the bullet and take

him. Well, it was a total nightmare, just like we had imagined it was going to

be. My husband held him in his lap and tried to restrain him, but he just

screamed and fought so hard that the tech. finally said that she couldnt go on

since it was dangerous for her as well as my son. My question is...now what do

we do??? What advise can any of you give me to get this accomplished? Is there a

way to put him out for it? Any ideas would be greatly welcome. I'm so frustrated

since I just dont know what to do and yet it has to be done.

> Thanks in advance,Phoenix, AZ

>

> Villanuevaerika@... www.viajestogo.com

>

>

>

>

>