Trouble at the Doctors with my son

[adrianna1]

Hi everyone

My son has a severe speech delay and may possibly will be diagnosed of having autism very soon.

Every time I take my son to the doctors, it's a hassle because he is scared of the equipment and no amount of bribing could persuade him to allow a doctor to use a thermometer in his ear.

I thought it was a sensory issue, but then I realised he is only like this when he is at the doctors... if any stranger comes and touches.. do whatever, he does not mind.

He had an on going bad infection and this was due for him to get circumsised (sp). He was not asleep during the operation, because of his age and risks. Though since then, every time he sees a pair of doctor gloves, doctor equipments he get scared. So it could be because of this.

Though no doctor is willing to examine him. I know they cannot force him incase of him being traumatised. Though, when I went to A and E they thought my son had scarlet fever...though told me after that they weren't sure and I should go to my local doctors. I have been to my local doctors three times and because my son will not allow them to examine him, they can't suggest anything and tell me if anything gets worse go to A an E.

[bochead]

Go to your GP alone and ask for a cahms referral to help you deal with your son's fear of doctors. This is an issue that needs addressing for the long term.

[MariaNotChristmas]

Wot boch said.

While you're waiting, it's worth trying to gently and gradually desensitise him. So, make friends with the nicest receptionist, and 'pop in' to the waiting room.

Go a few times a week for a couple of seconds, just to say hi. Bring two of his fave sweet or minitoy, one for 'auntie X' and one for him. Get auntie x to show him hers, and give him his. (Be creative if there's a queue 'Look, she left it on the counter for you')

Most importantly, Leave very rapidly with the goody, before he starts collapsing.

[MariaNotChristmas]

And get an ear thermometer for home.

If you can tell the dr what the accurately done temp was 20min ago, there's no need for them to torture him.

[MariaNotChristmas]

If he goes into the doc wearing shorts and a skimpy t shirt, that's most of the exam done by eyeballing him.

Ok, they won't see his tonsils or eardrums, nor listen to his chest, but they'll get a fair look at any rash. They can watch his breathing carefully instead and perhaps notice swollen glands relating to ears & throat.

On the other hand, If a kid comes in a duffel coat and hat they won't remove (like Paddington bear) there's not much they can do

[wibbleweed]

DS1 (10 - AS) has major anxiety about doctors and all medical matters/human biology, which escalated to him having huge panic attacks in drs surgery or when out and about e.g. seeing an advert for cancer research.

He was referred to CAMHS and has been seeing a clinical psychologist on a weekly basis since the New Year - he's made great progress, and even managed to just about 'survive' his year 5 science topic on keeping healthy, measuring heart rates (his worst fear) etc. I'm so proud of him and how far he's come.

So do please pursue it...

xx

[adrianna1]

Hi guys

My son has an ear thermometer at home and loves putting the thermometer in his ear.

But ever since he was circumsised, he has been like this.

[MariaNotChristmas]

He probably thinks the next doc in gloves will try it again. Quite logical (albeit not correct)

[Irishclaire]

I had similar problems with my son due to lots of hospital and doctor's appointments, not as bad as your situation sounds though. I bought a children's doctor's set and we play with it at home before appointments so he has some idea of what will happen. Good luck, I hope you get the help you need.

[adrianna1]

Hi yes, my son loves those pretend sets..I'll buy him one and see.

[Andro]

He probably thinks the next doc in gloves will try it again. Quite logical (albeit not correct)

This!

My DD can't set foot inside the reception area of our GP without a full on panic attack, she is okay at hospitals but is terrified that the GP will kill her (bad reaction to a vax put her in ICU, she's old enough to remember and because of me knows how dangerous anaphylaxis is). We've resorted to therapy, it's not the kind of phobia that can be left alone.