Getting bloods taken

[Confuzzlediddled]

DS (14) is high functioning, he's begun to get what we think are migraines.

I took him to the GP this morning and he wants bloods done, he did mention we could get it done at hospital but I think the familiar surroundings of the GP surgery will be better.

I'm planning to take his teddy with him (he's his best friend!) is there anything else anyone can recommend to prepare him? Should I be asking at the chemist for numbing cream? Or is it better without?

He really struggled with the GP asking him about the pain on a 1-10 scale as well.

Anyone have any advice? I thought it would get easier as he gets older!!

[OneInEight]

If an experienced phlebotomist (sorry wrong spelling) then there should be minimal pain so I don't think numbing cream is necessary. You only tend to get pain if there is scar tissue from lots of blood being taken over the years. You do have to have an arm tourniquet to get the blood vein up which might be an issue if he is touch sensitive. Could you find a youtube video so he will know what to expect?

Am impressed your GP surgery will do the blood test as ours refuses to do children's bloods. It might be worth warning the phlebotomist in advance if you think there may be issues.

[Allthewaves]

Took 6yr old few wks ago and he's hfa. We used numbing cream and had the bloods done in doctors surgery on the blood room. He was fascinated tbh - it could have gone either way but with his ted, some sweets and lots of chat he was fine. Def made right choice in familiar setting for us

[Allthewaves]

They bring specialist nurse in every fri for paed bloods

[fizzypop1]

I always take an iPad when my DS goes to distract him or to talk about something on the screen.

[Sirzy]

For DS who has had a lot of blood tests we have found the numbing creams make things worse for him - I don't think he likes the sensation of the cream and ends up in meltdown before even getting to the room for the test itself.

We request the spray they have which can freeze it just before the test so no need to wait.