Needle Phobia

[BeeVic]

Hi,
Im a newbie here but hoping for some advice/others experience.
My partners son who is 13 has a real phobia about needles but we would really like him to have some blood tests done as he is suffering from repetitive throat infections which the doctor is having problems diagnosing.
He had his tonsils taken out a few years ago to try and reduce the amount of tonsillitis and infections he was having but to no avail.
It has reached the stage with his phobia where he will not even discuss going to the doctors or health centre for fear of having a blood test and we are at a loss as to do what is right for him.
Obviously he needs a blood test and the doctor has spoken to him about this and given us an appointment card to take to the local hospital for one to be done when they do a walk in clinic but how to get him there?
He point blank refuses to even consider going along and short of forcing him physically there is little chance to pursued him. We don't want to have to do that for fear of making his phobia worse or causing him additional stress, and or, other Psychological issues.
What do you guys think? Anyone had similar experiences?
Thank you

DD is needle phobic but that is because she has had countless blood tests and that many cannulas in her that her veins aren't as good as they should be.

She went for a blood test on Friday and they managed to get blood out of her by doing a pinprick on her thumb. She was totally fine with that.

Was that enough blood for their needs? Not sure how much they need for a full blood test. Thanks for the reply though, I will ask the doctor how much they need.

Has he had a bad previous experience with blood tests? Or was his tonsillectomy particularly traumatic for him?

I'm just wondering if there's a reason for this phobia or is it more the idea of having a blood test that's got him so upset.

It's difficult because you can't really pin him down for it like you can with a baby, and frankly that would make matters worse anyway. If it's the pain aspect he's worried about he can have emla cream to numb the arm. I would probably work on getting him to just go in and speak to a phlebotomist/paediatric nurse first, with a promise that nothing would happen, it's just to have a chat about what would happen and why it's so important.

Would he be prepared to go with a family member having a blood test (if anyone conveniently needs one!) just to get him used to the idea and what they do?

I'm probably not being very helpful here, but I have had experience giving injections to reluctant teens before, and one memorable occasion I had to get him in 3 times before he'd agree to go ahead. All I can say is discuss it with him. Make sure he understands how important it is, and how there's a possibility that he may need more involve treatment if they can't get to the bottom of what's going on by doing the blood test.

Thanks Ipswichwitch I appreciate your advise and will try the visits with him. I have already got some emla cream from the doctor so will use that when we reach that stage.
I dont know what has caused it to be honest. He says its the way the needle is pushed up the blood vessel which freaks him out. Im guessing the last time was uncomfortable and the fear has just grown from that.
I will pop in to the phlebotomy clinic and have a word with them.
Thanks once again.

I wouldn't wait to use the emla cream, use it now.

I have a needle phobia (in my 40's!). Mine came from the dentist and having a jab at around 13 that was particularly sore (typhoid I think). I now use emla cream and its wonderful.

I like the idea of going to see someone who can treat your SS with respect and not like a baby as I've had to put up with.

I hope he's ok.