teenager daughter terrified of needles

[takethat2]

my 13 yr old needs to be tested for her thyroid but is terrified of needles....she already suffers from anxiety.
does anyone have any suggestions on how to help her thru this bloodtest?

My 13 year old has just had a lot of tests. In the best one, they numbed her skin and then a very nice nurse showed her a book where you search for objects while the other nurse took blood. She didn't feel a thing.

As op said, they can use a numbing cream, think it's called emla

Not op, pp

My DD's specialist came up with the brilliant idea of Emla cream on the back of the hand and taking blood from there because she recognised that it was the 'invasion' of her personal space DD was struggling with as much as the needle (anxiety also a factor).

Gradually, over time, she has found it easier and is now able to have blood taken from the crook of her elbow (and Where's Wally books helped to distract her too!).

Maybe see if you can speak to the nurse quietly beforehand? I have always found them understanding and supportive.

thanks for the tips u can be sure i will try them...i also have this other question should i tell her before hand that we are going for tests or just tell her once we get to the hospital?...since she suffers from anxiey i am afraid that if tell her too early she will have more anxiety which will set off many other problems

Get her to drink plenty of fluids so that her veins are pumped up - this makes it much easier to draw blood.

I wish someone had told me this one years ago.

Emla and lots of fluids. Oh, and something to eat beforehand in case she feels a bit dizzy, and ask if she can lie down for the blood test.

They really struggle to extract from me so I second plenty of fluids. Also, make sure she's warm. I have to sit in the reception with my coat on to get my veins up.

I would tell her before I think, so she doesn't feel tricked but I appreciate it will be hard.