Weekly 'blood letting' - advice needed

[astridforty]

DP has been diagnosed with a condition that will require weekly visit to haemotologist to remove 1 pint of blood, this is expected to go on for at least a year.

DP loathes having to have blood taken and is more upset about the treatment than the actual condition.

Not a needle related thing, just finds it really painful - dull ache in arm.

Anyone else experienced the same and is there anything we can do to make this more bearable?

If he's got an iron overload then he's just going to have to get on and do it, isn't he?

It doesn't sound as if he's ever going to like it, but I'm sure it will get easier as time goes on.

D

He could try using EMLA cream to numb the area over where they will take the blood. It needs to go on at least an hour in advance under a clear plastic dressing. If he talks to the person that takes the blood, they'll advise on where to apply it.