Sedation for blood test for teenager?

[Thisisarubbishusername]

Has anyone’s teenager been given nasal or other sedation at an NHS hospital to allow a blood test to be administered to a severely phobic teen? Our son needs blood tests but has a severe phobia of fainting during/after the procedure, after having fainted before. I’m not sure that all the CBT, distraction, preparation and other techniques he’s trying are going to be enough. Thank you.

I have had dental sedation as an adult for extraction - it’s complicated as it needs a dentist trained in anaesthesia to be present, also sedation as a procedure isn’t totally risk free.
Assuming the phlebotomist has tried all options, and the blood test is urgent, then I would probably take a firmer approach as a means to an end.

I just wondered if getting to the bottom of why fainting is so terrible, would help. I understand phobias aren’t rational though. But as he has actually fainted, could he understand a bit better.

i had a friend who had to get drunk and pass out in order to get injections. Luckily he had a family member to oblige. Not helpful to you though!

Hope you can get it sorted.

@untiloneofuscaves i thought it might come down to cost

When I was pregnant I started fainting at blood tests - not sure why, I’d never had issues before. Anyway one nurse suggested that I sing while it was being done. I felt a bit silly so she sang with me and I didn’t faint. I don’t know if it was the distraction, or that it kept my breathing steady, or maybe something psychological, but it worked so I did that every time after that.

I do sympathise, that feeling when you know you’re about to faint is horrible.

The only time I’ve ever known it done is when there’s a pressing clinical need (I.e. genetic testing or cases of ARFID where there’s a real chance the child is malnourished) and the child is already going under general anaesthetic. It tends to be for severely disabled children.

you may be able to get some form of mild sedative/calming agent prescribed but those aren’t without risks and, again, tend to be accompanied by an appointment with an anaesthetist and supervision afterwards.

Tough love really is the only way forward I’m afraid.

I wouldn’t really be keen to go for sedation to avoid a fainting episode. Especially as you say the loss of co tell or physical sensation may be what worries him about fainting. Being sedated will feel 100 times worse.

@Tulipvase thank you, yes you’re right if I knew what it was specifically it might help. I can’t advise the alcohol route just yet as he’s only 14 😂but maybe an option one day! Thanks x

There’s also the fact that sedation tends to carry risks of dizziness, passing out etc.

It won’t help.

Ask about giving diazepan beforehand
Some sedation requires monitoring and a canula so...

@bunnylegs @untiloneofuscaves intake your point (and those of others abodes about sedation feeling similar. It’s so difficult. It’s not something I would suggest lightly, and can hardly believe I’m even thinking about it for my child but something has to give. Thank you.

I have such low blood pressure that I have to be laid flat to take blood from. If they do that, I feel absolutely fine and chat away no problem. If he’s worried about fainting, can he lie flat? Explain that it will stop him fainting if that’s the bit he’s worried about.

Sadly you’re very, very unlikely to find a medical justification strong enough to justify a referral/the resources needed. You really need to sit down with him, tell him what you’re going to do to prevent fainting, and tell him it has to happen.

@Lillers thank you for the singing suggestion, will keep that in mind x

My daughter faints easily at blood tests. All I can suggest is loads of water to drink beforehand so it flows out easily, lies down in a bed, requests a small needle and either I sit and talk non-stop to distract or headphones to listen to music. Hope something works as sedation seems unlikely to be offered on NHS.

For those saying there’s no reason for him to faint or thinking it’s not a thing, look at vasovagal syncope my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23325-vasovagal-syncope

@Maybeitllneverhappen thank you. The things you do are on our list so just have to hope next time something clicks I guess x

@untiloneofuscaves thank you. We do do that already and he understands in advance but once the amygdala is triggered it’s more difficult x

My daughter had Vasovagal Syncope and anxiety, but has outgrown the V.S now so there is hope for the future!

I have had sedation.

mine was for a colonoscopy.

depending on what it is about fainting he is scared of sedation may not improve matters. It’s not overly pleasant.

have you considered trying diazepam?
I have been prescribed two diazepam for a smear test in the past.

@Pricelessadvice thanks. Yes he does lie down but last time he laid down for a blood test he very nearly fainted so that is less reassuring clear him but we’ll keep doing it x

Diazepam is your best bet.

My elderly mum has a prescription for propranolol for her to take in the same circumstances. Might be with asking about.

I've been your son...in fact still hate everything medical. I did pass out due to a twat of a nurse, when I said I felt faint told me to 'get up and go and lie on the bed'. Bham I passed out, smacked my face on bed and got 2 black eyes.
It's taken me years to get ok with blood tests. Kindness and the most experienced phlebotomists and having zero pain and no fainting got me there. I still have tears and anxiety every time. I dont know what would be best for your son but I empathise 100%.

Oh and you could have taken me to a cancer ward and all that would have done would have made me feel even more shamed and useless.

You need to get a hold of it. He can’t avoid everything for fear of fainting.