Blood test for a toddler

[tickle]

Has anyone taken their toddler for a blood test? If so, how did it go? Any tips you could give me?
I am really putting it off and have to do it. My DS won't even be weighed or measured at the doctor as he gets freaked out, so I'm figuring we will just have to hold him down.:(
Any ideas?

[Cheekychops]

:hugs: myriads of times for us unfortunately!!! Most ours have been at the hospital though where they wrap them mostly in a sheet and lay them down and a couple of people restrain (me usually at head/face) and they do it in the back of the hand...... they do put angel cream on them mostly now though..... it numbs the areas where they think they might want to put the needgle adn stays on for like 30 mins or so and then they do it..... but yes just be prepared for some screaming and yelling and have a lovely treat - lolly, new little toy, stickers or something handy for as soon as it is finished and tell him how big and brave he is etc etc...... Good luck - it is tuff on us mum's with things like this..... :hugs:

[Cupcake]

Sadly I think you are going to have to hold him down:crying:
It will be awful for you but he will be fine when it's done.
I had to get some lengthy testing on my DD where she had to be still a lollypop helped.
Good Luck :fingerscrossed:

[the_queen]

Vallerie had one at age 2 - and it was the first she'd ever had and it went surprisingly well. I think because the doctor was so skilled, it happened and was over very quickly, i kept her focussed on me and i held her upper arm without "restraining" her, so to speak. I think, unless it's absolutely necessary, wrapping him will just get him more anxious/wriggly/non-compliant, so if there's any fun activity that he will sit still for, that's the better option. And if the doctor/nurse is skilled enough, s/he will only need a few seconds - and with Vallerie, she kinda made a noise (i wouldn't say it was a cry) at the actual pr!ck of the needle, but while he was drawing the blood out, it didn't seem to bother her.

Another tip is that deep breathing reduces pain, so on the way to the clinic get O to pick out some bubble mix at the shop, and when the doctor needs to do it, get O to blow bubbles into your face, he'll have to take a deep breath to blow the bubbles plus the bubbles will distract him. Emla cream can work really well - it comes in patches too, so ask at the chemist about them.

:hugs: :hugs: to you and Oliver, try not to stress (easier said than done), it is hard to watch your child have medical stuff done. And it's so tough for the littlies, not only the pain but also they just don't understand what's going on. If you can talk and reason with him (don't laugh! Some 2 yr olds can be reasoned with.... :rolleyes: ) perhaps just talk generally about how sometimes there are things which aren't fun but we have to do them anyway. And tell him about things that you don't like having done but you still do them (he's perhaps a bit young to be told about pap smears, but you know what i mean :p) and how you treat yourself afterwards. Minimise the "blood test" part of the day, and maximise the "we're going out for ice cream afterwards" part of the day.

[tickle]

Thanks for your responses, they have been very helpful.
I might leave out the pap smear details for the time being, but he can be reasoned with quite well for most things. The only thing is as soon as he's out of his comfort zone he gets extremely stressed.
I'll just have to do it. Great bubbles tip queenie, I'll definately be giving that a go.:)

[melfunction]

Since O is over 2 - EMLA PATCHES! Approx $20 for 2 patches. Put it on an hour before the test and although it will still be a bit iffy when it actually comes to the needle part, I promise he won't feel it :hugs:

[Cheekychops]

I don't know where you are tickle but I'm sure here if QML does the test it is standard for them to put the patches on..... maybe call them and see - that way saving you $20 if they do. Also, not sure if they will let you blow bubbles while having a blood test for the sterileness etc..... maybe ask them that too!!! otherwise maybe one of those windmills that go around when you blow it might be a go?!? Goodluck

[tickle]

I will definately be doing the patches, but I think the actual holding his arm bit will be the biggest stress for him. It will be over with before we know it but it's just so hard to go and do it. The doctor asked me if I wanted to get the test done and didn't really give me any info about if it goes undiagnosed. Might do a bit of research first. I'm pretty sure I'll have to get it done but might just procrastinate for a little longer.:o
Oh forgot to add, the test is for coeliac disease.

[tickle]

Will definately give them a call and see cheekychops. I am going to a QML.:)