Doctor Appointment Anxiety!

B

brewz2

Guest
Hi everyone..just thought maybe somebody could give some ideas on how to help my son get over the anxiety of the doctor visits. We have an appt tomorrow, which is supposed to have a blood draw, and he's just over the top beside himself. The two things he fears are the needles, and the throat cultures. I've tried not telling him where we're going, but he knows the area of the hospital when we get there he starts in with "am i getting shot?" I've lied to him, on occassions, I've evaded the questions with him, and I've tried this time to just tell him the truth, and nothing is working. I don't know what to do now. We've gone from McDonald trips after, to candy, to buying a toy after each visit, and nothing is working. I feel terrible, b/c I see the panic in his face. It's completely different from just being nervous or not wanting to do it...it's complete panic where he starts screaming, stomping his foot and then break down crying. My older daughter is a great example for him, but he still isn't buying it - he wants nothing to do with the appointments.

Any suggestions????
 
B

brewz2

Guest
Hi everyone..just thought maybe somebody could give some ideas on how to help my son get over the anxiety of the doctor visits. We have an appt tomorrow, which is supposed to have a blood draw, and he's just over the top beside himself. The two things he fears are the needles, and the throat cultures. I've tried not telling him where we're going, but he knows the area of the hospital when we get there he starts in with "am i getting shot?" I've lied to him, on occassions, I've evaded the questions with him, and I've tried this time to just tell him the truth, and nothing is working. I don't know what to do now. We've gone from McDonald trips after, to candy, to buying a toy after each visit, and nothing is working. I feel terrible, b/c I see the panic in his face. It's completely different from just being nervous or not wanting to do it...it's complete panic where he starts screaming, stomping his foot and then break down crying. My older daughter is a great example for him, but he still isn't buying it - he wants nothing to do with the appointments.

Any suggestions????
 
B

brewz2

Guest
Hi everyone..just thought maybe somebody could give some ideas on how to help my son get over the anxiety of the doctor visits. We have an appt tomorrow, which is supposed to have a blood draw, and he's just over the top beside himself. The two things he fears are the needles, and the throat cultures. I've tried not telling him where we're going, but he knows the area of the hospital when we get there he starts in with "am i getting shot?" I've lied to him, on occassions, I've evaded the questions with him, and I've tried this time to just tell him the truth, and nothing is working. I don't know what to do now. We've gone from McDonald trips after, to candy, to buying a toy after each visit, and nothing is working. I feel terrible, b/c I see the panic in his face. It's completely different from just being nervous or not wanting to do it...it's complete panic where he starts screaming, stomping his foot and then break down crying. My older daughter is a great example for him, but he still isn't buying it - he wants nothing to do with the appointments.

Any suggestions????
 
B

brewz2

Guest
Hi everyone..just thought maybe somebody could give some ideas on how to help my son get over the anxiety of the doctor visits. We have an appt tomorrow, which is supposed to have a blood draw, and he's just over the top beside himself. The two things he fears are the needles, and the throat cultures. I've tried not telling him where we're going, but he knows the area of the hospital when we get there he starts in with "am i getting shot?" I've lied to him, on occassions, I've evaded the questions with him, and I've tried this time to just tell him the truth, and nothing is working. I don't know what to do now. We've gone from McDonald trips after, to candy, to buying a toy after each visit, and nothing is working. I feel terrible, b/c I see the panic in his face. It's completely different from just being nervous or not wanting to do it...it's complete panic where he starts screaming, stomping his foot and then break down crying. My older daughter is a great example for him, but he still isn't buying it - he wants nothing to do with the appointments.

Any suggestions????
 
B

brewz2

Guest
Hi everyone..just thought maybe somebody could give some ideas on how to help my son get over the anxiety of the doctor visits. We have an appt tomorrow, which is supposed to have a blood draw, and he's just over the top beside himself. The two things he fears are the needles, and the throat cultures. I've tried not telling him where we're going, but he knows the area of the hospital when we get there he starts in with "am i getting shot?" I've lied to him, on occassions, I've evaded the questions with him, and I've tried this time to just tell him the truth, and nothing is working. I don't know what to do now. We've gone from McDonald trips after, to candy, to buying a toy after each visit, and nothing is working. I feel terrible, b/c I see the panic in his face. It's completely different from just being nervous or not wanting to do it...it's complete panic where he starts screaming, stomping his foot and then break down crying. My older daughter is a great example for him, but he still isn't buying it - he wants nothing to do with the appointments.
<br />
<br />Any suggestions????
 
T

tammykrumrey

Guest
My older daughter suffers a lot of anxiety when she knows that there are needles involved! She would be physically difficult to hold just to give her a shot.

So, last year I asked her peditrician to give us a Rx for Emla Cream. It really has worked for the whole blood work and shot anxiety. I even put it on her arm for her flu shot each year.

Kayla really hates getting her throat cultures too. So, now she is just a lot better at coughing up a sputum culture so she doesn't have to do the whole throat thing. I even bring their Accapellas with us to clinic to help get things moving. If we forget them, I use my hand for a little CPT to try to get things moving up and easier to cough out.

Hannah doens't mind the throat swabs, but a sucker right after she gets swabbed sure does help ease any discomfort.
 
T

tammykrumrey

Guest
My older daughter suffers a lot of anxiety when she knows that there are needles involved! She would be physically difficult to hold just to give her a shot.

So, last year I asked her peditrician to give us a Rx for Emla Cream. It really has worked for the whole blood work and shot anxiety. I even put it on her arm for her flu shot each year.

Kayla really hates getting her throat cultures too. So, now she is just a lot better at coughing up a sputum culture so she doesn't have to do the whole throat thing. I even bring their Accapellas with us to clinic to help get things moving. If we forget them, I use my hand for a little CPT to try to get things moving up and easier to cough out.

Hannah doens't mind the throat swabs, but a sucker right after she gets swabbed sure does help ease any discomfort.
 
T

tammykrumrey

Guest
My older daughter suffers a lot of anxiety when she knows that there are needles involved! She would be physically difficult to hold just to give her a shot.

So, last year I asked her peditrician to give us a Rx for Emla Cream. It really has worked for the whole blood work and shot anxiety. I even put it on her arm for her flu shot each year.

Kayla really hates getting her throat cultures too. So, now she is just a lot better at coughing up a sputum culture so she doesn't have to do the whole throat thing. I even bring their Accapellas with us to clinic to help get things moving. If we forget them, I use my hand for a little CPT to try to get things moving up and easier to cough out.

Hannah doens't mind the throat swabs, but a sucker right after she gets swabbed sure does help ease any discomfort.
 
T

tammykrumrey

Guest
My older daughter suffers a lot of anxiety when she knows that there are needles involved! She would be physically difficult to hold just to give her a shot.

So, last year I asked her peditrician to give us a Rx for Emla Cream. It really has worked for the whole blood work and shot anxiety. I even put it on her arm for her flu shot each year.

Kayla really hates getting her throat cultures too. So, now she is just a lot better at coughing up a sputum culture so she doesn't have to do the whole throat thing. I even bring their Accapellas with us to clinic to help get things moving. If we forget them, I use my hand for a little CPT to try to get things moving up and easier to cough out.

Hannah doens't mind the throat swabs, but a sucker right after she gets swabbed sure does help ease any discomfort.
 
T

tammykrumrey

Guest
My older daughter suffers a lot of anxiety when she knows that there are needles involved! She would be physically difficult to hold just to give her a shot.
<br />
<br />So, last year I asked her peditrician to give us a Rx for Emla Cream. It really has worked for the whole blood work and shot anxiety. I even put it on her arm for her flu shot each year.
<br />
<br />Kayla really hates getting her throat cultures too. So, now she is just a lot better at coughing up a sputum culture so she doesn't have to do the whole throat thing. I even bring their Accapellas with us to clinic to help get things moving. If we forget them, I use my hand for a little CPT to try to get things moving up and easier to cough out.
<br />
<br />Hannah doens't mind the throat swabs, but a sucker right after she gets swabbed sure does help ease any discomfort.
 
H

hmw

New member
My dd was really traumatized when she was about 3 getting labs once- the tech blew a couple veins and after 5 sticks still didn't get everything they needed. After that, we insisted on going up to the pedi floor of the hospital and getting the labs done in the 'procedure' room where they could swaddle her (so much less traumatic than having a couple people in her face trying to hold her down, and probably a lot more comfortable too) ...and we were guaranteed a nurse who really knew what she was doing. It's only been in the last 12-18mo (she's almost 8 now) that she's been cooperative for labs and doesn't need to be restrained anymore. She's had Emla several times but freaks out more over the 'stuff' on her (sensory issues) than the stick, so we don't do it anymore. They offered one of my other kids Emla for an IV once though and he loved it. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Anyway, I was wondering if Seth has had a traumatic experience that has triggered this; a particularly bad experience that he can't get past; blown veins that left big scary(to him) bruises; multiple sticks by incompetent techs, etc... if the main hospital lab is not so good I was wondering if there was an alternative that might do a better job on the little kids with their teeny little veins.

Another thought was, since you *know* he needs labs, would be maybe to call the clinic early tomorrow and see if you could pick up the paperwork and do it before the visit... so it's over with and you will be able to focus more on the appt rather than having to deal with a panicky little boy throughout the visit. (Maybe they can even do the culture right off too.)

My last thought was, how long has he known about the appt? Sometimes the longer they know, the more their worry and panic will build... and time moves a lot more slowly for a 3yr old than it does for an older kid or adult. I'm not suggesting springing it on him in the car on the way to the appt, but knowing too far in advance might not be good either. Emily gets very suspicious when she hears about ANYTHING having to do with a doctor until we reassure her multiple times it's not an appt involving her.

I wish the very, very best for tomorrow's visit. My heart goes out to you... having dealt with med stuff with Emily since she was a toddler I've dealt with my share of this and it's heartbreaking to see their fear!
 
H

hmw

New member
My dd was really traumatized when she was about 3 getting labs once- the tech blew a couple veins and after 5 sticks still didn't get everything they needed. After that, we insisted on going up to the pedi floor of the hospital and getting the labs done in the 'procedure' room where they could swaddle her (so much less traumatic than having a couple people in her face trying to hold her down, and probably a lot more comfortable too) ...and we were guaranteed a nurse who really knew what she was doing. It's only been in the last 12-18mo (she's almost 8 now) that she's been cooperative for labs and doesn't need to be restrained anymore. She's had Emla several times but freaks out more over the 'stuff' on her (sensory issues) than the stick, so we don't do it anymore. They offered one of my other kids Emla for an IV once though and he loved it. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Anyway, I was wondering if Seth has had a traumatic experience that has triggered this; a particularly bad experience that he can't get past; blown veins that left big scary(to him) bruises; multiple sticks by incompetent techs, etc... if the main hospital lab is not so good I was wondering if there was an alternative that might do a better job on the little kids with their teeny little veins.

Another thought was, since you *know* he needs labs, would be maybe to call the clinic early tomorrow and see if you could pick up the paperwork and do it before the visit... so it's over with and you will be able to focus more on the appt rather than having to deal with a panicky little boy throughout the visit. (Maybe they can even do the culture right off too.)

My last thought was, how long has he known about the appt? Sometimes the longer they know, the more their worry and panic will build... and time moves a lot more slowly for a 3yr old than it does for an older kid or adult. I'm not suggesting springing it on him in the car on the way to the appt, but knowing too far in advance might not be good either. Emily gets very suspicious when she hears about ANYTHING having to do with a doctor until we reassure her multiple times it's not an appt involving her.

I wish the very, very best for tomorrow's visit. My heart goes out to you... having dealt with med stuff with Emily since she was a toddler I've dealt with my share of this and it's heartbreaking to see their fear!
 
H

hmw

New member
My dd was really traumatized when she was about 3 getting labs once- the tech blew a couple veins and after 5 sticks still didn't get everything they needed. After that, we insisted on going up to the pedi floor of the hospital and getting the labs done in the 'procedure' room where they could swaddle her (so much less traumatic than having a couple people in her face trying to hold her down, and probably a lot more comfortable too) ...and we were guaranteed a nurse who really knew what she was doing. It's only been in the last 12-18mo (she's almost 8 now) that she's been cooperative for labs and doesn't need to be restrained anymore. She's had Emla several times but freaks out more over the 'stuff' on her (sensory issues) than the stick, so we don't do it anymore. They offered one of my other kids Emla for an IV once though and he loved it. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Anyway, I was wondering if Seth has had a traumatic experience that has triggered this; a particularly bad experience that he can't get past; blown veins that left big scary(to him) bruises; multiple sticks by incompetent techs, etc... if the main hospital lab is not so good I was wondering if there was an alternative that might do a better job on the little kids with their teeny little veins.

Another thought was, since you *know* he needs labs, would be maybe to call the clinic early tomorrow and see if you could pick up the paperwork and do it before the visit... so it's over with and you will be able to focus more on the appt rather than having to deal with a panicky little boy throughout the visit. (Maybe they can even do the culture right off too.)

My last thought was, how long has he known about the appt? Sometimes the longer they know, the more their worry and panic will build... and time moves a lot more slowly for a 3yr old than it does for an older kid or adult. I'm not suggesting springing it on him in the car on the way to the appt, but knowing too far in advance might not be good either. Emily gets very suspicious when she hears about ANYTHING having to do with a doctor until we reassure her multiple times it's not an appt involving her.

I wish the very, very best for tomorrow's visit. My heart goes out to you... having dealt with med stuff with Emily since she was a toddler I've dealt with my share of this and it's heartbreaking to see their fear!
 
H

hmw

New member
My dd was really traumatized when she was about 3 getting labs once- the tech blew a couple veins and after 5 sticks still didn't get everything they needed. After that, we insisted on going up to the pedi floor of the hospital and getting the labs done in the 'procedure' room where they could swaddle her (so much less traumatic than having a couple people in her face trying to hold her down, and probably a lot more comfortable too) ...and we were guaranteed a nurse who really knew what she was doing. It's only been in the last 12-18mo (she's almost 8 now) that she's been cooperative for labs and doesn't need to be restrained anymore. She's had Emla several times but freaks out more over the 'stuff' on her (sensory issues) than the stick, so we don't do it anymore. They offered one of my other kids Emla for an IV once though and he loved it. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Anyway, I was wondering if Seth has had a traumatic experience that has triggered this; a particularly bad experience that he can't get past; blown veins that left big scary(to him) bruises; multiple sticks by incompetent techs, etc... if the main hospital lab is not so good I was wondering if there was an alternative that might do a better job on the little kids with their teeny little veins.

Another thought was, since you *know* he needs labs, would be maybe to call the clinic early tomorrow and see if you could pick up the paperwork and do it before the visit... so it's over with and you will be able to focus more on the appt rather than having to deal with a panicky little boy throughout the visit. (Maybe they can even do the culture right off too.)

My last thought was, how long has he known about the appt? Sometimes the longer they know, the more their worry and panic will build... and time moves a lot more slowly for a 3yr old than it does for an older kid or adult. I'm not suggesting springing it on him in the car on the way to the appt, but knowing too far in advance might not be good either. Emily gets very suspicious when she hears about ANYTHING having to do with a doctor until we reassure her multiple times it's not an appt involving her.

I wish the very, very best for tomorrow's visit. My heart goes out to you... having dealt with med stuff with Emily since she was a toddler I've dealt with my share of this and it's heartbreaking to see their fear!
 
H

hmw

New member
My dd was really traumatized when she was about 3 getting labs once- the tech blew a couple veins and after 5 sticks still didn't get everything they needed. After that, we insisted on going up to the pedi floor of the hospital and getting the labs done in the 'procedure' room where they could swaddle her (so much less traumatic than having a couple people in her face trying to hold her down, and probably a lot more comfortable too) ...and we were guaranteed a nurse who really knew what she was doing. It's only been in the last 12-18mo (she's almost 8 now) that she's been cooperative for labs and doesn't need to be restrained anymore. She's had Emla several times but freaks out more over the 'stuff' on her (sensory issues) than the stick, so we don't do it anymore. They offered one of my other kids Emla for an IV once though and he loved it. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
<br />
<br />Anyway, I was wondering if Seth has had a traumatic experience that has triggered this; a particularly bad experience that he can't get past; blown veins that left big scary(to him) bruises; multiple sticks by incompetent techs, etc... if the main hospital lab is not so good I was wondering if there was an alternative that might do a better job on the little kids with their teeny little veins.
<br />
<br />Another thought was, since you *know* he needs labs, would be maybe to call the clinic early tomorrow and see if you could pick up the paperwork and do it before the visit... so it's over with and you will be able to focus more on the appt rather than having to deal with a panicky little boy throughout the visit. (Maybe they can even do the culture right off too.)
<br />
<br />My last thought was, how long has he known about the appt? Sometimes the longer they know, the more their worry and panic will build... and time moves a lot more slowly for a 3yr old than it does for an older kid or adult. I'm not suggesting springing it on him in the car on the way to the appt, but knowing too far in advance might not be good either. Emily gets very suspicious when she hears about ANYTHING having to do with a doctor until we reassure her multiple times it's not an appt involving her.
<br />
<br />I wish the very, very best for tomorrow's visit. My heart goes out to you... having dealt with med stuff with Emily since she was a toddler I've dealt with my share of this and it's heartbreaking to see their fear!
 
M

Mommafirst

Guest
Oh gosh, labs are so unfun both for our kiddos and for us the parents left holding a miserable, screaming, fighting kiddo. I'm so sad to hear that Seth is so traumatized and truly panicked by it all.

My take on it is very matter of fact. We are going to clinic. You are getting lab work done. Afterwards we'll get ice cream. I don't expect her to like it, I don't expect her to go without a fuss, I certainly don't expect her to take it all calmly. But she needs it. I try to be honest before hand and be soothing during and afterward.

I know this isn't really helping what you are asking for. Just know that I've been there, and I know it totally sucks. Take a deep breath, let him bring a lovey to hold and push through. (((HUGS))) I wish there was a magic trick.
 
M

Mommafirst

Guest
Oh gosh, labs are so unfun both for our kiddos and for us the parents left holding a miserable, screaming, fighting kiddo. I'm so sad to hear that Seth is so traumatized and truly panicked by it all.

My take on it is very matter of fact. We are going to clinic. You are getting lab work done. Afterwards we'll get ice cream. I don't expect her to like it, I don't expect her to go without a fuss, I certainly don't expect her to take it all calmly. But she needs it. I try to be honest before hand and be soothing during and afterward.

I know this isn't really helping what you are asking for. Just know that I've been there, and I know it totally sucks. Take a deep breath, let him bring a lovey to hold and push through. (((HUGS))) I wish there was a magic trick.
 
M

Mommafirst

Guest
Oh gosh, labs are so unfun both for our kiddos and for us the parents left holding a miserable, screaming, fighting kiddo. I'm so sad to hear that Seth is so traumatized and truly panicked by it all.

My take on it is very matter of fact. We are going to clinic. You are getting lab work done. Afterwards we'll get ice cream. I don't expect her to like it, I don't expect her to go without a fuss, I certainly don't expect her to take it all calmly. But she needs it. I try to be honest before hand and be soothing during and afterward.

I know this isn't really helping what you are asking for. Just know that I've been there, and I know it totally sucks. Take a deep breath, let him bring a lovey to hold and push through. (((HUGS))) I wish there was a magic trick.
 
M

Mommafirst

Guest
Oh gosh, labs are so unfun both for our kiddos and for us the parents left holding a miserable, screaming, fighting kiddo. I'm so sad to hear that Seth is so traumatized and truly panicked by it all.

My take on it is very matter of fact. We are going to clinic. You are getting lab work done. Afterwards we'll get ice cream. I don't expect her to like it, I don't expect her to go without a fuss, I certainly don't expect her to take it all calmly. But she needs it. I try to be honest before hand and be soothing during and afterward.

I know this isn't really helping what you are asking for. Just know that I've been there, and I know it totally sucks. Take a deep breath, let him bring a lovey to hold and push through. (((HUGS))) I wish there was a magic trick.
 
M

Mommafirst

Guest
Oh gosh, labs are so unfun both for our kiddos and for us the parents left holding a miserable, screaming, fighting kiddo. I'm so sad to hear that Seth is so traumatized and truly panicked by it all.
<br />
<br />My take on it is very matter of fact. We are going to clinic. You are getting lab work done. Afterwards we'll get ice cream. I don't expect her to like it, I don't expect her to go without a fuss, I certainly don't expect her to take it all calmly. But she needs it. I try to be honest before hand and be soothing during and afterward.
<br />
<br />I know this isn't really helping what you are asking for. Just know that I've been there, and I know it totally sucks. Take a deep breath, let him bring a lovey to hold and push through. (((HUGS))) I wish there was a magic trick.
 
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