Doctor Appointment Anxiety!

brewz2 · Mar 31, 2009

Thanks so much for responding. We survivied our appointment today..The blood draw was for the family study that is out of Johns Hopkins - Unfortunately, Seth is very in tune to what's going on around him. They had a lady draw our blood today that actually came to our room, instead of us going to the labs - but that was only b/c it was for the study. Seth did have a bad time once with getting his blood drawn, and I'm sure he has that stored in that little memory of his. He literally melted down and screamed at the top of his lungs for about 10 - 15 minutes - that's about how long it took for four of us to hold him down....he's really strong! He freaked out when they had to do the throat culture too - it's like he turns into another kid... I did buy toys for each of the kids, and I wrapped them up last night and took them to the visit and they were both surprised when I whipped out those presents. It really helped my 8 year old (she's pretty good about it anyways) Seth was excited for the 10 seconds it took him to rip it open - then he just went back into melt down mode.

I will definitely never tell him ahead of time again! I have two opposite kids. My daughter likes to know things well in advance, but apparently Seth needs no information ahead of time.. I'm glad it's over with, they won't need any more blood drawn until the winter...

Thanks again for your help <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

brewz2 · Mar 31, 2009

Thanks so much for responding. We survivied our appointment today..The blood draw was for the family study that is out of Johns Hopkins - Unfortunately, Seth is very in tune to what's going on around him. They had a lady draw our blood today that actually came to our room, instead of us going to the labs - but that was only b/c it was for the study. Seth did have a bad time once with getting his blood drawn, and I'm sure he has that stored in that little memory of his. He literally melted down and screamed at the top of his lungs for about 10 - 15 minutes - that's about how long it took for four of us to hold him down....he's really strong! He freaked out when they had to do the throat culture too - it's like he turns into another kid... I did buy toys for each of the kids, and I wrapped them up last night and took them to the visit and they were both surprised when I whipped out those presents. It really helped my 8 year old (she's pretty good about it anyways) Seth was excited for the 10 seconds it took him to rip it open - then he just went back into melt down mode.

I will definitely never tell him ahead of time again! I have two opposite kids. My daughter likes to know things well in advance, but apparently Seth needs no information ahead of time.. I'm glad it's over with, they won't need any more blood drawn until the winter...

Thanks again for your help <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

brewz2 · Mar 31, 2009

Thanks so much for responding. We survivied our appointment today..The blood draw was for the family study that is out of Johns Hopkins - Unfortunately, Seth is very in tune to what's going on around him. They had a lady draw our blood today that actually came to our room, instead of us going to the labs - but that was only b/c it was for the study. Seth did have a bad time once with getting his blood drawn, and I'm sure he has that stored in that little memory of his. He literally melted down and screamed at the top of his lungs for about 10 - 15 minutes - that's about how long it took for four of us to hold him down....he's really strong! He freaked out when they had to do the throat culture too - it's like he turns into another kid... I did buy toys for each of the kids, and I wrapped them up last night and took them to the visit and they were both surprised when I whipped out those presents. It really helped my 8 year old (she's pretty good about it anyways) Seth was excited for the 10 seconds it took him to rip it open - then he just went back into melt down mode.

I will definitely never tell him ahead of time again! I have two opposite kids. My daughter likes to know things well in advance, but apparently Seth needs no information ahead of time.. I'm glad it's over with, they won't need any more blood drawn until the winter...

Thanks again for your help <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

brewz2 · Mar 31, 2009

Thanks so much for responding. We survivied our appointment today..The blood draw was for the family study that is out of Johns Hopkins - Unfortunately, Seth is very in tune to what's going on around him. They had a lady draw our blood today that actually came to our room, instead of us going to the labs - but that was only b/c it was for the study. Seth did have a bad time once with getting his blood drawn, and I'm sure he has that stored in that little memory of his. He literally melted down and screamed at the top of his lungs for about 10 - 15 minutes - that's about how long it took for four of us to hold him down....he's really strong! He freaked out when they had to do the throat culture too - it's like he turns into another kid... I did buy toys for each of the kids, and I wrapped them up last night and took them to the visit and they were both surprised when I whipped out those presents. It really helped my 8 year old (she's pretty good about it anyways) Seth was excited for the 10 seconds it took him to rip it open - then he just went back into melt down mode.

I will definitely never tell him ahead of time again! I have two opposite kids. My daughter likes to know things well in advance, but apparently Seth needs no information ahead of time.. I'm glad it's over with, they won't need any more blood drawn until the winter...

Thanks again for your help <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

brewz2 · Mar 31, 2009

Thanks so much for responding. We survivied our appointment today..The blood draw was for the family study that is out of Johns Hopkins - Unfortunately, Seth is very in tune to what's going on around him. They had a lady draw our blood today that actually came to our room, instead of us going to the labs - but that was only b/c it was for the study. Seth did have a bad time once with getting his blood drawn, and I'm sure he has that stored in that little memory of his. He literally melted down and screamed at the top of his lungs for about 10 - 15 minutes - that's about how long it took for four of us to hold him down....he's really strong! He freaked out when they had to do the throat culture too - it's like he turns into another kid... I did buy toys for each of the kids, and I wrapped them up last night and took them to the visit and they were both surprised when I whipped out those presents. It really helped my 8 year old (she's pretty good about it anyways) Seth was excited for the 10 seconds it took him to rip it open - then he just went back into melt down mode.
 
 I will definitely never tell him ahead of time again! I have two opposite kids. My daughter likes to know things well in advance, but apparently Seth needs no information ahead of time.. I'm glad it's over with, they won't need any more blood drawn until the winter...
 
 Thanks again for your help <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

dasjsmum · Apr 1, 2009

Hi

Just wanted to say...while it's great to be part of the family study, was that something you were given a choice in doing? I just think, not trying to make you feel bad today, but soomething to think about next time, you probably could have said 'no' to being involved and saved your son that anxiety.

You can say 'no'. Be empowered for your child, my oldest son had so many unnecessary tests and procedures done when he was young. I rebelled with my next two, be informed about what is essential...you child has years of tests etc in front of him...I really regret not insisting that my 12yr old be asleep for his picc line a couple of years ago...he still suffers anxiety because of that. When it comes to blood work or anything invasive, we only do it if it is essential.

I believe that just because our kids have chronic illnesses doesnt mean that they should be put through unecessary procedures, doesnt mean we always have to go along with what the doctors tell us.

dasjsmum · Apr 1, 2009

Hi

Just wanted to say...while it's great to be part of the family study, was that something you were given a choice in doing? I just think, not trying to make you feel bad today, but soomething to think about next time, you probably could have said 'no' to being involved and saved your son that anxiety.

You can say 'no'. Be empowered for your child, my oldest son had so many unnecessary tests and procedures done when he was young. I rebelled with my next two, be informed about what is essential...you child has years of tests etc in front of him...I really regret not insisting that my 12yr old be asleep for his picc line a couple of years ago...he still suffers anxiety because of that. When it comes to blood work or anything invasive, we only do it if it is essential.

I believe that just because our kids have chronic illnesses doesnt mean that they should be put through unecessary procedures, doesnt mean we always have to go along with what the doctors tell us.

dasjsmum · Apr 1, 2009

Hi

Just wanted to say...while it's great to be part of the family study, was that something you were given a choice in doing? I just think, not trying to make you feel bad today, but soomething to think about next time, you probably could have said 'no' to being involved and saved your son that anxiety.

You can say 'no'. Be empowered for your child, my oldest son had so many unnecessary tests and procedures done when he was young. I rebelled with my next two, be informed about what is essential...you child has years of tests etc in front of him...I really regret not insisting that my 12yr old be asleep for his picc line a couple of years ago...he still suffers anxiety because of that. When it comes to blood work or anything invasive, we only do it if it is essential.

I believe that just because our kids have chronic illnesses doesnt mean that they should be put through unecessary procedures, doesnt mean we always have to go along with what the doctors tell us.

dasjsmum · Apr 1, 2009

Hi

Just wanted to say...while it's great to be part of the family study, was that something you were given a choice in doing? I just think, not trying to make you feel bad today, but soomething to think about next time, you probably could have said 'no' to being involved and saved your son that anxiety.

You can say 'no'. Be empowered for your child, my oldest son had so many unnecessary tests and procedures done when he was young. I rebelled with my next two, be informed about what is essential...you child has years of tests etc in front of him...I really regret not insisting that my 12yr old be asleep for his picc line a couple of years ago...he still suffers anxiety because of that. When it comes to blood work or anything invasive, we only do it if it is essential.

I believe that just because our kids have chronic illnesses doesnt mean that they should be put through unecessary procedures, doesnt mean we always have to go along with what the doctors tell us.

dasjsmum · Apr 1, 2009

Hi
 
 Just wanted to say...while it's great to be part of the family study, was that something you were given a choice in doing? I just think, not trying to make you feel bad today, but soomething to think about next time, you probably could have said 'no' to being involved and saved your son that anxiety.
 
 You can say 'no'. Be empowered for your child, my oldest son had so many unnecessary tests and procedures done when he was young. I rebelled with my next two, be informed about what is essential...you child has years of tests etc in front of him...I really regret not insisting that my 12yr old be asleep for his picc line a couple of years ago...he still suffers anxiety because of that. When it comes to blood work or anything invasive, we only do it if it is essential.
 
 I believe that just because our kids have chronic illnesses doesnt mean that they should be put through unecessary procedures, doesnt mean we always have to go along with what the doctors tell us.

brewz2 · Apr 1, 2009

I appreciate your honesty Jo, and to tell you the truth, I wavered on the fence about doing it, but since he knew it was going to be done, I didn't want him to think that he can throw a tantrum every time, and just get out of it. It was a bad judgement call on my half to tell him. Like I said before though, my daughter is the kind that wants to know things ahead of time - even when she was his age. Just thought maybe he would settle down beforehand like she did. I learned my lesson though, and I'm not looking forward to our next annuals being done. For what it's worth, I'm hoping that our contribution to the study makes a difference...I also have a cousin with CF, so our family has more than just my children dealing with it.

brewz2 · Apr 1, 2009

I appreciate your honesty Jo, and to tell you the truth, I wavered on the fence about doing it, but since he knew it was going to be done, I didn't want him to think that he can throw a tantrum every time, and just get out of it. It was a bad judgement call on my half to tell him. Like I said before though, my daughter is the kind that wants to know things ahead of time - even when she was his age. Just thought maybe he would settle down beforehand like she did. I learned my lesson though, and I'm not looking forward to our next annuals being done. For what it's worth, I'm hoping that our contribution to the study makes a difference...I also have a cousin with CF, so our family has more than just my children dealing with it.

brewz2 · Apr 1, 2009

I appreciate your honesty Jo, and to tell you the truth, I wavered on the fence about doing it, but since he knew it was going to be done, I didn't want him to think that he can throw a tantrum every time, and just get out of it. It was a bad judgement call on my half to tell him. Like I said before though, my daughter is the kind that wants to know things ahead of time - even when she was his age. Just thought maybe he would settle down beforehand like she did. I learned my lesson though, and I'm not looking forward to our next annuals being done. For what it's worth, I'm hoping that our contribution to the study makes a difference...I also have a cousin with CF, so our family has more than just my children dealing with it.

brewz2 · Apr 1, 2009

I appreciate your honesty Jo, and to tell you the truth, I wavered on the fence about doing it, but since he knew it was going to be done, I didn't want him to think that he can throw a tantrum every time, and just get out of it. It was a bad judgement call on my half to tell him. Like I said before though, my daughter is the kind that wants to know things ahead of time - even when she was his age. Just thought maybe he would settle down beforehand like she did. I learned my lesson though, and I'm not looking forward to our next annuals being done. For what it's worth, I'm hoping that our contribution to the study makes a difference...I also have a cousin with CF, so our family has more than just my children dealing with it.

brewz2 · Apr 1, 2009

I appreciate your honesty Jo, and to tell you the truth, I wavered on the fence about doing it, but since he knew it was going to be done, I didn't want him to think that he can throw a tantrum every time, and just get out of it. It was a bad judgement call on my half to tell him. Like I said before though, my daughter is the kind that wants to know things ahead of time - even when she was his age. Just thought maybe he would settle down beforehand like she did. I learned my lesson though, and I'm not looking forward to our next annuals being done. For what it's worth, I'm hoping that our contribution to the study makes a difference...I also have a cousin with CF, so our family has more than just my children dealing with it.

camperscove · Apr 2, 2009

My son is the same way, although it's hard to tell which he hates worse, the 'gagging stick' or the 'poke'. We fly to clinic so there's no pretending about where we're going, but when he asks specifics I am not honest. I usually say "I don't know, but I super hope not!" or "We'll have to ask Dr. Carter what's best for today when we get there." On the advice of a child psych, we do A LOT of role playing. He brings home "gagging sticks" for each of his grandparents and pretty much does a full clinic visit on daddy and sister a long with any other "willing" relative. We weigh and measure his bears, check the dogs blood pressure, and he has free reigh over the thermometer. Sometimes he'll wear a mask for a few days and you have to call him nurse/doctor Luke and he reminds you to take your enzymes, do your clapping, etc.
All of this hasn't reduced the amount of crying and screaming that goes on DURING a procedure, but has VASTLY improved his pre-clinic and appointment anxiety!! I think the screaming thing will fade with age (he's 4). One other thing that we're in the process of doing is creating a clinic book written "by" him. He's been taking pictures of all sorts of things at his peds office, clinic, and pharmacy so I can compile them and transcribe his description of what happens at each place. Hopefully this will help him feel a little bit more in control of his little body/life!
I just want to add that I get what you're saying about feeling terrible about making him do it. Sometimes I find myself repeating (not out loud of course<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> THIS IS WHAT KEEPS HIM HEALTHY, THIS IS WHAT KEEPS HIM ALIVE! while I'm holding his sweatin,g screaming, thrashing body!

camperscove · Apr 2, 2009

My son is the same way, although it's hard to tell which he hates worse, the 'gagging stick' or the 'poke'. We fly to clinic so there's no pretending about where we're going, but when he asks specifics I am not honest. I usually say "I don't know, but I super hope not!" or "We'll have to ask Dr. Carter what's best for today when we get there." On the advice of a child psych, we do A LOT of role playing. He brings home "gagging sticks" for each of his grandparents and pretty much does a full clinic visit on daddy and sister a long with any other "willing" relative. We weigh and measure his bears, check the dogs blood pressure, and he has free reigh over the thermometer. Sometimes he'll wear a mask for a few days and you have to call him nurse/doctor Luke and he reminds you to take your enzymes, do your clapping, etc.
All of this hasn't reduced the amount of crying and screaming that goes on DURING a procedure, but has VASTLY improved his pre-clinic and appointment anxiety!! I think the screaming thing will fade with age (he's 4). One other thing that we're in the process of doing is creating a clinic book written "by" him. He's been taking pictures of all sorts of things at his peds office, clinic, and pharmacy so I can compile them and transcribe his description of what happens at each place. Hopefully this will help him feel a little bit more in control of his little body/life!
I just want to add that I get what you're saying about feeling terrible about making him do it. Sometimes I find myself repeating (not out loud of course<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> THIS IS WHAT KEEPS HIM HEALTHY, THIS IS WHAT KEEPS HIM ALIVE! while I'm holding his sweatin,g screaming, thrashing body!

camperscove · Apr 2, 2009

My son is the same way, although it's hard to tell which he hates worse, the 'gagging stick' or the 'poke'. We fly to clinic so there's no pretending about where we're going, but when he asks specifics I am not honest. I usually say "I don't know, but I super hope not!" or "We'll have to ask Dr. Carter what's best for today when we get there." On the advice of a child psych, we do A LOT of role playing. He brings home "gagging sticks" for each of his grandparents and pretty much does a full clinic visit on daddy and sister a long with any other "willing" relative. We weigh and measure his bears, check the dogs blood pressure, and he has free reigh over the thermometer. Sometimes he'll wear a mask for a few days and you have to call him nurse/doctor Luke and he reminds you to take your enzymes, do your clapping, etc.
All of this hasn't reduced the amount of crying and screaming that goes on DURING a procedure, but has VASTLY improved his pre-clinic and appointment anxiety!! I think the screaming thing will fade with age (he's 4). One other thing that we're in the process of doing is creating a clinic book written "by" him. He's been taking pictures of all sorts of things at his peds office, clinic, and pharmacy so I can compile them and transcribe his description of what happens at each place. Hopefully this will help him feel a little bit more in control of his little body/life!
I just want to add that I get what you're saying about feeling terrible about making him do it. Sometimes I find myself repeating (not out loud of course<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> THIS IS WHAT KEEPS HIM HEALTHY, THIS IS WHAT KEEPS HIM ALIVE! while I'm holding his sweatin,g screaming, thrashing body!

camperscove · Apr 2, 2009

My son is the same way, although it's hard to tell which he hates worse, the 'gagging stick' or the 'poke'. We fly to clinic so there's no pretending about where we're going, but when he asks specifics I am not honest. I usually say "I don't know, but I super hope not!" or "We'll have to ask Dr. Carter what's best for today when we get there." On the advice of a child psych, we do A LOT of role playing. He brings home "gagging sticks" for each of his grandparents and pretty much does a full clinic visit on daddy and sister a long with any other "willing" relative. We weigh and measure his bears, check the dogs blood pressure, and he has free reigh over the thermometer. Sometimes he'll wear a mask for a few days and you have to call him nurse/doctor Luke and he reminds you to take your enzymes, do your clapping, etc.
All of this hasn't reduced the amount of crying and screaming that goes on DURING a procedure, but has VASTLY improved his pre-clinic and appointment anxiety!! I think the screaming thing will fade with age (he's 4). One other thing that we're in the process of doing is creating a clinic book written "by" him. He's been taking pictures of all sorts of things at his peds office, clinic, and pharmacy so I can compile them and transcribe his description of what happens at each place. Hopefully this will help him feel a little bit more in control of his little body/life!
I just want to add that I get what you're saying about feeling terrible about making him do it. Sometimes I find myself repeating (not out loud of course<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> THIS IS WHAT KEEPS HIM HEALTHY, THIS IS WHAT KEEPS HIM ALIVE! while I'm holding his sweatin,g screaming, thrashing body!

camperscove · Apr 2, 2009

My son is the same way, although it's hard to tell which he hates worse, the 'gagging stick' or the 'poke'. We fly to clinic so there's no pretending about where we're going, but when he asks specifics I am not honest. I usually say "I don't know, but I super hope not!" or "We'll have to ask Dr. Carter what's best for today when we get there." On the advice of a child psych, we do A LOT of role playing. He brings home "gagging sticks" for each of his grandparents and pretty much does a full clinic visit on daddy and sister a long with any other "willing" relative. We weigh and measure his bears, check the dogs blood pressure, and he has free reigh over the thermometer. Sometimes he'll wear a mask for a few days and you have to call him nurse/doctor Luke and he reminds you to take your enzymes, do your clapping, etc.
 All of this hasn't reduced the amount of crying and screaming that goes on DURING a procedure, but has VASTLY improved his pre-clinic and appointment anxiety!! I think the screaming thing will fade with age (he's 4). One other thing that we're in the process of doing is creating a clinic book written "by" him. He's been taking pictures of all sorts of things at his peds office, clinic, and pharmacy so I can compile them and transcribe his description of what happens at each place. Hopefully this will help him feel a little bit more in control of his little body/life!
 I just want to add that I get what you're saying about feeling terrible about making him do it. Sometimes I find myself repeating (not out loud of course<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> THIS IS WHAT KEEPS HIM HEALTHY, THIS IS WHAT KEEPS HIM ALIVE! while I'm holding his sweatin,g screaming, thrashing body!

Doctor Appointment Anxiety!

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