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In a different thread, I asked about false negative on a rapid strep test. Child had fever up to 104.2 before I finally took her to ER yesterday afternoon.
One of the reasons why I waited so long was because I was afraid they would want to draw blood. Stupid I know but I knew it would freak her out as well as my other daughter who would have to be in the same room.
So I started thinking: When would they want to draw blood? Of course I would guess the kid would have to look and act terribly sick before they do that but can anyone tell me under what other circumstances ER would want to draw blood?
My mind immediately went to meningitis with a high fever, headache and sleeping all day then I went to spinal tap and of course I freaked myself out. At least I never let my girls know I was truly worried.
I'd say meningitis or mono would be the most obvious answers. Why would drawing blood freak you out? I understand the child would not be thrilled but your job is to be calm and supportive. Even if it's hard. I know how difficult it is. I've held my DD through all kinds of stuff from blood draws to needle biopsies. It's tough but you do what you need to do to ensure they get the most appropriate medical attention.
If at all possible have them use the butterfly needle, as they probably will. They use it on me and I am 24. I also find it much easier if they have her lay back while they are doing it. Close her eyes ect. Or you can bring bubbles and have her "blow through the pain".
As her mommy you have to be calm for her. That's the best gift my mom ever gave me was a calm in the storm.
I know how difficult it is. I've held my DD through all kinds of stuff from blood draws to needle biopsies. It's tough but you do what you need to do to ensure they get the most appropriate medical attention.
As have I. And I'll include sending them through the doors into surgery. You HAVE to be calm and not let them see how much it is bothering you. Kids can feel your fear. If you freak, they will freak.
It's one of the toughest parts of being a parent but you have to be strong. And that includes not being afraid to take them to the E.R. if they need emergency care. That's where you earn your parental stripes.
They may do a blood draw, but it's unlikely with the first visit. As others have said the parent sets the precedent for how children view procedures. I'd take it a step further too, if a parent knows they don't handle these situations well, ask dad or big brother to do it if they are calmer.
I have had every medical procedure - almost- known to man. in the 90's, I was in the hospital for 4 months with central lines, life support, the whole nine yards. I can deal with my own pain but seeing my children - or anybody really in pain- just turns me into a weepy mess.
I cried when my babies got their shots.
When my oldest daughter came home from Korea, we were told to get her tested for hepatitis c, I believe it was. She was about 18 months when I finally took her in. I held her in my lap and three times they tried to draw blood and it didn't work. I felt like I was participating in some sort of torture. Finally I just stood up and said "We're not doing this anymore" and I took her home. It affected me deeply.
I have been with my grown son when he almost had a ruptured appendix, broke his fingers in a bike accident and 2 other surgeries but I was perfectly calm but of course worried. But little kids crying because they don't understand and are being hurt is so distressing to me.
I've stood by calmly as they got their flu shots and of course all their other vaccines. But shots are quick while blood draw can take several pokes and seems to last forever. I know I could get thru it but I'm dreading the day it will have to happen.
have been with my grown son when he almost had a ruptured appendix, broke his fingers in a bike accident and 2 other surgeries but I was perfectly calm but of course worried. But little kids crying because they don't understand and are being hurt is so distressing to me.
As it is to everyone. But nokudzu <said gently>....your girls are not toddlers anymore. They are old enough to understand that sometimes we have to endure discomfort and even out and out pain to discover what is wrong so that we can get better. You hold their hand, explain the best you can and talk about all kinds of other things. Then you praise them when it's over for being so good about it. It stinks I know but better than not seeking treatment when it is necessary. If it is something like meningitis, a delay could be important.
Last edited by maciesmom; 05-23-2011 at 08:19 PM..
Reason: clarification
I HATE having blood drawn. Absolutely hate it. I hate even more seeing my son have to have his blood drawn. That said, it's just something you have to do; try to stay calm, don't look if needed. Kids do need to learn that sometimes it's necessary. Several weeks ago my son had to have blood drawn (at urgent care); he, too, had a high fever, and the strep test was negative. They did a blood test, found that it was bacterial, gave us antibiotics, and we were on our way. I held him while they pricked his finger, but then the nurse actually asked him if he'd like to count the drops going into the container. It was flowing pretty fast (one benefit of a fever!), so we counted seconds until she was done. I was surprised when she did that -- my technique is to look away until given the all-clear -- but it really calmed my son down. He's been playing doctor recently, "fixing" me up, and generally seems to get the idea that, little as he liked his recent visit to the doctor, it contributed to him feeling better. I think young kids can understand this. And even if they don't (I have terrible memories of having to restrain my son while they inserted IVs, drew blood, and lots of other tests) it's still worth getting the blood drawn if it means that the doctors can be that much closer to finding out what's making them sick. In the future, do you have access to a children's pediatric ER (or urgent care)? If you do, and you have the time to go there first, that could make things more comfortable and easier for you and for your children. We've been to both, and I would definitely go with the pediatric ER if you ever have the choice.
In a different thread, I asked about false negative on a rapid strep test. Child had fever up to 104.2 before I finally took her to ER yesterday afternoon.
One of the reasons why I waited so long was because I was afraid they would want to draw blood. Stupid I know but I knew it would freak her out as well as my other daughter who would have to be in the same room.
So I started thinking: When would they want to draw blood? Of course I would guess the kid would have to look and act terribly sick before they do that but can anyone tell me under what other circumstances ER would want to draw blood?
My mind immediately went to meningitis with a high fever, headache and sleeping all day then I went to spinal tap and of course I freaked myself out. At least I never let my girls know I was truly worried.
they do a CBC to almost everybody if not everybody that enters the emergency room...
Peds seem to avoid drawing blood. They only drew blood from my son when they thought he had cancer. If your thing is needles, not blood, the ER is most likely to put in an IV for dehydration before drawing blood. Pediatric hospitals are much better and putting in IVs and drawing blood than regular hospitals---more experience with little veins.
Never avoid the hospital for fear of something uncomfortable, especially when it could be life threatening. One way or another, you can't avoid needles in veins forever. It's important for children to learn how to manage their fears when at the hospital so they can grow into adults who don't have irrational fears. Glad she's doing better.
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