This morning we took Joe to the clinic to have his annual leukemia test, his 3-month hypothyroid test, and a test for celiac disease. In the past the nurses at this particular clinic have been able to find Joe's veins and draw his blood. Not today. Chris held Joe on his lap, I held Joe's legs and 2 nurses poked at both arms but could not reach the vein. After about 15 minutes of Joe screaming "no, no, no" we told the nurses to stop trying, Joe refused the stickers (that's my boy), and we left. This kid has gone through so much in 4 years and it breaks my heart to hold him down for yet another medical intervention--especially one that doesn't accomplish anything. Now we have to try again at another clinic, but frankly, we are running out of places to go. Plus he and Emma have their annual physical with Dr. Takagishi this afternoon. That means shots and the finger poke. What a day.
10 comments:
I HATE THE BLOODWORK too. I agree; so much for nothing. Or rather, so much just to be safe. I wish they could figure out a way to do all this without drawing blood...how about some research into that? Don't get me started....
Sorry it was a bust. Fingers crossed the next one goes better.
Big hugs for Joe. Gabriel begins to cry as soon as nurse or technician comes near him now. It's truly heartbreaking.
Thank you for your kindness in your comments on my blog, Amy. I appreciate your concern.
Lee (hugs)
So sorry for the bad time!! We had so many blood draws in the first 3 months, and Braska is a "hard stick" like me. They always have to poke her at least 3 times and usually have to fish around in there, which just sickens me. She's so excellent about it, but it's just wrong that there's not a better way.
This past week at St.L Children's Hospital lab was the first time that someone went in, got the blood, and was done in about 20 seconds, and it was wonderful. I'm giving kudos to that phlebotomist on our visit survey for sure.
oh poor Joe. I know how difficult finding a great "pricker" is so keep on that hunt!
I think you should give Joe a needle to use on the nurse. Every time she misses he gets to jab her.
Sorry Joe.
Ohhh - that makes me sooo sad :( Poor Joe! I hope that the next try is better! We've used EMLA cream before and had some success with that. Maybe it would work for Joe???
Hope your appointments went well!
Hugs to your cute boy!
I am sorry to hear abou that! That stuff just drives me crazy!! I would have left also! Poor boy.
Oh - that is so hard :( I hope the next round is easier. It's usually very difficult to get a good blood draw for our d - it's so heartbreaking to watch.
Thank you for your prayers for my little Delphine during her surgery!
There is a brand new technology out-called Venoscope or Transilluminator. The device uses a special light-which penetrates the skin and allows you to 'see' the veins, so that typically 1 stick does the trick. Many of the children's hospitals are getting these instruments or the 'ER' at community hospitals. The device costs about $25,000 but hospitals have found it really improves patient satisfaction. It would be worth it to call around to the hospitals to see which one has the new technology.
Good luck finding someone with the right stuff! It's hard to find the right nurse. I too feel saddened and often angered by all the stuff my little man has to have done to him. It get's to be too much at times!
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