My T1D 10 year old daughter has a serious phobia of getting her lab work done. About 2 weeks prior to each appointment she begins to worry about the upcoming blood work. Anyone out there have any suggestions for us to help ease these fears. We go to a childrens hospital who will not preform the A1C with the finger prick. Thanks to you all…I love this site 
We have the same problem, and my son’s pediatrician can do the fingerstick at his office. So now either the day before, or the day of his endo appointment, we schedule a nurse’s visit at the ped’s office and take the result (which is available in minutes) to the endo. Our endo is okay with this, and if she weren’t I’d fight for it, because my son also struggles with anxiety. Once a year we have to do the big blood draw, but that’s better than four times. Also - does your endo use numbing cream on the site before the blood draw? I now know to request this as soon as we walk in since it takes about 45 minutes for the full effect. It’s not great, but better than nothing.
I’m new to the diabetic child thing, but my 11 year old daughter was diagnosed with Graves disease 3 years ago. She also has to have her blood taken every 3 months. After awhile she started getting sick to her stomach every time blood draws came near, she even gets cold and clammy. After talking to her doctor, her prescribed her a cream to numb her skin. We also make sure she is warm before the draw and that she drinks a lot of water. All these things helps her have a better draw. Even though she still gets nervous, at least she is not sick to her stomach. She will even comment on how brave she is, and how it does not hurt.
Had the same problem but it is improving now.I guess most children are scarred from the first day when so many tests are done.I just try to comfort her during the whole thing and complement her for being brave after.A little goes a long way but it will get better.
My son was diagnosed at 10 and also has had a LOT of anxiety about every blood draw. He’s now 12 and had a scheduled one last month that although he was very nervous, didn’t cry. He was very proud of himself about it. He also had a surprise one after being brought to the ER that he was ok with. He is an over-reactor to every type of ‘procedure’ and always has been. My other son, no big deal. I think some kids are just that way and maturity/understanding might be the only thing that can help.
I do think it’s crazy though, that a children’s hospital wouldn’t do a fingerprick A1c? Jeez Louise, they need to get on board. My son just has his standard diabetes panel once a year along with celiac blood work 2x per year (2 blood draws per year total).