vaccination fears

[sjd]

My son had to have his pre school boosterslast Spring. He went along quite willingly but then disaster struck. The nurse did the first injection but neither she nor I was quick enough and before we could stop him he pulled the needle out hurting himself and me in the process. He was absolutely petrified and it was impossible to administer the remaining jab - diptheria and tetanus I think. It sounds pathetic but since then I have not been able to get him anywhere near the doctors surgery let alone a nurse with a needle in her hand! He is a bright five year old who is incredibly stubborn and completely unbribable. Last week we saw the nurse in the street and he just started screaming so he has still not forgotten about it. He needs to overcome this fear becasue he needs to undergo some blood tests for coeliacs disease which I have. Does anyone have any bright ideas? The surgery are (naturally) too busy to spend time trying to encourage him through their doors. Does anyone know of a private practice with time to spend on this sort of thin I am willing to travel (we live North London/South Herts) and to pay if necessary.

[Uwila]

Perhaps you could contact a private GP and see if he/she might do a private house call in plain clothes (i.e. no white coat). I imagine this would cost an arm and a leg. But it might get the jab in.

Or you could perhaps force the five year old under duress into the surgery. It sounds a bit mean. But, avoiding a fear tends to more more to reinforce it than overcome it. And, as you say, he does need to overcome this fear in the future because he will need to visit the doctor from time to time in his life.

I remember when I was a young tike (and going in for eye surgery) the nurse wanted to take some blood. I said no. She bet me that my blood was greeen, and without hesitation I stuck my arm out to prove it was red. Appears your son is brighter than I was! Although I was only 3.

[NatureDoc]

Its going to be tricky but there are some flower remedies for fear - try www.littlemiracles.co.uk - and get their Brave Heart drops - awesome!