The Blood Draw

Thought that this subject would provide information that some caregivers might use!

Dakota has been caught up in a series of surgeries since he broke his leg 3 years ago. Needless to say it has been very frustrating and exhausting although the large part of the surgery has been rather minor. This time it is going to be a little more extensive and he would be required to take a blood test.

That presents a whole different set of "issues ". Dakota had been very good when he was younger about taking blood tests . He took me that required his blood to be checked on a regular basis and we had established a relationship with one of the flobotomist so it was pretty comfortable and easy to have a blood test. Of course over time and not having to take the tests he became resistant to the lab work and by the time that the doctor told us that we would need a blood test this time around --I thought to myself this is "Mission Impossible".I mulled it over in my head and thought of different scenarios that might work and the best I could think of would to be convince the doctor to have the flobotomist to come to the exam room and try to get it there in a controlled atomoshere.Of course I was met with resistance as well all know that medical professionals are aware of Autism and sat they understand BUT when it comes to practical application or trying to make ALL of our lives easier THEY HAVE NO CLUE!

So I decided this was my battle to conquer and this is how I did it: It took about 6 weeks but I probably could have gotten it done a little sooner if I would have been more pro-active but the end result was success--THAT IS ALL THAT MATTERS. I took Dakota to the clinic and walked back to the lab . It happened to be a rather quiet time in between the regular day appointments and the urgent care clients that come in after hours. I introduced my self and Dakota and explained <SPAN id=sp-14 title=" wt hat, what, that, wheat, that'd, thatch, thwart" style="BACKGROUND: url(undefinedimages/bg_spellingErr.gif) yellow repeat-x left bottom; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; "> we just came to visit and see the lab and those that work their. We talked for a few minutes and I told them about Dakotas situation and his familiarity with the flobotomist that used to draw his blood and the "issues " he was having about doing it now. Then we said good bye and went about our merry way. We repeated this about 3 times and by the time we sondered in and said hello to the flobotomist on the 3 time she looked at Dakota and said "Well go over there and register with the lady and lets get this done!" Guess What? He did exactly what she asked! She looked at me and I looked at her we kinda giggled and before he barely sat down she used the "piggy back" thing and B I N G O he was done!

No Harm No Foul--- what a great accomplishment and with no resistance--It took a little time and it wasn't just one trip but IT WORKED . That's what important--Another Dragon Slayed ; another battle won! when we get these curve balls thrown at us we just have to hang in there and think it out because the solution will present itself!