Some things that you might take for granted can present a large problem here due to Abby's autism. Tomorrow morning, Abby has to have blood work drawn at the local hospital so her pediatrician can check her for diabetes and high cholesterol. At 5'10" and 195 lbs, she wears a women's medium or large - yet is designated overweight. (ug - another post, another time)
So having blood drawn, kind of a pain, right? Nobody like needles so we understand her nervousness.
Nope. Not even close.
She began to shake when we explained it to her in the doctor's office. She cried in the observation room. All way home in the car, she asked if she was going to faint (something she once saw me do while donating blood at the blood bank), she cried some more, she insisted that she doesn't need these tests because she isn't "chubby". She came home from school telling me that her aide agreed she isn't chubby so she doesn't need that test. (I am sure the aide told her she wasn't overweight - Abs added the "skipping the test" part.) She asked the in home therapist about it and cried when we sat and explained to her that the doctor ordered the tests so we had to listen to the doctor. The therapist showed her videos of happy children having blood drawn, cheerfully announcing that "It doesn't even hurt." She watched the videos begrudgingly, through her fingers, as frightened as if she were watching Freddy Kreuger.
This was Tuesday...Rob and I, the therapist and my mother have coached her all week. We have provided "worry dolls", you tube examples, advice and hugs. And so tomorrow is the day. She is tucked in bed, her fast has begun and I pray she isn't crying.
Wish us luck... comment if you would like, I'd love to know who's reading!
Sarah
Morning has pretty much come and gone, so I assume this hurdle is behind you. I hope it went well for everyone involved!
ReplyDeleteit was a success. Thanks for worrying!
ReplyDelete