Getting a Child Used to Allergy Shots

Hi S.,
I feel so bad for your son. No 6 year old should have to get used to having shots! I grew up with allergies and had weekly allergy shots and was hospitalized at 7 yrs. old for asthma. I think that experience has changed my thinking about traditional medicine for myself and children. Another response you received was about taking him to a chiropractor, was a great idea. If you are interested in looking at yet another alternative, think about nutritional supplementation. I believe the body will function properly when given the right nutrition. Sounds simple enough, because it is. My family and I have been using supplements for over 4 yrs.
We are definately healthier because of them. I hope everything works out for your son whether you seek an alternative or not. Take care-V.

oh, poor baby! i'm so sorry you guys are having so much trouble. ask your dr about pretreating with EMLA...it's a lidocaine cream that we use here at the hospital (i'm a peds nurse) to numb the area. put it on about 45 minutes before his appt, cover it w a warm rag to speed up the process. it's his "magic cream" for "owies," usually works really well. good luck!

My question to you is have you ever tried chiropractic care for your son's allergies and behavior issues? They deal with the function of our entire nervous system and the nerves that exit our neck, or cervical spine, are the ones that affect our head and face. If there are any misaligned bones in your son's neck, which can happen beginning with the birthing process, there can be nerve stress causing a loss of function in those nerves therefore causing the allergies and behavior problems. Doctors of Chiropractic locate the misalignment and give a gentle adjustment to correct it. They "turn the power back on". Our bodies are born with an innate intelligence to heal themselves. Sometimes they just need to be lined up correctly so the body can take it from there. Not only is getting adjusted way less scary than a shot, but its a natural approach as well. There are no bad side effects. I would say its worth a try at least. If you have any further questions feel free to email me back.
Good Luck and Good Health,
R. B

S.,

Ask the office delivering the shots for something called "Mr. Freeze". My son is a little older, but had to start shots last year at the age of 9. He gets one in each arm, and when he began them, they would "freeze" his arm, so the initial injection site didn't hurt as bad. He is so used to them now that he doesn't even ask for Mr. Freeze.

The problem is not all offices carry it, but if not, try the lidocaine that you can put on his arms before going to get the shots. It has to sit for like 20-30 minutes and you would need to know the positioning of where the injection would be (I believe it is called sub-q). It is what they use in children's hospitals when they have to administer an IV.

Good Luck

My oldest neice has the same problem try giving him a big treat like a cookie or lollie pop or something he really likes right after the shot so that he begins to associate getting a shot with getting a treat. I know it sounds silly but little Jordy ( my neice) is told she will get a shot and the first thing out of her smiling mouth is "cookie!?". Another trick that still works for me is that you have him not look at the tools used, like don't let him see or have him look away. my grandfather was a doctor and always told my mom and uncle "If you don't look it won't hurt" this should at least decrease the pain. If the not looking thing seems to work but he still is bothered by it try distracting him while he looks away like cracking silly jokes or stories or just talking to him. Ask him how school is going and things of that nature. I have ADHD and because of that I tend to perceive pain a little differently that most people so that might be part of the problem if your son has anything like that (it tends to be common with most behavioral disorder). Despit that I still donate blood on a regular basis and still get my yearly flu shot. One thing I just remembered that helped the last time I donated blood was to ask the doctor to use the thinnest needle possible to aide in comfort. Just a few ideas that have helped me in the past I hope the help you.
Good luck with everything.
L. H

As a nurse who has worked around kids, I think that play therapy is great. I agree with Kristin W. that having a toy or doll with allergies who also needs a shot is great. Have the doll get the shot first. Let your son pick where he gets the shot and then tell the doll how great it was during and after the shot. Also if your son had a good imagination he can pretend that he is a lion, or some "strong" animal. Right before the shot have your son growl like a lion as loud as he can then have him do it again as he gets the shot. He probably will still cry but it is actually a breathing techique that will help distract him. Try to pick a different animal each time. Rewarding him is also good but by maybe letting him pick what is for dinner. I would avoid treats or toys each time, this can lead to other issues.

While I think alternative medicine can be a great thing, you found something that is working and I am assuming you want to stick with it. I do not blame you for that! So I have been sitting here trying to think of what could ease his fears a bit. Here are some suggestions
Be very matter of fact, don't say it won't hurt, only tell him an hour before the appointment, explain the benefits to him, if possible let him choose which arm or leg he wants the shot in, design a reward system. Buy a special stuffed animal and on shot days let him take his animal (that also has allergies) with him and while he is getting his shot he could give his animal one, maybe they could give you a syringe with no needle. Tell him constanlty how big and strong he is, my children find it funny when I claim they can do something I cannot, so in your situation I would say "wow, you are so brave and strong, I am not sure I would be able to get all these shots" I wish I had THE answer, but all I have are suggestions that may or may not work. Hang in there!!

If he can relate to the well being or nurturing of the animals this might be the best way, Showing him that one of them is sick & needs to get a shot & he may not feel better or could die...what do you think we should do? Try & find something similar that relates to him in some kind of way. Good luck & God Bless!

Go to www.NAET.com You can find alot of helpful information on non-invasive allergy treatments. I just started my non-medicated ADD / Dyslexic son on this four weeks ago. He is 8 and has never really slept through the night before this (it wasn't that he got up to go the bathroom or get a drink - he couldn't sleep). He sleeps a full 10 hours a night, now.It was related to a milk allergy. His overall demeanor at the house is alot better (fits are shorted & less destructive to himself and my house) It's just an alternative to explore. Hope everything goes well for your family!

Just a thought if you live in the St. Louis area there is a great Chiropractor/whole health specialist that works alot with children. He usually can help without using anytype of drugs (may be worth a try). His name is Dr. John Dinkelman and is located in Wood River, IL ###-###-####. I go to him regularly when my or my children need help with allergies or they have behavor changes. Good Luck