• Replies 4 replies
  • Subscribers 67 subscribers
  • Views 1139 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

HPV Injection for daughter... issues

ParentingAutism

Hi all, hope everyone is doing alright. I need a few tips on how to reduce anxiety with the fear of needles. 

My nearly 15 y.o has been given the chance to have the HPV injection next week in school. My only issue is that she has a massive fear of needles. I've told her the positives about having it done, like normal, but I'm sure she will refuse to have it done on the day. I am worried myself because she has refused it so many times for years and the last time she was offered, she basically smashed the school up and became 'unmanageable' and that day was the last day she was allowed in that school. 

I don't want her to become so anxious to the point she becomes out of control because she can't manage the fear and stress of it. What can I do in advance and the day it happens? 

Many thanks 

  • in reply to Martin

    I guess we can give that a try. If it doesn't work then we can try again some other day. Thanks

  • in reply to ParentingAutism

    That limits your options. Distraction is the only suggestion I have left. If she has a game she finds absorbing that she can play on a phone before and during the procedure, it might help. I know many schools ban phones during school hours, but you can ask for an exemption, if this is the case. I have difficulty understanding fear of needles, as I have taken small amounts of my own blood back in my research days.

  • in reply to Martin

    She doesn't want me to talk to the GP or anyone. She says she's fine to do it in school because she doesn't like me to be with her whenever jabs happen. She will only refuse to have it like I said before. When she was in hospital last year, it took 5 security and a chemical restraint for them to put a cannula into her hand. She is fine after the jab, it's just before but when it's happening she's brave and she knows she can do it. It's just the needles really. 

  • Contact your GP, explain the situation and ask for a limited supply of Valium, or similar. This should work, any arguments about dependency are really not appropriate as it would be very short-term. Alternatively, the school environment might not be the best for her to get the shot, it is so very public and part of her anxiety might be based on fear of how she might react in front of her classmates. If you could get it done in a more private setting, at a GP surgery etc., it might be less traumatic.