Worried about scans and blood tests

[sammycool]

Hi. Any mums or dads with older children with BWS, does the anxiety of going for scans and blood tests get any easier? We have our 3 monthly scan and blood test for our 3yr old twin daughters tomorrow and I'm feeling really worried. Thanks. Sam

[Carladrew]

My babie is only 15 month and I can't see it ever getting easier, I get really anxious and stressed a few weeks before hand. Good luck x

[daisyduck BWS Support]

My baby is now four and is fine with the scans. She is quite happy to have them now. It was very hard between 1 and 3 though as she hated them. The bloods weren't as easy but we no longer have them. There is light at the end of the tunnel....

Xx

[Songbird63 Administrator BWS Support]

I think it can get a little easier as you get used to it over time, but nothing really takes away the anxiety that creeps up on you as the next scan date approaches. In terms of making things easier practically, if your child struggles with the scan there are a number of things you can do to help a bit. Try playing games if they are a toddler that involve going to hospital and scanning tummies... We made a scanning machine out of a cardboard box etc and used green jelly all over Daddy's tummy! Also you can ask to have the children's scan room if they have one...they don't always offer it. Also our son took to one particular person doing the scan who was very efficient and didn't take forever so we asked for him each time. A quick call to the unit the day before to mention these things can help. Explain that your child has to have regular scans and you want to avoid making them scared etc and can they work with you to minimise stress etc. Regarding blood tests, kids always hate them. We arranged with the clinic to have them taken at the end after we had seen the consultant not before. It meant he was happier when we talked to the consultant and after the blood test we gave him a lolly and left the clinic to go to home etc .

In terms of reducing our own anxieties, I think it's important to try not to live "under a cloud" all the time, worrying about what might happen, the next scans etc etc. I know it's a cliche but you will loose the joy of the present when you are constantly worrying about what might happen, a you may end up looking back on those years with regret that you lost a lot of the joys of having a child. Try and park your anxieties until the day before the scan, and then put them back there when you leave the hospital after the scan. It's a choice but it does help. Thinking of all of you still going through your three monthly scans. You will get through it. At the time it seems to go on forever, but don't wish your children's childhood away so you can get to the end of it. There is always something to worry about whatever age they are.

[sammycool]

Thank you everyone for you words of support. We are just back from our scan and all went well. We just need to wait for blood test results now. So hopefully all is ok for another 3 months. My girls didn't even cry during the blood test, last time I had to take them by myself but it was a lot easier with Daddy there too!

[Songbird63 Administrator BWS Support in reply to sammycool]

Good news...well done all of you!