PLEASE!  Find out about and Let your kids use EMLA before they have to have IV's or blood taken!   A lot of doctors won't suggest it, may not even know about it.  It is a topical anesthetic you put on before the needle stick...about 45 minutes before.  It numbs the area WONDERFULLY!   I am a nurse (retired) and worked in oncology.  Emla is a cream that you put on the skin in a thick glob  and then cover with a tegraderm clear patch,,HOWEVER...the tegraderm doesn't have to be used, and I recommend just putting saran wrap and as little tape as possible to hold it in place...it makes removing it much simpler, because the tegraderm can stick pretty good and that in itself can be painful taking it off.  Emla is RX, but you can now buy the same stuff over the counter...not quite as strong, but still works wonderfully!  I know...I used it on many of my patients and even on myself when I get blood tests....My granddaughter has Evans, fought it for over 2 years, and has now had normal blood tests for about 4 months..(she finally was on 6MP for 8 months after NOTHING else seemed to work for her). 

She had a terrible time getting all the needle sticks and the EMLA made her treatments so  much more bearable!   PLEASE!  There is so little we can actually do to help our kids thru this terrible disease, but this IS one way that you can help them!  Check it out and INSIST  to the doctors, lab techs etc. that your child uses it.....it can help ease their fears sooo much. A lot of time the nurses, etc, just don't want to take the time for the Emla to take effect.....but it is  YOUR child and you have every right to insist on it.!   My heart just goes out to all the kids...big and small and this is certainly one BIG way you can help ease their pain!     Debbie...(Nana to Madison/7years old with Evans.....prayerfully now in COMPLETE remission!)