The first time we had blood taken for Ms M, it wasn't a full on experience as M was prepared. I told her she would go into a room, a few nurses would be there & I would hold onto her and they would hold her arm & try to get blood from that. The blood would go into tubes and sometimes you feel a pinch at the beginning but she would get a chocolate when it was all finished for being so brave. When we got there I had to hold her head still and talk to her. It was hard.... very hard.... but it was over quickly.

The second and third times we were in hospital, it was hell... I wish I could say it was easier, and she got it etc etc... nope. She hates being held down and even when in hospital with suspected viral meningitis, it took us 3 nurses and 1 registrar to hold her down.