Sorry, we do not use the Emla cream. I did ask about it once, but our ped endo did not seem in favor of it. Things have turned around gradually for our quarterly blood draws. Not sure that it was any one thing, but after holding my daughter down for her first 4 years of draws, the last year has been almost pleasant! One noticeable difference: we can no longer do the blood draws in the examining room, but must go to the lab because of insurance rules. She remains seated now as opposed to lying down and watches every move made! Usually drives the lab person crazy, but when they realize how calm she is, it usually goes very well. And we always reward her with a stop in the gift shop of the hospital! So all I can say is "hang in there"! I remember how stressful those "bad draws" are and my heart goes out to you.