I, too got the prescription for the EMLA cream, in the hopes of giving my daughter a little relief and some control.  However, we haven't gotten it quite right yet.  The first time, I don't think I put on enough (should be a good-sized blob I think).  Then the second time, in the hospital, the nurse insisted on putting it on 2 hours ahead of time, which I said was too early.  So it did make the veins flat, and they ended up getting the blood from a vein on the hand!  I know it should be 45-60 min before.  So next time we should have better luck with it I hope.  Anything to give my daughter relief!