Boy do we have blood draw stress. My three year old was unfortunate enough to inherit invisible, collapsing veins. It has always been very, very difficult to get blood from him. To keep it short - we have tried everything: EMLA, extra hydration, heat, the best people at drawing, virtually every vein in his body, etc etc. They often have had to draw from a surface vein almost in his underarm area, and even have gone to his forehead.

Most recently we took him to a Children's Cancer hospital and had the most experienced (and commonly stated as the "best") nurse try to draw him. Even she could not get blood. She said next time they may have to try the top of his feet!!

All things considered my son does pretty well, but he does get worked up. The last 3 draws have been particularly trying. I would not be exagerating to say he was hysterical.

So, honestly, I don't feel we have any others options than urine. It is arguably equal to blood, it is definitly better than nothing, and it is certainly better than monthly, out-of-this-world, trauma.

RE: dr.'s opinions. My son's endo does believe that the stress of the draw affects his levels. She always asks how his draw went to consider the stress impact. If I am remembering correctly, she said it wouldn't affect the ACTH (pituitary secreted), but it would affect the 17 OHP. This makes sense to me given that cortisol is a stress hormone and the body, under stress, would try to produce more.

And finally, Valerie, we are hopefully beginning urine testing in the next few weeks. I will post once I learn the guidelines.