Blood test phobia?

Question

Ok i'm having a blood test done this week and i'm sooo scared.
I'm lucky enough to be having it done in my home as my doctor knows how severe my phobia is.
I'm not scared of the needle going in but only the blood going out and the amount they take.
Can you give me any advice on how to cope with it mentally?
I know it's so silly to be scared of something so little like this but any advice is appreciated.
Thanks xxxx

Answer 1

The only way to get over a phobia is to fight it head on.... so, try to be tough and go through with it. You know you have to anyway, and it will be over VERY soon.

Answer 2

Its good news that you are not scared of the needle; that's normally the phobia here. As for a way around it, its quite simple really. The test will be taken from your arm. The only feeling will be a small prick as the needle breaks the skin. You cannot feel the blood being extracted nor the amount. Thus you should be able to control this by looking away throughout the procedure; before you know it the doctor or nurse will tell you it has all been done. As for the amount; the amount extracted even for detailed tests is 3 to 5 phials which is much much less than a single blood donation; so you need to convince yourself not to worry about something you won't see or feel. Good luck

Answer 3

Well, it's just a little prick. Surely you've had more than a little prick inside you before? And there you are... thinking of something quite different now...

That's the best way to go. Pain is controllable to some extent. It is the response to damage occurring to your body, so that an impulsive response to remove yourself from the danger is initiated.

In this case, the damage is minimal and in the interest of your health, so removing yurself from it is not the best course of action. However, you're not going to undo a few million years of evolution just by telling yourself it's neccessary, so you have to come up with a strategy.

There are two ways you can go. One is to be very conscious of what is occurring, accepting that a needle is being stuck into you, accepting that damage is being done, therefore overriding feelings of pain because the message is being delivered. This one isn't for most people - especially if you don't like blood and needles.

The second way to go is to totally take your mind away from it, by not looking, not thinking about it - occupying your mind with something you are able to be deeply involved in while the blood is taken.

In extreme cases, hynosis is used - which is just a more intense way of taking your mind away from its fear trigger.

Hope this helps!

Answer 4

Your exactly the same as my hubby!!!

He can't stand the thought of seeing the blood going into the syringe (or even the mention of it).

After many years of doing anything to avoid the situation, he had no choice the other month. He took our daughter with him to keep his mind on something else & to help him feel brave.

You are certainly not alone as many people have this phobia (maybe not as severe as yours, but some are worse).

At least as it is being done in your own home, you can have plenty of your own comforts around you to distract you. Maybe have your favourite music on in the background? Do you have a pet? If so, you could have your pet near you and you could talk to it whilst the test is being done?

The blood taking only takes a minute, but I know it will feel like a lifetime to you - the more relaxed you are, the quicker it will be. Do some deep breathing and focus on something or somewhere else.

I wish you the best of luck :-)

Answer 5

Yeah OK, so when the doctor approaches with the needle - turn your head in the opposite direction so that you do not observe where he/she is about to insert the needle and clench. It will be over in a matter of a minute or two and doesn't hurt that much.

Having donated some liquid - you now need to replace it - you can't walk around with an empty arm (shades of Tony Hancock - yeah I know that dates me) so, a glass of Brandy, or since it is Summer and quite warm a G&T Ice and slice would also serve as a treat for being good and not screaming.

Answer 6

OMG me too!!! I hate needles. But I think that my biggest thing is that I practically pass out every time I get mine drawn. Here's what I do. I tell the blood tech that I don't like the procedure at all and I want to lay down. They listen to me and they let me lay down. Plus I take someone along so I can squeeze their hand off. Another good thing is to take your ipod or mp3 player with you and listen to your favorite song while they are doing it. If you were older I'd tell you to take a drink of some liquor before you go but that's out of the question. I still say the music will help. Good luck you poor dear.

Answer 7

While I don't have a phobia about needles, I don't like them. When I was pregnant they were forever taking blood. I just shut my eyes and turned my head the other way (in case I inadvertantly opened my eyes!) and thought about something beautiful for a while. Try to breathe deeply. It will be over very quickly. Good luck.

Answer 8

I have veins that hide and they struggle to get any blood out so if I see the blood coming out I'm pleased.

The best thing you can do is look the other way and think nice things if your at home have something nice to look at or read or even watch something on TV to take your mind away till that bits done.

Good Luck

Answer 9

i am a blood doner (thats approx 4/5th of a pint every 4 months)
sit back relax
read a book
look out the window
or focus on something you enjoy doing with your partner
some people talk to the doctor about anything as in nice weather
how are you
anything to take your mind of the test

2 days after i donate my blood level is back to normal talking about this i'm donating on the 16th

Answer 10

I was also petrified of having blood taken, I had to overcome this fear as they had to take blood while I was pregnant. They take a tiny amount, they put it in tubes that are half the size of a biro and probably the same thickness. It's all over within a minute, best of luck!

Answer 11

I am not sure if it will help, but the amount of blood they take is very small and will make no difference to the function of your body.

It is like taking a cup of water from the ocean.

Your body can make up the difference very soon.

Good Luck
x