I am a real whimp when it comes to shots. I cry and get really scared. Should I have someone hold my hand? I need some support and advice. Help!!
2006-10-31 12:15:56 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Coming from someone who actually gives these shots on a daily basis, I may be able to offer you some fairly good pointers. First, Tetanus shots are intramuscular (IM) and not like the novocaine or allergy shots- those are given a lot shallower than deep in the tissue like the one you're getting.
Relax your arm completely- let it fall. Do not look at the shot when you're getting it because if you can't see it, you don't know it's coming and then it's done before you know it. Also, you may want to see if your healthcare provider is going to give you the new form of tetanus (called TDaP) which also has the protection of Pertusis added into it. This is a better shot because Pertusis (also known as the 100 day cough) is making a come back in many communities around the U.S. By getting the TDaP (still only one shot) you're protected for 10 years against Tetanus, Diptheria, and Pertusis.
The day of the shot, make sure to rub the arm a little after you get the shot and apply cool washclothes (no ice and no heating pads) to the area. By doing these things this will ensure that you're recovery time will be quicker and with less pain. Good luck...!
2006-10-31 12:51:16 · answer #1 · answered by Gotham*City*Kat 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Try taking an aspirin or ibuprofen beforehand to minimize the soreness. When you actually get the shot, try your best to keep your arm relaxed. This makes a huge difference in how sore you'll be afterwards.
If you can get someone to go with you for moral support that would be great. When I've had to get novacaine shots (the only shots that scare me!) what's helped me is to just really concentrate on the song that is playing on the radio, sounds weird but it helps. So maybe bring a CD player if they don't have a radio playing?
Good luck!
2006-10-31 20:28:35 · answer #2 · answered by lickitysplit 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Move the arm afterward. Use of your arm gets the shot moving through your system much quicker. Not using it will cause the fluid from the shot to stay in one area longer, causing pain.
2006-11-01 09:50:05 · answer #3 · answered by real_sweetheart_76 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
take some ibuprofen before you go a tetanus shot does hurt but rubbing it will prob only make it worse, after the shot put some ice on it to help with the swelling .
2006-10-31 20:18:10 · answer #4 · answered by Autumn 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yah you could go that route, ifit makes you feel better, in fact i used to hold my little boys hand during his shots, he now takes 6 shots a month for severe asthma, hes 13 and it doesent bother him a bit anymore good luck dont worry.
2006-10-31 20:20:03 · answer #5 · answered by rpoker 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shots suck, we all know that. Try taking some anti pain medicine before you go and maybe run numbing lotion around your arm.
2006-10-31 20:22:42 · answer #6 · answered by Sakura 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if u hold someones hand, try to hold their palm near the wrist or u could probably break their fingers. some people say inhaling and holding your breath helps...
2006-10-31 20:30:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i got one last spring. you have my complete sympathy.
my mom voluntarily held my hand, but almost instantly regretted it: i almost broke her fingers.
next time, i'm bringing dad!
2006-10-31 20:23:55 · answer #8 · answered by Dobby The Great 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yup
2006-10-31 20:19:24 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋