Please help me. Blood test tomorrow 8.30am. Am completley terriffied. Am soo scared of needles, and even worse that it is a blood test. Hate everything to do with it. Very squeamish, and can's stand blood, veins etc. lol Have been sick with anxiety, and worry. Dreading it.
Will it hurt?
Will i feel the blood coming out, eek ?
is it a big needle?
Please help me. Am sooooo scared and panicking big time.
Need reassurance, and advice please.
How can i stay calm, and not panic???
2006-11-16 10:30:19 · 38 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Other - Health
You'll only feel a pin prick.
Best advice I can give you...
Don't WATCH. Focus on your breathing.
You will be fine. :)
2006-11-16 10:32:30 · answer #1 · answered by Peanut™ 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am a phlebotomist so, I figure I can accurately answer all your questions. It will hurt a little, the more you worry and the more stressed you become, the more it will hurt. When you get scared, your body releases chemicals that increases your height of awareness. Just relax, take a few deep breathes, it will be over in less than a minute and a half.
You should never feel the blood coming out and no the needle is not that big.,....average size is 21 gauge 1 1/2 inch. You can request a 22 gauge which is smaller however, it will make it a little longer to take your blood because the lumen is narrower.
Like I said, relax, deep breaths and you'll be just fine.
PS be sure to tell your phlebotomist you are a little nervous....dont worry..people tell me all the time. It is better for me to know so that I may act accordingly. IE: walk you through the procedure, be prepared for any adverse reactions you may have like jumping, nausea etc
Good luck, you'll do great
2006-11-19 07:43:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok sweetie I'm going to give you the run down... Depending on how big your vein is they will probably use between an 18-22 gague needle (the bigger the # the smaller the size) If you have your ears peirced that is about a 19-20 gague so you can take a look and see that might give you a good visual. Secondly no, you will not be able to feel the bloog coming out. Think about it... Can you feel your blood circulating? No, I didn't think so. It might hurt just a little. Like if you poked yourself with a pin or something (as we all have).
I am going to walk you through step by step
First you will go into the office. When you get called back into the lab they will have you sit down and put what is called a turnicate on your arm. That rubber / elastic looking thing. This will make it easier for them to find your vein and help keep it place so they will get it the first time. They will feel for your vein and when they find it, swab the area with alcahol to clean it and kill any bacteria. Then comes the fun part. They will poke you but keep in mind it doesn't go deep at all! no deeper than if you got a sliver in your finger or toe. How long it takes depends on how much blood they need to take. You can assume between 5-7 seconds per tube.
Then when they get all they need they will take the turnicate off, take the needle out, and apply pressure to the hole with some gause, give you a bandaid and send you on your way. Nobody said you had to watch so don't think have to. Remember to breathe and try to relax (i know it is hard). If you hold your breath and are all tense it will only hurt worse. Seriously!
You are probably just getting a CBC and maybe a lipid pannel, which would only be 2 tubes. They might take more though I can't imagine them taking any more than 5.
A CBC is your complete blood count if you have an elevated white cell count you probably have a transient infction like a cold or flu virus. A lipid pannel is your colesterol.
I hope that helps, good luck tomorrow and as I said try to relax. I know it sucks but it won't kill you :)
2006-11-16 10:51:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I too have a problem with blood tests. I have been doing better the last few times. I always ask to lay down. I don't let them put me in that desk thing. Try to keep a conversation going to help keep your mind off the matter at hand. Look away from the needle during the process. The last time I asked if the nurse had started and she was done! I think the biggest thing is to stay calm and not get worked up over it. Anxiety can be tough to defeat. I think everyone has to find their own way to overcome it. I wish I could help out more. I hope all goes well.
2006-11-16 10:47:52 · answer #4 · answered by fractilian 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am going to answer this honestly, because it will best help you if I do. Well, you may feel a slight pinch when the needle goes in but nothing more then a SLIGHT pinch. You shouldn't feel the blood coming out. There might be some slight pressure, less then having a shot (putting fluid in) My best advice is don’t think about it! Don't look, if you do you will know when it's in and may feel pain caused by fear. You might not feel anything if you don't watch the needle go in. You won't feel the needle when it is being extracted either! Your arm will be sore later, but only for a few days (it'll feel like a bruise) Another thing you could try is to bring music! Listen to your iPod/other m3 player or a CD player. Let your doctor know that you are worried and he/she will ease your fears even more. Don't feel embarrassed or anything, several people are afraid of needles... I used to be, but now it really doesn't bother me. Good luck tomorrow! I hope this helps to ease your concerns!
2006-11-16 10:40:39 · answer #5 · answered by The Answer Man 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You're going to be OK.
The needle is as small as it can be. Best thing is to not look at the needle, and don't watch while they do it. Did you know that if you rub your skin lightly, it distracts your brain from pain? Try doing that with your available hand while they are inserting the needle.
Don't act all dramatic about it when you're there. They don't often have patience for it, and then you might feel both silly and nervous.
It's a little uncomfortable while the needle is in, but not unbearable...a headache hurts much worse. As soon as the needle is out, there will be a tiny little prick wound, which will heal very quickly.
2006-11-16 10:41:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to relax first. Don't panic. I used to be the same way, but you know what? its not bad at all. I used to be DEATHLY
afraid of needles. I used to work myself all up for nothing. There professional so it's not going to be a blood bath. Just relax..... Whosaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
To answer your questions:
It will pinch a little, try not to look at the needle. Before you know it, it will be all over.
No you will not feel the blood coming out, if the sight of blood grosses you out then I suggest you look away through the whole procedure.
NO, ITS NOT A BIG NEEDLE, Remember it has to run in your vein so it has to be tiny.
Dont be scared. When this is all over you will be asking yourself "why did I get myself all wound up?"
Good Luck.
Be Strong!!!
2006-11-16 10:45:30 · answer #7 · answered by Jessi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to find a happy place. Mine is a beach. I just turn my head away and begin thinking about my favorite beach, the sound of the waves, the seagulls squawking, people laughing, kids playing, the feel of sand on my feet, a radio playing in the background, the sun beating down on me. Get specific about everything, and the test will be over before you even get around to thinking about it all.
It hurts for just a second (promise) and no, you do NOT feel your blood going out. It is not a big needle. But your best bet is to not even look at what they are doing. And concentrate on being relaxed, because the more relaxed you are (not stiff and rigid) the less pain there is. I get so relaxed that I truly don't even feel the needle at all. In fact, I'm surprised when they are done.
Good luck. I know you can do it.
2006-11-16 10:37:45 · answer #8 · answered by Momma Jo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know your feeling. I actually pass out at the sight of a needle going into the skin, anyones skin! Not looking is the only option for me. Also you can't feel the blood coming out and no the needles have gotten so small nowadays you shouldn't feel more than a small prick. I have a blood test every three months and have actually gotten to where I don't panic at the thoughts anymore. Just keep yourself busy so you'll have a good nights sleep and take a few deep breaths. You'll be fine.
2006-11-16 10:37:02 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've been treated for cancer twice so I've had hundreds of these things so believe me when I say it's not a big deal. They are very skilled at these things now and if you take a couple of precautions everything will go really well. Drink lots of water tonight. If you are well hydrated blood flows easier. Tomorrow morning when you get to the lab, sit in the chair and relax. Look up at the ceiling and breath deeply through your nose and out your mouth. The more relaxed you are the easier the needle penetrates the skin. Just take it easy.
2006-11-16 10:40:45 · answer #10 · answered by Lynn K 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I feel your pain. I used to be terrified of needles also. Now they don't bother me. If you are that scared, first of all, tell them. It will hurt a bit, not much. It hurts less if they take blood from your hand, which is where I tell them to take mine. They use a little tiny needle for that. No, you cannot feel the blood coming out. I feel that I have to look at the needle going in, it lessened the fear for me. If you have them count down from 5, then you at least know it's going to happen and you can prepare yourself for it. It is really not that scary or painful. Good luck. I am sure you will find out that it really isn't anything to worry about.
2006-11-16 10:36:02 · answer #11 · answered by 81% Naughty, 19% Nice 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋