I am having a blood test tomorrow morning and I am really scared. I have to go alone, and I am afraid. I get SO scared everytime I go to the doctor's. All week I have been having diabetes checks done and I love the nurse at school who does them for me, but I have to go to a strange lab and have this blood test done alone. I am very scared. Which hurts worse, a blood test or a finger prick? Please be honest and help me...
2006-11-21 15:29:29 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
You will find the nurse who does the blood test just as nice as the one at school. Usually they take blood from a vein in your arm,(on the inside of the elbow) and no, it wont hurt. When I have mine done I just dont look and then I dont know when its done its so easy. When finished, ( less than a minute) the nurse will put a little wad of cotton wool and sticky tape over the place , and you are all done. Dont worry, you'll be fine.
2006-11-21 15:39:14 · answer #1 · answered by Daydreamer 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A blood test hurts more, usually. However, a good phlebotomist (the person who draws the blood) makes it hurt less. Sometimes a finger prick can hurt more than a blood test.
Suggestion: Try pressing your fingernails into the palm of your other hand right before the needle goes in, to the point of pain - but not to where you get bloody. That will probably hurt as much as the needle, but will take your mind away from what is happening on your other arm.
Take a deep breath, and meditate if possible. It will be over soon, and there are a lot more painful things in this world to be scared over than a blood test. I have to have them every 3 months, and have gotten used to the routine. They still hurt a bit though.
2006-11-21 15:36:52 · answer #2 · answered by Pegasus90 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Usually a finger prick hurts worse. I just look away or straight ahead when the take my blood and chat with the lab tech taking my blood. If I keep chatting and don't bother to look at what she is doing it is over before I know it. I am a nurse so I am not afraid of needles but just don't care to watch them drawing my blood.
2006-11-21 15:33:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just relax try to think of a favorite song when they prick ur finger or a regular blood test. Its not that bad at all. There is nothing to be scared about its better finding out now what your results are instead of later. I allways turn my head that allways helps and think about somthing else.DONT be scared ive had many done in my lifetime and its pretty simple and painless.
2006-11-21 15:37:08 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The finger stick will hurt more. There are lots of nerves in the fingers. Just look away when they do the test and breath in and out and think of something else and it will be over before you know it.
2006-11-21 17:47:25 · answer #5 · answered by aunt sissa 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
pain is inevitable in life. I used to be scared of pain too, but I had two kids and i always thought i had some secret strength that helped me cope. Everybody has that secret strength which helps them cope when the moment comes. As for the blood test, whatever the method, just close your eyes tightly and concentrate on your breath as you breathe deeply, and it'll be over...I wish you good health.
2006-11-21 15:39:51 · answer #6 · answered by Kria 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont like the finger prick as you never know how much before it hurts (skin on your finger is tougher than your arm, plus thousands of nerve endings) best advice dont watch and bring an ipod.
2006-11-21 15:37:15 · answer #7 · answered by Cherry_Blossom 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think either hurts. It is OK to tell the lab tech that you are feeling frightened and anxious. They should have adequate training to deal with your issues and make your experience as pleasant as can be.
Sorry to hear about your health worries, I hope you are fine.
2006-11-21 15:47:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
drink a lot of water....it will help your veins show, thats the worst part of getting blood tests is if they cant find the vein. it will only hurt for a second...when i went to give blood i got a cool neon green bandage. :D chin up and i hope you do okay
2006-11-21 15:40:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
neither one hurts,no worse than a bee stiing. just dont watch or look at the needle. helps me
2006-11-21 17:18:56 · answer #10 · answered by a a 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋