Please don't make fun of me. I have massive needle anxiety. Tomorrow having a blood test. How can i stay calm*

Question

HELP PLEASE. I am PETRIFIED of needles/injections

Having my first blood draw tomorrow. What will happen?
Will it hurt?

How can i get over this fear, to get it done.
How can i stay calm, and not freak out?

I know it is only a tiny procedure. But to me it is massive, and terriffying.

please answer honestly. What should i expect to happen?

Answer 1

Get drunk b4 it and you wont be afraid

Answer 2

The more the build up, the more anxiety. While youre waiting for the health practioner to see you, think about calming thoughts or play a game on your phone or read a magazine that you like. While youre doing this remember to take slow, deep breaths and repeat things like "it'll be okay" or "it's over fast" or something else that calms you when you feel a surge of anxiety. Just realize that the actual experience is quick and painless. To avoid feeling pain when it is actually being done: when the health practioner is counting down take some deep breaths and when it actually goes in take a long, slow easy breathe out (this method is used by piercers and it works well for needle gauges much larger than what you will experience). Anxiety comes from continous fear so reduce your fearful thoughts as much as possible. But most importantly, it will be okay and it's over quickly (repeat if necessary) :)

Answer 3

Well the blood draw can vary a little, but generally, they will use the vein on your inner elbow. They will swab it with alcohol. Many times they will tie a band around your upper arm. Then they will stick a very narrow needle into your vein. You can barely feel it. They will be a tube on the end of the need to collect your blood. Depending on what type of test you are having done, they may be more than one tube of blood. But they do NOT stick you again. They just pull the first tube off and put the second one on. You may feel this a little because it can jiggle the needle but it does not hurt.

Do not look at the needle going into your arm.
You may be feel embarrassed, but tell the person who is taking your blood, that this is your first time and you are very scared. If you can, take a friend with you, who can talk to you before and after to get your mind off of everything.

It is hard to stay calm, but after the first time, things should be a little better the second time.

Good luck to you.

Answer 4

stay as calm as you can, the more stressed you are the worse it will be. My sister has a needle phobia and she takes a tranquiliser before hand to help her stay calm. Speak to the person doing the blood test and explain you anxiety. If they are unsympathetic ask to have somebody else do it. In any case it is a minor discomfort not a pain it will be over in a matter of seconds. Don't look at the needle turn away and think of something wonderful. Patrick swayzee usually works for me, or Mark Hamon from NCIS, very sexy.

Answer 5

Make sure NOT to get drunk before you go, this thins your blood and can cause problems with some blood tests, not a good idea. Breathe deeply, look away, and drink some water or eat a few crackers. The initial jab is the only thing you'll feel, and it's minor, the whole procedure usually takes less than 5 minutes. You CAN do this.

Answer 6

ask to lay down throughout the procedure, try carrying on a conversation with the tech who is doing it. does help some.
will hurt a bit, always possible so just except the fact. usually not much more than a pinch. some techs are very good and is over real quick.
you can get light-headed and queasy in the stomach and even pass out, make sure you tell them it's your first time, they will keep watch over you.
don't leave unless you feel O.K.

Answer 7

first don't listen to nine-ball needles are sterile. I also have a hatred for needles and I find that it is better if I don't watch. Try turning your head away this will help, also the people who do blood tests stick needles in arms all the time and they are very good at it. Try to relax it will be just fine.

Answer 8

I used to suffer just like you, I even fainted a couple of times, I still hate injections but really trust me, it is not as bad as you think, just relax it will only take a minute, it really does not hurt, I got so much used to them later on, now I don't worry about them anymore. take a deep breath, carry a glass of water with you, turn your head once they start and just start drinking slowly, by the time you finish your cup it will be over, try it, it worked for me, if you felt dizzy or something the water will help and it will also take your mind of the matter. DON'T WORRY

Answer 9

You have to at least begin by making an effort to understand that it's an unfounded fear and you've either become conditioned or your mind is playing a trick on you. The test only lasts for a moment. Just close your eyes and you'll hardly feel it, if at all.

Answer 10

I was always terrified to. Do something to keep your mind busy. Sing, read etc. Tell yourself it will NOT hurt. The Nurses are professionals and do this a million times a day. It is very fast and will be over before you know it! If it bothers you, don't look when it's your turn. That's what I do. I don't mind it anymore. Believe me, you will get used to it.

Answer 11

Just had blood taken yesterday.

When I get it done, I look away and have someone there with me.

It doesn't hurt to get blood drawn. I *gave* blood a while ago and THAT burns (cause they had some chemical in it at the blood mobile banks). But having blood DRAWN for a test doesn't hurt.

:)