Please help me. Having a blood test tomorrow, have needle anxiety?

Question

I am ashamed to admit that i suffer from extreme needle/injection anxiety.

Firstly don't make fun of me.

Having a blood test tomorrow, and am freaking out.

Petrified of needles. Have avoided needles for ages, but now really have to get it done.

Need tips for staying calm, and relaxation techniques.
please really need help. Thinking about cancelling.

Also i tend to be sick, when i see or feel a needle.!! How can it stop that ??

Answer 1

In addition to the other tips ask for them to use a butterfly needle. It's much, much smaller and you won't feel it near as much. It's what a friend of mine does and it seems to work.

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

I also have needle anxiety, so I would not think about making fun at you. Let the person that is drawing the blood know, and tell them you want to know when they are going to stick you that way you can take a deep breath in at the time they prick you then exhale once the needle is in. I also do not look at them when they are getting ready to prick me. I am okay after they have pricked me,and I can look at where the needle is at in my arm, I am only nervous about them pricking me with the needle. Another reason I do not like to have my blood drawn is because the person pricking me does not always listen to me when I tell them I have small veins and that they need to not prick me in a particular area. If you have small veins like I do, you may need to ask the person drawing the blood to use what is called a buterfly needle. This needle is a smaller needle with a small plastic tubing attatched to it, that allows them to put the tube on the other end to collect the blood.

Answer 4

You are not the only person to worry about needles/injections, so I would never think of making fun of your fear. Talk to the person taking your blood about your fear. You can turn your head when they put the tubing on your arm. Try breathing slowly and deeply, thinking about something else. The tests are usually quite painless, because the technicians are quite adept at putting the needle in just right. Try not to worry. I know..easier said than done, but try anyway. Good luck, and let us know how you made out.

Answer 5

Try rationalizing the procedure, realizing that while the needle may hurt a tiny bit going in, it is temporary and over in a second, and causes no permanent injury or scarring. Plan to have something intense to think about at the time of the "needling" to keep your attention off the procedure. And find something on the wall of the "needling room" to concentrate on - so you're looking away from the hypodermic.

Answer 6

Don't cancel your appointment. Just inform the person taking the blood that for some reason you are very afraid of needles and get physically sick when you see one. Ask if you could please lay down and then DON"T LOOK AT THE NEEDLE.
My daughter has the same phobia for some reason and they are always very good about letting her lay down and stay there until she feels better. Remember to breath deeply and SLOWLY, don't hyperventilate and you should be OK.

Answer 7

I don't like needles or injections. I get very panicked thinking about it, but have learned a few techniques to help me relax.

#1- Look the other way when you recieve the injection. #2- Try to regulate your breathing, taking slow, even breathes. This technique worked even when I was going through labor. It gave me something else to think about. #3- In the meantime, do something besides worry. Go for a jog, watch a movie..anything to take your mind off the test.

Relax, you'll do great. Remember, don't think about it.

Answer 8

I am venophobic - which is along the same lines.

Most places will offer you a place to rest - so take it! Insist that you get the blood drawn lying down, as you may fall over.

Also be sure and eat a good breakfast, you want nice high blood pressure so it will be over asap.

I find talking during the whole thing very helpful, get the nurse to ask you questions and keep you busy.

Lastly - remember to breathe, it will be faster and smoother if you stay as calm as possible.

Good luck!

Answer 9

Don't cancel, it's inevitable! Get it done, get it overwith. I'm scared too, but if you do breathing exercises, it works. Hold something small in your hand, like a tissue or something or just talk to the person drawing the blood. Get a good converstaion going, it'll be over before you know it.

Answer 10

Hey... Calm down. It could be worse... Im scared of BALLOONS.... how the heck did that happen. I could get 100 shots in the same arm in ONE DAY, and it wouldnt phase me, But if a balloon is near me, I cant stop sweating and if it pops I scream and/or throw up! Now that is crazy! Just do some deep breathing and dont look at it.