having my arm restrained for a blood test. How will they do it PLEASE HELP ME. Have needle anxiety?

Question

Being restrained for a blood test.

last time i had one, i pulled away as nurse was inserting needle. So got hurt a little, and it didn't get done. lol ( my fault )

very nervous. how can i manage my anxiety and stay calm whilst it is all being done.

please tell me how my arm will be restrained. scared

Answer 1

Registered Nurse here; Dear Lauren, hun please don't be this afraid. If your arm is restrain ted, it is done so with leather straps, attached to a board, so that you cannot move your arm. After 24 years in health care as a nurse, I do believe there is a better alternative. Ask your physician for a tranquilizer, and have someone drive you to and from the place your getting your blood drawn. My concern as a R.N., would be restraining your arm would increase your anxiety and lead to a more traumatic experience. You could also just bite the bullet, hold someones hand with the hand not being used to assess the blood. Sweetie, I wish I could draw your blood I have talked hundreds of scared people into letting me draw there blood. I understand the fear, but it is just that fear, drawing your blood is less painful than a needle stick to the finger. I wish you luck, you can do it. Just keep telling yourself that and don't be embarrassed, tell them I need someone to hold my hand and talk to me. You will do great, even if it's with your arm restrained. Takes about 2 minutes if that long.

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

They don't have to restrain your arm, but will put a band around your arm, just above the elbow to temporarily cut the flow of blood, which will alow the veins to swell a little so it is easier to find a good vein to draw blood from. Many labs now use a very fine short flexible needle that barely causes any discomfort. Once they have got the needle in, the band will be released from your arm and the amount of blood needed to perform the tests will be drawn. You just need to suck it up, be brave and " get er done". It's really pretty fast if you don't flinch. I recently completed chemo therapy and had to have lots of needles poked in my veins. You just do it because you need to.

Answer 4

Instead of the tight elastic to be tied around the bare arm have them put it over your shirt sleeve. It helps with the band being so uncomfortable for one thing. As the nurse is preparing to take the blood don't watch what she is doing. She will say to you this is going to be a little pinch or will say this will stick a little. In your head think about something pleasant, sing a song, it will be over so quickly and you will think to yourself it isn't that bad. Be thankful that you are not a small child that has diabetes and gets poked eveyday taking insulin or getting blood checked three times a day. Think pleasant thoughts. think of the treat you are giving yourself when it's over. By the way I hope you are doing ok. Best of Luck to you!

Answer 5

okay well first warn ur docs. I saw a show about this guy who was so afraid of the needles he took the used needle box off the wall and when people tried to help him he threw used needles at them! so they might just have a doc. restrain ur arm but nothing scary like a big metal thing! ok just think calmly I hate the dentist (i'm allergic to painkillers) so i just go in there and get it over with and last time she had me try to spell stuff so you won't think of the bad things
good luck!!!!!

Answer 6

Lauren, Please phone the people that told you your arm was going to be restrained as soon as possible and let them tell you how they going to do it. Ask your doctor the best way to stay calm
Just think the longer you do not have the test the more time you will have to worry about it, so have it done as quickly as possible
I wish all christians. merry christmas, All jewish people happy chunukah, and a healthy happy new year whenever your new year begins to one and all. and in case ive left out anyone, I wish everyone a happy birthday, because everyone has one of those,

Answer 7

There are 2 ways.

Your arm will be strapped down, using velcro straps.( So u won't be able to move your arm ). Then another nurse, will hold your other hand, so u can't block the needle. lol .

Or. A nurse will just hold your arm down. But not sure how !!!

All this is for your own good !!. Get it done faster.

Answer 8

This SAME QUESTION has been asked a KAJILLION times by the same pervert who gets off on typing the question and seeing people try to answer it. It's probably some 50-year-old guy who lives with his MOM and is into BONDAGE or some other crazy crap!!!

Answer 9

Just as it sounds, they will secure your arm with straps do it doesn't move even if you do. Make sure you look away and practice some deep breathing and relaxation techniques while you are there.

Answer 10

just look away
that works for me
you shouldn't have to be restrained
if the lab tech is good at it
it won't hurt at all
but if you jerk your arm away
it will hurt