Suffer from a severe, fear of Needles.
Having a Blood Test soon, PANICKING. Can't cope with Needles.
I Hyperventilate
Sweat
Mouth so dry, can't speak or swallow
Shake
Vomit
Pounding Heart.
Unfortunatley i need this Blood Test.
How can i control my anxiety symptoms ?
Please help me. Please don't tease me. Hate being like this
2006-12-20 11:25:43 · 13 answers · asked by laura j 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
I have this too.
Tell your doctor about it. If possible he may prescribe an anti-anxiety drug for the test.
At the very least you have to tell the person drawing your blood. I can't even see the needle or I freak out, so I tell them and then I close my eyes. They also let me lie down while they take blood (I'm less likely to faint if I'm prone).
I took a stress class and got a guided meditation that I put on my mp3 player and listening to that while getting any kind of shot or having blood drawn helps.
Everyone I've had draw blood has understood and been very caring. My dentist even let my husband in the room to hold my hand when I had all 4 of my wisdom teeth out.
I also cry during the whole procedure, but if everyone is pre-warned they are OK with it.
Good Luck! I hope everything goes well.
2006-12-20 11:38:22 · answer #1 · answered by Shannon S 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You're fear is totally normal and comes from the FEAR of, not the needle, but of something going wrong. Remember, that these are qualified doctors and know exactly of how you feel and as i said, they are qualified professionals! You have NOTHING TO fear. It only takes a second and NOTHING will go wrong. Its not a safety pin! Its designed to do these tests with the littlest pain around. To be honest, a scratch from a feather is more sore than this. Keep that in mind. I had a blood test when i was 7yrs old and i had a fear of needles! The doctors couldnt believe that i was laughing at my fear after it was done! I felt so silly so i did!
You can do this. Remember that.
All the best and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
xxxxxxxxxxxx
2006-12-20 11:42:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why tease? EVERYONE has something they fear. Mine is heights. Absolutely terrifies me.
I have no love for needles either. I find that doing some stretching exercises a couple of hours before the big moment seems to help me A LOT with the fears. And I do NOT look at the needle, ever. I grip the table with my other hand, tightly.
Remember the pain is not the needle, it is the alcohol they wipe before they stick. The alcohol pours into the wound, so it hurts.
Hope this helps.
2006-12-20 11:32:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's really not a big deal. It just feels like you are getting a little pinch. Do not watch the needle when they are taking blood. Take a book to read and try to focus all of your energy on it when they are taking blood. That's always worked for me. I used to have anxiety about needles, but a nurse shared that trick with me. I'm not too worried about them now.
2006-12-20 11:34:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
take someone with you who is a talker and doesn't stop, but a person you can depend on to not talk about the situation but chat about a lot of other things and get you there on time. Also take a few magazines and a book. Keep your mind occupied, and maybe even arrive there at the very last minute. Have your friend quietly tell the nurse your anxiety, but don't voice it yourself. Each time you speak it or think about it you only reinforce it.
2006-12-20 11:31:52 · answer #5 · answered by sophieb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be sure and share this with your nurse or doctor. A lot of people have this anxiety. You could bring a friend with you as well, but also try to think what it is about it that bothers you. Perhaps you can pinpoint the area that upsets you; and talk it out with your physician. But you are not alone in this by any means. Take heart.
2006-12-20 11:35:33 · answer #6 · answered by hopflower 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have the same thing. Can't even look at them without fainting or nearly fainting. I guess the only thing to do is look away, and hold someone's hand. Usually my tears from my excessive crying at the sight of needles blurs my vision, so I guess that's kind of a plus.
Good luck, and never see Saw. The hypodermic needles in one scene nearly made me die.
2006-12-20 11:32:24 · answer #7 · answered by emmy1024 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get yourself to a healthfood store NOW and buy 2 items: phosphatidyl choline in a gelcap and Holy Basil. Take 1 phosphatidyl choline and 1 Holy Basil. You will be calm within 1/2 hr or a little more, with no side effects.
Do it. It will work. I swear.
2006-12-20 11:38:36 · answer #8 · answered by Samslou 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely tell your doctor; he or she will certainly be glad you told, and will probably have good advice and resources for people with needle phobia.
A lot of people succeed in getting rid of their phobias with the help of a behavioural psychologist. Just something you might want to consider in the long term.
Good luck!
2006-12-20 11:35:04 · answer #9 · answered by Victoria 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This sounds like the signs of a panic attack. I think the best thing you could do is to tell yourself that you are not going to worry about the future. This is increasing your anxiety level already.
Allow yourself to be scared at the moment, and tell yourself that you are going to choose how to react.
Then, take slow deep breaths (yes it really does work), try some mental imagery, and try to remove yourself mentally from the situation.
Try to think of things that can be worse. The needlestick will not kill or harm you. Pinch yourself. Tell yourself that this is what it's going to feel like, and prepare yourself.
You can do it!
2006-12-20 11:34:43 · answer #10 · answered by jesskanurse 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋