Please help me. I have Needle anxiety. Having Blood drawn soon. Need advice on relaxing. PLEASE.?

Question

I'm not worried about the pain - because i know it won't hurt much .

It's the Needle,which really scares me.
And the thought,of it going into a vein in my arm. lol. Very squeamish.

Very grateful for tips on relaxing - and staying calm.

Thankyou.

Answer 1

I am fine with needles unless I see the needle. Once I see it I am a goner. Usually when I need a needle on any kind I will tell the person doing the nasty deed not to let me see the needle. The other thing I do is take slow deepish breaths and relax everything.
Don't worry, you'll be fine.

Answer 2

I am a nurse and I draw blood all the time; I also have had blood drawn. Yes, there is no beating around the bush, it will hurt some; it feels like a big pinch. The phelbotomist (person who draws blood) will put a tourniquet around your arm to help the veins stand out better. Once he/she has found an adequate vein, the phelb. will take some cold solution to cleanse the area to prevent any contamination from entering your body. Then it is very important for you to hold still. If you jump, most likely the needle will come out and she will have to try again. No, the needle shouldn't hurt you if you move your arm. The best way to hold still is to know what is going to happen and to realize you can get through it! Just relax and ask the phelbotomist to count to three before she sticks you. Don't worry, of all the hundreds of people I have drawn blood from, I haven't lost one yet! :) Also, tell the phelbotomist you are scared of having your blood drawn and could she walk you through it. The needles are really quite small, You can do this! good luck

Answer 3

Hi,
I know how U feel.I went thru chemo ,I've been stuck soooo many times that it is not funny.While I still hate getting stuck one thing I learned was to get yourself well hydrated before that day for some reason it doesn't hurt as bad,your blood vessels are plump - it goes right in and then it's over.Drink lots and lots of water for about 3 days before,that includes the day of too.Just be thankful that they don't have to do this several times in a day or every few weeks.Take some really deep breathes before the draw and think of beaches or mountains or whatever brings U joy... U will do great!

Answer 4

i have the same problem and no lie i get really nervous when I'm having blood drawn and i have noticed that when i get that way if i tear up a little and not look in the Dir that the needle is coming from i don't notice it you be so worried about the needle going in your arm and then you are crying its over b4 you know it really

Answer 5

I am in the same boat, must have blood drawn every few months because of a chronic problem. Just don't look and think of something that was fun or made you really happy, before you know it, it is over.

Answer 6

some nurses can or assistants can take blood without you even knowing they did it, while others say I can't find a good vein. My advise is to drink plenty of water prior to your visit. This will hydrate your body and make it easier for them to find a good donor vein.It really doesn't hurt you know You can try soothing music with a walkman ?

Answer 7

sounds like you have major anxiety...seek medical advise and learn techniques for stress, like i tell my 11 yr old jsut turn your head and it is only a pinch, a good blood drawer aka a Phlebotomist won't hurt you and tell then your fears..they should make it a short and easy time for you so you are not stressed...Lori

Answer 8

It really isn't that bad just turn your head and hum a happy tune.

Answer 9

Just talk to the person taking your blood and look straight ahead.

Answer 10

honestly its mind over matter, just tell yourself to snap out of it and its nothing, tell yourself to quit being a baby and that you're stressing over nothing, it really does work for people and did for me.