How do I cope with my phobia!!??

Question

I have a severe phobia of needles (belonephobia). I have had it since I was born and I have surgery tomorrow!! All I can think about is getting the IV. And I am a nervous wreck!! I keep having panic attacks, and yeserday when I had to get a shot for my surgery I had 3 nurses in there just to give me the shot! I don't know what to do. I am just a wreck!! Please help! I am only 15.

They all know about my phobia, that is why I am having the surgery (dental) at the hospital so that I am knocked out. They are giving me some sort of drink that is supposed to make me sleepy, but the last time they tried that it didn't do anything for me. It just made me look like I was on drugs.

And I told my mom I wanted her to hit me with a frying pan before we leave!! :)

My phobia is so bad that even when I am riding in the car and pass a hospital I get scared, start to sweat, and have a panic attack. Also I have to be up at 3am so I can have my surgery at 8 am. I have a long drive and that is the worst, because I have like 2 hours to think about it.

Answer 1

Ask to be knocked out before giving you the iv

Answer 2

I have "medical procedure's" phobia. It began after a bad experience when I became ill in 2001. Im impressed that you are able to even proceed with the surgery. You have a lot courage to face your fears. Try your best to think positive thoughts and keep reminding yourself that "Your doing just fine".

For the long term problem...you might try hypnosis. I buy cd's by Dr. Steven Gurgevich and listen to them at night when I go to bed. I found them on Drugstore.com

Answer 3

Many phobias can be helped by hypnotism. It sounds odd, but it's one of the best ways to cope with a severe phobia.

Answer 4

Courtney, a bug phobia? Well, I can understand that. The cheeky little brat coming into your home like that. Get some rent of it at least and then whack the little bastard with an AK-47. Not only will this blow the little ѕhit to smithereens - it will give you a great deal of pleasure (I understand it to be more pleasurable than our custard and jello parties that we have). Hope this helps.

Answer 5

Just stay calm. I know how you feel. I don't like needles at all either.

When you are having your surgery, just don't think about your fear. Just think about the long-term benefits the sugery will reap. The pain is only temporary, the effects are forever. Say a prayer, meditate, read, listen to music, watch a little TV, and (between you and me) a little chocolate never hurt anyone. It's all good and it will be done and over with before you know it.

Good luck!

Answer 6

First of all calm down. Its not until tomorrow. You have to have the IV it is absolutely necessary for surgery!! Just close your eyes and hold on to someones hand, it will only hurt for a second or two. When you move around you make it worse for you and for the nurse putting it in-lay still. The less you move around the less it will hurt, if you move too much you could pull it back out -then they start over. Pretend your boyfriend is there and you dont want him to see you being a baby about it!!!

Answer 7

I feel for you, kiddo -- I used to feel the same way about needles. In fact, when I was your age I used to have nightmares that I was strapped to a table and a board full of needles was slowly lowered towards me.....yowza. I am now 42 and have had 2 kids, and have minimal fear of needles, because I've had so many shots/IVs etc. For the present, breathe very deeply and slowly before and during the IV. Also, as soon as I'm done typing, I will pray that God will give you strength and lessen your fear. When you get a chance, read this book: http://www.amazon.com/Be-Anxious-Nothing-Casting-Resting/dp/0446532126/sr=1-1/qid=1169759122/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-2726398-3586024?ie=UTF8&s=books It's called Be Anxious For Nothing by Joyce Meyer. I have dealt with so much fear/anxiety in my life, and this book helped me soooooooo much it's unreal. God bless you!!! Please let me know how it went after it's over, ok? [e-mail]

Answer 8

I have the same thing. What is crazy about it, is they dont actually hurt me that much, but I still am afraid of them. I have had three cavaties filled with no novicane, because I am more afraid of a needle than I am the pain of the drilling. I do not know how to get over it except to try not to think about it. (By the way I am a 29 your old male, so dont feel too bad!)

Answer 9

Call your doctor and dsee if he will give you an rx for a pill to settle you down before you go in. I am a phlebotomist ( I draw blood) and I am the same way. I had knee surgery last April and was a wreck. Just take some deep breaths and try to relax, I know its super easy for me to say, but the stiller you can be and the more you can relax the easier it will go. Good luck.

Answer 10

Practical advice
The key to managing anxieties and fear is to accept it. Remaining in the present and accepting anxiety cause it to disappear. The anagram A-W-A-R-E can help sufferers to cope better in the phobic situation.

1) A= Accept the anxiety – with positive self comments- and go with the flow “this is anxiety it’s ok to accept this”. Remain with the experience and don’t fight it.

2) W= Watch your anxiety – Be detached and remember you are not your anxiety. – Rate it on a scale of 0-8 and watch it go up and down. – Be aware of your thoughts, feelings and actions and let the anxiety flow through you without condemning it.

3) A= Act with the anxiety and normalise the situation you are in. – Act as if you are not anxious, function with it. – Slow down if you have to but keep going. – Breathe slowly and normally.

4) R= Repeat the steps above. – Continue to accept and watch your anxiety and “act with it” until your anxiety reduces to a comfortable level. – If you run from the phobic situation your anxiety will reduce but your fear will continue to rise. – If you stay in the situation both your anxiety and fear will go down.

5) E= Expect the best. – What you fear the most rarely happens. – Recognise that a certain amount of anxiety is normal. – By expecting future anxiety you’re putting yourself in a good position to accept it when it comes again.