Have a big fear of Needles. Panic around them & hyperventilate
Having a Blood Test - how can i stay calm ?
What will the phlebotomist do. Can Mom stay with me ?
2007-01-28 09:22:57 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
Your mom should be able to stay with you. The thing I do is look away from the needle. Have your mom stand to the other side of the needle and talk to you about something you like. A sport you are into, a guy you like, some event that is coming up. Just get your mind off the blood test and don't look at the nurse. You will be ok...
2007-01-28 09:31:06 · answer #1 · answered by starfire 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I was 15 I was tested for mono, and the test was a blood test. It didn't hurt... all I felt was a sorta sharp prick. It wasn't bad, it actually looked like it would be worse than it was.
Tell the phlebotomist that you are scared of needles, he/she might be able to help you, you won't be the first person they've run into that is that way. They'll most likely tell you to look away, so have your mom (I don't believe they can stop her from being in there, my dad was allowed in with me. Not that needles bother me, I would have taken my own blood had they let me...) sit where you'll be looking to and have her talk to you. Ask your mom before hand if you to could go out to lunch afterwards or something. It might give you something to look forward to.
Don't worry. Blood tests aren't bad at all.
2007-01-28 18:13:49 · answer #2 · answered by Alyssa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to be very afraid of needles too. The blood taking should be very quick and easy. The doctor will put a rubber band like thing around your arm above the elbow to fill your veins in the bend of your arm. This makes it easier for him/her to find the vein and get the pressure they need. Then they will swab the area with a piece of cloth soaked in alcohol (the rubbing kind), this sterilizes the area and makes it safe for you. The doctor will then, very gently, insert a needle attached to a vial or a syringe to draw the blood. Once it is full they will take it out, put a cotton ball on the insert spot, and take the band off. It takes less than a minute.
Your mother should be able to come back with you and be able to hold your hand as long as she will not get in the way. It depends on the size of the room they will put you in.
Finally to stay call you need to close your eyes and look away when the put the rubber band on your arm, DO NOT watch them bring the needle to you because it will make you panic a bit. Remember to take deep, calm breaths. Also ask if it is alright to listen to you ipod or cd player while they do this, it will help distract you.
Good luck and remember that worrying about it will only increase your fear, try not to worry about it.
2007-01-28 18:19:15 · answer #3 · answered by Blonde Barbie Girl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. I answered this the other day for someone else.
1. Tell the phlebotomist you're scared. They will probably say something to divert your attention while they're doing the procedure.
2. Look away when they put in the needle, and take a deep breath in slowly through yoyr mouth.
The discomfort only lasts 2-3 seconds.
3. You're done!
They'll probably let you take your Mom in with you.
2007-01-28 17:31:33 · answer #4 · answered by diannegoodwin@sbcglobal.net 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The last couple of times I had blood drawn, were very uneventful. I generally talk to the health care provider just before the needle does its thing. By concentrating on what you're saying, you can take some of the fear away. The last time, I experienced no pain(NO BS). The time before that, the pain was very minimal, lasting only 2 or 3 seconds. You have to remember, people have been giving their blood for many, many years without difficulty. You owe it to yourself, to get in touch with your body. Since your young, with many doctors visits ahead of you, you have to will yourself to do it, and believe me, it gets easier as you get older. Hang in there, you'll do just fine.
2007-01-28 17:47:14 · answer #5 · answered by johnnycat220 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your best bet is to not look and occupy your mind. Maybe you can go through and alphabetize the first names of people you know. You can also count backwards from 100. If this isn't challenging enough, count backwards from 100 by 3s. I'm sure your mom can stay :) Good luck and don't worry, a lot of people have to get blood tests once in a while!
2007-01-28 17:28:26 · answer #6 · answered by JJ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bring Mom with you. Tell the vampire you are scared. He will do his best not to hurt you. When he actually gets ready to draw blood look away from the needle going in. GOOD LUCK
2007-01-28 18:04:37 · answer #7 · answered by hobo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell the phlebotomist when you go in that you are scared and want your mum to stay with you. They will understand as they will meet people everyday that are scared of needles.
Try not to worry too much as it doesn't hurt and is very quick.
Hope everything goes OK.
2007-01-28 17:32:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a cancer patient, I've been stuck with so many needles that it's not even remotely funny anymore. You just need to take a deep breath. Most people that do blood draw are very good at their job. If you relax and breathe, it will be over before you know it.
2007-01-28 17:31:57 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had one a few months ago, just close your eyes and think of something else, don't look at the blood being drawn, it just feels kind of weird and she probably can, a phlembotomy really isn't a big deal, you'll be in and out in minutes
2007-01-28 17:31:35 · answer #10 · answered by fuse46406 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋