Have Blood Test Phobia. Having a Blood Test !! PLZ HELP?

Question

Have a massive fear of having a Blood Test.

Have to have one - and am sooo scared & panicking.

Freak around needles & hate Blood & Veins. Sooo squeamish.

Can i bring a friend - to hold my hand ???

Answer 1

Bring an ipod or some kind of music, close your eyes and just breath normally. Sing out loud if you have to. Also, ask them to just do it and not tell you when they are putting the needle in. I am exactly the same way as you are.

When you go in, make sure they know you are scared. They will treat you even better!

Answer 2

I'm the same way - believe it or not I can watch my tattoos being done but when it comes to a medical needle I'm ready to pass out! Make sure you eat something first, and drink plenty of water - that will help keep you from feeling faint. Check with the clinic you'll be going to to see if you are allowed to bring someone with you - some places are picky about that, but most of the nurses will be more than happy to hold your hand or even bring you a small stuffed animal! When they actually do it, just try to focus on your breathing - in thru your nose & out thru your mouth is best for relaxation. Explain your situation & the nurse/doctor will do their best to make you feel comfortable.

Answer 3

I, too, am phobic regarding blood tests. I have a thyroid condition that requires me to get a test every 3 mos. or so. I've been trying to come up with ways to help myself with my fear.

I don't call my blood tests "blood tests" anymore; I call them thyroid tests. Some may see this as avoidance but whatever works.

I did see a therapist for awhile for an unrelated problem, but it helped with the phobia of blood tests. I always felt that the needle was still in my arm after the test. He instructed me to look at the evidence--had I ever heard of that happening to someone? My answer--No, of course not. I discovered after the test my problem is the gauze and tape or bandaid they put on. It makes it feel like something is still in my arm. I take that off immediately when I get in my car. Then I bend and move my arm around saying, "There's nothing stuck in my arm."

My other concern is passing out. My last test I almost did--I had my blood typed and some other tests run so they took 4 vials of blood. Usually when I feel like I'm going to pass out, I start to cry. This time I simply told the tech I didn't feel good. She was almost finished with the draw and then they had me lie down. I just let them take care of me because after all I was in a hospital.

Tell the tech or nurse that you have a phobia--ask if you may lie down first. Have a bottle of water or soda of choice with you to sip afterwards. Make sure the drink is cold.

Figure out what it is that scares you about the "blood test". Is it hospitals, needles, blood, the whole procedure? Prepare yourself for each phase of the process. I don't like when they try to find a vein--it makes me queasy. I've also set up a reward system for myself. If I don't cry (and I'm almost 31 years old), I treat myself to something. Once I got my the cartilage on my right ear pierced (my left side was already done) and this worked. I told myself if I cried I couldn't get the piercing. The last time when I almost passed out I didn't cry. I felt kind of weak so I just rewarded myself with taking it easy.

If bringing a friend helps, by all means do so. I also take my iPod with me and watch a movie or music videos. I tell the tech that I've got one headphone but I can still hear what she/he is saying. :) Take a small palm sized stuffed animal or a stress ball to squeeze in your hand. Who cares what anyone thinks?

Good luck!!

Answer 4

Most places will let you do that.
If there is a place where you can lie down, that would be a good idea too.
I used to get very light-headed, and laying down helped a lot.

Answer 5

hi:) im exactly the same and im 24 lol i allways take a friend or my mum hehe i let hem know im nervous then they know to be gentle to tho i think they know i am as i get all chatterbox and im in such a panick as long as my mum or friends there talking to me im not so bad good luck takecare :)x

Answer 6

Yes, and remember to continue to breathe

Answer 7

I felt that way years ago but now I ask them if I can watch, so they don't have to say, "stick now"
freak's them out.