I have a SEVERE FEAR OF BLOOD TESTS!!!!!!!!?

Question

I HAVE THIS FEAR OF BLOOD TESTS! ANYTIME MY PARENTS MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE THE DOCTOR, I ALWAYS GET HER TO CANCELL IT BECAUSE OF MY FEAR. I DO THIS BECAUSE AT EVERY VISIT I ALWAYS HAVE TO TAKE BLOOD TESTS. I'M AFRAID OF BLOOD TESTS BECAUSE NEEDLES HURT. I COULD NEVER LOOK AWAY BECAUSE I'M VERY NERVOUS. ONE TIME I RAN OUT THE EXAM ROOM BECAUSE I SAW A NEEDLE! WHEN THE NURSE FINALLY FOUND ME, SHE TOOK ME BACK TO THE ROOM. IN THE ROOM, THERE WERE 3 NURSES READY TO RESTRAIN ME, 1 HAD TO HOLD ME DOWN, THE OTHER HOLD MY HEAD TO THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION AD THE THIRD HAD TO HOLD MY ARM DOWN SO THE NURSE DRAWING BLOOD COULD GET THE TEST DONE. NOW I STILL TRY TO AVOID GOING TO DOCTORS. I'M VERY DESPARATE, WHAT SHOULD I DO??

Answer 1

If you go to the doctor with the expectation of fear, then it WILL hurt. It is a mental thing.

So do not go to the doctor with the expectation of immense pain. RELAX, and breathe. Listen to music that makes you really happy so that when you get the needle in, it will not be very bad. You need to be in control. Do not let your fear control you. Just go in there with a strong mindset.

And yes, everyone is right. Just face the fear, and it will get better with time.

Answer 2

I too have a huge fear of needles but I started to overcome that once my doctor's office started to use a spray that sort of freezes the first few layers of skin. I also ask for the smallest needle possible which is the butterfly needle that they use on babies. That was up to 2003...

In 2003, I had gallbladder surgery which required a larger needle so yes, I was horrified and afraid. However, the nurses were there to talk me down and away from my fear. They also used a small needle to numb the area where my IV went in. Now granted, I was in a lot of pain from my laproscopic gallbladder surgery which in comparison to a blood test hurt a lot more.

Ironically, a year later I had an appendectomy and this time when they took the bloodwork and put in the IV they used the larger needles on me. Granted, I was horrified and terrified because those needles can hurt but since that surgery, I just hold out my arm and grin and bear it.

However, I know how you feel about blood tests. I"m still scared granted, but I've sort of learned how to accept it.

I hope this helps.

Answer 3

I have a few ideas. First they should not have restrained you. That can't have been a pleasant experience and no doubt added to your fear.

Secondly, WHY do you have to get so many blood tests in the first place? Is it necessary, do you have an illness which means you need regular blood tests?
You should be allowed to refuse to have one, depending on your age, but i'm pretty sure even young people can refuse them within reason (non life-threatening circumstances)

There are other ways to test for things (depending on what they want to find out) and other ways to get you to have a blood test like distracting you and getting you to relax rather than being flipping restrained, what kind of doctors do you go to at all..

What are you scared of ? Is it the pain? Blood tests should not be felt but if you do or if they find it hard to insert then you could have a numbing cream which will ensure you feel nothing. If you sit there for a few minutes and relax yourself, play music on headphones to distract yourself you won't even know when they do it. Good luck x

Answer 4

I know how you feel. Face your fears. Most likely things will be just fine. If you can go to the doctor and have a positive experience you will loose your fear. I also am terrified of the doctor. If possible see a psychologist. They can help. There is no shame in getting help. There is really a psychological condition called white coat syndrome which is a fear of medical personnel. I have it. Others call me a great medical first responder but a lousy patient.

Answer 5

I think it's to bad that they held you down. That just made you more afraid. If you tense up when getting your blood taken it makes it hurt more. Really try hard to stay calm when you go next time and I'll bet you'll be surprised how easy it really is. Your blood labs are very important in your diagnosis and thus help to keep you healthy.

Answer 6

I tell the nurse that I want to laid down and have someone talk to me when I go for a blood test. I hate them also. they had no right to restrain you. no wonder you are afraid, I would be also. have them have you laid down and talk to the nurse. don't look and it will be over in a few minutes.

Answer 7

The only way you can get over your fear is to face it. I've had many blood tests and the pain is not that bad! I mean, it's just a little pinch when it first goes in and it only lasts a second or two.