The last time i had blood taken i had 3 vial things from each arm and went really dizzy,. I had to lay don at the hospital for an hour but on the way to the car i fainted and my grandma caught me. That was 4 years ago and i have been needing to have some really important blood tests taken but i freak out completely. I have had cognitive therapy which didnt help at all, i've tried everything i can think of but i am in a blind panic as i really need this doing.
The phobia is totally irrational as i am not afraid of needles or blood, just having blood taken. Nobody understands how extreme this phobia is they think i am overreacting but just the thaught of it makes me feel really queasy.
I know i need to have it done but they need to test all of my hormones which means taking lots of blood in one go.
Can anyone help me figure out how to deal with this please??
Has anyone got a similar severe phobia?
Thanx for reading this i hope someone can help.
2007-03-05 04:06:06 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
well to be frank im the same but with elevators in a store (they look like steps but one side moves up and the other down) i think it might have something to do with me being afarid of heights..
ok back to ur question, sit down on a chair and slowly close ur eyes, then image the nurse comeing to draw some blood, but dont freak out just yet. Allow her/him to draw the blood in ur mind. Once u have overcomed that when the real thing must be done lay out ur arm and slowing close ur eyes and just image, ask her to tell u when shes done that way u know when to open ur eyes.
2007-03-05 04:38:16 · answer #1 · answered by catkiss17 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Drink some Orange juice (if you are allowed to eat or drink anything before the test?)
They will usually allow you to lay down and give you some juice after taking your blood.
You are probably hypoglycemic or diabetic? and can't spare the blood sugar? It is no big deal really.
If you don't like the needle in the arm, ask to be Butterflied... They draw the blood from the back of your hand using a little clip and a tube and it is less invasive and a bit more mellow if you ask me...less traumatic to watch and experience.
2007-03-05 12:11:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be sure to eat something and drink lots of fluids (provided you can eat/drink before giving blood).
Try to keep in mind that those tubes are only one teaspoon (if it is the small tube) or one tablespoon (if it is the big tube).
Don't look when they are drawing the blood. Depending on how much blood they need to take, they may be able to take it from the back of your hand.
2007-03-05 12:16:03 · answer #3 · answered by chris 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call your doc and ask him for a prescription for an anti-anxiety med to take before your appointment. Also when they draw the blood talk about anything that comes to mind and don't look anywhere near where they are drawing blood. Tell the tech ahead of time about your problems with blood drawing and she can also help with this.
2007-03-05 12:11:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
just bring some headphones in and cover your eyes. tell them early about your phobia and i'm sure they'll try to accommodate you in any way they can.
kudos to you sir for donating blood.
2007-03-05 12:15:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't look! Take somebody with you that can entertain you so you don't think about what is going on helps.
2007-03-05 13:10:23 · answer #6 · answered by Peach 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only thing I can suggest is hypnotherapy. This should work, but not easy to find. Beg with your doctor for him/her to find you someone.
2007-03-05 12:11:35 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋