blood test?!?!?

Question

my name is amber and i am a 13 year old girl. On saturday i have to get done a lipid panel test and a CBC w/Diff test. I have no idea what they are really but i know they are some kind of blood tests. The one thing is though,i am petrified of needles!!!! The last time I got blood taken i passed out as soon as she took the needle out of my arm ,from the pain. I know like its a little tiny pinch and i probaly sound like a baby but im really nervous and i get really scared when i get it done and cry the whole time. Does anyone know anything i can do to calm myself down?? I need ALL the help i can get!! Thanks in advanced [=

Answer 1

You already know it's a tiny pinch. Act like a big girl and remember that it's really nothing. You aren't having surgery. It's a little poke (if you feel anything at all) and it's important to get your test results.

Answer 2

I'm so sorry this happens to you. Try telling the nurse there you're experience, and hopefully they'll do everything they can to make it as painless as possible and help you in every way they can. They don't want to make you pass out.
Also, since you are so young, I assume you'll have a parent with you. When I was home, my mom would always be with me, and I would squeeze the life out of her hand, and since I've come to college I take a small stuffed animal that I squeeze the life out of (embarassing, but it helps).
Or another suggestion, find something to distract you. I've had it done before where another nurse is talking to me, distracting me while the other is taking blood. Or get whoever is taking you to the doctor to talk to you about anything that will distract you. Have them tell you what happened on a tv show recently, describe a movie you like, etc.
And I don't think you're a baby for fainting and being afraid of the pain. I am too, and I'm almost 20. But the nurses and everyone understand. Don't worry about it. You're gonna come through it just fine.

Answer 3

First, please do not ever use your real name or age on the Internet!

I used to go into hysterics over needles after a bad "incident" where they stuck me without telling me!

I eventually got over the fear by using a little mantra (a repeated affirmation):

"It is *absolutely mandatory* for you to get used to having it done. You want to have a healthy life and not get sick. This must be done. You will have to have this done many times for the rest of your life in order to keep you safe."

And go with what works best. I don't personally appreciate being ambushed, distracted, or being asked a ton of questions.

I prefer to see it coming and have them go slow and talk to me about themselves. They can tell me about a trip they had or where they bought their shoes - anything. Once the needle goes in, I prefer to keep talking and look away. :)

The blood draw is to protect you and keep you safe. Without it, you are not safe. This will get better.

Answer 4

Ask them to use a butterfly needle. It is what they use on babies. It is very small and will take a little longer to get the amount they need, but it isn't as frightening as looking at the other needle.