23 and TERRIFIED of needles, anything to ease pain?

Question

I know it seems silly, but I've always had a deathly fear of needles. I have had them, but I nearly have a panic attack when I am getting ready to have one. Just talking about having to get a shot or needle and I tense up. I can't seem to get over it. It just hurts so much! Anyways, my question is (because I know I will face many more needles in my lifetime), Are there deep skin creams doctors can use to help numb it more and/or is it possible to get muscle relaxers or something to calm me down before the shot (or blood test)??

Answer 1

My goodness - all these people with their silly answers and pop-psychology.

The answer to your question is: Yes you can get a cream that numbs your skin. It is called "Xylocaine 2% jelly" (It's actually 20 mg's of Lidocaine - which is similar to the Novocaine you get before a dentist fills a cavity - only not as strong and it's topical - not injectable)

I can't remember if I bought it over-the-counter at CVS or my dermotologist prescribed it to me. Either way, you can get this cream very easily.

REMEMBER to apply it at LEAST 45 minutes before you get a shot - because it takes that long to work. (Since you are rubbing it into your skin - not injecting it - that's why it takes so long). Do NOT wait until you get to Dr's office to apply it. And don't ask your Dr's to apply it first because they don't want to sit around and wait 1 hour for the cream to work - so you have to do it yourself.

I also use this cream before having laser hair removal. It's wonderful!

So, go to your local pharmacist and ask for topical lidocane cream (generic) or ask for the brand name I gave you. If you need a prescription - just as your dermotologist or your regular doctor. It's not hard at all to get a prescription for this at all.

Also, take a pain killer at the same time you apply the cream. Because the cream only number the skin - but not the muscle underneath -which is where the needle goes when you get an injection. The pain killer will make the injection pain free or virtually pain free. Except for blood tests where the needle is only going into the vein - in that case - you will only need the cream applied to the area on your arm where they will draw blood. You won't need a pain killer for a blood test because they aren't going that deep. Just the cream for a blood test - and of course, turn your head away and don't look. A pain killer for a blood test isn't necessary - just the cream. The first time you apply this technique - take a Xanax with the pain killer for your anxiety. After your first time getting an injection with the topical lidocaine and the pain killer - you'll say: "Hey! That lidocaine really worked!" and your anxiety will be over now that you know the secret to a pain-free blood test and injection and you'll never need another Xanax before anything involving a needle. But still - never look at the needle. It's scary looking even if you know your are armed with pain compating medication.

That should help you out.

Answer 2

I suggest you get a anti-anxiety/tranquilizer like .5 or 1.0 mg. Xanax. Ask your Doctor about it. If not that, Valium is a good one also. Although a numbing cream or topical application may take the "pain" away of the needle, it won't ease your anxiety. Tensing up can cause a needle to hurt more, and you don't want to get a bruised muscle or something because of that.

I have had so many needles stuck in me over the years after having Open Heart surgery and such, that I don't even worry about needles. However; I've never really suffered fear of needles since I got over it as a kid. However; I do take anti-anxiety medications, and even if I went in for a blood test or a shot, I sit there as if nothing happens. It definately takes the edge off.

Talk to your Doctor about it, and may be a good "go to" plan whenever you have appointed blood tests or shots planned.

Answer 3

Numbing agents are likely to be useless to you, because the fear is psychological. Sedatives and muscle relaxers are impractical if you will face this so many times in your life. Having this fear is not silly, but consider this. Do you fear to wear shorts in case you fall and skin your knee? A skinned knee hurts worse than a needle, and does much more damage. A stubbed toe hurts worse than a needle, for that matter. Getting your eyebrows waxed hurts more. Even a paper cut can hurt worse than a needle. If you don't feel fear of these every day occurrances, why let such a small thing as a needle control your life? Try to figure out what it is about needles that scares you. Is it pain? Is it how they look? Maybe it's doctors in general or a feeling that you are not in control. Once you can narrow down why you fear needles, perhaps you can learn to let go of your fear.

Answer 4

Here's the first thing you can do to cure your fear: Realize that getting a shot (such as a vaccine) does not hurt.
While it may be hard to believe that, if you actually just relax while it happens you will see that it feels no worse than a pinch.
You can try surrounding yourself with needles until they become no big deal. Just place them around your home so that you see them every day. Remember that there is no need to panic because they won't hurt you if they are just sitting there.
Once you do this for a while you should be able to realize that needles are nothing to be afraid of.
Good Luck!

Answer 5

You could face your fear and get acupuncture. i find acupuncture very relaxing. It can help release blockages in your chakras and help you to unwind.. at the same time you will be able to associate your fear of needles with something more pleasant than a deep stabbing action. Maybe when you are getting a shot, picture the tiny hole already there and you will then not anticipate the shot as an intrusive pain.

Answer 6

my 18 year old daughter has extreme anxiety over needles, to the point where she has fainted after getting them. The most important thing for you to do is to communicate your feelings with your physician or nurse. Do not feel ashamed, many people, even big strong men, have this problem. Your doctor should have some suggestions on how to deal with this. FYI - I or my daughter have to tell anyone who is going to give her an injection, about her fear and what has happened in the past. She now lays now when getting a shot, and they always have orange juice for her to help prevent her from fainting.

Answer 7

Yes there are deep skin creams, my doctor gives me some right
before my IT (Inter-Thecal) chemotherapy. Or ask your doctor about a U shaped plastic thing that is sort of spiky. You put it near or on the injection site and it eases needle pain. I had it with the creme for my L-asparaginase shot. It works. By the way, your fear is aichmophobia, belomophobia, or belonephobia, and you should get treatment.

Answer 8

There are indeed substances that doctors can use to numb the surface of your skin.

If you learn to relax, the needles won't hurt so much. One thing that might help is finding another way to focus your attention. One person might try to wiggle his left big toe. Another might stare at that fascinating cobweb in the corner. Do you have a favorite song perhaps? Try listening to that in your mind.

Good luck!

Answer 9

ask the nurse to give you a pinch just before you get the shot. It's weird because they feel the same, but you react differently. I used to do it for my kids. they didn't cry when I pinched them (not hard, just enough to, you know, pinch the skin) and pretty quickly didn't cry, or anything when they got a shot.

I bet your mother told you, behave or I'm going to take you to the doctor and he'll give you a shot!! That's the way most of it starts.

Answer 10

A good doctor knows how to fix your fear.
Your fear wont kill you,Relax.