Fear of Blood Tests, gonna Freak! How do u stay calm?

Question

THERE'S NO WAY I'M GONNA GO THROUGH BLOOD TESTS, I'M VERY AFRAID OF NEEDLES! I'M ALWAYS GETTING RESTRAINED FOR THESE TESTS. WHEN I'M IN THE ROOM I TENSE UP AND PANIC AND EVENTUALLY START YELLING.
I EVEN FLINCH WHEN THE NURSE GETS NEAR ME WITH THE NEEDLE. TOO BAD I GO TO BELLEVUE HOSPITAL (IN NYC) BECAUSE THEY HAVE A ROOM WHERE THEY RESTRAIN ME FOR BLOOD TESTS AND THAT'S JUST SCARY. IT FEELS LIKE TORTURE GOING THRU THIS FEAR. WHAT AM I GONNA DO TO AVOID FREAKING OUT?

Answer 1

I have this same fear but i learned to do this ok you know what you are going in for right so when you get there never look at the nurse or the needle never turn your head to see it it actualy works when she lifts your arm never turn your head to see im sorry that you have to go through this thing that bothers you so much i had to be restrained once but after that i got over it by doing what i told you so i know exactly how you feel just remember never look at what is going on you cant fear what you never see comeing and it hurts even less this way you will be ok justdo what i said try it once and you will see a difference

Answer 2

Many people don't like needles and it is easy to understand why. Our bodies wern't ment to have sharp peices of meal stuck in them and out body is just defending itself.

Anyway in answer to your question the best think to do is to tell the nurse that you are afraid and they will do there best to make you as comfortable as possible and to do the test quickly and with as little pain as possible. The needle doesnt really hurt it just stings. You can't feel the blood leave your body and then when the needle is takes out another sting. The work part is taking the band-aid off a few hours later.

I never been fond of needes and I up untill last year whenever I had a needle of any description I had my head turned as far away from the action as possible and stared at the floor or wall but then something happend. I had to have an operation and because my veins like to play hide-and-seek it took 3 aneasthetists 5 goes to get the IV line and and I thought it was hilarious. They did a great job of distracting me and whenever they asked if it was hurting i would say "no" and then start giggling. I think it way have been the nerves kicking in I was about to have major surgery. Anyway ever since then when I have to have a needle I think about that funny situation and before I know it the procedure is over.

Good luck, you will be fine

Answer 3

Afraid Of Needles Blood Test

Answer 4

I am a Licensed Phlebotomist ( a person who draws blood and takes specimens). This happens a lot and I don't even like this. Try not to anticipate so much. That will make things worse. I know that is easier said than done but try. Make sure you have had something to eat and drink unless they have instructed you to specifically not to for the specific test you are having. Practice inhaling and exhaling and breathe slowly once you enter the room and try to think about being in a place that makes you happy. Do not look at the needle. Face the opposite direction when the test are being taken, just turn your head but concentrate on your breathing and explain to them that you are very afraid. If they do allow it have someone that you are close to in the room with you for support. Is there anyway you could have this done with out having to be restrained? That is very cruel.....I am sorry they do that to you. It actually is a very small needle even though it may not seem like it and it only goes in under your skin a very little bit. All you can do is try your best and know this is a real fear for a lot of people. I do wish you the best~

Answer 5

lucky7, I don't know too many folks who has NOT had a bad experience (or two) in getting their blood drawn. I've tolerated 'bad sticks' from those who have admitted to not having much experience...with the understanding that it takes actual experience to get to the point where the person gains confidence and becomes proficient... ...my tolerance and patience only goes so far, however. I'll allow two attempts before requesting someone with more experience. I would never let the same person 'stick' me five times...that is cruel and inhumane. As for your problem, I'm not too sure there's much that can be done. There are lotions that can be prescribed that can numb the area where you're to have your blood drawn, but it must be applied some 45 minutes to an hour before the actual stick. Perhaps speaking with your doctor about the problem would yield some results...perhaps he could prescribe an anti-anxiety medication for you to take before getting your blood drawn.

Answer 6

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This fear probably originated very early in childhood. You have associated a bad experience (probably someone holding you down for a shot) with the thought of needles/syringes. Think of Pavlov's dog. Your the dog (sorry), the sight/thought of the needle/syringe is the bell, and your intense fear is the saliva. You need to desensitize yourself from the needles. Perhaps your doctor or nurse would agree to letting you come in and sticking you with a very small needle (size of couple strands of hair) like on a heparin syringe and build you up from there. Maybe they can give you some valium before. Is it the stick that bothers you or what follows? Whenever you know that you have to have a blood draw, you should make sure that you are well hydrated, it makes the veins easier to stick. I have had several pts tell me that they fear needles and I simply lie them down with a cool washcloth on their forehead and help them with breathing. If you make your fear known, any compassionate nurse, dr, phleb will help you through it. I always reassure the pts that I am "The One" and have had many ask if I've started yet when I am almost done. I would NEVER let anyone stick me more than 2X. Ask for The One. Virtually every drs office/hospital has one.

Answer 7

I used to be totally freaked by needles to..the 3am blood drainings at the hospital were a nightmare....The thing that really got me through it is to close your eyes and think about a place that you feel really calm in...Then turn your head as they are drawing blood so that you don't see the actual process...It still might sting like a mo fo but at least your arm is relaxed. Sometimes I have to concentrate on a spot on the wall or a comic they have up. Good luck to you in trying to overcome this issue.

Answer 8

This may sound silly but it works. Take along a balloon and while she is taking the blood blow up the balloon. In time you can learn the same relaxation technique by pretending you are blowing up a balloon.

Good idea before is to practice blowing up the balloon, one puff in and say out loud relax, second puff and saw I am relaxed, etc.

Many people have anxiety over blood draws. Let the phlebotomist know.

Answer 9

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Answer 10

I am a serioud needle phobic. Whe nI was a little girl I was veyr small but my mother and I warned the nurse I was a needle phobic. I kicked her and tried ot bite her and she said I was a wild animal. I scream and sob before the needle touches me and now that I am a teenager people stare and laugh. I feel your pain. To calm down I take a blidnfold and my ipod. I listen to a calming song and sit there. I tell them not to tell me the needle's coming and once they hit me I scream and my father puts his ahdn over my mouth. It reall yis traumatic but at least the nurse isn't hurt