How can I overcome phobia of blood tests?

Question

I'm having a blood test in a couple of days and the last time I had a blood test was horrible because I nearly fainted.
It's not needles im scared of, its where it is (bend of my arm) and the thought of sucking out blood out of my vein!
Does any one have any tips to how I can remain calm whilst having a blood test?

Answer 1

thats exactly what makes me feel sick about it too, where they take it from in the bend of the arm...eww makes me feel queezy thinking about it.....just take a deep breathe!

Answer 2

Wow... I don't blame you. Sounds like you had some crappy technicians. Unfortunately, there's not a lot of opportunity to have yourself stuck with a needle, so it's hard to do any desensitization training. First, try to desensitize yourself to the whole process without the needle. Expose yourself to the sights and sounds of other people having their blood drawn. Watch videos, look at pictures, and learn about the actual process and why it works. Even if you just learn about the physics of why syringes are designed the way they are... It sounds silly, but if our brains can rationalize things in logical and calculated ways, they become demystified and easier to deal with. If you have some homework to do, or some reading you want to catch up on, go do it in the waiting room at your doctor's office! Get used to being there and feeling the pre-draw nervousness and do something distracting that you enjoy so you associate being there with something more pleasant or something that's no big deal. You'd have to be very careful to do this, so if you think it sounds dangerous, DON"T try it. If I were you, I'd get some tuberculin syringes (the really little ones that people use to inject themselves with insulin). Some states require you to have a prescription to buy them. Start by just inserting the needle into your own skin. These needles are very tiny and should not leave a mark. They're also very short, so you won't really be able to hit anything. Just choose a fatty part of your body like a buttock. DO NOT pull the plunger, and do not put anything in the syringe. The point is to just have the needle go into your skin. If you get to the point where you can handle this, have a responsible, trusted friend do the same until you're comfortable. It's not a very good substitute because you'll never be able to recreate the exact circumstances, but it may help a little. Then work your way up to the real thing. Certain procedures (like blood donation) use much larger needles, so steer clear of those, if you can. My best advice, though, would be any time you're getting blood taken, pull your doctor or the head technician at the facility aside and privately explain to them your circumstances. Explain that you're not trying to be rude, but you'd like it if the most experienced nurse could be the one to take your blood, and then be willing to wait for that person. Many people have needle phobias, so if the facility is understanding and truly cares for your welfare, they shouldn't have a problem with this request. And if you've been working hard to overcome this fear, it's only going to set you back if you have another bad experience.

Answer 3

I think this question may have been answered but when I have been for a blood test and watched what they were doing I used to go into a cold sweat and felt as though I was going to pass out. Now I just don't look and I have no problem at all.

Answer 4

Snap - I hate it. Ask the doctor for some valium - it definately helps. Do lots of fist clenching so the veins are decent and it's easy to take the blood. Keep warm, drink a hot drink, deep breathe and just keep thinking its only a few seconds. Good Luck x

Answer 5

There are other places from which to take blood. You could request that from whoever is doing the procedure.

I just don't look. I can't feel the blood flowing, and it is all over in a few seconds once the needle is in. Try deep breathing and visualizing yourself somewhere relaxing.

Good luck.

Answer 6

let the person know how you feel when you go in there use to people with your problem and will help you through it probably they will distract you long enough and it will be over then you can go home and think what was all the bother about and have a nice cup of tea nothing stronger for a while by the time you could memorise what i have said hear it will be over best of luck

Answer 7

you have my sympathy - I'm the same. I don't mind a cut, the sight of blood doesn't bother me it's as you say the thought. The secret is to lay flat on the examination couch staring at the ceiling, a few deep breaths and try to switch off.......seemed to work for me. Hope this helps

Answer 8

think of bunnies :] they are pretty

you have this phobia cause you know what is happening, its on your mind and then you also understand it as something bad. try thinking of it as something nice to do, its something good for your health. and when they will do that, think of something you like or love. dont pay too much attention. dont worry, doctors will do all the work, but you still have to listen to them. my suggestion is that you shouldnt think of it too much. dont think how that thing sucks out your blood. dont think of bad things. think of it as something good.

Answer 9

yes only the way to cope this problem is deep breath i that situtation.while u take deep breath u'll quite more concentrate on taking breath your mind also focus on that.
so, face it and feel it. all the best

Answer 10

sit back and relax and just close your eyes and think of soemthing else. it does not hurt and its ok just relax i have done it million times to help someone that is what you maybe doing or finding out what is wrong with you