Has anyone got any tips on how to make myself less scared about needles?

Question

as i'm having a procedure on the 28th september

Answer 1

look the other way or preferable at the hunkie male nurse whos doing it for you

Answer 2

I understand your fear I used to be phobic of needles and had to be held by someone just to sit in the chair. I'm now a diabetic and have to have blood taken every 3 months and a flu jab every year. I got over mine ,by understanding the whys and hows of it.

WHY: They need to take blood, They need to rapidly get meds/fluids into you (This could save your life) or they need to knock you out so you don't feel the pain of the procedure and they can fix the problem so you can have a better quality of life.

This might be the scary bit but keep reading.

HOW: With a clean hollow metal pin they locate an available view and at a comfortable angle insert. The needles come in alot of sizes, I've had some that are no thick then the smallest sewing needle and some that were about 5mm .

I have to look at them while there doing it as if I hide from it I'm never going to be OK with them.



Whatever answers you find, good luck and remember, they're trained for things like this, so ask if you need to. DON'T sit there in fear.

Answer 3

You need to realize that first off, people don't die from getting stuck with a needle. Unless the you are doing drugs on the street. Also understand that there is no other way to do it. If there were believe me nurses would have already found it.

When they sit you down, don't think about the pain or them sticking a needle in your arm. Instead think about the medical procedure itself and how much better you are going to feel once its over. Also, you are going to feel it, there is no getting out of it. But remember when you were a little kid and you fell off your bike. I am sure that hurt a lot worse and for a lot longer. So getting stuck with a needle is not the worst thing you have ever had. When the nurse sticks you with it, look away and suck it up. Talk to the nurse about something else while she does it. Overall, don't worry unless the nurse says "Uh-oh."

Answer 4

Here are three main preparatory routes to the pain management problems posed by needlephobia:

1. Providing information - medical staff, friends and parents can all make a difference by making the patient fully aware of what is going to occur and the reasons why. For a child, it is best to explain in very simple terms what is going to happen.

2. Coping strategies - distraction techniques can really help. For example, you could take along a child's favourite toy, teddy or dolly. Reading a book can help (musical books or pop-ups work especially well with young children). You could also try singing songs, counting to ten or using toys that use the child's other hand or arm. Obviously, taking teddy may not be applicable for adults.

3. Topical anaesthetic preparations - numbing the nerves before needle procedures, such as venepuncture or venous cannulation. These topical anaesthetics have been used in hospitals for many years and are often known as "magic cream".

Answer 5

Make sure that you tell the nurse before hand just in case anything happens, avoid looking at any of the paraphernalia involved with the needle. Try to talk to someone as the procedure is being done as this helps greatly.
I have had many spinal injections and I get a bit scared as the first one I had put me off a bit as it was a lumber puncture into the spinal cavity. Needless to say talking to the nurse or doctor as they are carrying out the procedure takes my mind off it.
Good luck
Andy

Answer 6

It is important that you tell the person doing the procedure that you have a fear of needles. If they are aware of this fear that you have, they will be able to prepare you better and give themselves time to do the procedure in a calm manner. I dont think you can really prepare yourself as such, but what i can say is that needles are a lot less painful than your imagination would have you believe. If its the fear of pain when the needle is being inserted, then i suggest that you ask for a local anaesthetic (its a cream that you apply to the ste of injection before hand) and the area will be numbed. =) The cream is called Emla.

Answer 7

No one likes needles but I find if you do your best to relax, don't look, and take slow deepish breaths noting is ever as bad if I am squirming around making a fuss. In the last 18 months, I have 2 shots of penicillin, 2 flu shot, the cervial canver vaccine, donated blood, had 3 blood test, had thin and think bore needle biopsies on lumps in my mouth and throat and I have not yet fainted or screamed, although I have had the odd cry when I am having a bad day.

You need to trust the person doing the sticking and explain your fear to them.

Good luck, be brave

Answer 8

Anna, your in pain management here and referring to a procedure I'm going to take a long shot here and guess that you are having a block or an epidural not just trigger point injections.

Well Dear just think about knives, power tools, lasers, steel rods etc... I won't lie to you and tell you they are just going to be poking you with a little needle either! The good thing is that when you wake up you will be pretty numb for a few days... I hope the procedure helps with your pain.

Answer 9

There is actually a new type of needle device out, its a push pill device that pushes the pills through your skin, apparently its less pain for the patient, and is meant to calm there fear.

But it may not be used for your procedure, try to stay calm, it should go well. Needles Look deadly but its for the best...

Just take deep breaths and try not to think about it, Think of good things!

Answer 10

Next time you have to get an injection (which might not be very often) just don't look at the needle, and ask your doctor to talk you through it, most doctors would be more than happy to put any nerves to rest.

Answer 11

My wife is terrified of needles. When she gives blood or has any injections she looks away and doesn't look at the needle until it's all over.

She still hates them but to give her credit she copes ok.