I am sooooooooo deathly extremely afraid of needles!?

Question

My mom is a medical technician at a hospital(duh), and has drawn blood for about twenty years now. My mom is also worried that I have diabetes type 2, and wants me to get a blood test. I keep telling her that I want her to give me a blood test, but she says she doesn't want to cause me pain. But, even if it hurt, I would rather have my mom(twenty years of experience)stick a needle in me than have some lady I didn't know that may have no experience stick a needle in me.
Plus, my mom wants me to get flu shots, and then in a few months tetanus and hepatitis so I can try out for the track team. Like in the title, I am soooo afraid of needles! What should I do about the diabetes test, and the shots?

Answer 1

Are you more afraid of the needles or the diseases? Needles used for drawing blood are not too large, and the discomfort is minor. Do not look at the needle or the arm. Look away and think of something else, something pleasant. It will be done before you know it.
Good luck!

Answer 2

Let me start off by saying I have a real fear of needles, like to the point where my pulse elevates and I get all gittery. However, I am also a type II diabetic, and was just diagnosed last year. The test for diabetes that they will probably do first is a finger stick, and this sounds much worse than it sounds... it is really a breeze. I can (and do) do these to my self. See if your mom has a sugar testing kit and try it on yourself, its a pre-loaded spring needle and the needle is so fine that you can't feel it pierce your skin at all. Once you see how easy that is, you will be less afraid of the one at the doctors. I can even watch when I test and I can NOT watch normal needles.

This leads me to shots... hum... still working on facing this fear myself. But I will say that as far as a flu shot goes, its not too bad. A little pinch and thats it. The flu shot doesn't really burn or anything like that, just a little irretating pinch is all. What really helps me during a shot is...
1.) bring a friend to talk to and distract you
2.) hold someone's hand (physical touch does amazing things to calm you)
3.) NEVER look at the needle
4.) remember to breath (sometimes I forget)
5.) lay down for the shot (it really helps)
6.) place the arm that is going to get the shot on your hip, which your thumb pointing to your belly button and your other fingers relaxed and wrapped around to your back. In this position it is impossible to make a muscle (and thats what makes a shot really hurt)
7.) just keep talking and don't think about whats happening , it'll be over b4 you know it.

Be brave, good luck and God bless

Answer 3

I'm also a lab tech (and an EMT). When I draw blood from people (and I do, many times a day), most people say they barely felt it.

Technique and speed makes the difference. I've been drawing blood for years so I've had plenty of practice. I do my best to get blood on the first try and to make it as painless as possible.

As for the other shots, look away and relax...tensing up muscles only makes shots hurt more. Any shot into the muscle will cause some minor pain, but that is after the shot is over...and the muscle cramps from the vaccine (that is common, especially when the vaccine is still cold from refrigeration). The best thing to do is take some Advil before you get the vaccines.

Fear of needles is really common. There is no shame in that. Hopefully, at some point, you will outgrow that but some people never do. Just tell yourself to relax....breathe slowly and deeply...imagine yourself somewhere else...don't anticipate the shot...it will be over before you know it.

EMT

Answer 4

I can feel your frustrations because I have a Daughter who is afraid of needles also.
But sometimes when you are in a situation like yours where your Health is involved, you have to make a sacrifice, particularly if Diabetes is in your Family.

If you take the test chances are you might not have Diabetes,
but you can make changes now for the Future. They are proper eating habits, exercise, drinking lots of water, etc.

So, close your eyes, and say a Prayer.

Answer 5

those are phobias that can easily be overcomed. well, i have type 1 diabetes when since young and is currently on injections. i was like u, afraid of needles. however, i tried to overcome. whenever i was given a shot, i would close my eyes and will not think that i am going to have an injection.. Now, my phobia for needles is all gone,,,,give it a try and u will not feel the pain... and diabetes test is not pain at all...

Answer 6

Don't look. Ask for a butterfly needle. And get a set of recordings that I use from a company that got me off sugar. Independent Achievement Productions I think saved my life. I used to be a sugar addict, but now i am no longer thanks to their cd on removing sugar addiction. I know I would have eventually become diabetic as my mother was.

Answer 7

gosh you know what get over it and take those shots they are for your own good. its for your health. if you are diabetic take it and be done with it. so you have to be taking shots maybe well then do it. there are so many out there trained to give and do shots you sure dont' have to worry also taking amouts of blood you ca request buterfly needle they are smaller and dont' hurt as much take care.

Answer 8

Obviously you want to get the tests done and over with. Drawing blood and taking shots take less then a few minutes, just deal with it, you'll be fine :)

Answer 9

1

Answer 10

Your mother has a conflict of interests. She can't objectively do a test on her daughter. She should rather take you to one of her peers with as much experience as hers.