I have a deadly phobia of needles. When it comes time that I need a blood test they cannot physically hold me down and be able to get a vein in time because I turn crazy.
Does anyone have any advice how to get over this?
2007-12-01 20:03:39 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
Talk to your doctor about getting something to calm you down before a blood draw.
Take someone with you to help get you to focus on something else.
Have them strap you down beforehand if you know that you absolutely cannot hold still.
Bring an mp3 player or something, having the headphones on with music that helps calm you down will keep you a little calmer and more unaware of exactly what the doc is doing.
Do not watch them draw the blood.
Have them put you in a room with a window to do it, it gives you something else to focus on.
Talk with your doctor and make sure the most experienced person there does your draw, it is hardly ever the doctor, usually a nurse, it will take less effort in finding the vein that way.
2007-12-01 20:23:48 · answer #1 · answered by evil_streak_78 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to talk to your doctor about the specific policies of the hospital you will be delivering at. When I went in with my first child I had already had some of the basic bloodwork done recently so that they didn't have to do any of it when I actually went in to labor and delivery. Needles really weren't even mentioned until I decided I wanted the epidural, then they got an IV catheter started and of course the needle for the epidural. I will say that I was scared of the epidural during my pregnancy. I don't have a needle phobia, but the thought of a needle in my spine was terrifying. I will also say that once the labor pains were so intense that I couldn't breath without proper coaching I really didn't care about that spinal needle or the smaller needle they use to numb the skin locally before the epidural. I remember the pain of the contractions, but I really don't remember feeling the epidural at all. That was really it for the needles during labor. I do remember them drawing my blood several times after delivery while we were in the hospital. Honestly, at this point I'm sure you've had your blood drawn several times for routine tests during your pregnancy, and what they are most probably going to do during labor really shouldn't be any worse than what you've already been through.
2016-05-27 05:21:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
NEEDLE PHOBIA. It appears to have developed into a phobia, for which reason, see page 27, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris and examine the 1-800-therapist website, and use the locators in section 1, and phone book to find a suitable therapist. The negative thought reprogramming technique, on page 2, may be all that is required, otherwise, Exposure Therapy seems indicated. Also see anxiety treatments, in section 6. Some people ask to lie down, and where it will be administered, and to be told just before, so they can give that place a smack, after which the tiny pinprick is no big deal. It may help to look away, and think of something pleasant, and promise yourself a nice reward, once it is over.
2007-12-02 02:34:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I went to a hypnotist. She asked me if I remembered something that started this and I told her about it. She then used that story to get control of the situation from the child to give to the adult in a caring gentle way. I had to give myself shots and that is why I went here. I went and got the needle. They showed me how to do it. I was able to stick the needle in me which I thought was amazing. I went for one more session. I don't love needles, but in addition to being able to give myself the shots, I ended up giving my husband and a girlfriend shots. I never could have done this before going to the hypnotist.
2007-12-02 02:12:01 · answer #4 · answered by Simmi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I share your phobia and had to be held down whilst getting needles, If your doctor would,try getting him to prescribe a single dose of Ativan helped me a LOT
2007-12-01 20:09:46 · answer #5 · answered by unique_name_01 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have the same freakin problem. I pass out, throw up.. all of that. I have tattoos and piercings, and shots dont bother me, but blood work sucks!
Ask to lay down when you get it done and bring some juice. DON'T WATCH WHEN THEY DO IT! Lay there for about 15 minutes afterward and you should be ok.
2007-12-01 20:06:41 · answer #6 · answered by Van is due 5/8/08! 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ooh boy. I'm due for a blood test soon.. and I really have no idea how I am going to handle that.. I'm terrified of needles, too!
2007-12-01 20:07:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
i just look away before they even take the needle out of the drawer thats how i deal with it an before you know it it's over
2007-12-01 20:07:49 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't look just think of something else ..........go get some tattoos done and increase your pain threshold.
Or get stoned before you go for blood test.
2007-12-01 20:08:28 · answer #9 · answered by Paul 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋