how can i get over my fear of injections and blood tests without actually having to have one?

Question

for as long as i can remember i have always been scared of injections and blood test but it isnt just the pain of them that i dont like. i know that lots of people dont like them but i need to get them but i cant bring myself to getting them.

Answer 1

My daughter has an extreme fear of needles. The last shots she got, the nurse took so long to prepare the injection, that my daughter was in hysterics before she even came in the room. Of course, this stress made her tense, so when she got the intramuscular injection, it was even more painful and unpleasant than it could have been.

I've decided to look into hypnosis, for any future shots she might need to have. I am taking her out of the country to where she'll need a few extra inoculations, and I really just want her to be able to relax and not stress out so much ahead of time that she makes it worse for herself again.

I don't know how hypnosis works, so I can't testify to its greatness, but that's what we're considering. I have asked the doctors, at previous (very unpleasant) occasions, for a bit of topical anesthesia, but they don't like to do that for some reason (although I haven't ever been given a reason why).

I hope this helps!

Answer 2

how many times have you stepped on a tack (a nail, a pin), or slammed your finger in a drawer or door, or tripped over something and somewhat twisted your ankle or stubbed your toe. Have you ever been stung by a bee or a mosquito? Well those things are the same things as shots (injections) and blood tests but they are unexpected. I don't hear you saying you won't walk again or walk into the sewing room becaue you might step on something, or you won't walk the stairs for fear you'd miss a step and hurt your ankle. So you see, it's all in the mind and all in what you tell yourself. So what you need to do is change the wording your mind hears to be more positive. For instance you can tell yourself that you're getting something that might save your life some day, something preventative, or are simply doing pre-maintenance to save yourself money in the long run (if money is important to you). Take a joke book or something you're interested in (some articles) to read while you're in the doctor's office. I supect your anxiety is building while you wait so keep busy, or watch tv in the waiting room, or go with someone and while they wait for you you in line at the doctor's office you can be in the car listening to songs and singing till it's your time to go in to see the nurse. When you get in there (for the first time only) tell her of your fear. She may be asking you questions so that you're busy when the shot is given or you may be answering her. Perhaps you have apprehension but remember that you are trying to stay healthy. One little "bite" and for a quick second or a few seconds is really worth keeping your health. And, believe me, each nurse that does her specialty, well, each of them give shots differently. Maybe someone along the line scared you as a kid, or maybe just the planning ahead scared you because the outcome of the visit was an unknown (just as kids have the unknown of that if their parents leave the home will they return for them).

Answer 3

sometimes it helps get things done. If you be brave. Or you just say to yourself. You can do it. I'm a afraid of heights actually terrified . Yet i still ride roaster coasters and stuff like that. And i have a deep fear of heights i freak in high places. But because i think it's fun i do it anyway to face fears. You can't hide from them forever.You just say I can do this and after this i'll be safe and on the ground. If you don't get injections and blood test . Your risking your life not just in fear of it. WOuld you rather risk your life or Face your fear?

Answer 4

I hate shots, too, and I have to give myself two a day because I'm diabetic. Not only that, I have to have blood tests. Ugh! For me, it's a trust issue. Not every nurse, technician, doctor is good at giving shots or drawing blood; hence the fear factor enters in. I look away, concentrate on relaxing, and wait for them to tell me they're done. It helps. After 40+ years, I'm almost over it, and when I meet someone who's really good at it, I compliment them and thank them.

Answer 5

If you're familiar with hypnosis, then you've no doubt heard of Master Hypnotist Steve G. Jones. His book, "Ultimate Conversational Hypnosis" has been voted as the best hypnosis course ever made. The book is also available in electronic format at: http://www.hypnosistocontrol.net

If you want to get an edge in everyday communication and lead other people towards your goals this is a must read.

Answer 6

I was terrified of injections and needles.
One day at my dentists, he was preparing to torture me again, and he saw the sweat dripping off my elbows. he laughed and told me that he'd been bubbling oxygen through the needles to get them really rusty, and bent them over by dropping them on a stone floor to get them nice and blunt, so they'd really hurt!!!!
I was so shocked at how ridiculous it sounded, I laughed and told him to get on with it, I've never been afraid since.
He also uses some cream to deaden my gums now too, so I don't get that initial nasty sting.
I found that dentists can be nice too.
Talk to your medical person about your fears, If they're not understanding, change them, after all you're the customer, and always right.
Good luck

Answer 7

This may sound kind of kooky but try going to a tatto parlor. If this doesn't help ask a doctor or nurse to let you watch the phlobotomist draw blood or a nurse give shots. Personally after so many injuries and stitches they don't bother me any more.

Answer 8

Well the best thing to do is just not think about it,
if it's something you don't like the idea of, and the pain is not what's bothering you, when you are getting the needle/blood test, just try and think about something completely off the subject.

Hope it helps.

Answer 9

When did this fear start? It must have been a bad experience that started it. You just need to get them untill you arent afraid anymore. Also you can tell the person giving it to you that you are scared...

I dont like blood tests because my veins are so small, they cant find them and they have to do it many times.

Answer 10

I have the exact same problem, and in a few weeks I've got to get some needles done because I'm going over to Thailand for 4 weeks. Eeek!

It looks like we're going to have to face our fears, I'm twenty two and still such a baby... i'll get my boyfriend to hold my hand when I get them done lol :-)

Happy days! xox