Blood Tests....

[MadMen]

I've got to have a blood test this week. I was supposed to have it this morning, but I phoned up and changed the appointment as I didn't have anyone to go with me.
I have a major (MAJOR!) fear of needles, and just wondered if they *have* to take it from my arm?

I know that sounds like a stupid question, but is it possible to have blood tests by taking blood from a finger prick?

[paddywak]

Sorry, the amounts needed for testing though fairly small are too big to be taken from a thumb prick.

[daffy654]

They probably need a phial or possibly more, they could not get that much from a finger prick.

[elliemay1]

I wouldn't think so, they would need more blood than that would give.

[anneasquith]

if they only want to do a blood glucose, otherwise no.

[MadMen]

:-(

It's to test for 'inflammation'? would they need much for that, do you think?

I really don't think I can go through with it.

[cazzz1975]

I dont know anyone who looks forwards to a blood test to be honest..

look somewhere else and think about something else whilst they are taking the blood, most of the time the fear is always worse than the actual test, man up!

and good luck..

[Old_Geezer]

Have you been watching too much Hancock ?
It may be just a smear to you, mate, but it's life and death to some poor wretch !

[Sqad]

Sounds like an ESR MM.......no a pin prick amount would not be sufficient.

Would you feel the same if it was taken from the back of the hand?

[elliemay1]

I hate needles too, but usually close my eyes. The good thing is that it doesn't take long. Have you never had a blood test before?

[anneasquith]

i often get blood taken from my hand ( crap veins ) but it is more painful

[MadMen]

It's the needle I have an issue with, but also the blood itself.

Every single time I've had blood taken, when they take the needle out, the blood literally spurts up into the air. The first time it happened, the nurse said "oh blimey, you're a bleeder aren't you". I nearly passed out!
The next time it happened, I specifically told the nurse before she did it that I am "a bleeder" and could she make sure she had the cotton wool on it before it had chance to escape. Did she listen? Did she hell.
Actually, just thinking about it now, I can feel the palms of my hands getting all clammy.

[Canary42]

A thumb prick would still involve a needle so your phobia would surely still click in.

[magsmay]

MadMen -yes you can go ahead with it. Tell the nurse your fears - turn away and take strong deep breaths visualising taking into your body white strong light letting the breath out very slowly while picturing the nerves flowing out down through your body and out through your feet .

[MadMen]

What's ESR?

[cazzz1975]

the benefits of knowing what is wrong should outweigh the discomfort of the blood test.

[Sqad]

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate.......a no specific test to show either the presence of an inflammation or it's response to treatment.....most often the latter.

[anneasquith]

your a bleeder ? :) do you have red hair MM ?

[MadMen]

A quick prick to the thumb doesn't make me feel any kind of fear, oddly.

Thanks mags :-) I worry about it then for the rest of the day. I keep thinking what if the wound opens up and I start bleeding :-(

Cazz, well yeah, there is that. I do keep telling myself that once it's over and done with I can hopefully get to the bottom of it all, but it's just getting there that's going to be the problem.

[MadMen]

sqad, I asked him when I should phone up to get the results, and he said not to, that he'd rather I make an appointment with him to discuss the results? I'm stressing out over that now, thinking he thinks it's something really bad.

Not a red head, no. A slight hint of "copper" (as my dad says) Why?

[coccinelle]

When I go for a blood test I never see the needle, never see the phial bottle and to tell you the truth only know it's a male nurse or female by the voice. I must say the cotton wool is put on straight away (I can feel it). When I was younger I used to faint but getting used to them now. You'll be fine and think about the lovely chocolate cake you've promised yourself as a treat afterwards...