Needle phobia

[blackford]

I am having my first blood test soon. And suffer from an extreme fear of needles. When confronted by one i experience,
Sweating
Shaking
nausea
pounding heart
hyperventilation
and get dizzy??
How can i control these symptoms, during a needle procedure?? Please help me. Thankyou

[kwicky]

I knew someone who had the same dread of needles. They say to combat any fear you have to confront it. In your case to ease the confrontation could you try piercing your skin with a sewing needle to draw blood and gradually increase the size of the needle until any fear of needles is greatly reduced.

[delirious]

hi blackford
tell the people who do the bloodtest about your fear and look away while they take blood.

[yolande]

You could call the doctor/nurse beforehand to discuss this. They may even be able to give you some medicine to help you relax when the blood is being taken. Make sure they know about your phobia, they will have dealt with the situation before.

[kwicky]

I'm not so sure about telling the nurse you are afraid. It might make her feel nervous also and personally I would prefer someone who is confident. But obviously it depends on who does it.

[tingirl]

I used to be the same and would faint at the thought of a needle. wheneer i had holiday jabs i'd faint and had to be revived with sugar water!
..until I decided to face it head on and got a tattoo - not that i'm endorsing the same method!

i recommend keeping your breathing in check, nice and relaxed and also take a few drops of Bachs rescue remedy beforehand. works wonders.