Blood Test Phobic. PLZ HELP

[Scaredlady]

I'm 22 Years old & have a phobia of Blood tests

I gotta have a Blood Test next week & FREAKING OUT

I panic at the thought,sight & feel of a Needle
Have Panic Attacks & end up beign restrained by Nurses

How can i stay calm ?!!!?

[mountainboo]

Hi Scaredlady, the worst thing you can do is dwell on it between now and next week as you will find that you will worry more and more. Everytime you feel anxious or start thinking about the blood test, force yourself to think of something positive. When it comes to the day of the blood test and you feel a panic attack coming on, start saying the alphabet backwards in your mind, or even try counting in groups of 2 or 4. Also try deep breathing from your stomach. Distraction is very helpful. When you get in to see the nurse just try to avoid looking at the needles etc and look out the window. I haven't a phobia of needles, I have a phobia of flying and found these techniques very helpful, I know it's not the same thing but I hope it helps

[devil99]

also please tell the nurse you are needle phobic, you won't believe the number of patients who tell us "it doesnt bother them" then next they are on the floor! Ask if you can lie down when you're having it done,the nurse should try to distract you with small talk, not a great help but it sometimes works, but do tell them your fears, they should be able to leave you for a bit after to compose your-self, but do not worry it should only take a minute to do, all the best xx

[jno]

I'm like that. It helps if you can lie down during the test. Take off clothing so you're not too hot (be near an open window perhaps?) Ask the nurse to tell you how long to go, so you can count down the seconds. Grip something hard so the discomfort from gripping is stronger than the discomfort from the needle. Read posters on the wall, sing, anything to distract yourself. Good luck.

[tiggerblue10]

I used to be scared of the dentist and needles but I just take them in my stride now. I give blood every 6 months and go to the dentist regularly. Just think of it as being a few seconds of your life or a little pin prick.

I'm probably not helping much am I. Sorry Scaredlady!

[beso]

When I was a kid I learnt to go someplace else when I had needles. The forst time I achieved it I remember wondering when they were going to do it only to find it was already over. Didn't feel a thing.

The most important thing is to not tense up because this is what makes it hurt. If you relax the needle goes in easily. The needle itself is actually very small and the hole it makes is tiny compared to your whole body. Think of it as a trivial insignificance not worthy of your attention.

[redcrx]

what is it that you dont like, the needle or the thought pain?

I had most of my blood tests done last time i was pregnant by having the aneasthetic cream put on the area before having the needle and you cant feel a thing.

I then got a bit braver and had it done with an ice spray and this time im pregnant ive actually had bloods taken by midwife with nothing!

If you need help to get it done then dont worry about asking for it! Good luck

[angeldraws]

It's not easy having any phobia but just try to concentrate on the fact that you have the ability to choose..... you can choose to let this freak you out or not. Try to imagine how you would feel if it didnt ever freak you out - ie. what would you be like if you never knew that this freaked you out - as tho' its a BRAND NEW EXPERIENCE that you've never ever done before - then you will have no pre-conceived idea about how you will react as you will have no idea how it feels -i know this is easier said than done, but give it a try- of course you could just choose not to try it....but then you'll never know...... x

[terrorvicky]

hi, i hope your blood test went well! I have exactly the same problem as you. please don't think you're alone. my boyfriend's dad is a paramedic and he has really helped me, gradually every week he showed me a needle, then got me to touch it, hold it, stick it in an orange. if you can find someone like this who is willing to help you, it really helps. before i couldn't even look at a needle, now at least i can. but, the actual process is of course a lot different. one thing that has really helped me is having my blood taken in the childrens department at the hospital. i don't know about you but my hospitals phlebotomy dept is like a meat market, about 15 people in the room at once, it's a catastrophe when you're phobic. i rang the childrens dept and there was a lady who was more than happy to take my blood. i went there 1st thing before any kids came. obviously kids are frightened too so she was used to scared people. i took my boyfriend with me and did not take my eyes off him for a second and told him not to look at my arm. i concentrated on breathing really deeply and i got through it. she used an ice spray to take the pain away (i am allergic to the emla cream) and that did help. but i don't know about you, with me it's not the pain i'm scared of but the actual insertion.
good luck. if you need any more help or just to talk, email me at [email protected]
take care
vicky x

[Scaredlady]

Well it didn't happen. I chickened out & cancelled it !!

But my Boyfriend rebooked it for Tuesday 9am. I'm FREAKING OUT !!!!!
He said he'll drag me to the Hospital & push me into the Blood Test Room ! (freaking scared)

It's not the pain that scares me. - It's having a needle put into a vein (that scares me silly)!