Needle phobia - how to overcome it?
Discussion
I'm off for a blood test shortly but have an uncontrollable reaction to having needles stuck in me. I feel like such a wuss, But I genuinely don't have any control over my physical reaction; nausea, light-headedness, shakiness etc. Mentally I'm fine with it, but I seem to 'react' in a way I can't control. Any suggestions as to how to deal with it? I do feel like a big girl's blouse for knowing what will happen, but I'd really like to be 'OK' about having this done.
'MTFU' doesn't seem to work.
'MTFU' doesn't seem to work.
Hello. You sound like me. I HATE needles and always have had. When I was 11 I broke my arm and the needle snapped (were stiffer then) and they spent ages fishing around inside looking for the sliver I also went many years without dental treatment due to a real fear of needles until I found a really nice dentist who took her time with me.
Who do you go and see for the blood test? I would ask to see one of the nurses, as they will spend some time with you rather than you being on a production line waiting in that dreaded room. I even request that the hospital refers me back to the local nurse for blood tests etc. Keep talking always help as it takes your mind of the deed.
And yes, have woken upside down in 'that chair' due to all the blood draining away (nearly an arm full).
I did know a chap who could not even look at one but needed a heart by-pass operation. The nurse helped him get over his fear.
Some fears are very strange. My brother in law would rather have lots of needles than have his hair cut
Edited by Morningside on Friday 18th March 12:33
You may find it's a control issue - I hate needles but I have tattoos, because the tattooist gave me the needle with no ink in and let me control it - obviously no medical professional will let me stick a hypodermic in my arm unless I make a serious effort and become diabetic, so the fear of medical needles remains.
GTO Scott said:
obviously no medical professional will let me stick a hypodermic in my arm unless I make a serious effort and become diabetic, so the fear of medical needles remains.
Have you considered buying a syringe and just poking yourself with it? Or in fact just getting a sewing needle and sticking it in you? You can stick the tip into the first or second layer of skin without pain. Let it sit there for a bit. Or slip it in and out so that it sits with the skin holding it halfway along and both ends sticking out. 
I am the same, I wont go see to denist, even my teeth are hurting, i rather suffer. I have very good denist but i still refuse to go.
I even feel sick, and turn into white ghost when i saw needle on TV.
I even got nightmare and stayed up all night, if i had a appionment that requires needle.
THey wont put me under general atherstic(spelling??) because im deaf, i might not able to wake up afterward. ffs.
I have tattoo and i am ok with it, i would accept a drill if i had a high pain tolerance but not needle.
It is big problem.
I even feel sick, and turn into white ghost when i saw needle on TV.
I even got nightmare and stayed up all night, if i had a appionment that requires needle.
THey wont put me under general atherstic(spelling??) because im deaf, i might not able to wake up afterward. ffs.
I have tattoo and i am ok with it, i would accept a drill if i had a high pain tolerance but not needle.
It is big problem.
- edited* even reading the comment above about getting a needle and sticking it in my arm is making me feel faint.
Edited by vrooom on Friday 18th March 13:35
It went OK in the end. Wasn't as bad as I'd feared; I think the fact I had a funny 5 minutes last time didn't help. Unfortunately she struggled to find a vein and when she did it didn't give up very much. I may have to go for a repeat performance if they need more. I explained my concern and the nurse was very good. She actually commented that she'd mentioned to the student nurse who was there as well that she thought I wasn't happy about being there when she saw me in the waiting room..
Didn't feel nauseous or light-headed this time. Thing is I know it's nothing to worry about - I'm actually fine with it, but the last few times I've had physiological reactions I can't control, that's all. I'd actually like to get past all this because I'd like to give blood. My mother was a blood recipient when I was born and I'd like to 'do my bit'.
I certainly don't feel anywhere near my 'normal self' though.
Thanks for remembering and asking though.
Didn't feel nauseous or light-headed this time. Thing is I know it's nothing to worry about - I'm actually fine with it, but the last few times I've had physiological reactions I can't control, that's all. I'd actually like to get past all this because I'd like to give blood. My mother was a blood recipient when I was born and I'd like to 'do my bit'.
K77 CTR said:
How's the shingles?
Shingles is starting to clear, but I'm still signed off work. Still feel like I've been beaten up though, apparently the 'drained' feeling takes a while to pass. I think they're running blood tests just to check I'm not deficient in anything and I'm on antibiotics for an infection as a result of the shingles.. I certainly don't feel anywhere near my 'normal self' though.Thanks for remembering and asking though.
vrooom said:
I would accept a drill if i had a high pain tolerance but not needle.
I have had one filling in my life; I told him to do it without anaesthetic rather than have a needle stuck in my gum. I know, it's crazy, but I was better off that way. Bizarrely my pain threshold is quite high, but I really just don't get along with needles!Funk said:
.... Thing is I know it's nothing to worry about - I'm actually fine with it, but the last few times I've had physiological reactions I can't control, that's all. I'd actually like to get past all this because I'd like to give blood. ......
And therein lies the way to resolve it.You know (conscious mind) that it's nothing to worry about but you still react in a way you can't control(subconscious mind)
Conscious mind is analytical whereas subconscious is emotional.
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