Terrified of having blood drawn?

Anyone else terrified of having their blood drawn?

I literally feel faint just thinking about it! And I have to go either tomorrow or Wednesday for it - Dr's orders.

Anyone have any tips to feel less stressed?

Re: Terrified of having blood drawn?

This is ME... BUT I was pregnant (lost the baby) and was a human pin cusion its a gets A LITTLE better each time Hang in there!

Re: Terrified of having blood drawn?

I always bring someone with me and I NEVER look at what the technician is doing. Let he or she know you hate the prcedure. Some will even hold your hand.

Re: Terrified of having blood drawn?

If you don't have to fast for the bloodwork (which I know most times you do) make sure you eat before hand.
I get very lightheaded having blood drawn and no food in me.
Unfortuneatly most blood tests you do have to fast for. I have almost fainted a few times.


Don't look at what they are doing and try to bring someone if you can.

Re: Terrified of having blood drawn?

i used to have blood drawn a couple times a year... i HATE it. the best thing is to just not look at whats going on. took me awhile to realize that what made me upset was watching the blood go through tube. if i don't see it, i'm fine...

Re: Terrified of having blood drawn?

I hated it for a LONG time because I had some bad experiences where they poked me a bunch of times when they couldn't find my veins.

BUT, when I had to have my bloodwork done in the beginning of my pregnancy, it was FINE. I went to Quest and I let the tech know how I was and she reassured me that I wouldn't even feel it and she was SO right.

I agree that you don't watch them, look out the window, talk about something, anything. Find a way to distract yourself and it will be over in no time.

Re: Terrified of having blood drawn?

my advice is do not look..and try to keep up some kind of light convo during...I am a nurse but I myself hate to have blood drawn so I just do not look and I chit chat a little and that always works out, and its what I tell my patients too when they are squeamish while I am drawing their blood...HTH and you will be fine

Re: Terrified of having blood drawn?

I hate it but its over so fast that I really dont have time to think about it!!

Re: Terrified of having blood drawn?

Me. I only had it done ONCE. and i passed out LOL
and it was 1 vile

Re: Terrified of having blood drawn?

I used to be TERRIFIED, even as a kid I would literally RUN from the room. My mom would get so embarrassed.

After getting pregnant and having a baby, I think that changes because you just have no choice, so much blood is taken from you constantly that it becomes routine. I still get the little "cold sweat" just before its about to happen, but basically it faded.

Re: Terrified of having blood drawn?

Posted by MrsNYPDsGirl

Anyone else terrified of having their blood drawn?

I literally feel faint just thinking about it! And I have to go either tomorrow or Wednesday for it - Dr's orders.

Anyone have any tips to feel less stressed?

Re: Terrified of having blood drawn?

I have it done about once a month, so I am so used to it......if you get someone really good -- I swear it's TINY PINCH and that's it....Honest!

Re: Terrified of having blood drawn?

have some apple juice and cookies beforehand (and after too, if ya want )... just keep talkin to the person doing it... and it'll be over before you know it... its not bad At all!!

Re: Terrified of having blood drawn?

yep, i hate having my blood drawn as well. to make it go alot better and faster. i close my eyes, let the nurse know i dont like having my blood drawn. and at this point i know my arm which is easier for them to get my blood out of. and then i keep my mind busy with things i have to do later in the day. it helps.

Re: Terrified of having blood drawn?

MEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!

I faint each and every time. Its so awful! I had to go so many times when I was pregnant plus I had to do the 3 hour test because they thought I had diabetes. I took my mom with me because she knows how to calm me down and she also knows when I am about to lose it.

Lay down is my best advice. You dont feel as faint. This last time for the 3 hour, they had to start taking it from my hand because my veins are so bad. The guys knew how I was because I told them right away and they talked to me the whole time. Another thing, remember to breathe. I would get so nervous I would hold my breath and then it was even worse. Take deep breaths as they are doing it. And focus on something and NEVER look!

Everyone told me after having the baby, it wouldnt bother me anymore. Well I had a c section, an epi in my back, more blood drawn in the hospital while there and I am still bad. Good luck and just try to relax..it does go fast and looking at that door on the way out is the best feeling!

Re: Terrified of having blood drawn?

I have to be the worst person to draw blood on. The nurse at my OB won't even try anymore!! Last time I was in the hospital, it took them 8 tries with an IV needle - ouch!! They were almost going to call for clearance to stick the IV in my foot!!
I have accepted the fact that it will take more than one stick to get me - it's not fun, but I have gotten used to it.

Re: Terrified of having blood drawn?

I wish I had something to give you some encouragement

I had to get over the fear pretty quickly while PG because the doctors are like vampires - always looking to get something out of you. I thought I was all cool until I had to have pretesting for my surgery on 11/6. NOPE! Totally passed out! It was awful. I don't know how I made it through but all I do remember was laughing my way into ER (so that I wouldn't freak out). Some how you'll manage to get through. Maybe count to ten, or just blab to the technican. Bring a teddy bear or something?