anyone have a SEVERE fear of needles?

I am having my blood test tomorrow and I have always been VERY afraid of needles to the point where I have a panic attack. I am starting it now. I am obsessed about tomorrow and I can feel my stomach getting queesy and all the other signs of a panic attack. Anyone else have this? How do you get through it? Any help would be comforting! My mom tells me just to "grow up and get over it!" She doesn't realize that it's beyone my control! I just wish I could face it like a big girl, but I totally shut down and become another person that I don't like or want to be. I am practically in tears now with the thought of tomorrow! My DH had to hold me down for a PPD test a few months ago and I bit him really hard that left a mark. Yep, I know it's wacky, but like I said, it's totally beyond my control!

Please help!!!!!!

Re: anyone have a SEVERE fear of needles?

For severe phobias, there is a method called systematic desensitization to help people get over phobias. Basically you make a list of say 10 scenarios about the fear from least frightening to most. Then you do the least scary thing (ie: being in a room with a picture of a needle) until it no longer makes you anxious. then you move on to the next thing. This is obviously over-simplified, usually takes a long time and is done with professional help. Good luck.

Or... you can ask your MD to give you something to take for anxiety before the test (like a xanax).

Re: anyone have a SEVERE fear of needles?

I've never really been afraid of needles, but the last time I was at the dentist they used what seemed like a really big needle to give me novicaine. I started panicing-my heart was racing, I could hardly breathe. I got through it by just focusing on deep breathing and visualizing being somewhere really relaxing.

Re: anyone have a SEVERE fear of needles?

Posted by rose825

Or... you can ask your MD to give you something to take for anxiety before the test (like a xanax).

Re: anyone have a SEVERE fear of needles?

Posted by kelly4

Posted by rose825

Or... you can ask your MD to give you something to take for anxiety before the test (like a xanax).

I can't take anything b/c I'm preggo..... but I wish there was something!

Re: anyone have a SEVERE fear of needles?

I am deathly afraid of needles, and still look away when they take the blood. However, I still dont know how I was able to inject myself. But I look at it as I really want a baby more than anything, and that is what I think of when I see the needles.

You will be fine.

Re: anyone have a SEVERE fear of needles?

If you cant take anything then deep focused breathing and other relaxation techniques work well too

Re: anyone have a SEVERE fear of needles?

i have always had panic attacks (sometimes i get so worked up that i faint- i've fallen on the nurse and on the floor before!) when i had to have a needle. mostly it was when the doctor took blood- i would totally get freaked out. now i go for allergy shots every other week and i'm fine with them- i just keep talking and talking and talking to the nurse and keep my mind off of it (plus, they don't hurt at all). i am NOT looking forward to all of the bloodwork associated with pregnancy (in the future).

i totally feel your pain. i have had ther same type of massive anxiety attacks. i have to completely keep my mind off of what is happening or my blood pressure skyrockets, by heartbeat speeds up and i get all woozy. i just DO NOT think about what is happening. its all in my mind so i try to control it.

Re: anyone have a SEVERE fear of needles?

Hi!
Tell them to use a butterfly needle!

It is tiny and doesnt look scary or hurt at all, they tend to use this on children, pple who r prone to fainting (me) and pple with fears of needles.. I dont see why they cant use this type if ur really scared. Ask for it!

Goodluck!!!

Re: anyone have a SEVERE fear of needles?

MEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am just like you. I am deathly afraid and not only do I have panic attacks even days before having blood taken, I pass out when it happens and I too get violent. Its awful and it isnt something that I can control AT ALL. I have put off so much in my life because so much of it had to do with taking blood tests. Its horrible. The last time I had blood taken, my mom went in with me and held me head into her and I put earphones on as loud as they could go. The guy was excellent and I didnt feel a thing but like someone else said..its not so much about the actual pain of the needle, its more mind over matter..me thinking about what is actually happening. Can I tell you that just with typing this right now, I am getting lightheaded..thats how bad I am!

Please believe me when I say that I TOTALLY understand your fear! We are so much alike! FM me if you want anytime to discuss...no one seems to understand where I am coming from at all!

Re: anyone have a SEVERE fear of needles?

Posted by muchinluvmichi

Hi!
Tell them to use a butterfly needle!

It is tiny and doesnt look scary or hurt at all, they tend to use this on children, pple who r prone to fainting (me) and pple with fears of needles.. I dont see why they cant use this type if ur really scared. Ask for it!

Goodluck!!!

Re: anyone have a SEVERE fear of needles?

I JUST posted about how I have no idea how I am going to start injectables tonight.
I am freaking out already for a needle that I am getting in 10 hours.

I keep trying to remind myself that the needle is in and out in a minute and that all I have to do is buck up for 60 seconds.
This mind set keeps calming me down (a bit anyway)

Re: anyone have a SEVERE fear of needles?

Posted by DebG

I JUST posted about how I have no idea how I am going to start injectables tonight.
I am freaking out already for a needle that I am getting in 10 hours.

I keep trying to remind myself that the needle is in and out in a minute and that all I have to do is buck up for 60 seconds.
This mind set keeps calming me down (a bit anyway)

Re: anyone have a SEVERE fear of needles?

Just wanted to say good luck and try to stay calm!

Just remember you are getting all these blood tests done for a good cause and to make sure that you are healthy for your baby's development.

You need to be brave especially knowing you will be a mom soon - there will be more blood tests and shots to come so try to overcome it now- maybe you can soothe your mind before you go for the blood test. Maybe do some meditation.


good luck

Re: anyone have a SEVERE fear of needles?

Lora,

How'd it go? Did you make it? I just had like 8 vials of blood taken from me today too (and I had another vial taken last Thurs) -- it's NOT fun! Did you survive? Hope you weren't alone!

Susan

Re: anyone have a SEVERE fear of needles?

Lora- I have that fear too! Hope it turned out alright for you!