Overcoming a needle phobia

stablesong
stablesong Posts: 224
edited November 12 in Chit-Chat
Hey everyone. I have a huge, full blown phobia of medical needles. I don't have a problem with piercings or tattoos, but I absolutely cannot do anything involving needles at a doctor's office. I had mono in August and I had a panic attack (complete with hyperventilating, sobbing, the whole nine yards in the middle of a lab) when they pricked my finger.

I have to go back to the doctor on Monday for a TB test, which I'm not super concerned about right now, and Tuesday for a meningitis and a tetanus shot. Last time I got a tetanus shot, they were out of the meningitis vaccine, but the nurse told me "You're lucky we don't have that one right now, because that one REALLY hurts." And tetanus shots are of the devil, so these are the two worst possible shots I could have to get.

I'm scared to death and I honestly have no idea how to handle it. I was hoping that someone had experience with this and could help me out, or give me advice on how to prevent having a panic attack or bursting into tears. Any psychological stuff would be welcome, breathing exercises, etc, as well as any kind of medication or the like to take beforehand.

Replies

  • vypeters
    vypeters Posts: 475 Member
    I have a horrible needle phobia. I think it stemmed from having horrible veins when I was so overweight, but I have great veins now and it hasn't improved. Therapy might help, but I don't know anyone around here who does phobia therapy. A few tips:

    Tell the person giving you the shots about your needle phobia and its symptoms.

    Tell them that for their best interests as well as yours, they need to gather everything to get it over quickly, allow you to lie down and not let you see the needles at all.

    Lay there and focus on breathing normally. That's what you need to be thinking about. Not super deep breathes, but from the diaphragm, in out. Breathe normally.

    Finally, remain lying down until your heart rate has calmed and your breathing is normalized.

    You don't owe anyone an apology for having a needle phobia, but it's important that you continue to have the courage to have treatment in spite of it.
  • secretlobster
    secretlobster Posts: 3,566 Member
    I've gone 15 years using a tactic called "denial and complete aversion to rusty fences"... Not looking for advice, and I don't have any of my own, but I just wanted to say I know how you feel, and it SUCKS. You're not alone. I have a couple of other friends who can't deal with needles either. Maybe you could ask for a valium? Your health care provider should respect your concerns and try to make it as easy and painless as possible... If not... Find someone else.

    My worst needle experience ever was getting an IV. The nurse didn't give a crap about my phobia, threatened that my insurance wouldn't pay if I refused it, and I almost ripped her throat out. Empathy is a nice thing :\
  • darkknightfan
    darkknightfan Posts: 396 Member
    im terribly needle-phobic.. my only piece of advise is find either a point outside or in the room where the needle isnt in your field of vision and focus on that as much as you possibly can .. Try to keep your breathing even
  • stablesong
    stablesong Posts: 224
    Thanks all of you. I'm going to ask if I can lie down and for them to not tell me when they're about to do it, but the anticipation is really making me upset. I actually started crying a few minutes ago thinking about it.
    The only doctor who has ever been sensitive to my problems was my oral surgeon in elementary school, who put me to sleep before putting the IVs in. In middle school, they would put needles in my hand to numb my arm for the IV to put me to sleep. It was terrifying and awful. I don't think I can remember a single time I've had shots that I didn't freak out and cry. Hopefully this doctor, who has been my family doctor and a family friend for years, will be understanding.
  • Huggenkiss27
    Huggenkiss27 Posts: 59
    Any way you can listen to headphones or have some other distraction? Play Angry Birds one handed, tetris, or some game? Have someone go with you and talk to you? I got the menengitis shot in October and the actual shot wasn't any worse that normal. My arm was a tiny bit sore for a day or two after I got it.
  • ♥Faerie♥
    ♥Faerie♥ Posts: 14,053 Member
    Never look, and if you can, lie down, I do whenever they have to take blood, otherwise, I pass out......You could even see if they will prescribe you a Valium or something similar before you go, sometimes doctors do that if you suffer from anxiety, my dentist does that sometimes....
    Kinda ironic, since I am covered in tattoos....I am a strange one I am...
  • Lmkurtz725
    Lmkurtz725 Posts: 21
    I have an awful aversion to needles. Once when I was in the ER for stitches, I was so scared (I'd never had lidocaine or stitches before) my blood pressure got so high they were going to admit me. This year I finally got my cholesterol checked for the first time. I'm always honest with the person giving me the needles about my fear...they are usually pretty good about taking it slow. I had knee surgery in November and the nurse actually numbed the area (with a small needle) before inserting the IV (which was a much bigger needle). That was the best that anyone has every done for me.
  • ZombieChaser
    ZombieChaser Posts: 1,555 Member
    Hey girl, I totally know where you're coming from! Before I left for Thailand, they had to give me 3 needles...3! Yes, on the same day! I have similar fear responses, but I've actually gotten up and tried to escape on a few occations. Here's what I did:

    I informed the nurse about my fear and how I react.
    I told her that she needed to approach me without needles in her hand, but that she could put the needles on a table near her.
    I asked her to do it on 3, and that I would be yelling the entire time (I need that release...don't ask LOL)

    Now, she did none of those things, despite my request...but it's worked well in the past!
  • LuckyLeprechaun
    LuckyLeprechaun Posts: 6,296 Member
    I am exactly the same way.

    One word: Xanax.

    Better life through chemistry.

    If my university hadn't threatened me that I could not sign up for my last semester of classes, I would be doing the "avoid rusty nails" idea as well. Which isn't smart.

    You can do this. I understand about the anxiety of even thinking about it, try not to think of it at all until the day of. Then get someone to take you.

    Good luck!
  • MrsCon40
    MrsCon40 Posts: 2,351 Member
    Put heroin in it. You'll forget all about the needles in no time! :wink:
  • UponThisRock
    UponThisRock Posts: 4,519 Member
    close your eyes?
  • DawnB86
    DawnB86 Posts: 99 Member
    Try this: tell the nurse about your phobia (agreed with everyone else). Then ask him/her to let you know when they are going to put the needle in. Take a deep breath in and when they put the needle in, let it out forcefully. Then breathe normal. This has always helped me. Also, if you need an IV or blood taken, maybe ask if they can put it in your hand instead of your arm: for me, the phobia was the needle going in at my elbow: it's just too sensitive. It still hurts a little but psychologically, it was much better.

    Good luck:flowerforyou:
  • LuckyLeprechaun
    LuckyLeprechaun Posts: 6,296 Member
    ^ I always beg them to use the vein on the back of my hand. This scares me (slightly) less. They are always reluctant, and in most cases, they refuse. They always warn me: it's going to bruise there. (i don't care!)
  • maglodee
    maglodee Posts: 46 Member
    I have the same issue. It works best for me when I lie down, and they use a butterfly needle on the back of my hand. These are the needles they use to get blood from small children/babies. It takes a little longer, but well worth it.

    For injections, just don't look at the needle, and keep laying down until it's over. Music is also a good distraction. Good luck!
  • WickedGarden
    WickedGarden Posts: 944 Member
    I have a horrible fear of needles! I also worked as a vet tech for 5 years, and gave vaccines, drew blood, and placed IV catheters all the time...I still hate needles!

    I agree, just tell the nurse your fear, and they will tell you when they poke you. Lucky me, I have nice roly poly easy to find veins that always blow, so I get poked multiple times. :grumble:
  • love2cycle
    love2cycle Posts: 448 Member
    Recently went to Zambia and had to get 5 shots at the same time. Not fun, but I just sat still and stared. Sort of trance like. I did well, and the guy offered me a lollipop!
  • cee134
    cee134 Posts: 33,711 Member
    I don't mind needles. I hate the flu much more. (I know they don't always vaccinate you for the correct flu strain but it is better than nothing.)
  • MostlyWater
    MostlyWater Posts: 4,294 Member
    My experiences:

    Have them use the correct vein.

    Use a nurse or lab - nurses are more gentle than doctors since they do this all day.

    Don't look.

    Distract yourself with talking or music or whatever works for you.

    The more it's done, as in a chronic condition, the more you'll get used to it.
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  • km8907
    km8907 Posts: 3,861 Member
    newmeadow wrote: »
    MeeseeksAndDestroy wrote: »
    So what happened to the other needle thread?

    It got political.

    Shocking.
  • Grimmerick
    Grimmerick Posts: 3,342 Member
    edited February 2018
    Maybe if you can have someone tapping or flicking a different part of your body at the same time, I had a dentist who would shake your cheek(lightly) during an injection to distract you. or take a rubber band and tighten it with your forefinger and thumb and strum it to smack your palm, it might sting a little but take your mind off of it, it's harder to feel similar sensations when your brain is focused on one.
  • Keto_Vampire
    Keto_Vampire Posts: 1,670 Member
    edited February 2018
    As someone who injects people on a regular basis, there are a few ways to deal with needle phobia. I mainly use distractions
    1) distraction: we'll often probe you to ask what you plan on doing later, going on any trips, how your day has been, etc.
    Not looking at the needle helps as well (often ask if the person is ready, 3,2,1...). Forcing a cough helps beforehand if you are prone to syncope/fainting

    2) expectations: helps to be realistic about how much it will hurt or how it will feel (ex. Bee sting, little pinch, etc.)
    3) local anesthetics: seldom use, blocks nerve conduction to the area

    Note: in the future, there will be nano-needle technology (patch like device) for administering parenterals (currently in development and testing phases)
  • zcb94
    zcb94 Posts: 3,678 Member
    Disclaimer-this is going to sound mildly snarky, but I am actually partially kidding:
    Get paralyzed from the waist down in a tragic situation of your choice, then, as your attendant wheels you in, explain that you will refuse the test/surgery/procedure and your insurance will not pay a single penny if the person sticking you doesn’t use your leg/foot for whatever they’re doing. Repeat until they give in or you are told never to darken the clinic’s doorway anymore.
  • TravisJHunt
    TravisJHunt Posts: 533 Member
    Look away, imagine something awesome.
  • Go_Deskercise
    Go_Deskercise Posts: 1,630 Member
    Hmmm.... I'm the opposite of this lol

    I'm one those people that has to watch the needle go into my skin.
    I do this as my thought process is: If you're going to stick something in my body, I need to know about it.

    Suggestion for you: Ask the doctor if there is something you can take before you know you are going to be given a shot to calm your nerves down a bit. I would suggest some Melatonin (disclaimer: I am not a Dr.)
  • km8907
    km8907 Posts: 3,861 Member
    Bring one of those frozen teething gel packs and numb the area they're about to stick you in.
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