Needle Phobia

[fishsticks]

Hello!

Obviously there is never a cure for a phobia, but is there anyone else who has suffered or still does with a severe needle phobia and possibly has it under control?

I married in October last year and my husband and I are talking about trying for a baby next year, but I have a very severe needle phobia which is currently posing an issue for obvious reasons. I would never want to harm an unborn baby with stress, etc. and I am aware of how vital it is to have blood tests and the like when pregnant.

I was just hoping for a little advice really from anyone who has this under control? And what did you try to combat it? My doctor laughed at me and told me I was wasting his time when I mentioned it was starting to become a large issue within my life and I feel it might be increasing to a larger fear of hospitals/doctors surgeries and not just needles itself.

Thanks!

Oh - bit of background. I most definitely don't remember this, but may be a factor - I had meningitis at 18 months old and was hospitalised for 14 months being poked and prodded. Then, at 17, doctors suspected I had glandular fever, tried to take a blood sample but failed multiple times... so they tried to get a sample out of my foot. It was quite the ordeal and this set me back even further (and no conclusion as to whether I did have glandular fever at the time!) Had my 4 wisdom teeth out at 24 and got put to sleep with gas even after having a pre-med it was a slight issue and they had put an IV in once I was asleep and took it out as soon as I started to come round... not good!!

 

[Pixipoppy]

Aww your GP should never laugh at an issue like that! What a bellend! Get a new doctor for starters...

I used to be massively scared of needles. Refused every injection I should have had from the age of 11. Terrified of hospitals and doctors, once went to A+E and RAN AWAY (literally) when they came into the room with a tray of tools (it was a pretty minor injury but I should have gotten stitches for it).Didn’t go to the dentist for 5 years because I was so terrified of needing an injection if I went.

Anyway because I chose a job in healthcare (ironic!) I was told I needed to have all those lovely jabs I’d been avoiding, plus various blood tests to check what else I needed. I found that the best way to get through it was to listen to music and distract myself with something on my phone. Now I’ve had so many injections, I’ve given blood, had piercings, botox etc - they don’t bother me anymore because I have more positive experiences than negative ones.

It sounds like you’ve had some nasty experiences which are making your body react automatically. I know it’s easier said than done but you just have to take yourself away for a few seconds. Injections are so quick and I can say with 100% certainty it will not be as bad as you remember. Don’t let this get in the way of having a baby, also never feel embarrassed to tell a medical professional you’re nervous - they want to make it as easy for you too!

 

[Platypusfattypus]

Hypnosis might be worth a try?

If I know someone has a needle phobia I suggest emla cream, headphones and to look away.

 

[NeighbourhoodWatch]

I had a baby in nov, exact same problem as you, literally petrified. I'm not sure if different hospital trusts have different policies but I got booking bloods and I think 28 week bloods done, and the glucose test which is a blood test every hour over three hours. And it was just hyperventilating and tears every time. The girls were so lovely don't worry. Also I'm not sure if you will get offered flu/whooping cough vaccines but I refused them and baby is fine.

I was nearly sick thinking how am going to get an epidural but I fully recommend. I literally froze with fear getting it but again the midwifes are well used to it.

Dont let 2 blood tests put you off.

 

[openbook1]

So I get the depo provera birth control shot every 12 weeks and that doesn't bother me. BUT when it comes to having blood taken, I HATE it. I have tiny veins and have to get prodded so many times before it works. But one time I had a dr tell me that a butterfly needle would be better. They are smaller and often used for children. Since then, I always request a butterfly needle and have zero issues.

 

[Prodcon21]

I was exactly the same as you! I didn’t have my TB in school because of it, I didn’t go the dentist and ended up with crappy teeth because of it.

What “cured” it? Being pregnant! Honest, it was like “I need to do this For my baby, it needs doing, get it done”

He’s 2 now, and I’m no longer a needle phobe!

Obviously that sounds really simplistic. But it was a case of “am I really going to deprive myself and my husband of a child because I’m scared of needles?”

My mum used to always say “it’s a second of your life” - so really not worth missing out on a child for. And once you get the first couple out the way, it’s much easier. X

 

[OrangeSweatshirt]

Have you tried getting numbing cream and one of those Buzzy things?

 

[Keepitw0nky]

I’m like this, I passed out and had a sort of fit when they tried to take blood with my first child. You just do it, it’s not as bad as you imagine. Take someone with you, think about holding your baby. Pretty sure I only had blood taken 2x per pregnancy and as someone mentioned above, I also refused the jabs.

 

[Lauren1994]

I’m a type 1 diabetic and have roughly 10 needles in me a day, I still have a fear of letting someone else stick needles in me or do my bloodtests, I hate it!!

if you prefer doing the injections yourself (if you can) you could try that. If it’s a bloodtest then I’d suggest any distraction techniques, not working yourself up to it and don’t look when it’s actually happening.

always remain positive, think about the good in wHy you have to have the needle in the first place.

I know phobias can be impossible to manage but hopefully these little things help

 

[CherryAcid]

I was the same, was in out and out of hospital as a child. i found once i got used to jabs i became terrifed of bloodtests. I had to have one so i went to the path lab first thing with my sister and honestly it really wasnt as bad as I had built it up to be. Perhaps have someone close come with you, i find the path labs far better than the gps as they are used to people who are nervous.

 

[Platypusfattypus]

Yeah a butterfly can be easier to deal with.

So I get the depo provera birth control shot every 12 weeks and that doesn't bother me. BUT when it comes to having blood taken, I HATE it. I have tiny veins and have to get prodded so many times before it works. But one time I had a dr tell me that a butterfly needle would be better. They are smaller and often used for children. Since then, I always request a butterfly needle and have zero issues.

On a side note i love using butterfly needles. I just love taking blood

 

[Summer0408]

I don’t have a fear or needles but I have a fear of blood tests and have the exact same issue as you. I had gone my whole life avoiding them as much as possible, crying, walking out of the doctors and being in complete panic mode. I eventually had to have 3 in close concession last year and I was terrified but it had to be done, I think once you know they’ve got to be done it’s a case of mind over matter. I explained to all of the nurses taking my blood that I was terrified and could I have the band a little looser than they normally do and they’re always incredibly kind, sweet and talk to you to take your mind off things. I did nearly pass out the first time (after the actual blood taking) and I’m in no rush to do another but once it’s done the first time it feels a bit less scary every time.

 

[Ssshhhhh06]

I have a life-long phobia of needles, blood and generally the inner workings of the human body. I did CBT to help as my job requires me to do first aid training etc which I'd previously had to be carried out of after basically fainting.

CBT was the best thing I've done and I'm really proud of my achievements almost 5 years on. I'm not fully 'cured' and still have moments but I can now hear people discussing blood etc without having a panic attack, have been to blood tests alone without my 'safety behaviours' and have dealt with first aid. It's life changing.

Exposure therapy as part of CBT was intense, both emotionally and physically, but has taught me so much. People without phobias can never truely understand how tough it is to face your fears: these irrational thoughts completely consume you, but may seem silly to others.

I hope you get the support you need xx

 

[Doneuplikeadogsdinner]

My tips
People should be very aware about this so shout about it to any healthcare people you see . Dentists often have specialists that are trained . Buy Emma numbing cream .. it works .. we use it in kids all the time .
Use your earphones and listen to whatever calms and distracts you.
Drink lots of water etc before your appointment... it raises your veins and makes taking blood much easier .
Always lie down and have something with sugar to eat.

I meant dentist have specially trained so so should other elements of healthcare .

And “ Emla”
I have had Prosecco

 

[ponyta]

I used to struggle with this, however I have found that (for me) repeated exposure has really helped. I was so poorly and feeling desperate for the blood tests to bring answers really changed it all for me. I was having blood tests/cannulated frequently and one day I just realised I was no longer afraid.
I found being honest with health care professionals about the fear, they would then do their best to support you. They want you to have the 'best' experience that you can rather than it be a trauma.