Severe needle phobia?!


Question: Severe needle phobia.?
I'm 18 and all my life I've had a severe fear of syringes. I can't even look at a picture of one without crying or starting to hyperventilate...it's really really bad. I had to get a TB test about a year and a half ago and I screamed, sobbed, and generally made a fool of myself. I also passed out the second she got out the needle but she waited for me to wake up again before giving it to me unfortunately..and after that I was sick and dizzy and couldn't leave for while.

There are nights where I can't sleep for 4-5 hours because I have night terrors about having to get my blood drawn. I know I'm going to have to get a shot or blood drawn sooner or later...and I wanted to know if anyone knew of anything I could do to help myself get better.? I've heard some drs give anxiety meds to a patient on the day they have to get a shot.? Let me know...

Just from writing this I'm going to have to cover my arms and freak out for a little bit :[ I hate it so muchHealth Question & Answer


Answers:
First, you are not alone. And what you have is real. It does not mean that you are weak, a crybaby, a coward, or anything like that.

I have been phobic about needles for many years. I dread having to be injected or to have blood drawn. But I have found a solution that helps me.There is a topical anesthetic called EMLA, also generically as Lidocaine and Prilocaine cream 2.5%/2.5%. This is available only by prescription, so explain to your doctor that you are phobic about needles and get your doctor to write you a prescription for it. It is available in small tubes that each have enough for two procedures.

It goes on above where the needle will be inserted, about half of the small tube, then covered by what is called a Tegaderm dressing. It is best to get whoever is going to draw the blood to put this on.

Get comfortable, because you need to wait at least one hour for maximum effect. Hold your arm or whatever still and keep track of the time. Don't let them rush you, wait the full hour.

It is best if the person drawing the blood is gentle, compassionate and understanding. The EMLA soaks into the skin for several layers and you should not feel it at all, other than as pressure from the phlebotomist's fingers.

Take somebody with you because you may not be best able to drive before or after this frightening procedure. Then go do something that is a special treat for you. You have earned it.

I do hope this helps.Health Question & Answer

yeh alot of doctors will either give you some anxiety medicine or laughing gas...they both work wonders,,,,trust me....i have had 3 surgeries and i will not even tell you how many times i have had needled stuck into meHealth Question & Answer

Hey girl,
Such a strong fear that will make you feel the way you do just by looking at a picture or thinking about it definitely would be hard to deal with. I have a major fear of dentists, eww, I have spoken with my doctor and he gives me either a Xanax, or a Valium before I go. I usually take it about an hour to a half hour before the procedure, it helps out so much, and make me just relax. It would probably help you a great deal. I really hope this helps you hun, and I feel you on the the needle thing, a drill is pretty much the same thing.Health Question & Answer



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