Ms. Hindenberg looks at her bottom

[franksolich]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/11472060

Oh my.

hedgehog (32,916 posts)    Sun May 18, 2014, 04:07 PM

Injection phobia - any advice?

I have my blood drawn fairly often - I just turn my head on general principals. But, even the thought of an injection makes me queasy. Any advice on how to break this phobia?

NightWatcher (24,020 posts)    Sun May 18, 2014, 04:24 PM

1. I have horrible veins for IV's and blood draws

I tell them to use the small butterfly needle and I know that my best veins are near my wrist in line with my thumb.
 
Be sure to drink plenty of liquids the day BEFORE you go in for lab work as well as the day of. I don't drink caffeine the day of the blood draw. I have found that staying hydrated and knowing how to have my blood drawn help me avoid being a human pin cushion.
 
I must be doing ok, I'm down to every 6 months with my rheumy, but I'm about to start up with new doctors at Mayo, so I'm guessing I'll give a couple of gallons in the next few months.

hedgehog (32,916 posts)    Sun May 18, 2014, 04:33 PM

2. Drinking water ahead of a blood draw is a good reminder - my mouth is always dry, so I tend

not to drink enough water. I know that the last few times the phlebotomists have had problems finding a vein.
 
But - my real problem is the notion of getting anything injected. I think it goes back to some nasty penicillin shots I had as a little kid in the late 50's. Oddly enough, having an IV put in is no problem at all!

Warpy (76,286 posts)    Sun May 18, 2014, 04:56 PM

3. Oh, just make sure it's in a bright place with plenty of stuff to distract you.

If it's in your bottom, turn your foot on that side slightly inward to relax the muscle.
 
If they want to give it in your arm, tell them you'd prefer it in your bottom, it's a bigger muscle with fewer nerve endings and you won't be sore at all.
 
I'm not going to tell you to get over it, phobias just don't work that way. Focusing your attention elsewhere can help.
 
I started looking right at it when I was three. I found it hurt less if I watched. I don't have a phobia, though.

[I_B_Perky]

Warpy (76,286 posts)    Sun May 18, 2014, 04:56 PM

3. Oh, just make sure it's in a bright place with plenty of stuff to distract you.

If it's in your bottom, turn your foot on that side slightly inward to relax the muscle.
 
If they want to give it in your arm, tell them you'd prefer it in your bottom, it's a bigger muscle with fewer nerve endings and you won't be sore at all.
 
I'm not going to tell you to get over it, phobias just don't work that way. Focusing your attention elsewhere can help.
 
I started looking right at it when I was three. I found it hurt less if I watched. I don't have a phobia, though.

Wait... what? Drawing blood from your ass? Really? I never heard of that!!!! I got a shot or two in the ass before, hurt like hell,  but never drawing blood.

Here is what I do when they draw blood, you stupid dummie. I tell the Phlebotomist that as long as I don't see it, I am good. Then I turn my head and look at something else. Takes them probably 30 seconds and then they go on their way and I go on mine.


Freaking drama queers.   

[Mike B the Cajun]

I had a few strokes back in '05, leaving my right side arm and leg numb. I tell the phlebotomist to poke me anywhere there. I don't feel a thing.

The lady at the VA clinic is real good anyway, and can stick you, drain you, and pull out before you even feel a sting. The ones at the hospital, not so much...

[GOBUCKS]

Looking at DUmmy Warpy's ass, as horrific as that might be, would still be preferable to her face.