Phobia of Needles and Blood

[kopilo]

Hi, I have a phobia of needles and blood, I've been trying a lot of things to try and overcome this phobia or at least minimise it. Such as watching operations on TV, and other cinematrical junk.

Which seemed to be working for a while.

(I even had my wisdom teeth taken out in the chair when my wisdom teeth had to be take out).

However the otherday I was talking to someone about the operation, about the blood etc and then I nearly fainted (kept conciousness but everything else went white).

Even just talking about blood and needles does make me a little uneasy.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[Petunia]

Does anyone have any suggestions?

I don't know how old you are.. but if you're an adult.. start routinely donating blood.

It will probably be hard at first.. but continue with it. I used to have a phobia of needles and needles going into the skin. But not anymore.

 

[Im-revived]

You know you'll probably be suprised at this, but theres also many ex drug addicts who used to inject, who are now terriffied like you of blood and needles. And there isn't an easy answer!

1. Completely turn away if bloods need to be taken.
2. Tell the person/nurse etc your fearful of needles and some are good at relaxing you.
3. Listen to some calming music on the way.

Im-revived

Hi, I have a phobia of needles and blood, I've been trying a lot of things to try and overcome this phobia or at least minimise it. Such as watching operations on TV, and other cinematrical junk.

Which seemed to be working for a while.

(I even had my wisdom teeth taken out in the chair when my wisdom teeth had to be take out).

However the otherday I was talking to someone about the operation, about the blood etc and then I nearly fainted (kept conciousness but everything else went white).

Even just talking about blood and needles does make me a little uneasy.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[vespasia]

* Just going to add*

IF you fall into the high risk lifestyle category or have ever had a blood bourne illness and in the UK anyone who has had blood transfusions is exempt from donating. I fit all three categories and live with knowing my blood is considered and extremely hazerdous substance.
No one will thank you if your not honest about it and you could risk infecting others.

Im-revived comments are good.
If you tend to keel over always make sure you are sitting down or if you tend to pass out ask if you could lie down. The nice plebotomists and other medical staff are very good about such things.

 

[Petunia]

I agree with Im-revived.. if you do donate blood, tell the person drawing the blood that you have a phobia. So they can try to make you as comfortable as possible.

It's a good way to get over a phobia. Face your fear. Watching television programs is a good start. But you're still a good distance from it.

I used to have a phobia of needles and needles going into the skin. And I was going to school studying nursing! Unfortunately.. I developed a medical condition that caused me to be hospitalized on a number of occasions. And it's pretty routine to have certain bloodwork tests done and iv meds in the hospital. It was hard to face those needles at first. But after a short while.. they didn't mean a thing. I didn't even feel them most of the time... and still don't.

Also.. as Vespasia said.. don't donate if you're in a high risk category.

 

[kopilo]

Thank you for all your suggestions, I'd first have to have my blood tested to really know how safe it is or not.

I can donate blood, but I'll get my girl friend to come along. Partially for the distraction and partially for the calming quality.

 

[madison1101]

My suggestion is to start doing breathing exercises every day. Breath in through your nose for a count of six, and then blow out slowly through your mouth to a count of six. Do that for 3 minutes, 6 times a day. Notice that you feel more relaxed when you do that. Keep doing that on a regular basis. When a situation comes up that causes your anxiety level to rise, practice your deep breathing exercises and keep your eyes on the light switch or the door knob while you breath. You will be amazed at how you will feel. It takes practice, but I do deep breathing regularly and when I am anxious, I find it really helps me.

Hugs,
Trish