|
I don't get my own fear?
I have always been so scared of needles. I have a mild blood condition so I've had to get blood taken a few times in my life. That and shots, I do not remember ever cooperating with the doctor getting it done. Today I had to get a booster shot at the doctor's, which I honestly didn't feel at all... but when I heard I had to get one I was freaking out inside. I hold in all my fear until I see the needle, then I am just completely overcome by fear and I burst into tears. I refused to get a shot today until my mom walked out of the room embarassed and I felt bad so I did it. When I get blood taken I stall with the nurses for as long as I can. It's not the pain that bothers me, but I just can't handle it. I don't think I was ever traumatized or I would remember it pretty clearly, correct? My mom always gets mad at me and says I embarass her when I do this, but I can't help it. Today she was angry at me and I didn't know what to tell her. How can I get over this, or at least explain this to her so she understands it, if I don't even understand it myself?
[ ]
Want to answer more questions in the Health & Fitness category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Mental health?
Same here, same way. I cry, scream and really tense up when a needle comes around.
In fact, my mom was also embarassed that I did that too. I stopped taking her with me and made her wait in the hall.
I did start to bring a small stuff animal and my mp3 player with me so I wouldn't be so intent over the poking, silver thing squirting or taking something from me.
You're not overcome by fear if you still let them do it, though. Just nervous and scared (and that's perfectly okay...)
The nurses know me by now and usually give me tissues, a cartoon bandaid and a lollipop. It always makes me feel better.
]
babe, i got the same problem. just this summer i needed to get a tetnus shot, and i couldent take it. i also burst out crying and screaming. im not scared of the pain, but im afraid of the needle. im afraid of somthing going into me. i tried to tell my mom that i was scared. she just laughed at me until she saw me shaking. then she understood i was genuinly afriad. i would maybe search the internet aand find some articles about needle trauma or somthing, and show them to your mom. show her somtimes your afraid of somthing and you dont really know why. maybe bring examples (maybe shes deathly afraid of heights, etc) and when you are about to get a shot/blood test, close your eyes and breath deeply. it will help. just a little, but it will be okay. im gonna tell you to remember its all going to be alright no matter what, i know that didnt work for me but it might work for you. good luck. try squeezing sumones hand maybe? burn off your nervous energy by shaking your leg maybe, but when it comes time to get the shot just try to relax. it will hurt the least if you are relaxed
]
This brings to mind a funny story about me having a fear of the same thing you do. I was probably six or seven at the time and the nurse and my mother were doing all they could to keep me still enough to get the booster shot done.
While my arms may have been held down my feet sure as hell were not. I kicked that nurse so hard in the gut. Afterwards, some other kid went in for the same thing and having warped humor even back then I told my mother "How much do you want to bet he's getting a shot too?"
The reason I tell you this is maybe humor is your key here. Think of a funny story like this one or something that makes you chuckle, turn your head and it will be over. avoid thinking about the needle but put your focus on something like your favorite music, book etc and even talk to the nurse about that or what you are doing at school.
When you are at home try to remind yourself that when you had your last shot that it didn't hurt. Go in knowing it won't and it will be over really fast. Another tip I can give you here is talk to the nurse and explain your phobia and ask her to use the same size and kind of needle they use on children as it will not hurt you.
Trust me, I had an IV in once and that's what they did as I wanted no part of a needle period. They have special needles for babies and kids. Ask about that as I know from having an IV go in that they did that for me at least.
Also, are these vaccines and booster shots really considered neccessary by you or your parents? If you are freaked out by them you don't need to have them or suffer through it. Legally, you can go to your health department office and get an exemption form (it will say for religious reasons) and no school can question it.
So, after that you'll never be asked to update an immunization record or take a shot. This info is 100% verifiable as I had the form applied as a kid after that story I related. You did mention a certain medical condition where you occasional need a shot--that you'll still have to do but when it comes to the other shots that may not be needed or your school asks for you have an out through an exemption form.
]
I can sympathise; I have major problems with needles.
I think you need to really identify what's going on. Are you afraid that you'll pass out? Are you afraid that you'll get upset because you have before, and that in and of itself gets you upset? Or do you just feel sick with no obvious reason.
There are remedies to any situation. If you're scared you'll pass out, ask if you can lie down. If you get really stressed because you think the doctor will mess up, ask if he can go slowly. If you feel sick, try and breathe through it.
The first and biggest step is to really analyse what is going through your head. The next step is to find rational solutions.
I have/had major problems with getting blood tests even though I do so frequently. I would almost pass out, or be sick, or both. Eventually, I decided that I simply needed to lie down to have it done. We arranged it, I can do that now, and it's a lot easier. I've even managed it sitting up a few times, although the bed's there if I need it (and one time, I did). It's still not easy, but it's easier--gradual conditioning, and finding practical solutions for the basics.
I don't know if that's much help. But I certainly feel your pain.
]
More Questions: |