Needle Phobic (Full Version)

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siamsa24 -> Needle Phobic (1/21/2006 7:03:25 PM)

I am a severe needle phobic person, even thinking about it makes my heart race, makes me hypervenilate, and causes severe physical reactions (including violence).
I know that someday I will have to get blood-work done (I have never had blood drawn, only finger sticks and I have to do those myself) and I am more then willing to do so if there is a way to do it without panic attacks. There are several options available (anti-anxiety drugs, nitrous oxide and several other methods that may help), but in my experience doctors do not take this phobia seriously. I have been told to "grow up" to "stop being such a baby" and that "it's nothing, why are you getting all worked up?"
I have had to be restrained with hard restraints (for a MMR), kicked one nurse and punched another (for a tetnus booster) and simply up and left (any test involving blood work).
The strange thing is, I avoid the doctor and needles with all that I have, but I have no problem with the dentist. I can go to the dentist, get fillings (which requires injections in most cases) and do almost anything (except get my wisdom teeth pulled).
I was looking in the phone book trying to find a doctor and noticed something. Most of the dentists in the phone book will say something like "we cater to cowards" or "needle-phobics welcome" but none of the doctors say things like that. What is the best way to find out if a doctor is willing to work with me and my phobia? Just call and ask? I have tried this and it has always ended the same. They are all talk on the phone and then when I am in the office they don't do anything different. I need something beyond just "don't watch" but in my experience doctor's aren't willing to do their end.
Does anyone else have such an extreme needle-phobia? What do you do?



cltcdrd -> RE: Needle Phobic (1/21/2006 7:11:33 PM)

This may not help much but, I am afraid of needles also, terribly afraid. But I learned a way to get over them. You said that the dentist does not bother you, have you ever thought to stop and think about WHY?

With me, I found that if I did not SEE the needle, I could get past the phobia. When I go to the doctor, and I know that needles are going to be used, I make sure that I DO NOT WATCH at all. It has helped me a great deal.



DesertRat -> RE: Needle Phobic (1/21/2006 7:13:21 PM)

Well, I'm not phobic, but I do hate 'em...alot. And now I'm an EMT, so I not only get shot up by others for training, but I also have to actually give shots. Oy!

What do I do? Same thing I've always done: I "logic" myself through it. I tell myself it's not gonna hurt as much as I think it is. I tell myself it's not gonna hurt for very long, just for a few seconds, and I can surely get through that...other people do, right? Why not me? Stuff like that. I remind myself that my fear is irrational and that it is something I create within myself. Over time, my distaste for needles has lessened. Still, I am dreading my next level of training. This fall, I will be learning to do IVs...and my colleagues will be learning, too....on ME...gulp. This "logic" thing had better keep working for me.

Bob



siamsa24 -> RE: Needle Phobic (1/21/2006 7:17:04 PM)

I have thought about the why. It is because I am already waaaaaaay out of it by the time they actually get the the injections. I get Nitrous Oxide at the dentist, as well as a topical anesthetic, but doctors (in my experience) will not do this. I have tried not to look, but that lasts about 2 seconds and then I panic and end up hitting whoever is trying to stick me (or at least coming very close).



siamsa24 -> RE: Needle Phobic (1/21/2006 7:22:24 PM)

I am not afraid of the pain. In fact, I would opt for a more painful procedure then one that involved a needle. For example, I got stitches in my forehead and I refused the numbing stuff for the simple fact that it involved a needle. Stupid? Yes. Illogical? Yes.

Believe me, if I could trade this phobia for a normal one like fear of snakes or spiders I would. I mean, what good does it do that I can play with snakes or allow spiders to crawl all over me?



JohnWarren -> RE: Needle Phobic (1/21/2006 7:24:50 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: siamsa24

I am not afraid of the pain. In fact, I would opt for a more painful procedure then one that involved a needle. For example, I got stitches in my forehead and I refused the numbing stuff for the simple fact that it involved a needle. Stupid? Yes. Illogical? Yes.


It's only hollow needles that bother you then? After all the stitching needed a needle. Phobias, like kinks, are really not capable of being logically analyzed.



siamsa24 -> RE: Needle Phobic (1/21/2006 7:32:13 PM)

For some reason I don't see it as one. I have multiple piercings and tatoos and they didn't bother me in the least. I didn't see the piercing or tatoo needles as needles for some reason.

I can't explain it, I wish I could.



DesertRat -> RE: Needle Phobic (1/21/2006 7:34:17 PM)

Yeah, so my "logic" tool is not gonna work. My fear, as I said is not a phobia.

siamsa, could you take a really good friend in with you? One who will hold your hand, look you in the eye, and absolutelynomatterwhatittakesgoddammit get you through the injection?

Bob



siamsa24 -> RE: Needle Phobic (1/21/2006 7:41:17 PM)

Yes, my partner is going with me. He has promised that we will get through it together.
It helps, but there is still the fear. I was in tears writing my original post and ended up getting sick after writing it.
I know that having him there will help alot, but I am afraid that it will not be enough.



DesertRat -> RE: Needle Phobic (1/21/2006 7:54:02 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: siamsa24

Yes, my partner is going with me. He has promised that we will get through it together.
It helps, but there is still the fear. I was in tears writing my original post and ended up getting sick after writing it.
I know that having him there will help alot, but I am afraid that it will not be enough.


Maybe this is too simpleminded: Perhaps having two friends there would help even more?

Bob



siamsa24 -> RE: Needle Phobic (1/21/2006 7:58:04 PM)

If I had two friends that could deal with it maybe. It has taken years from him to understand that this isn't something that I can just turn-off, I can't imagine trying to convince someone else. That and I know I can't hurt him (or at least not too bad), I don't know if I would be that confident with anyone else.



maybemaybenot -> RE: Needle Phobic (1/21/2006 8:00:11 PM)

siamsa:




hope the following helps a little, or at least points you in a direction.

There are many, many MDs out there sensitive to the fears of patients who will work with you. It just takes some shopping around. It's like finding a good car mechanic or hair stylist. You ask friends, family about their MDs, you may have to check a few out, see how they suit you and your needs. Set up an initial appointment, just for a meet, Speak with the MD, tell him your concerns and your expectations, see how s/he resonds and how you click. It may take more than one try.

Another option is to call your local physician referral service, explain your phobia and they may be able to point you to a MD who is sensitive. Do you know any nurses or healthcare workers ? Ask them. Often times they know who is better suited to your needs.

Most MDs do not draw the blood, nor start the IV themselves, as I am sure you know. So when you are discussing this with the MD ask him to send you to a tech, he knows is fear sensitive or gentle.

Most even sub par MDs I know are willing to give you one Valium or Xanax to pre medicate before a procedure that the patient is afraid of. I think if you present your fear to the MD they way you have here, you will at least get a little anti anxiety relief.

Lastly I am adding a couple of links for you to look at that may help a little.

http://www.needlephobia.co.uk/index.aspx

http://www.futurescience.com/needles.html

mbmbn



siamsa24 -> RE: Needle Phobic (1/21/2006 8:07:46 PM)

quote:

Most MDs do not draw the blood, nor start the IV themselves, as I am sure you know.


Actually, I didn't know. I usually leave before it gets to that part.

Thank you for the advice, I only hope that I can find a doctor that agrees. I have told doctors the fear and they generally don't take it very seriously at all.



maybemaybenot -> RE: Needle Phobic (1/21/2006 8:24:02 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: siamsa24

[ I have told doctors the fear and they generally don't take it very seriously at all.


I am sure they do not, they are not going to be on the recieving end of your left hook, lol.

In all seriousness tho, you not only have to tell them the fear, you need to tell them you will be unable to take the tests, unless you are medicated. Stand firm and make them understand. If s/he doesn't, explain you will not get the tests and will find an MD who is willing to care for the total patient.

I know most people think Doctors have some special lot, that makes them all powerful and the last word. Keep in mind you are hiring this person to take care of you. Your healthcare is a partnership, not a dictatorship. You have the right to be an active participant. As one of my nursing instructors told us: they are just the same as you and I, put your leg out and trip one and they will fall down, just like you. < and that was 27 years ago >

mbmbn



siamsa24 -> RE: Needle Phobic (1/21/2006 8:30:27 PM)

I have said some pretty crazy things to doctors. I have told them to f-off, to let me jab them repeatedly with a stick and see how they like it and all sorts of things.
I don't really think that they are all that special, they just had a lot more money to go to school with. In fact, over the years I have developed a huge distrust for doctors in general. They don't listen and basically ignore what I am requesting. I do not have insurence so I am paying full-price for their services, why shouldn't I get the care that I want? I mean shoot, if someone paid me $60 for 15 minutes of my time (after waiting for over an hour) I would try to please them as much as possible.



pantera -> RE: Needle Phobic (1/24/2006 5:23:56 AM)

I am extremely affraid of needles (bad experience at age 12) and had to have the 3 hour test done (pregnant)- The doctor said I had to get it done...it was a show- crying everytime....canceling appointments...I gathered strength for the sake of my baby...and finally just walked in the office one day and said that I needed this test done- the receptionist started to say: "but you need an appointment" then the nurse saw me and said: "no she doesn't ...she needs that test today!" - they had been trying to get me in the office for weeks-
I didn't pass ...a few points over... I am changing my diet but I am not going to prick my finger and I am certainly not having insulin shots-




RavenMuse -> RE: Needle Phobic (1/24/2006 6:03:19 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: siamsa24

I am not afraid of the pain. In fact, I would opt for a more painful procedure then one that involved a needle. For example, I got stitches in my forehead and I refused the numbing stuff for the simple fact that it involved a needle. Stupid? Yes. Illogical? Yes.

Believe me, if I could trade this phobia for a normal one like fear of snakes or spiders I would. I mean, what good does it do that I can play with snakes or allow spiders to crawl all over me?


Don't have much in the way of advice as I'm in the same boat. When I was a club doorman I'd step up to deal with some idiot holding a knife without a second thought, but dealing with a tiny little nurse holding a tiny little needle is more than enough to bring me out in a cold sweat.

Like you I tend to 'cope' by simply avoiding (I've had dental work done without anesthetic before now, which sort of freaked the dentist).

The one thing I will say though, whilst it maybe irrational, it is in no way stupid. Peoples reactions and lack of understanding might make you feel it is stupid on occassion but no real phobia is ever stupid!



siamsa24 -> RE: Needle Phobic (1/24/2006 3:24:23 PM)

Thank goodness! I am gald that there is someone else that has it as bad as I do.
I have had fingers put back in after being dislocated, toes put back into place and all sorts of things without any pain killer injected.
The doctors actually called in a phychologist and one of the nurses almost got sick during a toes event (I had broken three toes on the joints and they all had to be put back).



RavenMuse -> RE: Needle Phobic (1/24/2006 3:56:13 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: siamsa24
Thank goodness! I am gald that there is someone else that has it as bad as I do.


Gosh now I feel all 'special'[:D]
But seriously I wish no-one had to go through the feelings it causes, including myself.



siamsa24 -> RE: Needle Phobic (1/24/2006 4:01:41 PM)

I agree, but at least I know that I am not alone.
I know that the people on the specific needle-phobia sites have been through it, but it's nice to know that there is a "real" person out there that goes through the same thing that I do. I hope that makes sense.



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