Getting over a phobia

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Getting over a phobia - 1/18/2005 7:44:52 PM

siamsa24

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I started doing research on my severe phobia that was mentioned in a previous post. I have a severe fear of doctors and hospitals in general, but my worst fear is of any type of needle. This is very embarassing because I know it is an irrational fear, but I cannot help it and my reaction is extreme.
Under my doctor's advice I started testing my blood sugar. Well, I don't test it, my Dom does, and I have found that it helps to have him do it.
I was doing some research and read that saline injections can help with such a phobia, especially when given by someone that you trust.
Has anyone heard of this? Is there any other way to get over this phobia? If there's not how is the best way to get started? Please don't say go to the doctor, because I won't

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RE: Getting over a phobia - 1/18/2005 9:37:09 PM

phoenix52

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i have never been through this myself, but i have heard that desensitization therapy works the best. You start out just a little over your comfort level. For some people, that may be something as 'minor' as just looking at a picture of what you're afraid of. Then you slowly, slowly work up, being in the room with your fear, than touching it, then, in your case, i guess having a saline injection in a safe enviroment would be the ultimate goal.

i'm sure that this sounds a lot easier than it is... but keep at it! Specific phobias are thought to be some of the easiest problems to cure. Good luck!

shannon

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RE: Getting over a phobia - 1/19/2005 9:19:08 AM

Destinysskeins

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Another method that i've heard of is participating in an intense phobia related activity in order to 'blow past' your threshold of tolerance. For example, those with an acute fear of heights might go sky-diving therefore exposing them to the largest fear inducing activity possible to them. The idea is to convince yourself that the mundane activities aren't so bad - after all, (following the previous example) you jumped out of a plane and survived so climbing up on that ladder doesn't seem so bad now! i've spoken with people who've taken this tact and say that it's worked well for them

Personally, i'm terrified of heights and 10' ladders scare the crap outta me - perhaps i'll go ski diving this summer! (Granted Master leads me to the plane, throws me in the harness, etc, etc so i have to follow through!

)

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RE: Getting over a phobia - 1/19/2005 9:47:47 AM

pantera

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I have exactly the same fear... I acquired it late in my childhood (I was 12 I think) after I had shots that were painful-

It sucks because I have NOT had some of the required shots, I avoid the doctor and I only go to the dentist when and because I have to-

It got really funny when I got pregnant!!!!! ha! ha!

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RE: Getting over a phobia - 1/19/2005 12:59:46 PM

siamsa24

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I haven't been to the dentist in years (more of a lack of medical coverage then anything else), but now I am terrified to go. I have recently had two of my wisdom teeth come in and was told that they would have to be pulled, I will not go to the dentist again for fear that they will pull them right then and there (I know, I know, irrational fear).

I am hoping that I never have to have children for this reason alone. I want to have children of my own, but have intense reactions even if I think about having a baby in a hospital and everything that goes with it.

Destinysskeins,
I don't know how well that would work with my phobia, there's not much you can do as far as large amounts of exposure to syringes or to doctors.

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RE: Getting over a phobia - 1/19/2005 3:36:46 PM

pantera

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I take valium to be able to go to the dentist: even for a simple cleaning-

that may be a good solution- sedate yourself so you can go-

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RE: Getting over a phobia - 1/19/2005 6:57:24 PM

siamsa24

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For personal reasons I do not allow myself to take pain killers any longer. It is a very good idea, but the consequences would be too great.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions, I don't mean to be shooting everyone's suggestions, it's just that I have circumstances that I am aware of that I don't mention because I don't think of them.

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RE: Getting over a phobia - 1/21/2005 5:52:00 AM

happypervert

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For the wisdom teeth -- insist on laughing gas. That won't require needles, or if they do use them you'll already be out.

For needles -- go get a tattoo. It isn't medical -- it's art!

_____________________________

"Get a bicycle. You will not regret it if you live." . . . Mark Twain

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RE: Getting over a phobia - 1/21/2005 6:43:52 AM

siamsa24

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Funny thing about tatoos and such.......I have a tatoo and about 10 piercings. That doesn't bother me.

Laughing gas is a good idea, I will look into that.

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RE: Getting over a phobia - 1/22/2005 6:13:15 PM

sweetnygirl

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I sympathize with your phobia, I used to be the same way. Unfortunately I got over mine by being hospitalized twice in less than 6 months. After having blood drawn every few hours, shots & having my IV changed every day, I got over it by the 3rd day of my second stay. I still don't like to look when I'm being stuck & it still hurts but you do get used to it if you need to. If you can try desensitizion therapy and keep trying you should be able to deal with the phobia if you ever need to. I wish you luck & hope you are able to get through it at your own speed unlike me.

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