How can I make it easier to get a blood test

**KnockKnockPenny** · 13-06-2012 23:11

I have a terrible needle phobia. I can't even walk into a pathology lab knowing I may be getting a blood test. I have never even had a blood test! I have to get one due to PCOS and finally getting in to see the gynaecologist.

My doctor have me Valium so I could see if that would relax me enough but it hasn't made any difference. I don't feel a thing, not even tired :-(

I know I need to get it and I really don't want to. Anybody have any tips?

**HugsBunny** · 13-06-2012 23:12

How long ago did you take it?

**KnockKnockPenny** · 13-06-2012 23:12

1.5 hours ago

**Hollywood** · 13-06-2012 23:14

What about skin numbing patches? They use them at the Children's Hospital for kids who might be having blood tests/cannulas etc, and you can buy them over the counter at pharmacies too. Emla is the brand I have bought in the past for my kids.

**DaddyLarge** · 13-06-2012 23:15

Oh! I know the answer to this one!

Get them to let you huff nitrous. The nurses let me have nitrous today, and they could stick a knitting needle through my dangler for all I care. Nitrous is WAY fun!

**lil miss** · 13-06-2012 23:15

I second the Emla patches!!! I even used one when I had my belly button pierced and did not feel a thing! They are great.

**HugsBunny** · 13-06-2012 23:16

Hmmmm. The thing with needles is they hurt more when you're tense.

Maybe you could ask the collector to give you enough warning before the needle that you can take a deep breath and then concentrate on exhaling as the needle goes in. Makes you much less likely to tense up then.

You could try Emla cream too.

**KnockKnockPenny** · 13-06-2012 23:18

Originally Posted by Hollywood

What about skin numbing patches? They use them at the Children's Hospital for kids who might be having blood tests/cannulas etc, and you can buy them over the counter at pharmacies too. Emla is the brand I have bought in the past for my kids.

I have that :-) that slightly helps with any anxiety that may relate to the pain.

Now I need to walk in there without wanting to throw up

**KnockKnockPenny** · 13-06-2012 23:19

Originally Posted by DaddyLarge

Oh! I know the answer to this one!

Get them to let you huff nitrous. The nurses let me have nitrous today, and they could stick a knitting needle through my dangler for all I care. Nitrous is WAY fun!

I'm wondering if the pathology labs have this tho? If they did it would be awesome!

Otherwise I'm considering waiting for my appt as its at the hospital, explaining the situation to them and maybe getting the hospital to take my blood as they have the gas and all sorts of wonderful drugs

**KnockKnockPenny** · 13-06-2012 23:20

Originally Posted by Bunnyhugs

Hmmmm. The thing with needles is they hurt more when you're tense.

Maybe you could ask the collector to give you enough warning before the needle that you can take a deep breath and then concentrate on exhaling as the needle goes in. Makes you much less likely to tense up then.

You could try Emla cream too.

I think it would be worse knowing when they were going to do it

As weird as it seems, even me typing about this makes me wanna throw up :-(