How can I make it easier to get a blood test

[Dannielle]

Can you relax in a bath or something before you go? Preferably with lavender in it? (Lavender is mean't to relax the mind and the body)

[KnockKnockPenny]

I didn't even get the group immunisations at school. With the MMR one I flat out refused to go in and my mum took me to the doc and held me down (I got German measles from it - not happy. I have sensitivities to vaccines)
With the meningococcal vaccine I told my mum even if she signed it I wouldn't get it done so she didn't bother



And yeah I could try a relaxing bath....adding lavender oil to tomorrows shopping list!

[KnockKnockPenny]

Oh and thanks to everyone with all your recommendations so far!

[Dannielle]

Don't forget to drink water beforehand. You don't want to be dehydrated.

Oh, and breathe through your mouth when or before they are doing it. That smell of the yucky little sterile wipe thingy used to make things worse for me.

[ICanDream]

I haven't used the numbing cream but definitely try that. I have an issue with blood tests as I have low BP and tend to pass out.

I would definitely recommend deep breathing, tell them to give you a 1,2,3 countdown and then tell you when they are putting the needle in. I think technically you should breath out when they put in but I find myself breathing in but either way focus on whatever way you want to breath because it's taking your mind of the needle.

I ask for the butterfly clip rather than just the vacu-tubes or whatever they are called. It is still a needle but it means if they have to swap vials you don't feel the pressure in your arm and it also reduces blood flow so in my case it helps to avoid a drop in BP.

Drink water before you go in and have some with you or get them to give you some. Stay lying down as long as you can and slowly roll to sit up and then just sit there and sip your water. You may not have BP issues but it may help you calm and give you something to focus on again.

Hope some of that helps, I know we don't quite have the same issues. Good luck.

[beancounter]

My daughter has to get a blood test every 6 weeks and we use the emla cream. She does not feel a thing, doesn't even flinch in the slightest when it goes in and she HATES needles.

[lovesushi]

hi KnockKnockPenny, there was a few advice for me when i opened this thread http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/f...-like-a-coward
2 months & I still haven't had it done yet, too terrified How did you go? It's not stupid & you're not the only one (hugs)

[lovelymum]

I used to have a terrible needle phobia, but infertility saw me move past it pretty darn quickly as I had 2 choices - have blood tests and possibly have a baby or have no blood tests and have no baby because nobody knows what is happening and cant help. I chose baby

My best tip and this is coming from someone who has horrible tiny veins is to drink heaps of water before hand and also try going for a brisk 15 - 20 minute walk as this will help get it over with really quickly.

Good luck and seriously keep your eyes on the prize!! I used to take a little red beannie and white jumpsuit I bought to all my tests as a reminder as to why I was putting myself through it all