needing advice &/or ❤

[melbrown]

I've been ordered to take a blood test (by my doctor, to make sure I'm healthy), I'm beyond terrified of needles... talking big baby. I couldn't bring myself to do it that day. .. Trying to convince myself to do it tomorrow. I'll be in the area, my therapy is through the hospital & have appt & can do it before seeing her. I'm very scared, no one can go with me.... but I know I'll "forget" about it if don't do it. Any tips?

😟, Mel

[Francesca61]

Hi melbrown, bring one of your favourite cookbooks and look at it while it's being done(thats what I do) and tell them you would like to lie down. Also remember it takes about a minute from start to finish. 😊🤗

[melbrown in reply to Francesca61]

Thank so much❣ Hope you are doing well

[Daniellesparkles]

Aww hi it’s gonna be okay breathe maybe take something to relax with like an iPod with soothing music or a favorite audiobook

Focus on breathing etc.. you’ll be okay💕

[melbrown in reply to Daniellesparkles]

Thank you sweetheart❤ Definitely will be working those breathing excerises. Hope you are doing well

[MalcolmCClark]

I know it is short notice but phobia of needles is quite common. Speak to you GP and let them know. They will understand and will help you through it even if it means you need a mild sedative to get through the test. Any phobia can be scary but unless the medical staff know they can not help you.

[melbrown in reply to MalcolmCClark]

Thank you for great advice. It's so hard to express to others about our anxiety. I dread going to hospitals... but I'm slowly learning to express it to the nurses & doctors. Hope you are doing well. 😊

[MalcolmCClark in reply to melbrown]

I have several problems but OK at the moment

[veganese]

Hi Melbrown, I can understand your fear, I am very sensitive to pain and dread any kind of procedure. I promise you it will be fine. Suggestions in other comments, all good to distract you. I usually just chat to the person, taking blood. I try to take myself to a pleasant place in my mind. The intial part is only a fraction of time, not painful, a slight sensation, not like jabbing yourself with a needle or thorn. Health professionals do this all the time and they are skilled. Please don't be afraid, afterwards you can praise yourself. The fear of it is much greater than the actual experience.

[melbrown in reply to veganese]

Thank you very much for the great advice & kind words. I keep trying to tell myself it's quick, of course it's hard to convince yourself once anxiety takes over. Also promising myself to get whatever I want after. Hope your day is going well.

[Daniellesparkles in reply to melbrown]

Melbrown, how did it go?

[melbrown in reply to Daniellesparkles]

I did it ❣❣❣😄 I was very tempted not (didn't tell anyone my plan, just you guys) especially when saw how busy clinic was. Took my number & sat. One of the people checking patients in had a very kind face & he was the one I spoke to. I told him how bad my anxiety was. He told me not worry they got me. He went to see which nurse was free & got me right in. To make it even better he offered to stay & be my support buddy. They were both beyond amazing & sweet. We talked about my dog & I didn't cry. I am so proud of myself.... feeling very brave. Treated myself to cake (for later).... they had a little heart shaped one, thought was perfect. Thank you much everyone for being so supportive, don't know how I would've done it without you. ❤❤❤❤Remember you all are stronger than the anxiety... you can do it 😊

[veganese in reply to melbrown]

That's wonderful! Well done!

[melbrown in reply to veganese]

Thank you 😊

[Agora1 in reply to melbrown]

You are amazing and so where the medical staff at the clinic. You lucked out in finding staff that cares. You should be proud of yourself, support or not, you were the one in charge of your emotions and you stayed strong. A true Warrior

Oh I definitely vote for the heart shape cake later. You deserve it. Did you ever think you would be telling us how much stronger we are than anxiety? Congratulations on a job well done. xx

[melbrown in reply to Agora1]

Thank you for your sweet words ❤ My therapist was so shocked & proud, especially without taking an Ativan before (I wasn't sure if it would effect the tests & didn't want to be sleepy for rest of day). Doing it took power away from the anxiety. Knowing the results will take more power from the anxiety. Pushing through that fear feels amazing... I was okay, I was safe. Yes, I'll probably be anxious next time, but that's okay... I'm still strong. I believe we all are, it's there, I promise ❤

[Agora1 in reply to melbrown]

Felt tears of joy in reading your response mel. I know that feeling of getting through one step at a time. It's powerful. Make it a great day, you deserve it. xx

[Daniellesparkles]

How awesome ! Very proud of you !😊