I get very nervous with injections. I’ve had any number of them and can’t really get used to them. I haven’t had any for a while and I think that they are going to recommence. I’ve even developed a five point mantra to get through the procedure.
I’d be keen to hear of others coping strategies.😳 Thanks.
I often take some painkillers before my injection. I always ask them to give me plenty of the anaesthetising drops
Thanks Koalajane,I hope those painkillers have a mind numbing effect.😐
Yes, I’m going to a new ophthalmologist so I’ll definitely be mentioning as much of the drops as possible.
There’s not much choice is there? I believe you can’t have sedatives for the procedure (extra cost anyway I guess, and I’m more cheap than scared). I go into the surgery like a nervous zombie.
I appreciate your reply. Thanks.
Hello, I do understand how you feel. I have been having injections for a few years now, and always feel nervous when lying there waiting to have it done. It is perfectly understandable, I find that I am given sufficient drops to numb the eye, and therefore feel only pressure when the injection is done. The one thought I always keep in my mind is that the injections are helping to preserve my vision, and therefore a few moments of discomfort obviously help to put things into perspective. Best wishes, you will get through.
Thank you Penelopeflower, that was beautiful. Yes, I do think how it’s helping me, that’s the bottom line really. I find the hardest thing is the waiting. I’m hoping that the new ophthalmologist will have a more relaxing environment and/or manner. I do appreciate your reply. Thanks.
You are very lucky that the anesthetic drops work. Mine never do so injections always painful.
If the drops are not working, then this should be discussed with the clinic or hospital, you should not be experiencing a lot of pain, and they need to know in order to address your problem. Best wishes.
Thank you for your reply. My consultant is well aware that the anesthetic drops don’t work, it matters not how much is used, they don’t work. She just says ‘oh sorry’ after I’m jabbed and say it hurt. This is a private clinic as well. I will need a cataract removed at some stage and cannot contemplate it if the same anesthetic is used, which is a bit of a problem! Life does get complicated sometimes.
I feel for you RP1944, that’s an added burden to the procedure. It seems unusual, and yes, as Penelopeflower says, the clinic should be able to provide answers for this. Good luck with it.
You should be able to get anaesthetic injection prior to the jag. I get lidocain. However, it only works if left for five minutes. According to studies in st Paulo 6% of patients receiving eye injections have pain levels between 6/10 severity. I must be 9 at least. Don’t let them put you off by claiming others only feel pressure. That is true, but not for us. It’s awful to spend your life terrified of the next injection. Good luck to you!
Hi Shimano,Thanks for your reply.
It reminds me that I used to get a similar injection beforehand, so I’ll mention it to my new specialist today. I need all the help I can get. It helps with all this support and advice. Thanks again.
Even I still get a bit nervous about injections but that’s only because I am not sure if they are going to hurt and if the injector will be good generally 9/10 they are fine and I have had no issues. I suppose I would just do a bit of steady breathing before you go in think about the nice things you can do when you get home and the positives that the injections can bring. I wish you all the very best.
I am exactly the same. I take painkillers before hand and I take a stress ball with me. It seems to help that I have something to squeeze while it is being done.
Thanks BlurryArtist for the advice. It’s funny that I always hold the nurse’s hand during the procedure, and often have to apologise for a hard squeeze, similar to your use of the stress ball.😁 But seriously, I find that doing this does offer me some comfort. It’s reassuring to hear other people’s coping strategies. Thanks again.
I live in the states and I am able to get a prescription for Lorazepam also know as Ativan. It is for anxiety. I take one before I leave my house and have my husband drive since my appointment is 25 miles away. The worse part for me is thinking about it beforehand. I am usually pretty calm once I am there and going through the prep. As others have written, the pain is less the more anesthesic they use. I try to ask for a technician who I know will be sure I’ve had enough and who is nice and empathetic. Then I ask her/him to squeeze my hand at the last moment to distract me. I’ve tried to distract myself by focusing on tapping my foot, etc. but it never works for me. It’s my eye and I can’t close it and focus my thoughts inward, so something external is needed for distraction. Sorry my explanation is so long.Anyway, I don’t know your process in the UK, but I feel your pain and have found a few things to get me through it. I am able to get the anxiety medication through my retinal specialist. It does make me a bit sleepy so I come home and rest my eye by taking a nice nap. 😁
Hello Ozartist. How are you after these replies? I've now had over 50 injections, each one very painful, if short-lived. I've tried everything, including painkillers an hour in advance; holding tight on the nurse's hand - except during the height of Covid!; using masses of anti-dry eye drops beforehand, thinking nice thoughts; using deep breaths. Perhaps what works best is this: because I've been there so often I know many of the staff and always talk to them and ask about their lives or talk about other things in order to develop a relationship, which forces me to think of them instead of me. For example, the nurse who gave me the scan last time had a good wee conversation with me about her interest in bees. That works to some extent - but each injection still is agonising. But it's so brief that I will not let it dominate. These jabs will probably last for the rest of my life and I will not let them bother me until I get into the injection room. Then keep talking while appropriate or possible. All the best for next time. And remember to take deep breaths. Love.
Thank you Beldie, that’s lovely.Yes, being distracted with talking helps. On reflection I think that’s what was lacking with my previous experience. The waiting is horrendous, and worse to be left alone with your thoughts.
I think I’ll return to my 5 point mantra, which is 1. It’s not that bad ( with sufficient drops!) 😐 2. It’s helping my sight 3. The doctor knows what he’s/she’s doing. 4. It’s only a couple of seconds. 5. The nurse is the greatest person in the universe. (One of those jokes you have with the staff to get through).
Anyway I’m distracted with an appointment today. Thanks again.
I use the breathing exercises I learned for natural childbirth (many decades ago but has come in handy for other things) and find a focal point. It’s the anticipation that is nerve wracking as the shot takes about four seconds. I take Tylenol right before I leave home to tap down any discomfort.
You say, "Yes, I’m going to a new ophthalmologist."I say, "That's a good start."
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