Severe Needle Phobia and blood tests for thyroid levels

[Tracey8308]

Does any one else suffer with severe needle phobia? In on 125 mcg of Levothyroxine each day, and have thyroiditis still after having a hemothyroiectomy 6 month ago, I'm tired all the time even though my last results came back normal, but It takes me months to work up the courage to go, my phobia is that bad I refused pain relief during childbirth because it was through a needle, ive tried counselling, CBT and EFT, has anyone any tips for getting through this because nothing works, they need checking again because I'm still extremely tired. Thanks in advance

[BrynGlas]

My husband used to pass out if he had a finger prick blood test! What they did with him was to put some 'magic cream' on his skin first, to numb the skin, and he was then able to have bloods taken and everything. He had to because he had heart failure, he would be dead now if he had carried on refusing anything to do with needles

What is it you are afraid of??? Is it the pain?

Has your GP advised anything, I don't know, CBT, hypnosis maybe??? I don't personally have the problem, so don't know what is out there. Have you not had your Covid jab then????

[BrynGlas in reply to BrynGlas]

Sorry, I read your message but the procedures you have tried didn't sink in sorry.

Do you think it has anything to do with your treatment/lowthyroid, or have you always felt this way? How do you go on when your kids need vaccinations???

I remember in Primary school in a long line of kids waiting for vaccinations. I was terrified and kept dodging to the back of the queue! I got to the front eventually and after that, I was OK. Once I got to giving out the jabs and taking blood myself, it was ok. But I feel for you, you have obviously tried hard to kick it.

Try sticking a needle into an orange, do you think you could do that? One of our tutors once told one of our intake to do that, because she went to pieces when she was approaching a patient !!!! She passed out though, so it worked for her.

And I have a phobia, a big phobia with dentists. Jabs in my mouth???? Anywhere else I'm fine, but not in my mouth, and the drill! My God, no. An't do it. They have to knock me out!!!!!!

[LAHs]

I'm sure you will find many people on this site with terror of needles - I'm one. When I have to have a blood test I tell the nurse that I am terrified, I won't be able to chat, and I might appear to act strangely but don't worry, I will not faint (although I come close!). Once a very "jolly" senior technician bounced up to me with a student in tow, She said, in a loud confident voice, "You will not mind if I let a student take your blood will you?" I hated to take the wind out of her sails but I said, " Oh NO, I am so sorry but I might fall on the floor, I will be more trouble than I am worth, I'm so sorry but I am not very good with an experienced person." Her face dropped at being told no, but she got over it.Don't be too afraid, just be brave and do what is necessary even if you hate it.

[thyr01d]

Hi Tracey, there is a homoeopathic remedy for needle phobia. Haven't tried it as I don't suffer, but I noticed it. Don't know which remedy it is and in any case you might need a remedy that is specific for you rather than generic.

[PPower]

Have you ever tried EMDR? It can really work with a particular phobia and/or ptsd. When you get your bloodwork done, are they testing your ft4 and ft3? You might need some t3 in the mix. Levo (t4) might not be enough for you. How's your B12 and D?

[heps56]

Hi. I used to be the same when I first got diagnosed collapsed in the surgery. Maybe try what I do now and it works for me I do not look at the needle and focus on point in any poster that is in room. Have not had a queasy or fainting episode since.

Hope this is helpful. Take care.

[Molly65]

Hi sorry you’re having such a difficult time. I can’t give you any advice about your fears, but when/if you’re able to get a blood test done make sure you have your iron checked. I had an appointment with an endocrinologist who said until I sorted out my really low iron I would never feel better. I’m starting to see some improvement by taking an iron supplement regularly.

[lesleyoc]

I have been on 100mg Levothyroxine for a while now, and like you, still felt so tired. Was also getting very short of breath. The doctors seem unwilling or unable to prescribe anything other than the Levothyroxine. I took my health into my own hands and did some research. After discovering that so much of the thyroid function relates to the gut, I went on a gluten free diet and started taking probiotics. I have also been taking 2 Metavive III tablets daily as well as the Levothyroxine from the doctor. For the past few months I have been feeling much less tired and breathless. As far as your needle phobia goes, I think it's important that you address this - otherwise how can you have regular blood tests to check your progress. I suggest either a hypnotherapist or someone who does CBT. Best wishes, Lesley

[humanbean]

I really don't like needles either, (but then who does?) but I can just about cope with them. I particularly hate dentist injections.

What I don't understand is why people with severe needle phobia, that makes getting medical help difficult or impossible, don't get treatment for it? There must be some, surely?

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to humanbean]

I suspect that training is huge part of the issue.

My current dentist is absolutely amazing at injecting. She is, though, a specialist in treating children with various problems - and anyone who does that absolutely needs to be that good.

Two people went to one vaccination centre and received their injections from two different nurses/doctors - one quite young, the other, very obviously, shall we say "experienced".

The young one managed to do it quickly and with absolutely zero pain - virtually no sensation at all. The experienced one made it uncomfortable and there was definitely more discomfort afterwards around the injection site.

Perhpas those who train people to inject should be expected to receive injections from those they trained as the process of assessment? They might be a bit more diligent about their approach.