Petrified

[bunnynlg]

Hi. I have severe eosinophilic asthma and have now been asked to give myself the injection at home but I am needle phobic.

I am absolutely freaking out, as I am due to have my injection in 2 days but due to the CV19 they want me to give this to myself at home. They are sending a nurse out this time to show me but they don’t under how scared I am to do this to myself the next time.

Is there anyone else in the same boat?

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Hi

I take benra and did my last dose at home (no instruction/guidance). You don’t ever see the needle. Think of the auto injector as a ‘shut’ ball point pen held against jelly... you click the end and the nib come out and goes straight in the jelly... however the auto pens automatically click back in once it’s over! That’s all you have to do.

It hurts no more than when you have it in clinic, it’s just getting the bravery to press the button.

Try not to worry too much about it, as I said for me, it was the build up nerves that was harder so I just took the ‘read everything x3 then just do it quick my approach 😅... my next one is due in a week or so, and I’m a lot more confident!

I will admit I am not needle phobic but I do hope this has helped some! Good luck and talk to the nurse who does it... if it really is too much they’ll try and help you again next time.

[TuckBox2]

As Emma says, you don't see any needles, they are like epi-pens, it does look like a thick ball point pen. You do not really feel anything, its nothing like having a normal injection, you pull off the cover - you don't see any needles - put it on your skin, press the button. that's it, there is a little window so you can see the fluid emptying,

I have been self injecting Mepolizumab (Nucala) since last October, it is so simple to use, so quick and it saves a lot of time and stress not having to go to the hospital. I do it 1st thing in the morning, I can go straight to work and not need to take time off to go to the hospital.

[Wintersbite]

Hi I don't have to do what you have to do but I am needle phobic just like you and I know how hard it is it's not about seeing the needle or not it's not about being brave enough to do it we already get ourselves in to a " I can do this" hype but maybe if you explain that this is your true fear and you would feel comfortable with someone who is professional to do it ( I always promise to try my best and behave myself by helping the nurse and not being such a big chicken lol) I tell them the best way for me the talks to me and then as my request don't tell me and I'm like you bleep that hurt in my mind but to the nurse I smile and say thank you that was much better than if someone else done it and the nurse said I don't know what you are onabout your done very well my reply is because I had a Pro who knows how to handle me thank you my husband came in a few times and asked how come you are still in one piece and said he could never use a needle on me it's not fair and knowing his luck he would be the one getting jabbed not me even though he is stronger than me and it was him who begged for the nurse and I said to him thanks I don't trust you enough with my phobia anyway so it has to be a nurse.

I'm about to go to hospital next week and I might have to again like you insist on home help as for me I might have to for a different condition have to have help with a possible wound healing that I can't see or maybe even need home help because this is making it hard to do anything even walking and I live alone with my dog .

Once you explain and ask about any specific covid items I was told my choice but not really needed then I'm sure your local go/hospital/ community nurse will work something out for you.

Good luck and keep trying to stay brave

[dawnhaycock]

I have done one at home for my daughter, very easy and as everyone says, you can’t see the needle. I don’t think you can really go wrong, you can see the fluid through a window then hear a click and it’s all done.

Do you have someone in your house who could do it for you.

[four4]

I am also extremely needle phobic since birth, I can accept someone inject me but not by myself. Recently I want to monitor my blood sugar but I struggled for at least one year before starting. And finally, I managed to overcome it. So now, situation need you to do it

[four4]

Finally u will find it is not as horrible as u think before

[Jennypin]

Hi I am a dentist who specialised in treating people with needle phobia amongst other things

I inject myself for insulin and also a couple of other injectable drugs

If you can get to the point of being with a nurse who oversees you doing it for yourself at first

All the latest injector pens are a great technological move forward .

I know the feeling of having a finger or thumb on the button and being hesitant to press it

But they don't hurt, you don't see the needle and it's very quick.

So much more convenient than relying on a nurse

CBT can be helpful for the negative thoughts that go with thinking about needles and Anxiety UK have some very helpful resources

I found for myself once I have got the pen in place I use the mantra ’just go for it ’

[Birthday60]

Your choice of course but under the circumstances I think you need too get a grip and get on with out without making a fuss. Good practice in case you end up diabetic at any time