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Needle Phobia

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Posted 9/2/2013 5:30 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, first ever post.
Misdiagnosed for four years as IBS. Now, first serious crohns flare and first trip into hospital!
My biggest problem is ..... I am a SEVERE,SEVERE,SEVERE needle phobic.
Anyone out there know any ideas to help me.....please.

I have tried CBT=useless
Tried hypnotherapy x 2 =useless

The only way I have ever been able to have bloods taken was when I was under G.A (child protocol=no pre-med inj)

They will want me on AZathioprine soon, I cannot cope with the monthly blood tests.
Help me please , how can they slightly sedate me enough to have the blood tests???? Xx

I added a title to your thread.

Post Edited By Moderator (FamilyGuy) : 9/2/2013 7:45:38 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/2/2013 7:03 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Linnet
I saw a guy in hospital who needed his appendix out, who also had needle phobia. He was perfectly ok until the mention of a needle, which would make him begin screaming! His pain was uncontrollable when he finally (still screaming) was given a shot of morphine. It really is an inexplicable phobia, as most are. I watched them try all kinds of methods with him, to no avail.

It might be possible to get nitrous oxide (laughing gas) before any injections. You could try to find someone who will do that for you before any blood test etc.

Good luck. I feel for you.
Posted 9/2/2013 8:16 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you.

I am so frightened about all this.
Just don't know what the future holds.
Sounds overly dramatic but it's true for me.

Will try to get help, any more ideas out there please.
Thank you.
Posted 9/2/2013 2:28 PM (GMT 0)
I was terrified of needles. As in, shaking, sobbing, and losing my mind over the thought of being pricked.

Now, I am used to it. I had no choice but to overcome the fear and do it, as I had to give myself injections of B12.

However, what I used to do was always have someone with me. The nurse would find the arm that had the biggest and best vein first, and then make sure it was out of my field of vision. I would turn and face my mom, and hold her hand. She would talk to me, and I would force myself to focus on her. It sucked at first, but with time, I've gotten to the point where I don't enjoy it, but there is no crying or anything.

I would maybe consider seeing a therapist as well, honestly. I know you tried CBT, but you may want to keep pushing for more treatment. Unfortunately, getting shots/having blood drawn is part of Crohns life, and there might be times when they can't give you any sort of drug prior to the shot.
Posted 9/2/2013 3:22 PM (GMT 0)
Maybe a prescription of xanax would help and you can take one about a half hour before getting your blood drawn. I'd also recommend closing your eyes and not watching. I have very small veins and the nurses always have a tough time starting IV's or drawing blood. You need to figure out how to get used to it one way or another. Good luck
Posted 9/2/2013 3:50 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you guys x
Posted 9/3/2013 1:53 PM (GMT 0)
Turning your eyes and not looking as well as having someone dear to you holding your hand should all help. In addition they may be willing to give you a small shot of lidocane before setting an IV or giving you a shot. Its less than 1 cc (I think like 1/10th of a cc) and the needle is tiny, short and thin.

I well remember, I even had to look the other way while holding my babies for their innoculations, doctor would bring the needles in covered w/a towel as I would start gagging the minute I saw a needle.

My family doctor kept trying to convince me to give myself my own B12 shots. Yeah, right! When I finally (years later) agreed to try, his nurse emptied the syringe, left the room, and came back w/a syringe w/a LOT thinner, shorter needle for me to use to try to give my first shot myself.

They always seem to prefer to use a larger and longer needle that can be used for a variety of "drugs" of varying "thickness".


Once you've had a few severe pain and/or vomiting episodes relieved w/a shot of morphine and/or phenergan that should also help you get over the needle phobia. Your brain and eyes will recognize needles as RELIEF instead of pain.
Posted 9/5/2013 10:36 AM (GMT 0)
What exactly is the worst thing that can happen when a needle gets poked into you?

My first blood withdrawal was bad. He announced he was going to take some blood and I just went pale. He tried four times and couldn't get any blood out. He gave up.

I'm still paranoid when the nurse is rough. But most of them are very gentle. I had only one who was rough and she was old and German :p

I tell them to please not tell me when they poke it. Some do a count down and I hate that! But I look away and it helps. Sometimes I don't even feel it. It feels more like a pinch.
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