Blood Tests....

[MadMen]

I've got to have a blood test this week. I was supposed to have it this morning, but I phoned up and changed the appointment as I didn't have anyone to go with me.
I have a major (MAJOR!) fear of needles, and just wondered if they *have* to take it from my arm?

I know that sounds like a stupid question, but is it possible to have blood tests by taking blood from a finger prick?

[MadMen]

Lol @ the chocolate cake :)

I think they just assume I'm being a drama queen when I start with the "I'm a bleeder" thing, and don't really take much notice.
Drips are the worst! :-(

[tamborine]

Try 'mind over matter' thus:

Pinch yourself elsewhere & the brain will concentrate on the pinch till you let go - by which time the nurse will have finished.

[MadMen]

Ah, good idea!

[tamborine]

works with headaches, toothache, allaches - try it ;)

[tonyav]

I've got one Friday morning MM, gawd I hate needles !.

[MadMen]

I will actually give it a go, and report back on Friday.
I'll give myself a dead leg and see if it helps :-)

[MadMen]

Mine's Friday too, Tony. I'll think of you :-)

[MadMen]

Sorry, that sounded a bit weird.
I meant I'll think I'm not the only one having to grin and bear it :-)

[tonyav]

8.45 am for me MM, you ?.

[magsmay]

madmen - often the thought of something happening is worse than the event. Sit down now and think of the worst possible situation regarding your blood test. Perhaps its over, the needle is coming out and blood is squirting down your arm -play this as a movie - not a horror movie please! - Blood squirts out -the nurse quickly gets a pad and the blood stops - you do not and cannot bleed to death (but you know that) -play the scenario over and over in your mind until it becomes mundane . Add something silly into the film ,whatever amuses you, and when you feel anxious play the movie in your head -then when you go into get the test do the relaxation techniques

[Sparkles62]

I've asked in the past but the answer has been no.
I'm needle phobic, really bad. locked myself in the loo, years ago in hospital.Really embarrassing.
I was told by the phlebotomist to ask for a black needle and tell how bad i am. it goes in first time cos its only a very thin short needle, just takes about 20 seconds longer.
I have to go every month because of the immuno suppressants I take. mines on wed morning. :-(
Good luck. X

[anneasquith]

chocolate cake.. good idea. or red velvet cake :)

[tonyav]

Good luck, sparkles.

[MadMen]

10am Tone. Please log in and tell me how it went :)

Mags, but that's the problem. I think what if it doesn't stop bleeding. What if she puts cotton wool on it and it soaks straight through?
Aghhh, why am I even doing this? Why am I even thinking this? It's making me feel sick just thinking about it.

I have to go now, but thanks for all the help and advice.

:-)

[tamborine]

PINCH is less gory - do it now to calm yourself

[erin-x]

I love getting blood taken! I don't know if it will help but I like to know what's going on. Ask the nurse to talk you through what she is actually doing. Either that or take your iPod and close your eyes! :-) xx

[tonyav]

Are you a vampire though, erin ?.

[erin-x]

I've often wondered that, Tony... With my peely wally complexion and aversion to sunlight haha!

[tonyav]

Do you like garlic and crosses, erin ?

[Canary42]

When I started donating blood (over fifty years ago) the initial thumb prick (for a iron test) was IMO far more terrifying than the actual extraction. The former in those days consisted of a sharp implement being manually jabbed into your thumb, the depth being entirely up to the dexterity of the administering nurse (nowadays they use a machine which they place against your skin and pull a trigger and the needle pops in just far enough for a sample).

The donation was then carefully manipulated by the doctor in attendance. Post-donation spurting was very very rare.