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1st Trimester
Scared (aka terrified) of needles
I am absolutely terrified of needles - it is so bad that I get myself so worked up that I pass out (my family doctor called it a vasovagal episode). Does anyone have any tips for calming myself down? Laying down helps, but even then I get the foggy-clammy-I'm-going-to-pass-out feeling. My first appointment is on Tuesday and I'm not looking forward to the blood draws.
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Re: Scared (aka terrified) of needles
I'm the same way with Pelvic Exams.
Put a cold compress on your head prior to the needles that will also help.?
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My DH is like that too (which makes no sense to me since he is a Firefighter and works in the ER) but the sight of his own blood no matter what takes him down. When he gets blood drawn he has to lay down and have his feet up so he doesnt pass out.
When I was young I'd have to get a lot of blood work done, and I found that if I sang I was ok (BTW I don't do this anymore). But if that's too embarassing maybe you could listen to your iPod or something to keep your mind off of it.
We always call my son bubby, and he is obsessed with bulldogs!
I don't know, probably New Kids on the Block or Tiffany...I mean remember I am a child of the 80's. ha ha.
I think you should sing during your exam that may be a fun adventure for you and your doctor.
I am the exact same way. (Odd since I have been all good w/ acupuncture, but it's TOTALLY different). At my old ob/gyn I would pass out every time. It was once the needle was in and if they moved it in my vein AT ALL or couldn't get it on the first try, I was gone.
Now I ask to lay down, but at my new Ob's office, they have a girl there who is THE BEST at blood draws (esp b/c my odl one would hae to try BOTH arms, then go to my hands) and gets it in my arm on the first try without having to poke around in there. I LOVE her.
See if you can ask for someone who is a REALLY good stick and make sure to eat before hand, drink LOTS of water to plump up your veins and look away and keep talking
There isn't much you can do about vaso-vago reactions...I suggest alway smaking sure you are laying down/have your feet up, always tell the phlebotomist that you tend to faint, and make sure you drink some juice (orange juice is best), to make sure your sugar levels aren't low.
I used to draw blood and these are the things I always preferred when it came to that type of reaction.
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I'm really afraid of them too. ?
I definitely keep my head turned away for the entire process.
I also sometimes pinch my leg with my other hand because if that pain is worse than the needle it is distracting.
Also maybe wear shoes that you can just slip off in the chair to cool you off a little more.?
I am so happy to hear others experience this. I have EXTREME medical anxiety, as in, I needed to be on ativan when my HUSBAND had surgery because I was such a disaster. I've never had blood taken in my entire life, and I'm utterly terrified of my first appointment. I don't think a day has passed since my BFP that I haven't hysterically cried to my husband that I don't think I can do this. Luckily, I suppose, this isn't something I can exactly back out of!
I hear you, and just know there are others out there. That's helping me at least.
Ditto. Turn away from the arm they'll draw from as soon as you sit down and don't look until it's over.
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your 1st set of bloodwork is probably going to test your blood sugar levels so drinking anything besides water and eating candy would not be allowed.
you'll need to fast before doing that screen (no eating/drinking after 10pm if it's a morning appt).
when i had that one done, i was in the throes of morning sickness plus i'm not good with needles so i actually threw up while they were drawing my blood. i nearly fainted also, had to put my head between my knees, etc.!
but the 2nd screen at 18 weeks was a huge improvement, didn't feel lightheaded at all, went just fine. but that one i didn't have to fast for that one either..
bring a snack with you after your 1st set so you can get some sugar in you.
This has not been my experience or that of anyone else I know either. The only time (normally) they test your blood sugar levels is at the glucose test which comes much later.
I am the exact same way. . .in fact the major thing I was afraid of with pregnancy is not childbirth, but the needles and IV's. . ..so I had my blood drawn at the first appt .. .and I made sure that I was laying down, did not look at the needle at all. . ..talked to the nurse non stop and I let her know that needles scare me. . then I just took deep breaths, thought calming thoughts (ex. I am laying on beach and I am so relaxed and stress free). It really helped . ...I think this is the first time I had my blood drawn that I felt okay about the experience. ..good luck!