Most powerful phobia

Ever since about 4th grade I have had a severe phobia of needles. Doesn't matter whether it is injection, IV, or blood draw... just the idea of a needle piercing my skin is enough to make me light headed. I used to have to be given a sedative just to get a TB test or a dose of novacaine. When I had my kidney issues when I was 22 I became a pincushion and managed to get to the point where I don't need a sedative, but I still freak out and get all anxious and panicky. I had to get my blood drawn today. This is the scariest because I have deep, tiny veins (and the person doing the draw ALWAYS manages to inform me of this in a suprised fashion, even though I tell them before hand). I usually get stuck 2 or 3 times, and once was stuck 6. This guy took his time, got the vein on the first try... I am so greatful! I got through it with my dad there next to me. I needed to lay down and needed help walking afterwards as I was shaking and dizzy. Still, I got through it and feel so proud. Some people don't get that this isn't about pain or infection or any other reason people are scared of needles. This is a phobia - no reason, but severe. Some tell me that sincce I have had so many I should be over my phobia and be fine with it. They don't get that it's not that easy. Maybe you guys get it? I'm sure lots of people with anxiety have phobias!

(((((((((((((((LizardL8y)))))))))))))))))

Congrats on "getting through it" !!! You did an awesome job and I hope you are feeling good about how well you did.

I don't care how many times you have to go through something that scares the buggers out of you...it doesn't necessarily make it easier....sometimes we just find ways to get around it so we can better deal with the fear.

Good job!!

Hugssss
sabby

Thank you!!! So true... exposure to fear doesn't (at least in this case) lessen the fear, it just teaches me I can get through it and helps me deal with the fear in better ways. I am proud of myself! I looked this morning at the little tiny bruise on my arm and smiled. I did it!!! Yea me!!!

Awesome hun. You can do this!

i've never been afraid of needles, although it's not a pleasant thing to go through. in december of 2005, i was in the hospital for 3 days going through so many tests like you wouldn't believe. i was a pincushion, too. felt like i gave up 50 vials of blood for various tests (that may be an exaggeration for the number as i didn't count - lol). all that sticking took concentration to go through them all in 3 days. for awhile afterward, i wasn't in the mood to be stuck again. of course, i went through a couple of blood tests to check on a couple of things and did fine. just took me awhile since i went through so many in the space of 3 days in the hospital on december 2005.

(((liz))) i can understand the phobia. congratulations on getting through that.