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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Having a blood test today and I'm so scared I'm crying. AIBU to not go

61 replies

Sarahlaynee · 17/07/2017 14:09

I have suspected iron deficiency and possibly diabetes.

I've unexplained weight loss, sweating when eating sugar, nausea and tired all the time.

I'm booked in for a blood test and I'm so scared. I didn't used to be scared but I have very weak lines on my arms so it's really difficult for them to collect any blood and sometimes takes several goes with my arm looking like I've been attacked!

I absolutely hate the sensation of the needle going into th vein. It's disgusting and so gruesome.

I'm really really scared.

I know it's pathetic but I really don't think I can go.

aibu?

OP posts:
Konichiwagoodbye · 17/07/2017 14:11

Of course yabu.

The anticipation will be worse than the event.

I'd rather get blood taken than slip into a diabetic coma. Please go and get it taken

Konichiwagoodbye · 17/07/2017 14:12

Sorry if that sounded harsh but yourealltneed to consider your over all health. Explain how nervous you are and breathe deeply. In reality it's not too painful but I get that if you're terrified then you'll be making it seem worse than it is.

Redcrayons · 17/07/2017 14:12

I hate it as well. I usually tell them to just do it and not give me any warning. Then I look the other way.

You have to go. It's five minutes. Then they'll be able to find out what's wrong with you and make you better. Just think this time tomorrow it'll be a distant memory.

orangefeet · 17/07/2017 14:13

Yes just be brave and go. Tell the nurse that you are scared, many people are scared of needles and she will understand. Honestly it just takes seconds to take blood and it doesn't hurt. You can do this. Flowers

Chocolatecake12 · 17/07/2017 14:16

Make sure you drink plenty toovas that helps your veins apparently.
I hate it too but try to chat my way through it and calm myself down by thinking that poorly children have this done lots more often than me and that I'm silly to feel such a baby!

Original poster
Sarahlaynee · 17/07/2017 14:16

It always hurts me. Feels like a very uncomfortable stinging sensation.

I've got beta blockers at least or I'd be shaking too much for them to do anything.

OP posts:
WinterRose92 · 17/07/2017 14:18

I know exactly how you feel, absolutely hate having blood tests. They would struggle to find a good vein but I was told by a friend who is a midwife to drink lots of water before going. It pumps your veins up better. Since doing this, every blood test I've had has been a lot easier. Still don't like it but it has helped a lot. Try it. And just think, it'll be over in minutes. You need to have it done. Just breathe and focus on something else in the room.
Get drinking! Good luck xx

LordEmsworth · 17/07/2017 14:20

Tell them before they start that you need a finer needle. I've had horrible bruising in the past, now I tell them that rather than politely let them try & fail with the "standard" needle.

BenLui · 17/07/2017 14:21

You do need to go I'm afraid, it's really important. Flowers

I sympathise though. I don't like blood tests either, although I'm not frightened, it's certainly not the best part of any day.

Is there anyone that can go with you and hold your hand?

SlothMama · 17/07/2017 14:21

Won't help for today but Emla cream does really help, you apply it and place a dressing over an hour before and it'll numb the area.

I hate needles but the procedure is quick, just let the Nurse know how nervous you are and I'm sure they will try and take your mind off the needle.

BarbarianMum · 17/07/2017 14:24

Are you familiar with the effects of untreated diabetes? Are you clear about what it is that you are choosing for yourself? It will either be death, or things that involve more needles and poorer outcomes.

If you would rather die than experience "an uncomfortable stinging sensation" then you clearly have a full blown needle phobia. Please tell your doctor that. There are creams they can use that mean you will feel nothing (if its the sensation that really disturbs you). They can also ensure they minimise the number of blood tests you need.

FairyDogMother11 · 17/07/2017 14:24

Please go! If you are diabetic you need to be being treated, I am a type 1 and it's so so important you don't mess about with this. I know it's really hard if you hate needles/hospitals etc, but please don't cancel Flowers

Wolfiefan · 17/07/2017 14:27

Ask for the numbing cream or the spray. Cream takes a while to work but spray is instant.

Cath2907 · 17/07/2017 14:28

I have a bit of an issue with blood tests. I find them incredibly scary and unpleasant. I take a book and do my best to keep my mind off it completely. Otherwise get a friend to come hold your hand!

Seniorcitizen1 · 17/07/2017 14:31

If you don't go and you have diabetes and it is untreated you could end ip blind and have legs amputated

DancingLedge · 17/07/2017 14:33

You won't be the first person they've seen who really struggles with blood tests- probably not the first today.
Even if you cry all the way through, you know you still have to do this.
It's horrible being scared of something, but it probably won't be as bad as your fears, and it will only take a couple of minutes.
Promise your self a treat afterwards..BrewCakeFlowers

Topseyt · 17/07/2017 14:34

Nobody likes it, that I know of.

I'm afraid it is just one of those things that occasionally has to be done though. As others say, explain how nervous you are and they will try to put you at ease as much as possible.

I probably have some coming up at Diabetes Clinic tomorrow afternoon (I am at increased risk of developing it for various reasons, though nothing diagnosed for now). Often it is the potential results that worry me, not having the samples drawn off.

It will be over quickly, and yes, I agree that it is better that you do go.

LorLorr2 · 17/07/2017 14:38

Let the nurse know how afraid you are. You will feel so glad afterwards when it's all done! Remember to stay hydrated as that helps things run smoothly and ask if a numbing product is available. Look away and do whatever you have to to bear the feeling x

SoapyChoc · 17/07/2017 14:39

You may have heard it all before but drinking lots of water, keeping warm and maybe a brief light stroll just beforehand can all help with making the veins easier to access. Hope it goes ok. Definitely treat yourself afterwards.

DotForShort · 17/07/2017 14:39

You have to do it. Which strategies help you in stressful situations? I find that thinking of the time something will take can help me (e.g. "It will be over in five minutes, that's 300 seconds, I can get through that"). Or talk your way through the experience, chat with the nurse about whatever trivial topic gets your mind off the thing you're worried about.

thatorchidmoment · 17/07/2017 14:41

Ask if they can use a butterfly needle to collect your sample as you have fine veins. And tell whoever is taking your sample that you are very nervous about it. Also, look the other way. Good advice re hydrating well before your sample as that will make your veins easier.
If you do have diabetes and fail to have this diagnosed, I'm afraid it's a very poor outlook for you and I guarantee you will end up unwell and needing a lot more unpleasant interventions and needles than a straightforward blood test.
So sorry if that sounds harsh. I really hope you manage to go and that your tests are all clear. However, a diagnosis of diabetes means regular blood testing, both using fingerprick home glucose monitoring, and venous samples taken to check how your blood sugars are being controlled, amongst other things. It's possible this will not be the last blood test you have at the surgery, so you might need to have strategies in place to cope with that.

rogueantimatter · 17/07/2017 14:42

I'm sure they will give you a very mild sedative/diazepam if you feel you can't manage. You won't be the first person to have this problem.

Very best wishes.

Topseyt · 17/07/2017 14:45

Think of a treat for yourself for afterwards too.

Not necessarily anything too sugary as it is potentially diabetes related, but perhaps something you would enjoy, like a new book to read, a coffee in your favourite café. Then treat yourself once it is over.

I have got through many a hospital clinic by promising myself a latte from Costa afterwards.

Charmatt · 17/07/2017 14:45

Is there a point on your arm where they have more luck at a successful entry? I have weak lines due to the medication I take but I have found that the nurses are usually able to take blood from a single point in my left elbow crease.

Drink lots of water and try to relax - I know it's not easy but it is important that you find out if you have an underlying condition for your long term health.

My son has ASD and he gets very anxious before a blood test, but we find getting him to look out of the window and talking about something else rather than focusing on the procedure helps a lot.

hiccupgirl · 17/07/2017 14:49

I don't want to pile in and be harsh too, but the effects of untreated diabetes are far worse than the sting of a needle from a blood test. Plus if you are diabetic and its left untreated, you will eventually end up with medical intervention that will involve needles anyway.

Drink lots of water, look the other way, do deep breathing, ask for a butterfly needle so its slimmer, and do it for the sake of your health.