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

[Sarahlaynee]

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?

I hate needles, absolutely hate them. Never could have a blood test or vaccination without having a major panic attack or passing out even through I knew that it was the thought of it, rather than the actual needle.

Anyway, I recently had a baby and the amount of bloods and vaccinations I had to have was totally unexpected. This is what I did to get through them, drink plenty of water beforehand, and take some water with you to sip on, ask them to lie you back on the chair or bed, breathe deeply and ask them to try and keep you talking. It's over within seconds, then sit on the chair/bed for a minute or two then get up.

I still don't like needles but I know I can cope with them now!

I'm exactly the same OP - usually have to have the pediatric needles as my veins are so hard to see! I find that telling them all this before they start helps as they are more prepared, and the thing that helps me most is lying down/tilted upside down!

OP I've had three blood tests in my life and cried each time
For me its the sensation of them pulling the blood out which is the worst. It's probably worse in my head than it is physically, but I still feel sick at the thought of it.
Sorry, no real advice but I share your fear and have avoided blood tests as much as I can. Can someone go with you? Maybe they can distract you?

The people who take my blood every 12 weeks scatter when I walk in as they call me "her with no veins"
Drink lots, ask for a butterfly needle. I really really don't like needles but after being diagnosed with a condition where I need bloods every 12 weeks and inject myself once a week it got easier
Lie down if you need to and don't look at the needle

My veins are ridiculously bad and when I need a cannula in hospital they always have to go in through the side of my wrist which hurts like absolute heck.

The ONLY people who can find my veins, without fail, and without too much pain, are Phlebotomists at blood test units - i.e. where you're going today. They take blood day in, day out; they're trained for it and it's their job. So if anyone can make your blood test as bearable as possible, it's these folks. Just try to keep thinking of that and remember to keep breathing - and have other pps say, treat yourself afterwards. 💐

Yes agree with others. Good phlebotomist, tell them you're very anxious, use a numbing cream or spray, ask for a fine needle, lots of water and lie down for it.

I sympathise because I have regular blood tests and they sometimes have trouble getting blood from my veins too. You do need to be well hydrated and warm but apart from that, I would ask if a phlebotomist can take the blood sample as they will be very good at it. Nurses and other healthcare professionals can be a bit hit and miss when it comes to taking blood in my experience.

Yes, drink loads of water, the increase in blood volume makes it flow easier and also I imagine makes it easier for them to feel the vein even if they can't see it. These tests vary hugely, sometimes you barely feel it, other times it is a bit more difficult. But you can do it OP, you really have to go, so just close your eyes and it will be over before you know it.

I empathise; it can be horrible.

Think of it as the lesser of two evils, and focus on how much better you'll feel once they've got to the bottom of what's wrong and been able to treat you.

It's OK to tell the nurse you're nervous; IME they're very good at reassurance/distraction/whatever they feel will help you the most.

I'm here. Absolutely sick with worry.

Deep breaths. Remember the alternative is being very unwell

Can we distract you? Cat videos, silly jokes, in-depth political discussions?

Try to relax, tell them you have difficult veins. They would prefer to use a thinner needle and get the blood first time.

I speak as someone with only 1 good vein that people can get blood out of....and as someone who has had a blood test every 2 - 6 weeks since 2001.

I hated blood test, now I don't look and chat to them while they are doing the test.

If you need to have a cry then do it, they've seen it all before. I hope you have something nice to look forward to? Got a favourite tv show or meal? :)

I hate it too, but with 2 pregnancies in 2 years I've had to get blood taken (and get a cannula put in when I was in labour, eeuugh!).

I find it helps if I tell the person how much I hate getting it done when I first go in. They usually are quite good at chatting away and distracting me a bit.

Try and keep the area warm, the veins will be bigger if they're warmer and it will be much easier.

Not sure if they'd use it on you, but with kids they put on a cream that numbs the area so you hardly feel anything. Worth asking about it.

Good luck, you'll feel so much better when it's done.

I used to be dreadful. I had loads of major surgery as a child and it was terrifying. But I had to get over it and now it's fine. You will be ok I promise

I feel for you OP, I've also had needle phobia for a long time, although it's a little better now than when I was younger, especially after being pregnant/giving birth.

My coping method is always not to look, I don't mind the pain and as long as I don't see what's going on I can kind of disassociate myself from it and put myself somewhere else mentally. My SIL also has needle phobia and copes with it the other way around, she finds that looking at it helps her to not picture something worse going on. She also asks for a child size needle and they are always happy to oblige, but we're not in the UK so don't know if they'd do the same, maybe worth asking though. Hope it goes well for you!

With 'awkward' veins, keep the area as warm as possible.
Randomly pump your hand to get used to the sensation, it's less associated with only the blood test that way, because it's just a usual action like walking.

For next time, ask if you can use EMLA cream from a pharmacist, it's a topical local anaesthetic, but it's best applied and covered and needs time to work.

Done! Didn't even hurt. She got the blood straight away. She was very skilled and experienced. Made all the difference. I will get the results on Thursday.

It will be really good to finally know what's causing my symptoms. I have lost 4 stone is a few months without dieting.

It's very scary. Thanks for the support and encouragement.

I have r fused so much testing over he years because of my fears to needles. So glad it's over

A good Phlebotomist is a godsend. Well done, OP! 💐💐💐

That's great to hear, OP,

Well done! I work in health care and also hate the sensation of having blood taken. Thankfully I have good veins and don't need blood tests often.

I am terrible with blood tests too, absolutely hate it. I take a big favourite scarf and bury my face in it the whole time so i cant see or hear anything . Then I treat myself to something nice usually a huge slice of cake on the way home. Good luck OP, you can do it.

Oh well done!!

Well done. You did it! Daft idea but did you get her name? If you ever needed any more tests maybe worth asking for the same person by name?
Hope the tests answer your questions and are reassuring.