To refuse this blood test?

[BlairWaldorfsHeadband]

My hospital want to do a group and save. I’m a needle phobe, but hadnit done and it was a very upsetting experience.

The hospital then mislabelled the blood. So want me to repeat it.

Here’s the thing - they have my blood group on record. And blood groups don’t change. I know my blood group.

I’ve been treated quite ignorantly about my needle phobia by them and so, I don’t want to redo the test. It’s their fault they put the wrong label on it and they already have the info.

Aibu to just say no?

I’d imagine with those diagnoses you’ve had some CBT? It’s really helpful, particularly with phobias - gradual exposure. It might help you move from being able to get it done only at your surgery to going elsewhere, realising you cope better than you think you do, learning to stop relying on safety behaviour.

Oh also: make sure the HANDWRITE your info on the sample, no pre printed sticky labels. Labels are fine for the form but not the sample. (Only applies to group and saves not other blood tests)

Yes, but those of us who have had experience working with those who have anxiety and helping them to get over it do know that exposure to the anxiety-inducing thing is the way to resolve the problem. So, basically, it IS as simple as get over it and get on with it, but we weren't putting it quite so bluntly at the start. You seem to have exhausted our sympathy somehow.

No I wouldnt refuse. It is important to have done and it has to be recent.

I also have hideously tricky veins (12 goes last time someone tried to get a line in me, I looked like I’d been beaten up...) so I sympathise. There are things you can do to make the veins pop out a little. I find being well hydrated and warm very important so have some orange juice and water an hour before and make sure you’re warm and active before the draw.

If you also have issues with needles there are again things they can do - needle pads, numbing plaster etc. Speak to them and see what they can accommodate.

But it is important to have done - you can develop antibodies at any point in pregnancy. Good luck.

Anxiety can be a disability but it’s jot automatically one. Needle phobia causing anxiety is very unlikely to qualify

I have to say OP I don’t know how people can get through pregnancy and birth refusing needles, often you’re like a pin cushion by the end

I’d imagine with those diagnoses you’ve had some CBT? It’s really helpful, particularly with phobias - gradual exposure. It might help you move from being able to get it done only at your surgery to going elsewhere, realising you cope better than you think you do, learning to stop relying on safety behaviour.

I’ve had CBT for years and it doesn’t seem to help me much. I know lots of people like talking therapies but for me they’ve never actually helped, I just feel like a massive idiot talking about it.

The main thing that helps is getting to know the person taking my blood. My issues are around trust, if I don’t trust the person doing it I panic, so that’s why having the same person who knows me, knows what scares me and how to help me is so so valuable.

Bowl what’s a needle pad? Thank you, I also find drinking lots beforehand helps.

I think a needle pad is where they cover the needle so you can’t see it. They did it with me the first time.

CBT did nowt for me. actual proper talking therapy helped hugely (not a needle phobia specifically but other stuff.) CBT is good for some stuff but it’s pushed as a panacea for all ills and it really isn’t

If there’s something you’ve identified that can help (trust) then that’s what to concentrate on. HCPs do vary in their skill and manner so if you can say to mw that you have issues with the blood draws, x and y helps and how can she help you with that, then it’s a more positive approach I think.

Bowl

What helps me is having a bed, not a chair (because I faint), someone I know, who talks to me beforehand so I don’t feel pressured.

They seem very reluctant to do this. I understand they are rushed but I can’t change my anxiety, I am trying to find a suitable way to have it done and so it feels really upsetting for them to just refuse.

I have quite bad social anxiety and seeing a new HCP for bloods each time really bothers me.

I haemmoraged after both births, neither time was expecting it.

YABU you need it done, if they didn’t do it and you haemmoraged then you would end up needing the rare (o neg I think) type and that’s a waste for someone who has foresight.

I know that phobias can be crippling but you have managed it before.

I used to have a dreadful needle phobia and had to be held down for injections, blood being taken. A doctor told me to ask for it to be taken from my hand and that actually worked. I eventually got over it (had to) and now I have no bother with needles at all despite retaining anxiety over all of the other stuff I’m bothered with.

You know the answer. Of course you can refuse. And the hospital do not have the time or resources to accommodate every person with needle phobia. I’m not being dismissive. It’s very common. Most people either avoid all needles or try to tackle their phobia.
If you are pregnant I’d suggest asking for referral to the mental health midwife for support as you have no idea how your pregnancy will go and what you may need. For example this pregnancy I’ve had to inject clexane every day, (myself) have an iron infusion, have antibiotic via IV, have a drip, have injections in hospital. By not having regular blood tests you will not know how your body is coping (aneamic etc) and if you are in hospital you cannot expect nurses at your gp to monitor you.
I do get it as when I first had to self inject and have daily bloods, I used to cry and faint, but the risk to my health made me realise I had to get help.

I used to have a massive needle phobia. First pregnancy, having bloods taken at booking in appointment and I had a full panic attack. Passed out. Then I got pre-eclampsia. OMG. Needles everyday for 8 weeks.

By the time DD1 was born I was quite de-sensitised and although I had a massive red sticker on my folder, so the blood takers were quite careful and sensitive, I did in the end, get over it.

I am still nervous about needles, and refused an epidural, or pain meds in both my births, but no longer phobic or panic attacked by having blood taken. I can't see the needle though, so I go in and sit down and then shut my eyes.

Make sure the person taking the blood knows you have massive issues.

Have you ever tried anything like this? www.buzzy4shots.co.uk/index.html

I can do injections. I can do most medical procedures, it’s specifically bloods that is a problem, or when I don’t know the hcp, or both.

I’m fine with HCP who calmly and logically explain to me what is happening, why it is being done, and are honest and respectful.

I find a lot of midwives don’t keep you informed and just expect you to say okay without any questions, which makes me nervous.

Can you request a different midwife?

glitterfarts I have told them but they keep pretending it’s not a big deal. Glad you are able to deal with them better!

SinkGirl

I haven’t tried that but I might get one, it can’t hurt.

Itscoldnow exactly. OP is pregnant with twins. She’ll need to self-administer clexane postnatally. She’ll be recommended to have 4 weekly blood tests from 28 weeks to check her iron levels. She’ll be recommended to have a cannula in labour.

It may not be what you want to hear, but you need to face this and deal with the reality you’re in, not demand a one.

I have made over eighty blood donations, had five operations and now have to have regular blood tests. I fail to see why a pinprick that hurts a lot less than a stubbed toe should present such a problem.

Can you request a different midwife?

I seem to have a different one every time I go.

With my first pregnancy my midwife was wonderful. I had hoped for the same one but sadly not, and doesn’t work there now. The others are nice enough but quite dismissive.

I prefer a factual approach rather than “don’t worry love you’ll be okay!” and I keep getting the latter, which increases the nerves.

SirGawain needle phobia may not be a disability, but it IS real and debilitating.

I have made over eighty blood donations, had five operations and now have to have regular blood tests. I fail to see why a pinprick that hurts a lot less than a stubbed toe should present such a problem.

I don’t understand why some people are afraid of dogs, water or dirt, but I accept that they are because I understand that those things exist even if I don’t personally experience them...

I don't think anyone thinks "oh, whoopee" at the prospect of having needles stuck in them. A C section isn't the only reason you might need a transfusion after birth. You can haemorrhage after vaginal birth, too. I did. Twice. No time for any needle anxiety, there.

I have a massive issue with blood tests. Specifically with veins. I struggled to even type that - it makes me feel faint to think about it.

I got very sick. My thyroid was removed.
My reality is having lots and lots of blood tests. This cannot be avoided, and will never change.

I go in, feel sick and sweat. I take my ticket and look at MN or FB on my phone.
When I am called, I tell them I have issues, cannot look at it, or talk about it. I take off my jacket and look out of the window. When they are done, I go outside, sit down, and breathe for a while.

It's crap, but you can do it if I can.

Often the reason to have bloods taken at hospital rather than the GP is time based.

Some blood tests need to completed in the blood lab a certain number of minutes or hours, after blood collection to be accurate.

I am not needle phobic but I have terrible veins, if you collapse one on your first attempt at getting blood out of me, it can take dozens of attempts to find another suitable one to use.

I had five midwives fail to get blood out of me on one prenatal visit...that was fun, not.

I prefered a nurse who always gets blood out of me first time from my local GP practice, than going to the hospital every week whilst (at the time) being heavily pregnant.

We arranged that I would take the last nurse's appointment to have blood taken around 3pm. On the day, the nurse went straight to the hospital lab to drop the blood off for testing.

This worked for me. Maybe worth a try for you.