Has anybody had an epidural with a needle Phobia?

[chloemegjess]

I am talking a proper needle phobia, not just a dislike to needles.

I had an injection the other day, I knew I needed it as I was very ill and did it for the sake of my baby. But cried, paniked, shouted, refused to have it etc which is quite usual for me when there is a needle involved.

I feel very worried about this birth as when I had DD is was so painful (although she was back to back, very long labour and I was il at the same time). I am starting to think that I would be better off having an epidural.

BUT I don't know how they would give it to me. I remember being close to asking for one last time (for need of sleep more than anything) but I hadn't looked a thing up because I had previously decided I didn't want one. I was talked out of it because of the dangers of if I moved when they were trying to do it. To be honest, I so much as see a needle and I dive the other side of the room.

Please don't say "it doesn't hurt, it only takes a min, don't look at the needle etc etc etc" everybody says this to me every time I have anything done and all it does is make me feel stupid.

What is CBH?

You don't have to be lying down, I wasn't, and I totally agree with you on the control thing ... one thing (epidurals aside) that has brought my phobia down a couple of pegs is insisting on getting an approximate time for how long injections/withdrawals will take.

Then make the nurse PROMISE FAITHFULLY that she will withdraw the needle when you get to this time limit, whether she has finished or not. Stress how important to you this is - the always in my experience comply.

Then count along with the second timer ( take one with you) counting to 4 on each secon ("ONe two three four, TWO two three four, Three two three four" etc)

It reall really helps knowing that at a given point it will all be over Because You Said So.

Sorry - cognitive behavioural therapy. It helps you to control irrational fears.

which is OBVIOUSLY CBT and NOT CBH sorry.

Coldtits - to be honest, the amount of time it is in there for doesn't both me really and I would muh rather they finished it than have to do it again another day. For blood tests, it doesn't make much difference to me if they take 1 pot or 10, it is the needle going into the skin in the first place that bothers me. Once it has been in for say 30 seconds, I relax and they get a much better flow of blood.

Fluffles - do you know how to find out more about CBT? And how much it costs etc?