Anxious about testing

[Ilovewheelychairs]

Hi!

I have some cold symptoms; sore throat and swollen glands, plus had a bit of a dodgy tum over the weekend. The app tells me I should be tested. Have booked an appointment for later today but am absolutely terrified. My gag reflex is really strong, I am highly likely to vomit if they touch the back of my throat. I throw up at absolutely anything!

I know I need to be tested but the thought of being sick over myself in the car is really scaring me and I'm in tears worrying about it! I was sick an awful lot when I was younger and even the thought of them shoving something to the back of my throat is making me nauseous.

Is there anyone out there who can reassure me it isn't that bad?!

I thought it was an up the nose job ?

Apparently it's both a throat swab and a nasal swab? If it's just a nasal swab I'll cope with that!

You can decline the throat swab and do nostrils only. It’s your body and you do not have to consent to anything you don’t want to.

The test on children is nostrils only because of it being difficult to get the throat one.

You can also ask for the pack and administer it on yourself if you would feel more in control doing it that way. They get you to pull into a bag at the testing station and use the test on yourself then they take it off you when you are done.

*bay not bag

Oh wow thanks all. I think I'll ask to do it myself as I'm more likely to at least get some of the sample from my throat that way. Going to take a towel and a bowl with me just in case!

A lot of centres are self administer now. Mine was. The throat test was quite hard I thought, not so much the gagging for me (I did gag but I’ve a strong stomach) but keeping my tongue out the way! I needed one of those lollipop stick things!