Due to have covid vaccine and terrified of needles!!

[middlepuddle]

Due to have first injection and terrified of needles, I'm an hcp(not type that gives injections!) and am terrified of needles. I'm not feeling too nervous now but know by the day I will be in a state before I even go to the appointment, I have emla cream to help but I feel afraid I'm going to make a scene like last time I had to have blood taken(had 2 people in with me) and feel sorry for the person who is going to have to give it to me. Anybody else in the same situation?

Well I've got my magic cream and dh is going to take me up(probably won't be in a fit state to drive to nerves), haven't decided yet whether to take diazepam, will see how I feel in the morning.
dh is still working(essential business) but his boss is a good sort and won't mind him taking a couple of hours off.

Having 2nd tomorrow, dh came in with me for the first but he can't tomorrow because of lockdown, I can't sleep and I'm lying here in tears at the thought of going in on my own. I know I'm being stupid, it wasn't even that bad but phobias are fucking illogical. Dh is going to take me up to the centre and wait outside, I've got diazepam and magic cream but the panic is starting to build.

@middlepuddle - how did you vaccine go?

I am in the exact same boat and I am already feeling very light headed at the thought.

Did you use the EMLA cream? if so, did it help? how did you apply it?

I used to be terrified of them, as a teenager. It doesn't help that every time the vaccine is mentioned on the news, or the BBC website, it's accompanied by a picture of somebody with their sleeve up. I remember my brother gleefully mentioning injections whenever he could, in my hearing.

@GlomOfNit I too am encouraged by the lack of posters having a pop at the OP, and in the Coronavirus topic as well. My bingo card is unmarked for "you should be grateful you're having it" and similar.

emla helped, needs to be applied rIght at the top of the arm. I was shaking and crying but thankfully they let dh come in with me(I think they realised when they saw the state I was in that I needed him there!). Hopefully all done now until they decide we need a booster☹

Obviously too late for this jab, but have you tried counselling or hypnosis? A friend of mine had a similar level of phobia about blood, and he has been completely cured - to the point that he could watch his DW's Caesarian. This from a man who used to pass out at the sight of a grazed knee!

Bit late for you OP, but posting for anyone else who reads: v different vs blood draw, the needle was so fine I didn’t feel anything at all and wondered if they’d missed!

Was relieved to get achy arm & headache later on as shows something went in

Hope your second jab goes smoothly OP

Petrified of needles too! I had mine today.
I just stared into the distance, this needle will save my life. This needle will save my life. This needle will save my life. This needle will save my life. I got through it, and you will too.

Think about the weight that will be lifted from your shoulders once you've had it. The day has felt a little brighter, and like I can feel that I am safer and were a little closer to our new normal, which won't be like it was before, but far better than we are today.
Your vaccination is the start of that. In a few weeks time you'll be going to work, safe in the knowledge that you are safer for it.

Wishing you all the best!

Ph bloody hell. I shouldve RTFT!!
Sorry!