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Original poster

Vaccines for Needlephobics

27 replies

HollywoodTease · 09/03/2021 20:51

My vaccine is booked for 2 weeks time.

I'm already starting to get stressed Sad

I don't just have a dislike of needles, I have a full-on phobia. Panic attacks, fainting, occasional fits just at the thought of it. I've managed to have one blood test in the last 25 years because my doc gave me valium before hand and I was able to take DH in with me (nearly broke his fingers though).

I know about and try to use mindfulness, but I'm terrified that I will have to walk into the centre by myself, and that they will vaccinate me in a room full of other people who may see if I have a bad reaction. I've soiled myself when unconscious on past occasions.

Has anyone else got a really bad phobia, and if so how did the vaccination process go for you? Were the staff sympathetic and were you able to have it done out of view of others? Did you approach your GP for sedation first?

Please help me with your positive stories.

I want the vaccine, but I feel sick at the thought of it and I've got another 2 weeks for my stupid brain to stew on it and make it worse Sad

OP posts:
parietal · 09/03/2021 21:08

I'm needle phobic. I managed IVF with some strategies- never look at the needle or say needle. Distract as much as possible- music book etc. Focus on the positive effects. And tell the medical staff that you are nervous and need a chair and distractions etc.

Lupinhere37 · 09/03/2021 21:10

Oh no op! Phobias are so debilitating.
Can you maybe ask the GP to prescribe you something again? Explain to the receptionist just how bad your phobia is?

TimeQuest01 · 09/03/2021 21:34

I’m so needle phobic that I had a natural birth at home, the thought of the epidural filled me with terror. I was very lucky everything went well and didn’t even need stitches.

I also recently had an endoscopy without sedation because of it.

Had hypnotherapy before getting pregnant and it helped me during all the blood tests I needed.

However, two years later, I had a blood test and fainted twice and the phobia came back in full bloom, actually, even stronger, I’m now scared of driving in a motorway fearing I might suddenly faint and have a car crash.

So what I do now is take a Valium or something similar whenever I have a blood test/dentist, I’ll definitely take one when I get my vaccine.

Oh, and also, the anesthesic cream works wonders, you don’t feel a thing.

I know phobias are in the head, but not feeling the little prick minimises the trigger for me.

FrankieFalcone · 09/03/2021 21:54

I’m so sorry you have this stress of being needle phobic.

Absolute truth here, I never looked when I had the vaccine and I honestly never felt a thing, my MIL, FIL & DM all said the same. It’s the oddest thing ever and some have even doubted they’ve had it, but seriously it’s not me bit painful.

I hope this alleviates a tiny bit of the stress you’re feeling at the thought of having the vaccine.

Flowers
FrankieFalcone · 09/03/2021 21:54

Me should have been One!

TomorrowIsAnotherDae · 09/03/2021 22:39

I’m very nervous of needles OP, not quite phobic. What I do is ‘blather’ on while the nurse gets ready to inject or draw blood. I tell them I’m nervous and explain I’ll just be babbling on while they do it. I never look. Usually while I’m blathering on they have done the injection.

I can honestly say that with my COVID jab, I was doing this and I did actually have to ask the nurse if she’d done it (she had) I honestly didn’t feel a thing, not even a scratch.

I suggest Valium or a beta-blocker and numbing cream and distract yourself. It will be very quick. I was in and out the surgery in 5 minutes flat.

MsJuniper · 09/03/2021 23:17

I am not phobic but I am scared of needles and cannot look when I am being injected. I can honestly say that I didn't feel the Covid jab at all. It was the quickest and most painless injection I've ever had.

Mine was in a chemist but there was a small side room for the vaccination - it was just me and the person giving the vaccine.

BlueSkyBlinking · 09/03/2021 23:30

I haven’t had the vaccine yet but I had to have a tetanus vaccine last year after getting tangled in some barbed wire (ahem) and I didn’t feel it! I was very scared, and expecting the enormous needle in the bumcheek that we were terrorised with as children. Instead the nurse swabbed my arm and I looked away, and then she pressed on my arm and I waited for the pain and then she said, “okay?” And it was already done?! Apparently, modern needles are very fine.

Please don’t worry. Science is amazing and you will be so relieved.

Timeisavirtue · 09/03/2021 23:48

I have no issues with needles, been having blood tests 6 monthly since I was born, I’ve actually helped a few people get over there phobias of needles. My issue is the side affects. My body goes into panic mode the minute I think about getting Ill.

ElGuardiandenoche · 10/03/2021 02:03

I'm needle phobic and had mine done a few weeks ago. I had some emla cream on my arm (due to my health I have to have bloods taken and other stuff so it helps me). My husband came with me as my carer and had his done at the same time. I made sure that I had a tshirt with a high sleeve so the top of my arm was exposed and just wore a thick jacket. I took my jacket off before I got in the room and wore headphones with my favourite music playing. I sat with my arm on the nurses side so she didn't have to walk around me. My husband stood at my side between the nurse and me with enough space for her and then the nurse said 'thank you very much lets get your husband done!'

I honestly didn't feel it. I usually do feel it even with the cream and I hate it and usually have panic attacks etc.

RavingAnnie · 10/03/2021 02:39

I'm dental phobic and it's got much worse recently. I asked the GP for diazepam. They gave me some and some for next time. It was sooooo much better.

Only issue is that someone has to drive you, you obviously can't drive on them. I took 4mg.

Is there any reason you can't ask for diazepam as that's worked for you before?

Ffs2020 · 10/03/2021 05:16

I haven't had the vaccine yet, but I'm also needle phobic. My gp limit who's allowed to take my blood, book extra time, keep me talking and have dp nearby in case I need a handhold, which really means dp holds me down. Also, they let me lie down, instead of sitting. Valium or diazepam don't work for me. Gp will be putting the same strategies in place when I'm being vaccinated.

MereDintofPandiculation · 10/03/2021 15:15

When I went, the vaccines were given in separate cubicles so you couldn't see anyone else - they asked you about allergies which you wouldn't be able to do if you were vaccinating production line style.

You were allowed to take a carer if necessary.

Tal45 · 10/03/2021 15:26

Suck on a sweet to distract you and to stop your blood sugar level dropping and you fainting, that's what I do as I've fainted before x

FrankSpencersBeret · 10/03/2021 16:51

I have similar issues to you and have had therapy about this in the past. I made some progress a few years ago as I needed IVF and then my cat got diabetes, and in a way I was able to compartmentalize what was going on.
I'm in the US now and have to have yearly blood tests. The way I work around this is to call the surgery the day in advance and I take a pre-written note to hand to the receptionist explaining my issues and that I need to wait outside until the last minute. I take the letter as I find that I can't get the words out as I'm getting upset and then it just escalates if I have to be in a waiting room with others. The other thing I've to do that works and I've no idea why it helps but while I wait I tap my chin and hum.
As I'm a teacher here, I've already had both of my covid vaccines. My main worry was that it would be in one of the large places with lots of people. Luckily that wasn't the case but I still showed my 'letter' to anyone and everyone, I didn't look at the syringe at all and as a PP said, it really didn't hurt, and was very quick. I think the fact that they do it so high helped. For this one, despite having tears pouring down my face, I was looking away, humming and this time tapping my thigh in a rhythm and 'zoned' out.
I think if you could take a note with you explaining that you need to be seen quickly it would help as it can be hard to explain that you need help if you can't get the words out. Good luck.

Puzzledandpissedoff · 10/03/2021 18:28

Another needle phobic here - or rather I was, especially around IM injections which I avoided for over 30 years

I'm honestly not just saying this to make you feel better, OP, but I genuinely didn't feel anything except a little pressure; no pian, not even the famous "scratch", nothing

bendmeoverbackwards · 10/03/2021 18:49

I completely understand - my dd is also needle phobic. Myself - I can (just about) cope with injections but blood tests - no way.

The last injection I had, the nurse was lovely and gave me a great tip - she told me to let my arm go loose and floppy and just let it dangle. When she put the needle in, I promise you I barely felt it. If you tense up, the muscle will also be tense so will hurt more.

You could also try Emla cream to numb the area but make sure you get it in the right place.

Cookerhood · 10/03/2021 19:11

Honestly the needle is so tiny you don't need emla unless it will help you cope. DD is needle phobic but in fact she is desperate to have this one so it will be interesting to see what happens with her. Yes, make your arm go as floppy as possible, it will really help. Tell the vaccinator - with DD it helps if it is just over and done with quickly without too much chat & information. They will be trained to deal with it. Good luck & let us know how it goes.

VicSynix · 10/03/2021 19:38

Does your doctor know about it? If you're booking via your GP, please flag this up. I've been helping out at a GP hub and we had one patient who's record was marked 'BIG NEEDLE PHOBIA' - so everyone, from the person checking her in to the clinical assessor to the person giving the jab, knew about it and could act accordingly.

Original poster
HollywoodTease · 16/03/2021 19:21

Thanks for the words of encouragement everyone. I managed to bring the date forward and I've been today.

The centre staff were wonderful. I told them as I was going in about the phobia and they saw my distress (tearful and shaking) so they fast-tracked me and let DH stay with me.

Because I went straight in with no waiting or sitting around I had no time to panic further and it was quick and painless.

I'm so relieved!

OP posts:
Flev · 16/03/2021 19:26

That's great news, we'll done!

Notavegan · 16/03/2021 19:30

Well done. I had a similar experience having a smear today which I hate more than anything. Poor nurse who had to deal with me. I felt really shaky and exhausted now. Bit it's behind me for the time being.

FortyWorth · 16/03/2021 19:32

My 17 year old is massively needle phobic. Every time he has an injection he passes out and vomits. I have huge admiration for him as he knows what is going to happen but he will still go and have it. He's never refused bless him.
He wears headphones and turns his music right up and keeps his eyes closed.

XenoBitch · 16/03/2021 20:13

Well done, OP. I am glad it went ok.

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