I am panicking and don't know what to do :(

[UtterlyButterly]

I posted last week about my needle phobia and I have worked myself up into a bit of a state!!

I have a lot of symptoms for a thyroid problem. My GP has mentioned it a few times and ive ignored it because my needle phobia has prevented me from having a blood test.

My symptoms are getting worse and I am scared. I really cannot cope with a needle. I don't know how to get over this. It has made my anxiety go through the roof.

Is there any way of checking for thyroid problems without a blood test?

have you considered hypnotherapy for the phobia? if you have thyroid problems i think you will need regular bloods done.

hypnotherapy done by someone who knows their stuff is fab.

Don't panic you'll be fine just have the blood test.
Anxiety can be a feature of over active thyroid but could be simply anxiety.
Another feature is loss of weight with increased food intake and appetite.
Ask for a mini needle or anaesthetic cream and try not to worry.. blood tests are very safe

No offense to the previous poster but saying 'don't worry, you'll be fine' to someone with a phobia is less than helpful. In fact it can increase the person's anxiety because they feel not taken seriously / patronised / mocked / scorned etc.

As a fellow phobic (mine's a fear of surgery - run up to my DD's labour was fun!!), can I suggest you start by discussing the phobia with your doctor? Phobia's are mental health conditions therefore subject to medical treatment / support. I can't promise you all GPs will be instantly supportive - you might have to be quite persistent and assertive, but someone will take you seriously and help you with this so your physical health can be attended to. Relaxation therapies and or v simple light medication like a beta blocker can make a massive difference! Good luck!

yes if actual phobia I agree.. just lots of people start by saying they have needle phobia ,dread the needles and LPs etc and get v worked up but then agree to it,are absolutely fine and calm and tolerate the procedure very well.
but agree, if an actual phobia you will have to work thru it somehow with the gp
anaesthetic cream ?

Thank you so much mrs your post has reassured me.

It is so hard explaining just how scared I am.

I get 'dont worry' or 'just don't think about it' all the time.

I think the easiest thing will be to chat to my GP and hope they take me seriously.

also could take pain killer before hand like cocodamol, and if really needed, a mild sedative

I am sure your GP will take your seriously Utterly. You won't be the first person they've had through their doors with this fear and hopefully will be able to come up with a way of making a blood test possible. I mentioned when you last posted that there is a cream that will numb the area so you can't feel the needle going in/coming out. But not sure if that would be helpful or not? Wonder if the GP would consider a diazapem tablet beforehand or even a beta-blocker?
There's no point saying don't worry or relax because phobia's don't work that way. They defy logic and reason. If you could just relax or not think about it then no-one would ever have a phobia. Def go and talk to your GP about it. Let us know how you get on.

when I say don't worry, that is not meant in a patronising sense at all
I mean,
blood tests are safe
we can prescribe diazepam low dose, anaesthetic cream and use a mini needle and explain well beforehand exactly what is happening.
if you were my patient I would help you.. find a sympathetic GP and perhaps they can take the bloods themselves with a blue needle and it will be fine.
It is your body and your choice but it is safe and should be painless.
all the best

I have a few phobias around medical procedures and have found the majority of doctors to be very understanding and supportive.

With regard to needles, my suggestion would be that you have a discreet word with your GP to see if s/he can point you towards the most competent blood-taker. My surgery has a practice nurse who is astoundingly quick - she can be in and out of the vein within seconds, and doesn't even given you time to notice the needle.

Good luck.