Inner arm phobia and need a blood test

[ChloeR12]

Hey everyone. Weird post here...
Since as long as I can remember I've had a weird phobia of my inner arm (where blood tests are done) like my inner elbow. And also my belly button...

I'm covered in tattoos so I am not scared of needles or anything, but I'm not pregnant and will obviously need a blood test...

2 things really. Does anyone else have this phobia? My inner arm physically makes me feel sick, the thought of it and look of it just sends me dizzy. Anyone touches me there and I cringe inside and feel physically sick! The other night I was up thinking about when I will have to have a blood test and I had to get up and go to the bathroom as I was almost sick.

Also, because of this fear... does anyone know if I can get a blood test done from my hand? Or wrist? I'd rather it be in a much more painful place than babe anyone go near my arm. I will have a panic attack, and that's not me over exaggerating!

I know this is so weird but I'm very worried about this, wondered if anyone could help :(

Any replies are appreciated thank you so much 💖

I meant have * sorry for typo

Are you having it done at your gp surgery? As if you see it might be worth a call to reception and ask them to ask the phlebotomist/nurse who would be taking the sample.
At the surgery I work at we would be quite happy to accommodate a chat and I (as a nurse) would rather take the sample from your hand successfully (depending how good your veins are there) than cause you distress by using your elbow. It would likely be a more painful test and can result in extensive bruising which can also be quite painful which I would need you to be aware of beforehand so you could make a choice as to if you wanted to try your elbow or your hand.

Hi there. I have a severe phobia of needles in general and although I wouldn’t say I have a fear of my inner arm as you describe, I definitely have a ‘thing’ about it. I don’t like to touch it, I avoid it if I’m putting moisturiser on etc, and I don’t like anyone else to touch it, it just gives me shivers. I have been offered a blood test from my hand when attempting to get blood taken before, so it must be possible. It didn’t work for me as my phobia is mostly related to the actual needles, but I’m sure it’s something you could ask about! I hope it goes well for you.

I have crap veins and have had blood taken from the back of my hand and from my wrist, where the veins are juicier and less prone to collapse.

And, yes, the bruises on the back of your hand can be enormous. Proper eggs.

I don't have a phobia but the thought of getting blood from my inner arm makes me shiver. Plus my veins are crap and any nurse who has tried to take blood from there has tried to take it multiple times and failed. I had bloods taken around one a month during pregnancy due to certain complications and each time I offered my right hand instead. The nurses didn't have a problem, however i think it seemed like a more experienced midwife would be better at taking from the hand (they would sometime fetch another midwife if they didn't feel confident). This was fine if I were at the hospital as there were lots of midwives. They would also need to use a different type of needle.

I've e always hated needles and avoided them no matter what. Pregnancy has pretty much cured that phobia as I got poked and prodded so much I didn't care anymore!!

Just to add, every apt I had I just explain that 'I have a thing about getting boys from my inner arm' and the was never an issue. I think the hands can sting a bit more but that's about it

Yep I'm the same, that part of my arm repulses me and blood tests make me want to puke.

I have to lay down to have a blood test as I would possibly faint and I just ask them.not to tell me anything thy are doing, I just close my eyes and turn my head the other way. I've often said that if it couldn't be taken from a thicker bit of skin I would be okay!

Last time I tried to give blood I fainted and have been unable to attempt since.

I dont really think they can take it from elsewhere but just make sure you've had plenty to.eat and drink, ask to lay down and it will be over very quickly.