Terrified of blood test

[Frenchpastryqueue]

I have suspected anaemia and need to get a blood test to confirm. I’ve always been fine getting blood taken until the last time when I fainted. It was a student nurse and she missed my vein twice- next thing I was on the floor!

I know it doesn’t hurt and I don’t think it’s that that’s making me scared, I just have the fear of fainting again. Even the thought of phoning the doctors to make the appointment makes me feel faint. I’d really appreciate any advice from anyone who has experienced similar? Thank you in advance!

I do phlebotomy and we are used to people who are apprehensive. If you know you are likely to faint then the clinician should allow you to lay on a couch so that if you do faint, you're comfortable and les likely to hurt yourself.

If you are not having to fast (wouldn't think you would if it's FBC, ferritin etc but do check incase there's any additional tests on there), then make sure you eat before the test and most importantly try and drink lots of fluids.

Im was occasional fainter and always ask to lie down now. I've never fainted, or even come close, when lying down.

I also just don't think about it. I just talk "at" the person so my mind is too busy! I tell them in advance so it's not seeming rude, and I'm sure they are used to it.

I had a blood test laying down once but never again after they struggled to draw blood. I got more and more worked up as she kept trying and nearly fainted.

I have a major phobia of blood tests. Think it’s the thought of it as the actual thing is never as bad as I think. This was a massive anxiety for me when pregnant as I was having them so regularly. For me, I made sure to always say how nervous I am, ideally go with someone, take deep breaths and ask to be told when the needle was about to go in.

I do the finger prick blood tests now as I get so terrified I just don’t go. I’m not sure why the blood letters keep this such a secret but i honestly think I’ll live longer now that I know this is an option.
I think you need to do it at the hospital (something about a smaller sample needing to be taken to path labs quicker than an armful), they put Vaseline on you finger and just sort of milk it… no dramas.
good luck 🍀

Yep, just ask to lie down. It’s not a problem. And eat/drink before you go, and take something sweet to eat after.

I have no problems with blood tests (as long as they take the blood from my left arm) but once I had a 'funny turn' just as the phlebotomist was finishing. She got me out of the chair and onto the couch so quickly and easily! Next thing I know I'm lying on the couch and a nurse is leaning against the side of the couch, holding my hand and absent-mindedly patting it while chatting with the phlebotomist. I insisted that I had not fainted, they insisted that I had.

I realise now that she was probably leaning against the couch so that I wouldn't fall off, and that the hand-holding was to reassure me. Anyway, that time it was just coincidence that I was in a room with an examination couch, but they must have put a note in my file, because the next few times I was invited to have the blood drawn on the couch. Never had any problems since that once.

I also have an adult child who really struggles with blood tests. I go with them, hold their other hand, and we gaze solidly into each other's eyes while reciting poetry together. I control the speed of the recital. This helps my child remain calm and keep breathing properly. The blood test is always over before we finish the poem. The HCPs are always completely at ease with our system.