How can I get over my fear of the doctor, getting shots and having blood drawn?!
Question: This is serious! I can barely write this question without getting extremely nauseas and queasy =( I have an extreme fear of going to the doctor because I'm afraid they will want to prick, prod, cut or poke me. Basically I have Aichmophobia (the fear of needles). I've had bad experiences as a child with getting inoculations (shots). Every time I pass out, and have bad convulsions. The whole nine yards. Some doctor's don't take my fear seriously. I will not be held down by any means, that will just make my fear worse. I've considering asking for laughing gas, but would they do this?
Recently I've discovered that I have low iron, which could mean I'm Anemic (or other things). I need to go in to get tested, and an allergy test. An allergy test is similar to acupuncture. Basically, they will need to draw my blood and do a whole bunch of tests. Which I have never done because of his fear. I'm beyond nervous about this. But my health needs to come first. Has anyone recovered from this fear?
Answers: This is serious! I can barely write this question without getting extremely nauseas and queasy =( I have an extreme fear of going to the doctor because I'm afraid they will want to prick, prod, cut or poke me. Basically I have Aichmophobia (the fear of needles). I've had bad experiences as a child with getting inoculations (shots). Every time I pass out, and have bad convulsions. The whole nine yards. Some doctor's don't take my fear seriously. I will not be held down by any means, that will just make my fear worse. I've considering asking for laughing gas, but would they do this?
Recently I've discovered that I have low iron, which could mean I'm Anemic (or other things). I need to go in to get tested, and an allergy test. An allergy test is similar to acupuncture. Basically, they will need to draw my blood and do a whole bunch of tests. Which I have never done because of his fear. I'm beyond nervous about this. But my health needs to come first. Has anyone recovered from this fear?
First of all, there are plenty of people who have anxiety attacks over getting shots, so don't feel badly about this. Second, do NOT go to a holistic doctor or any other quack. If your doctor doesn't take your phobia seriously, switch doctors until you find one who will listen to you. Meanwhile, ask the doctor to schedule any shots or bloodwork for a specific day other than your appointment day. Ask him/her to prescribe you some Xanax or other tranquilizer to take an hour before your appointment. You will need someone to drive you there and back, but it will sedate you enough so that you will be able to go through the procedure. Don't think this is silly. This is what most dentists are doing now. Also, people have been prescibed tranquilizers for airline flights and other phobias. Like I said earlier, if your doctor doesn't listen to you about your phobia, then find a new one because the chances are increased that he/she will not listen to you about other issues that come up later.
your the patient and they get paid because of you......tell him you dont want a harmless needle in you and he will respect that....or be sued for 40 k
You should go to the doctor just to talk about this and get advice. Make an appointment when you know it will just be talking and no shots.
You could have something called vago-vagul(sp?) reflex. This can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure which results in fainting. Several things can trigger this, including needles and blood draws.
Find a doctor who takes your fear seriously.
Maybe a D.O or a holistic doctor.
Good luck and make sure you get the help you need to take care of yourself.
I know what you are going through. i have had a blood test before
just get your mind off of it and think of something else while they give you the shot. or close your eyes tightly.
OK, first, I respect your fear.
Second, same thing for me, but with dentists. I went over 18 years without seeing a dentist, but then I broke a tooth.
I HAD to see a dentist. I found a local dentist in my network, and when I called and told them what the problem was and expressed my phobia, they assured me that they could fix my tooth and that they were very much able to deal with "fearful patients."
They were great. I've been going to them for over 10 years now and am no longer afraid of the dentist.
So yes, you can recover, but you must also be up-front and forthright to your Dr about your fear. If they discount it, find another doctor. Your insurance provider can help you with this.
Good luck and good health!
You and I are in the same boat! No on understands how terrible a panic attack is until they've had one. I hate how people dismiss it and say "Oh it won't hurt, blah blah..."
Ask the doctor for some tranquilizers. I took some Xanax an hour before a doctor's appointment, and I was able to get 2 shots! I still had a mild panic attack afterwards, but I was able to be in the room with the needles for awhile and i was ok. next time i'll take an extra pill.
I wish you the best of luck! Hopefully, we can get over over fear of needles!
This is a easy one.. Just have a couple of apple martinis before you go to the doctors and relax!