Connect
← Return to How to overcome needle anxiety?
Discussion
How to overcome needle anxiety?
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: 6 days ago | Replies (26)Comment receiving replies
I’ve not liked needles and have rolling veins. When I went thru cancer treatment well over 20 years ago, I was being stuck all the time. I finally spoke up and told a technician I have difficult veins and if she couldn’t get it on the first try, give me to someone else who could. She did go get someone else. I used that line several times and learned the names of the techs that consistently got it the first time. I’m not sure if speaking up finally made me in control but I haven’t had problems with being re stuck in ages. I’m still not fond of needles but no longer feel like a human pin cushion. It helps to advocate for oneself.
Replies to "I’ve not liked needles and have rolling veins. When I went thru cancer treatment well over..."
@crabby55 There are small, portable, vein ultrasound machines. Handheld. They find the best vein. All hospital blood labs have them but don't want to use them for some reason. You have to tell them about your vein problem and request the ultrasound. They are cheap devices, so I don't know why some blood labs don't have them. If you are able to have a choice of labs, I would call ahead and ask if they have the machine. Ofcourse, then they have to actually utilize it!
@crabby55 Ask them to use the ultrasound device. The last expert blood draw nurse said not to ever let anyone try to draw blood from me without it.
Connect
@crabby55 that sounds like a very challenging time in your life, and I’m glad you were able to take control in that area.
When I have multiple options available, I do ask for an experienced provider. This has helped immensely. However, living in a rural area, there is often just one person available. I’ve even asked if my husband, who is a physician, can just do it himself, but of course the red tape at all of these places says no, even though he’s licensed and does this kind of thing all day long.