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How to overcome needle anxiety?

Posted by ashleyharris728 @ashleyharris728, Apr 7 1:47pm

I have a problem where I need to get blood draws, injections, etc for treatment of various conditions I have.
However, I have always had a bit of trouble with needles, paired with so many bad experiences, that I am feeling very defeated and don’t want to continue my treatments.
Ive tried a lot of things to make the experience easier but I just don’t know if I can continue on with these treatments if they’re going to go so poorly. I feel like giving up.
Thanks for any advice

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gravity3 | @gravity3 | Apr 17 7:21am

Needle phobia has been treated effectively with EMDR used by a well trained and experienced clinician.

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foresthlllsdrive1946 | @foresthlllsdrive1946 | Apr 18 2:42pm
In reply to @crabby55 "I’ve not liked needles and have rolling veins. When I went thru cancer treatment well over..." + (show)
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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.

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@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.

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Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Apr 18 7:54pm
In reply to @foresthlllsdrive1946 "@crabby55 Ask them to use the ultrasound device. The last expert blood draw nurse said not..." + (show)
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@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.

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@foresthlllsdrive1946 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Can you tell me more about that ultrasound device and how it would aid in a blood draw?
Ginger

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Randy Shields | @randallshields56 | Apr 19 11:36am
In reply to @gingerw "@foresthlllsdrive1946 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Can you tell me more about that ultrasound device and..." + (show)
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@foresthlllsdrive1946 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Can you tell me more about that ultrasound device and how it would aid in a blood draw?
Ginger

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@gingerw When you get an answer to that question, could you send me what you find out also. have my curiosity perked since i am in the same boat as to getting stuck on a regular basis.
Much appreciated. Have a blessed day.

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dederickve | @dederickve | 5 days ago

Same problem. Same life-long fear of needles, and sticking me !

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Randy Shields | @randallshields56 | 5 days ago
In reply to @randallshields56 "@gingerw When you get an answer to that question, could you send me what you find..." + (show)
Profile picture for Randy Shields @randallshields56

@gingerw When you get an answer to that question, could you send me what you find out also. have my curiosity perked since i am in the same boat as to getting stuck on a regular basis.
Much appreciated. Have a blessed day.

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Thank you for the hug

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