Run!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's a needle !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By arkaf61
@arkaf61 (10881)
Canada
August 18, 2008 9:43pm CST
How bad - or good - do you react to needles?
I am a complete disgrace. I start feeling sweaty at the thought of a needle, forget about when I'm faced with one LOL Heck I think that the reason why I wouldn't even consider an epidural when planing for when my kids were born was because.. well it required a needle LOL Good thing having those kids was not that hard hehehe
WHen I was about 4, my mom got distracted while the doctor was calling me for my needle and as a result had to chase me for almost 2 blocks outside the clinic ! At 7, after arriving late and going trough the trouble of asking the doctor to still give me my shot and have him delay his leaving the clinic for me, she had to hold me together with 2 nurses so I could get it. I don't do that now.. but I would if I could :)
I don't mind that they cut me and stitch me and what ever else they can think of, as long as it doesn't involve a needle. I even prefer to have some of my dental work without the needle. They don't do it here, but back home they don't always use it for every thing and I prefer it that way LOL
WHat about you? Does it even matter? Are you calm and relaxed when you have to have a shot, or are do you get a huge panic attack at the sight of the needle?
8 people like this
29 responses
@trishasantos (1297)
• Philippines
19 Aug 08
Well, before, I remember, the doctors say something like, "it wont hurt", "it's just like an ant bite". Something like that, and it calms, well a little. I think the idea about the ant is that it's just small.
But now, well, I am not completely afraid but I fear it only a little. Especially the needle for blood donation. It's huge and really scares me. Although I donated blood twice, seeing it is really scary. So I just close my other hand while the nurse put it.
@xKatastrophiKx (30)
•
19 Aug 08
I'm a bit of an odd one when it comes to this. I am absolutely petrified of getting shots, have been since I was a kid. Especially the ones they give you at the dentist...NoThankYou.
I do however have several piercings and a tattoo, all of which were obviously done with needles, and I didn't get afraid of the needle for a single one of them. I have come to the conclusion that it must me the fact that it goes into your vein, or that it's actually putting something into you that freaks me out. Either way, if it's for an injection or a blood-test, there's no way to get me to come along quietly!
@greenglitterturtle (2750)
• United States
19 Aug 08
hi arkaf....you actually ran, that is funny. i wish i had the nerve to do that. but if they catch you, you're not getting by with anything. too bad. i sure don't like them but i endure them. i get very squeamish too when they stick a needle in my mother. but i know of a couple people that get faint. i first thot i was because they panic, but i have since heard an explanation that i can't remember, but it was a logical biological reason why some people faint when injected with a needle. stay well.
1 person likes this
@arkaf61 (10881)
• Canada
19 Aug 08
Now that I"m all grown and sensible I have to endure it too, but I would still run if I could LOL
I don't have a problem seeing other people getting a shot or even having blood takes, it's just when it's going the be stuck on me LOL
If you ever remember what the reason is that you were told, please post, I would love to know it.
@greenglitterturtle (2750)
• United States
20 Aug 08
vasovagla reflex reaction. (needle phobia) frightening reaction which includes plunging blood pressure and that can lead to fainting. then some cases it's people that have an acute sensitivity to pain. we just aren't made to be good pin cushions.
@Jenaisle (14078)
• Philippines
19 Aug 08
Most people would be afraid of needles. The truth is, if the health care provider has the expertise, you won't even feel the entry. It feels like a pinch only. Sometimes, being pinched by someone is even a lot more painful. But I have my fears too with regards to the pads of my fingers. I don't like being pricked in that portion. I would rather have a vein puncture than that.
Some people even learn how to extract blood from their own veins. It's relatively painless. It's like getting a sudden cut from a super sharp knife. You won't feel it ...
You'll have to get someone who has a "light hand" do the procedure for you.
All the best and cheers.
1 person likes this
@wanderer086 (759)
•
19 Aug 08
When I was nursing I worked in a clinic doing the injections for people going abroad. I found that most of the women and children were pretty good at having the jabs but a lot of the men were hopeless. some of them even fainted. I have never been bother about having injections but I can understand why some people an not so keen on having them.
@wanderer086 (759)
•
20 Aug 08
I am not a male basher. This is what happened. I have also worked on male wards and most of the men have been very brave. The same with the women and children. It is amazing how much the human body can put up with. I think the sicker the person is the braver they seem to be. I have just found that there seem to be more men afraid of needles than women. I am just quoting my experience not male bashing.
@shybutwild (31)
• Canada
19 Aug 08
Come on! Alot of men were hopeless but the women and children could take it.It is quite clear you're a male-basher.After my kidney transplant I went for bloodwork every month for 12 years.NOT ONCE did I see a man have ANY problem with it.The msjority of kids either screamed or cried because it's only natural for them,not because of the pain but just seeing a big needle scares them,it's only natural,just like getting a spanking,it doesn't hurt but it's the thought of your parent striking you that makes it scary.Almost every women i've ever known hates needles.
1 person likes this
@badabing4life (10)
• United States
19 Aug 08
Needles are as painful as you think they are going to be. Me personally i wouldn't say i have a fettish for pain, but i like to look when i egt a blood test it's interesting to me. I think if you go in to getting a shot thinking it's going to be so0o0o painful you psych yourself out. If your calm and relaxed and just count down while getting the shot you won't feel a thing. By the time you are done counting, the procedure is already done with. My conclusion is that not only needles but the measurement of pain that you will feel is however much you think in your head it is going to be...
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
19 Aug 08
Well, then you would be in trouble if you became Insulin Diabetic huh and had to inject yourself with Insulin. I am not Insulin dependant, and have to inject myself over 5 times a day with different insulins, etc. That for me is no problem, but I still seem to flinch when given a shot for something or when they have to draw blood. But I cannot remember ever running from needles like you did.
1 person likes this
@lingli_78 (12822)
• Australia
19 Aug 08
lol... i think i am not that bad with needle... i used to be scared of them but now i am OK... i had been injected so many times that i am immune to it now and just let the doctor do it when they have to inject me... take care and have a nice day...
1 person likes this
@di1159 (1580)
• United States
19 Aug 08
To this day, I will not look directly at a needle if its being used to draw blood. It doesn't hurt me, but for some reason, the thought of it makes me weak in the knees. I've had tattoos, gave birth, had a tummy tuck under local anesthesia, however that darn needle drawing blood makes my stomach churn. It must have been a very traumatic childhood experience which makes me behave this way. The power of the mind is amazing.
@pink_bunny (324)
• Australia
19 Aug 08
I remember when I was a kid, I get all my vaccinations in my bum and boy oh boy, do they still hurt a lot eventhough they say, the bum is your "meatiest" part. As I grow older, I'm able to take them now in my arm, even where they have to extract blood from you. But for some reason, I still cannot feel as relax whenever I'm giving the dentist a visit, which for me is my "no. 1 enemy". And lucky (?) for me, I never experienced giving birth the natural way coz either they have to inject the anaesthesia "down there" so you would not feel it when they stitch you back or nowadays, the epidural into your lower spine....eeewwwww!!
1 person likes this
@arkaf61 (10881)
• Canada
19 Aug 08
LOL I cannot relax either it's just feels... I don't know.. it's a needle LOL
Same with the dentist.
I didn't have any needles with either of my kids. I did not get stitches either which was fine with me and I would not even allow the epidural person to get close LOL Lucky me, they were very easy deliveries and I'm sure much less stressful than if I had to get a needle LOL
@StarChild517 (657)
• United States
19 Aug 08
*runs and hides* I had the needle thing badly when I was in my first trimester of pregnancy (had severe morning sickness) and both of my arms were so sore thats how many times I was poked.
1 person likes this
@shybutwild (31)
• Canada
19 Aug 08
I guess it's a good thing you aren't a diabetic.I take up to 8 shots of insulin a day.Check this out:i've been diabetic for 29 years and I figured out approximately how many times i've taken a shot of insulin.....OVER 30,000 TIMES.Then again,these are very small needles and I rarely even feel anything.As far as the big ones go,as in flu shots,I have to look away.I'm like you,they can gas me up and disect me,but just don't hurl those spears in me when it's time for flu shots.I always try to relax,close my eyes and think peaceful or serene thoughts,such as camping in the mountains,or the way my parents golden lab would maul me with affection when I went to visit.I have also learned to handle the terrible pain I suffer from stuff like abdominal cramps and lower back pain through meditation.The more you fight pain,and moan and groan about it (which is only natural,we are only human right?)the worse it is.I hope this helps you,and don't worry, your not a coward or anything in my opinion.
1 person likes this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
21 Aug 08
I do not mind Blood taken but anything else yes I get panic attacks on having them, it was a good Job that I was still slightly out of it with my Operation when they took me down to have the put to sleep Needle or they would have been chasing me round the Hospital believe me,
But honest Twin I can just imagine your Mum chasing you for the Needle to be given lol and I could actually imagine you doing it now, as for the Dentist well I am in fear of the Dentist as well as the Needle so I will not say how bad I get there lol
@GardenGerty (157551)
• United States
20 Aug 08
I have a little trouble with dental needles, but I have learned to give insulin injections to someone else, so it is not too hard for me to deal with.
@emskoneko (805)
• United States
19 Aug 08
I become a little edgy and nervous when I get a shot or get bloodworks done. But I'm not as bad as my sister because she can't even watch someone receive a shot on television. I can handle shots since I'm sure it's nothing compared to real torture which I hope to never experience.
1 person likes this
@mykaylala (214)
• United States
20 Aug 08
I hate needles! I would say the same as you before I went through my pregnancy. I felt faint every time they had to take my blood.. I had a bad experience!!! The nurse was taking my blood and I got brave and decided to look at it and when I glanced at my arm I freaked out and the needles slipped and my blood starting gushing out everywhere. I was freaking out major! The nurse got mad and said "that OK, Ill just shave to stick you again. She did it again but when she took the needle out she pressed hard with the gauze and I felt it slide out .. it burned. So now i am very scared of needles ! I had to get a epidural with my pregnancy because I had a C-section.. I was soo scared I was pale and didn't want to talk to breathe or anything. Good thing I was wrong about that.. I didn't even feel it go in! I went numb the second it hit my spine. EEEEEW!!! Thinking of all that makes me feel sick. Anyways, my point is.. it isn't usually as bad as we make it seem but needles are frightening!
@mykaylala (214)
• United States
20 Aug 08
sorry about the typos.. I was typing to fast as always!!!
@Elixiress (3878)
•
19 Aug 08
I hate get needles too, I break out in a cold sweat and start feeling light headed and sick and sometimes I even faint. However, when I was younger I was fine with them, my Mam said that as a baby I didn't even cry. I don't like anything that causes me pain.
1 person likes this
@seasons1981 (299)
• United States
20 Aug 08
I hate them!!! I have to tell them not to tell me what they are doing and when they are going to do it, I have to also get my attention onto something else or get into a conversation when the person is going to be starting.
The one thing I dont like is when they tell you anyway - its like NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO lol and its not like they can really stop what they are doing after that.
Once they are in my skin though I dont mind them. I do freak out when I am attached to an IV machine though -- I all of a sudden feel like I am trapped and cant go anywhere -- I will actually get to the point of crying and screaming until they take the needle out!
