Nurses tramatised me.....

[Seshat]

In some other thread I mentioned how I handle needles.

* I take a friend, and often a stuffed toy with me.

* I inform the phlebotomist that I sometimes have issues with needles, and will they please accept my coping mechanisms.

* I show them the tiny scar I have in my left elbow, that is caused by it being the most usual location people can find a good vein in.

* After they torniquet my arm, I pump my hand to help raise the veins.

* I look away, cuddle my toy with my free arm, and talk about anything other than needles to my friend, or to the phlebotomist, or to my toy. I also consciously relax.

* If they don't get it on the second try, I ask to lie down.
I also ask if there's another phlebotomist who can give it a try, or if they care to try a butterfly needle.

* If they fail on a third try, I suggest I'll come back in an hour - and go off and rest, eat, etc.

* If I didn't like the phlebotomists at that lab, we go to a different lab for the next attempt.

[Arwyn Q]

I used to be terrified of needles in general when I was younger. Getting me near one was near impossible without tears, screaming or thrashing. I still don't like them, but now I only get upset when it's an injection. Why? I get large amounts of blood drawn at least twice a year, usually more, for medication checks. Usually it's at least four to six tubes. Having that done for a few years has pretty much desensitized me to blood drawing. However, I didn't always like it and learned ways to cope.

First, ask for an experienced phlebotomist when you're new. Getting a new one who takes two or three tries to get the needle in correctly can ruin your confidence and make you afraid. They're usually willing to oblige if you call ahead and explain your fear of needles and can make sure you come in at a time when one of their better staff is in.

Second, ask for a smaller needle, but only if you don't mind the longer time. Remember, smaller hole equals less blood coming out, so if you're antsy about seeing blood or sitting still with a needle stuck out of your arm, you might want to just deal with a little more pain initially.

Third, be aware of how many tubes you need filled. This goes along with the time it takes with different needle sizes, but also because any bump to the needle with changing tubes can be painful. Again, you'll want an experienced phlebotomist with a very steady hand who can change the tubes without moving the needle much.

And fourth, be aware of yourself. I know people who need the site where the needle enters their arm covered with a cloth because looking at it causes them to faint. Make sure they know if you have a latex allergy or any kind of disorder which might cause issues with blood drawing. Remember, they want you to be safe and comfortable during the drawing, so don't be afraid to speak up if something is wrong.

[PepperElf]

You're not afraid of having your blood taken. You're afraid of being in the hands of incompetent phlebotomists.

This.

I'm apathetic about being stuck with a needle and even I've had times when I've wanted to say "WTF is wrong with you?" to them. Like when I give blood. Some of those people have been fucking rough and left be bruised. While others have been sweet and managed to get the needle in and out without me even feeling it. It's all in the technique


Except for one guy. He fucked up and I had a tiny stream of blood squirting out of my arm. It wasn't anything serious - just a tiny squirt cos he still had the pressure on.... but for some reason I just found it hilarious. Poor guy. He's embarrassed and I'm wracked with the giggles.


But back to the serious side of things... when you have a medical staff who disregards your issues... they need to shape up. I mean it's not like you're afraid of the monsters underneath the futon bed, you have serious concerns founded on previous encounters with people who can't do it correctly.

You have EVERY legal right to say, "OK stop right there. If you're going to dismiss my concerns then you don't need to be sticking me with anything. I refuse to let you touch me. Get someone else."

[Kisa]

Thanks I will definetly do that next time. If I get her again, I'm telling her to get someone else. She took my blood perfectly, but her rudeness was not appreciated. I was already terrified and did not need someone to be patronising me about being scared.