Phlebotomy tech makes me stabby

[KiaKat]

I had a bunch of metabolic and lipid baselines ordered by my doc. To save time, I went to the lab today, just after the pulmonary function test (asthma, yay!).

The tech was an ass. I have a clearly noted panic disorder, with a specific needle phobia and a documented history of hyperventilating until I lose consciousness. I tell the tech, and his response is to make light of it. "Oh, you'll be fine. It'll be over in no time. There's nothing to worry about. It's all in your head!"

"Perhaps, but I have a long history with this. I was one of those kids who held her breath around needles - to the point of turning blue."

"But you're not a kid now, are you." (I cannot convey just how condescending his tone was. It was horrid.)

"... no." (said with a glare)

I hyperventilated. Luckily he finished quickly, so I didn't have to listen to his simpering commentary. "...there we go, almost done, just a little more..."

And when it was all over, he decided to throw one more comment my way: "See, that wasn't so bad, was it? These things are all in your head"

"NOT helpful. Panic disorder. I have no control over it. Do you need anything else? No? Have a good day."

[LillFilly]

What a dick; I think his sister works at the red cross when I donated blood! Rolled her eyes and everything when I said I was afraid of needles. Hope all the tests came out ok for you.

[42_42_42]

Report the phlebotomist. He should know better.

[KiaKat]

He looked chagrined when I told him he wasn't being helpful, and that panic disorders are uncontrollable. Supposedly my Angry Mommy Face is terrifying. I think that's punishment enough.

[Crescent Cat]

Just out of curiosity, what is a phlebotomist supposed to do when a patient has a panic disorder and fear of needles?

[Sapphire Silk]

Just out of curiosity, what is a phlebotomist supposed to do when a patient has a panic disorder and fear of needles?

Tell the nurse. A lot of times she can get an order for some Ativan to calm the patient.

[KiaKat]

Yeah. In the past, they've doped me on Ativan. Usually I request it, but I did so well with the DTAP vac at the office that I thought maybe the lab tech would be awesome and I wouldn't need it. Plus, I had to drive home afterward, and work for a couple hours this afternoon - I couldn't afford to be doped.

Fuck that. Next time I ask for the drugs and get my husband to drive.

[Seshat]

I have a generalised panic disorder, and needles do make me more triggery than usual; but not as bad as someone with a specific panic disorder towards needles.

What has helped me in the past, other than understanding and caring phlebotomists (heh!):

Lying down rather than sitting
Looking away!
Distracting myself. Phlebotomists can often help with that, getting you talking about just about anything - preferably something important to you.
Taking 'prosthetic calmness' - a stuffed toy, a precious (in emotion) necklace, whatever.
If you have a prayer or meditation technique, that can help. Praying a Rosary, chanting the 'litany of fear' from Dune, meditating upon the Jewel in the Lotus - anything.

[Marmalady]

I hate needles. Hate them. It's hard to describe, but it doesn't matter how good the nurse is, I just start feeling bad... not faint, exactly, more the feeling before that, when everything seems to be coming at you from further away?
It's not the pain - usually there's just a 'scratch' and that's it. I don't know what it is. Any needle will do it, but if I have blood taken, it's much worse.

[RealUnimportant]

I don't really have a problem with them, although I've had a couple of bad experiences (the veins in my elbows are very reluctant to be stabbed!) but I'll always try & calm myself anyway before any kind of injection.

The ones that I usually tolerate best are dental ones as you just can't see what's happening so it's hard to wind yourself up over it; I did have problems with one dentist though who'd always start commentating "you'll feel a slight scratch annnnny seeeeecond NOW!" That'd make me jump & of course it'd go wrong and we'd have to go through it again!

[Food Lady]

I'm sorry he was a jerk. I have no problem with needles at all--I'm the cheeriest, funniest patient--but I would not tell you "it's all in your head". I would not invalidate your feelings or the real physical response that comes along with the disorder.

[bankworking]

Fortunately, I haven't gone into hysterics over a blood test since I was sixteen, but I know what you mean. You mention that you have a phobia, and half the time you get a "nobody likes needles" or "you'll barely feel it" response.

True, no one likes needles, but I thought it might be a good thing to mention that I WILL be in a state of severe anxiety. And it is not about the pain. I KNOW the things are generally very quick and don't really hurt. It helps that apparently I have good veins and keep well hydrated (on purpose, pretty much for the sole reason of making the process as easy as possible... yes, I plan ahead for this if necessary) so I haven't had anyone miss since... well, since I was 16 and went into hysterics.

What people don't seem to get about phobias is that it's not a logic thing. That's why it's called a phobia.

[Jay 2K Winger]

Yeah, I've never really liked needles either. These days I try to just control my breathing and NOT LOOK while they're doing it. Last time I had to worry about something like that was when they were removing some skin tags I had on my neck and a big one on my back.

[manybellsdown]

I sympathize. I have vasovagal syncope - an involuntary response where my blood pressure plummets and I pass out. Happens often when I have blood drawn. Mostly the phlebotomists are good about letting me lie down so it's less likely to happen.

It's weird sorts of trauma that trigger it. A few weeks ago, I was visiting my dad in the hospital where he's having chemo. I've been there before, and this visit was no worse, but I had an episode and passed out in the chair.

[rose_metal_nz]

Arghhh that guy makes me RAGE! I'd still complain about his attitude & comments, tbh.

Argh. OK, I keep typing things that I'd like to say & deleting them but yes, I still would recommend complaining.