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 Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 3:55 am
I feel so bad about it because it really needs to be done, the first time was at my first midwife appointment at 13 weeks (I know, very late to have your first one, but the beginning of this was a total mess!) anyway, she brought up the blood test, I put my arm out for her - which is when it started getting hard to breath, sounded like I was underwater, I was seeing double and apparently so pale there was no way my blood could be taken.
I was pretty upset, I don't like needles but I have -never- been close to passing out like that, so I re-booked a week later to have it done again, yesterday.
I fainted in the car... hadn't even got half way to the doctors.
I feel so ashamed, I definately have to get it done and I don't know why I'm so frightened, I've never been this bad before. sad and they can't take my blood in that situation anyway because all my blood veins restrict due to fear.
Any tips or ideas?
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Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 3:35 pm
I've always been afraid of needles but never to that extent. eek I'll get light headed and start to pale, but haven't passed out. After two pregnancies and all the blood they take, it doesn't bother me as much, but it definitely helped that I've had some fantastic techs that were so good that I barely felt it despite my heightened senses. It also helps to have my husband there so I can look the other way and talk to him and distract myself while it's being done.
Has your midwife offered a suggestion as to alternative ways to get blood from you? I would think you can't possibly be the first patient she's ever had with a severe fear of needles. And please don't be ashamed, we all have things that affect us and being pregnant can make them worse.
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Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2009 11:52 am
I used to be almost that bad when I had to have blood taken or any kind of needle-stick. I would just about pass out after it was done. After having been through two pregnancies and now a thyroid condition that requires frequent blood tests, I've found a couple of things that help.
First, I always tell them how bad I am at getting my blood drawn. Most techs are sympathetic and will try to ease your mind while it is done. For me, just voicing the fact that I was terrified seemed to help.
Second, ask if they can use a butterfly needle. They are smaller needles that don't hurt as much and don't cause as much bruising afterwards. It does take a bit longer for them to draw your blood, but it is worth it!
Both things help me because they put a bit more in control of a situation where you have very little control. Good luck! I understand how hard it is!
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