Is It The Needle Or The Blood You Hate Seeing When You Have A Blood Test?
By Janey1966
@Janey1966 (24170)
Carlisle, England
January 17, 2010 6:28pm CST
In a few hours' time I shall be having a blood test to determine if I have an under-active thyroid, diabetes, everything really, then treatment (hopefully) will commence once the results come back in a few days. In my early teens I had to have blood tests every 6 months or so due to having quite bad anaemia. I was also more squeemish in those days too. I know the nurse is trying to calm me down when she says er..."calm down, it will be over in a minute" but that comment always makes me feel worse and I don't know why. She is only trying to help after all.
The last blood test I had was about 8 months ago and I was sat in a very small room. Claustrophobic or what! The nurse asked me things like, "Do blood tests bother you?" that kinda thing and the more she went on about it the hotter I became lol. She then said the immortal words, "I can't seem to find your vein" which are the worsed words anyone can say to me because I start thinking that she'll have to try again on another day! Watching her prepare the syringe thingy is a bit off-putting as well so, eventually I decided to focus away from what she was doing to a rather nice pic her daughter had done which was hanging up on the closed door. Lo and behold, it worked! I didn't even feel the needle going in or anything!So, my friends, what do you do if you are in this predicament? Do you look away from the needle, blabber on about nothing in particular to take your mind off it or does it not bother you at all, having a blood test?
The last blood test I had was about 8 months ago and I was sat in a very small room. Claustrophobic or what! The nurse asked me things like, "Do blood tests bother you?" that kinda thing and the more she went on about it the hotter I became lol. She then said the immortal words, "I can't seem to find your vein" which are the worsed words anyone can say to me because I start thinking that she'll have to try again on another day! Watching her prepare the syringe thingy is a bit off-putting as well so, eventually I decided to focus away from what she was doing to a rather nice pic her daughter had done which was hanging up on the closed door. Lo and behold, it worked! I didn't even feel the needle going in or anything!So, my friends, what do you do if you are in this predicament? Do you look away from the needle, blabber on about nothing in particular to take your mind off it or does it not bother you at all, having a blood test?5 people like this
27 responses
@umabharti (3972)
• India
18 Jan 10
Hi, Only i think twice i had blood test.it is not the needle nor the blood that bother me.It is the pain we get when it is pierced .It is really painful.I wish there could be some other way in the future that the next generation would not be getting the same needle to be porked to get a blood tested.
1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
18 Jan 10
I think needles (as needles go) aren't as long as they were, say 30 years ago. I remember seeing a needle when I was 14 and it really was enormous compared to the ones they use nowadays. No needles are perfect but at least they're smaller (in this country anyway) my friend.
1 person likes this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
23 Jan 10
For me, it has to be both. I hate seeing the needle going in and all that blood coming out. However, the last time I had blood drawn, I actually didn't get that queasy when it came to the blood. Weird, huh? I still had to look away when it came to the needle though. Once it was in, I was fine.
Oh, I too hate it when they can't find a vein. I've had that happen to me on more than one occasion. They didn't give up either until they were able to find one. In the end I'd wind up looking like I got the crap beat out of my arm. That was fun. Especially when it came to covering it up as the only long sleeves I had were sweaters and it was hot out!
Happy mylotting!
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
18 Nov 10
No need to apologize, I'm just as bad.
Oh, I hate it when they say things like that. I remember when they couldn't find one
on my youngest when he was hospitalized. As he was sick they needed to get the blood now. After a few failed attempts they told me if they can't find one from his arm that they'll have to go for his head instead. Needless to say I felt just sick when they said that!
After hearing such a thing rescheduling doesn't sound so bad. As long as they don't wind up getting it from the head, that is! 
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
30 Sep 10
So sorry I've not replied until now as you have made a few good observations about needle insertion and I can identify with them all. I have had bruising too and I'm like you; if I don't see the needle going in I'm fine..the sight of the blood doesn't really bother me. If it's all done and dusted in a few seconds that's great but when that tapping starts on the arm and the dreaded words, "I can't find the vein, you might have to make another appointment!" then I start panicking inside..a bit. Fortunately, I've never had to make another appointment as that would be a real pain, wouldn't it?
1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
18 Nov 10
My last appointment for blood was shambolic as the nurse (who has taken blood from me at least 3 times before) suddenly decided that she couldn't find a vein in my left arm, my right arm..she then found a vein in my hand but couldn't draw the blood out properly. She also tried to put words in my mouth like "you alright..you sure?" as though I was about to faint or something. This gave her a good excuse to give up!
She also kept going on about flu jabs and the like and I kept saying, "no, I don't need them." All this because I had one day in hospital a few months ago. Talk about wrapping me up in cotton wool. I understand that she probably HAS to ask me but I'm not exactly old..not yet anyway!
She also kept going on about flu jabs and the like and I kept saying, "no, I don't need them." All this because I had one day in hospital a few months ago. Talk about wrapping me up in cotton wool. I understand that she probably HAS to ask me but I'm not exactly old..not yet anyway!
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
19 Jan 10
I look AT IT. When I was younger I had to take medicine for Epilepsy, something I no longer have. In any case, so I had to have blood tests done to check the levels of that, so I just got used to it. I did however hate getting blood work done by this one elderly gentleman who would shake if I remember correctly.
Now though, and even before, I could look at it being done, I thought it was kind of cool hearing the blood go in, sometimes it makes a noise... sorry I know your squeamish so I'll hush now.
My husband is squeamish as well, doesn't like blood taken, or to see his own blood.
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
19 Jan 10
I think looking at it going in makes it seem like it hurts worse. Traech what? I know I should know what that is but I don't...
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
23 Jan 10
It's when a hole is sliced into the airway so someone can breathe more easily. Then a tube thingy is placed in the hole. It's horrible and I wouldn't like to have to witness one in real life, I'd faint for sure.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
19 Jan 10
Thanks for your concern but I am much better than I was when I was younger...I just can't look at the needle going in, fine with the blood part. I have to go out the room if the word "tracheotomy" is mentioned on the telly...even if it's "not real." I go all hot and bothered!
1 person likes this
@msfrancisco9369 (10002)
• Boston, Massachusetts
18 Jan 10
Hi Jane,
i am a sickly kid then. i am used to IVs and bloodtest. However, it's not the blood that scared me-- i am fine with blood. it's the needle. i hate the feeling when it's inserted and the medicine is getting inside our veins huhuhuhu. i hate it too having the testing prior to the injecting the medicine to check allergies of medicines. it's really painful.
@msfrancisco9369 (10002)
• Boston, Massachusetts
18 Jan 10
thanks that this courage of mine will in a way inspire you friend and may be some. i can be a nurse or a doctor i am not afraid of blood or anything related to flesh and blood in the hospital. anyway, the pain became an ordinary thing with me after all those injections i had. kids now are so lucky. pediatricians are not into injection now--oral medication works.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
18 Jan 10
Poor you
You remain so upbeat though despite your fears. An inspiration to us all to stop our moaning, my friend.
You remain so upbeat though despite your fears. An inspiration to us all to stop our moaning, my friend.
@MagicalBubbles (5103)
• Canada
19 Jan 10
Hello Janey,
Well you are very brave. Im a real chicken when it comes to anything medical. So much so that I wont even go for a blood test. I hate the idea of anything going through my skin.
The last blood test was about 20 yrs ago and I was SO nervous, I was such a mess that the nurse was beginning to stress out also. She finally had to find someone else to do it lol.
I tell them that Im really afraid. Last time I saw my doctor was about 6 yrs ago and he said he'd like me to go in for blood tests and I asked him why and he said why not and I said "precisely.......why not" and told him I didnt want to go. He said what if something is wrong and I said well I'll be the first to know. I asked him if he'd take his car to the garage if it was running fine......he said no.........I said "I rest my case then".
I wish they could find another way to get blood out of our bodies without having to shove a needle in my veins.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
19 Jan 10
Awwww I feel so sorry for you my friend! That is a very entertaining story you have told me and thank you so much for your input in this discussion. Welcome to MyLot!
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
19 Jan 10
Well, earlier I never looked at the needle so I have no idea how big it was..and that's how I like it lol. Welcome to MyLot.
@bev_arch_20 (842)
• Philippines
30 Sep 10
I hate both. I hate seeing the needle being inserted to me and I hate seeing the blood being extracted from my body. Im old enough but until now I still close my eyes whenever injection is necessary.
One worst experience I have with the needles was when I did my blood test for my prenatal. It was not the nurse who performed the injection it was a lady doctor. Would you believe that it took her 6 times of needle insertion before she extracted blood from me? I was not actually nervous, my nervousness occurs after her severaI unsuccessful insertion. I was really dread up during her fourth insertion and I have to grab my arms away from her and told her to stop and better do it next time, but she insisted to continue and finally after 6 insertions she succeeded. I did not come back again to her clinic.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
30 Sep 10
Thanks for keeping this discussion alive, it's much appreciated.
That must've been awful for you, I do sympathise.
I've had instances where the nurse can't find the vein and I can't stand it when she starts tapping to find it..I find it very uncomfortable. I have experienced the needle scratching my skin as well, causing a bruise to appear the next day..not a huge thing but enough to justify my dislike of needles!
That must've been awful for you, I do sympathise. I've had instances where the nurse can't find the vein and I can't stand it when she starts tapping to find it..I find it very uncomfortable. I have experienced the needle scratching my skin as well, causing a bruise to appear the next day..not a huge thing but enough to justify my dislike of needles!
@ElicBxn (63568)
• United States
18 Jan 10
I don't mind any of it UNTIL they stick the needle in - then I look away.
I have, what they call, rolling veins - not only do they roll, but they are DEEP.
Even at 115 I was a tough "stick."
so, while they don't "bother" me persay - I can't say I like them.
Anyone who can get on on the first stick gets praise from me.
I tell them things like "use the butterfly needle" and, "that's the spot they can find a vein" to help them out.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
18 Jan 10
I'm feeling rather faint....lol. Thanks for your response, it's much appreciated.
1 person likes this
@cream97 (29087)
• United States
18 Jan 10
Hi, Janey1966. I don't like to get blood drawn either. But, if I have to I will make sure that I am ready. I am usually thinking, get this over with so that I can be glad that it is over with. I don't like it any more than you do either. It hurts and I am more scared of the needle than the blood. I hope that you will remain calm as possible when getting your blood test done. I also hope that you will be fine too. Don't be scared. I also don't like when they have to find my vein again. I know right then and there that I will have to get stuck by the needle once again. This is the part that I can't stand!
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
19 Jan 10
Well, you will be pleased to know that - as blood tests go, mine was a breeze lol. The reason? I focused on the same pic on the door as last time and refused to look at anything else. It worked a treat!
@thedailyclick (3017)
•
18 Jan 10
I've had the displeasure of the needle quite a lot over the last 4 years and still hate it. I cannot stand watching it going in, but after that it doesn't bother me and will happily watch them taking it out after wards, even when they take a canular out and fail to put enough pressure on causing it to bleed doesn't bother me, strange I know.
I've got into the knack of looking away from what they are doing and when they say "just a tiny scratch" I shut off till they are done usually focussing on something completely different whilst singing a song to myself in my head.
That "I can't seem to find your vein" scenario has happened to me whilst waiting for an mri scan. After 8 failed attempts I had had enough and pointed to the very visible scar on my hand where I had had successful injections before an lo and behold success.
Hope your tests went hassle free.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
18 Jan 10
Thanks very much for your response. Sometimes I think they do it on purpose to inflict harm on their patients. Maybe had a night out "on the pop" and they're not really in the mood? Anyway, my test today was hassle-fee I am pleased to say...just awaiting the results now my friend.
@Jennlk84 (4206)
• United States
18 Jan 10
The needle is what bothers me the most. Just knowing that it's going to poke my skin bothers me. If they did it and I wasn't paying attention then it would bother me a lot less. Once the needle is in I'm not quite as bothered either as long as i can keep my eyes off of it and keep my mind busy thinking of other things. lol Something about the thoughts of needles just gives me the chills! ahh.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
18 Jan 10
Thanks for responding. Yes, I sympathise with you my friend as I'm the same. I really shouldn't be such a wimp and I would always refuse to Give Blood when those ladies in white coats used to come round to promote it. Felt so guilty!
@vinkumar751 (106)
• India
18 Jan 10
yes I too scared to the needles that really hurts. In my experience men lab technician are better than women, I feel less pain compared the women.
@doryvien (2284)
• United States
18 Jan 10
Hi Janey,
I'm more scared of the thought that a very tiny pointed object will touch my skin, it just makes me feel frozen each time. So yes, it's the needle, and I never believed those medical staff telling me it won't hurt, because it does. So now that I have kids, whenever I bring them to the doctor for vaccination I tell the staff not to show the needle.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
19 Jan 10
Quite right too! If I had kids I'd say exactly the same thing.
@trisha27 (3494)
• United States
18 Jan 10
Needles are the things that bother me. I'm not queesy at all about the blood or anything like that. I try and look away and I hate it when they tell you ok I'm going to go ahead and stick you or they start counting down. I just tell them, look I'm scared of needles just don't tell me when you're about to stick me. I'd rather not know, then I like having someone in the room with me, such as my husband so that I can talk to him to keep me distracted. Sometimes, I am though one of those people that they can never find the vein, or they thought that they found the vein and they didn't so they have to try again. That is very annoying. My husband tells them right off the bat when I go in if I need some type of shot or need blood drawn, then he'll tell them, I'm scared of needles and my veins are very small and hard to find. Its been awhile though since I required a shot or some blood drawn. I'm remember a few years back though, that I needed to have blood drawn every month and that was very frustrating for me. I guess that is what started my fear of needles.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
18 Jan 10
I agree with you, it can be very frustrating when the vein cannot be found first time...and the longer it goes on for the worse the feeling gets. It's not very nice and I do sympathise with you. Your hubby sounds a nice chap
@djlovespm (6)
• United States
18 Jan 10
i am not that afraid of blood tests. what scares me the most is the sight of a needle going into my skin. i just look away and im fine. but my blood does kind of weird me out a little too.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
19 Jan 10
I know what you mean. I had a fasting blood test which meant that I could not eat or drink anything from 10pm the previous night. No great hardship. This meant though that I was a bit light-headed when the test was being conducted so I'm glad there wasn't much taken out! I absolutely wolfed my Corn Flakes once I got home and my cup of tea was a godsend! Welcome to MyLot my friend.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
18 Jan 10
Yes, I know what you mean. I was in the waiting room earlier and it's the anticipation of how the test will go which is the weirdest part for me. I had time to brood. However, once I was in the nurse's room (same as last time and same nurse) I was fine. I just concentrated on the same pic on the door and it was all overwith in less than 5 minutes! I'm quite proud of myself! If I'd looked at the needle though I wouldn't be feeling so smug now lol.
@agv0419 (3022)
• Philippines
18 Jan 10
I got used to it everytime I have a blood test it doesn't scared me anymore. At first it is very scary and uncomfortable for me to see needles widthrawing my blood. Many people still afraid to have a blood test even my mother she needs to close her eyes. When you got used to it you doesn't mind the pain anymore.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
18 Jan 10
Yes, I suppose the more tests you have the easier it becomes. You do get used to it.
@yogambal_64 (1014)
• India
18 Jan 10
Hi janey, It is the blood that I hate seeing more than the needle when I have a blood test.
@nijolechu (1842)
• Canada
18 Jan 10
I don't really like to look at the long needles the doctors use. I get kind of freaked out about thinking the long needle will be inside of my arm drawing blood. So I have to look away or close my eyes and think about other things while the doctor puts the needle inside of me. I am okay with looking at blood.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
18 Jan 10
I'm the same but if I don't look at the needle, I'm OK. Thanks for posting.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
18 Jan 10
Thanks for your concerns my friend but, today at least, it was relatively pain free so I hope this discussion doesn't put you off ever having one in the future.
