h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Before I got asthma, I wasn't scared of needles. But badly managed asthma saw me in casualty a few times in the first 18 months, where trying to draw blood was a pleasure for everyone. Not being able to find veins because they'd all shrunk into my skin because I was starved of oxygen. Very painful. Then I'd have to go back for blood tests for a while after, always stabbing in the same place all the time. I hate needles. If one comes on the TV I cringe and can't watch. If no-one else is with me I turn it over. It's not fair to do that sort of thing without warning.

The other thing I hate is that needle they stick in your hand when you have an op. I got scared of those because when I was in casualty having a *really* bad attaack once they started sticking one of those in my hand because the oral medicine wasn't working. Without warning they tried to stab me with it, and I was already frightened because I thought I was going to die. In the end it took three of them and my mum to hold me down to get it in. I ended up with a bruise from my wrist to my knuckles. Because I've had three ops on my nose (very minor, not even a bruise or a stitch) recently I've had to put up with these things being stabbed into me. I always insist on the local anesthetic cream that the staff put on children's hands. They look at me with contempt when I ask for it, and are very scornful. But I can't cope without it. The last time they didn't bring it, and I refused to have the needle put in because I was too scared. They all had a go at me and were thinking I was pathetic. And I don't blame them, it is pathetic. The doc in the operating theatre seemed to symathise and gave me a face mask thing. It was the most beautiful thing I've ever had, and if I ever need another op I'm going to ask for that. Of course, I still wake up with a needle in my hand, and I don't like it because it hurts, but at least i don't have to go through having it inserted. Bloody ridiculous for a grown woman, but the horror of having a needle poked in me is something I can't cope with.

(The fact that I have a number of piercings and tattoos and am currently enjoying a BDSM lifestyle are 'different'. )

Hi Mina
I'm happy to report that I have just come back from a blood test @ 13:55 pm. It seems incredible to me now when I look back at the years of trauma with tests that I needed regularly since age seven, that I actually requested these particular tests be done.

I suffered for all my life as you do until relatively recently I found a way to deal with the problem.

Please read my article which has already helped several people through this and similar problems. F110470?thread=253408

Although they took 'five' vials of my blood, thats practically a forearm full. Such is my more recent mindset that I am even able to watch the process, my biggest concern was my wet socks from a major rain storm here in Croydon UK. LOL.

Your experiences sound terrible and although your story is unique to
you it is unfortunately a common story. Perhaps you have already read my article in Fears and Phobias, Blood Test see link above.

You mention your BDSM (I'll look out for you @ L'amour club Croydon on 15th March) life style which you find pleasurable while the needle hurts as much as you expect it to. Start saying to yourself right now and forever more "it really doesn't hurt so much" train your mind to expect less pain, less trauma, less shame, less of any aspect that features within this challenge (I don't like to say problem). When the clouds of doubt set in, (as they do) say to your subconscious. "NO I'm not having your lies and opinions anymore."

These days with the fact that I conquered the problem so completely I get and expect to get a real high, instead of blacking out. You too will come to know that euphoria.

Read my article contact me if you need to. F110470?thread=253408

I'm not even sure if it's the pain that I don't like, or the needle going in. I think it's more likely to be the needle because I hate seeing it on TV and other people too.

But I will check that link.