I am a needle phobic and this is my first post. I guess I'll just tell you my problems.

I was restrained when I was younger for a dental operation (Or something along those lines, I had no idea what was going on.) and needed a general anaesthetic. Being restrained was the worst thing that happened to me, because now each time I try and have, say, a vaccination or an anaesthetic I try and move to avoid it which then means that they hold me still while they inject me. Reinforcing the reflex. It's not me thinking, "ooh, I think that I won't have the injection today." It's me wanting to get out of that seat and run out of the room back home where I feel safe.

I recently had to have a local to get a tooth out to allow another to drop in. Because it's the NHS, they can't give me a general anaesthetic because it is an orthodontic procedure and after four attempts and two types of sedation I finally managed it. But even then, when I was almost completely out of it, I tried to move.

Each time I couldn't go through with it before. I felt the need to apologise to the dentist. Because I wanted it to just be over but I couldn't let myself. Each time I felt like a failure and being told that a three year old child could have injections no problem reinforced that thought for me.

Trying to make my parents or friends understand what I'm actually afraid of is the main problem. My friends began to throw I think that my father understands slightly more because of his job of injecting outpatients. But my mother told me that I'll grow out of it. I'm sixteen and I'm pretty sure that most guys my age can have injections without sobbing. And yet I don't. I can't recall one injection, or attempt where I haven't cried. Even under heavy sedation.

In all I am terrified not only of needles but also of losing control of what's happening around me. I think that If I have one under control then I have the other, perhaps to the same level. If there are any others who are similar to me then I'd be glad to talk about it.

Hi unspoken42,

I'd like to say, you seem to have a perfect understanding of the issues, their causes and their effect on your.

unspoken42 Wrote:Being restrained was the worst thing that happened to me, because now each time I try and have, say, a vaccination or an anaesthetic I try and move to avoid it which then means that they hold me still while they inject me. Reinforcing the reflex.

That's at least half the problem dealt with already!

Quote:Each time I felt like a failure and being told that a three year old child could have injections no problem reinforced that thought for me.

That doesn't help - and whoever said that needs to walk a day in your shoes.

Quote:I think that my father understands slightly more because of his job of injecting outpatients.

That's useful. I think he'd understand a lot more if he was aware of the memory from being restrained - if you haven't told him already.

Quote:In all I am terrified not only of needles but also of losing control of what's happening around me. I think that If I have one under control then I have the other, perhaps to the same level.

I'd agree.

Quote:If there are any others who are similar to me then I'd be glad to talk about it.

I've been fortunate with needles - I don't get that many and I only baulk at the physical sensation of the needle entering. I'll leave others who've perhaps shared your experience to comment, but if I can help in any way, feel free to ask in forum or in pm.

Regards and welcome to the forum,

Ian

Quote:I'd like to say, you seem to have a perfect understanding of the issues, their causes and their effect on your.

I've had a lot of time to think about what it is that actually scares me and the degrees of it I have in particular situations. For example, I'm much more scared of having a needle for dental treatment than having vaccinations because I can use some vague distraction technique and they are less likely to hold me still, you can't look away from the needle in a dentists.

Hiya Unspoken42 and a very warm welcome to Ofear Good to see your getting some great help and advice already.

Enjoy your time here.

John

Why thank you John. I hope I will. happy11

unspoken42 Wrote:I'm much more scared of having a needle for dental treatment than having vaccinations because I can use some vague distraction technique and they are less likely to hold me still, you can't look away from the needle in a dentists.

How about just closing your eyes? Or perhaps a sleep-mask (blindfold) to cover your eyes?

Personally I know what you're saying - I've had dentists come at me with a needle and they are literally "in your face"!

I know some dentists have perfected their technique from the side or behind so you 'don't see it coming' which helps some.

Talking is usually a simple enough distraction technique for injections - but no so useful at the dentist. You can try concentrating on doing something with your fingers - like trying to wrap your little finger over your index finger, or doing some finger exercises (which may also help stop you 'white knuckling' on the dentists chair? :roll: ).

I've tried closing my eyes but It doesn't work because then I'm in permanent terror from far before the injection and I can't keep my eyes shut for long.

That happened the last time, when I was sedated. I could see it coming but I was too out of it to really do much about it.

Concentrating on my fingers is an interesting idea and worth trying next time.

I am sorry to hear about your restraint experience. Being held down is the same issue that caused my my intense needle fear which has since become fear of all things medical/doctors/blood/my body. I would suggest that you see a therapist. I hope that your parents have health care for you and if so it is best to get treatment early and while you are still covered by a medical plan. I wish I didn't suffer for more than half my life before seeking the help of a therapist. Please also know that there are many different therapists and when you go to the first one if you don't feel they will help keep trying new ones rather than thinking treatment won't work for you. I hope you get help and overcome the fear when you are young. Good luck.