Hey... Newbie here... *waves*

So I too am scared of needles. Have avoided them whenever possible, and when it wasn't possible, I become really panicked. Only have fainted once, that's when I had the idea that I could get over this fear if I watched them stick me. Yeah, it didn't work so well.

So I've had the *possibility* of bat exposure a couple days ago, and I'm being advised that while its highly unlikely I got anything, I should still go ahead and start the series of rabies shots. I'd figured that, and had talked myself into finally going... but then I found out that it's going to be 3 to 4 shots on the first visit, then boosters for 4 more visits within the month. 4 shots at once!! :O *thud*

There was no talking me into that, so now I'm at home trying to psyche myself up for this. Which is mostly consisting of pouring over forums and blogs, trying to find that magical post that will make my brain go, Oh! It'll be fine! I spent all day trying to get myself to go, but no luck... maybe tomorrow....

Has anyone else had to have that many at once? It's just completely freaking me out.

By the way, I've realized how funny/sad it is that when given the choice between needles and possible death... well... I need to think it over! :shock: :? How's that for irrational.

Welcome to Ofear devoted!

I'm sorry but I can't really help you much with your phobia as I do not suffer from it and have little knowledge about needle phobia. I'm sure another member will be along soon though to help.

Quote:By the way, I've realized how funny/sad it is that when given the choice between needles and possible death... well... I need to think it over! How's that for irrational.

Phobias are described as irrational fears.
I don't think it's neceassarily funny/sad and I'm sure others here feel the same way.

Best of luck!

Ana Wrote:Phobias are described as irrational fears.
I don't think it's neceassarily funny/sad and I'm sure others here feel the same way.

Yes, I've seen that listed as the definition many times, but it doesn't make it any less frustrating.

I am a medical care phobe, so I know how you feel.
I have been in a car accident before and my back was immediately sore. The people in the ambulance wanted to take my vital signs and I refused to let them. Thankfully my back got better after a few weeks, so I was lucky. Next time, I might not be so lucky though. So I relate to choosing death over medical care on a personal level.

I wish there were a magical post or a quick fix for this bothersome phobia. I have barely started to overcome my fear, as I have posted in another thread. In my experience, the only way you can overcome this is to attack it by exposing yourself to your fears.

The fact that you are here discussing it is a great first step though. It does me good everytime I read a post from someone who relates. Just know that anytime you want to discuss this that there will be people here that will be glad to talk with you!!!

Words Waywith Wrote:In my experience, the only way you can overcome this is to attack it by exposing yourself to your fears.

Yeah, that completely makes sense... I'm telling myself that once this is all over with, maybe I won't be scared of needles any more. LOL. Thanks for your kind words. This forum seems like a really nice place to chat without feeling embarrassed about what you're feeling.

devoted Wrote:

Words Waywith Wrote:This forum seems like a really nice place to chat without feeling embarrassed about what you're feeling.

You said it perfectly there. Most of us here are kind of apprehensive to discuss our problems at first, because we don't want to seem selfish by focusing on our problems, but in actuality posting about your problems is not selfish because it helps others. So feel free to post at your own free will!

{I would say that finding a forum this helpful is like finding a needle in a haystack, but the needle reference might make us faint lol}

Words Waywith Wrote:{I would say that finding a forum this helpful is like finding a needle in a haystack, but the needle reference might make us faint lol}

:laugh: _cheesygrin:: Too funny!

Okay. I gathered up all of my courage last night and went in for the shots. Basically, I was just getting tired of all the days of anxiety... it alone was taking a toll on me, big-time.

I'll admit, I was terrified. My mind was definitely panicking. The first doctor didn't help, as she blatantly told me that I would need 4 shots, and that 3 of them are unpleasant. I seriously wanted to run away at that point!!

But, I explained (many times) that I have a big fear of needles, and they got the NICEST nurse to come and do the shots for me. She was professional in that she kept things moving along, but she was (a) REALLY good at giving shots... the pain was very minimal... and (b) she was very understanding and didn't make me feel embarrassed at all. She let me lay on my side for much of it, so I was able to curl up... that helped somehow. I looked away the entire time and focused on small things, like my scarf, or my husband's hand. I tried to think of things to distract me, like song lyrics (that 867-5309 song for some reason kept running through my head!) It didn't make it completely go away from my thoughts, but it did help, I think.

And there's nothing like the feeling of euphoria when it's all OVER! Holy crap. I was insanely happy to finally be done with the worrying. I'm sore today but don't care, that I can handle.

I'm not sure what other advice to give... I know what works for some people isn't the same for everyone else. But I did want to write a follow-up in case it helps anyone, since reading all your posts helped me.

You shouldn't only be happy about not worrying, but you should be extremely proud that you faced your fear{Well actually you faced the other direction while facing your fear } Seriously though, there is something wonderful to be said about you standing up to your fear and contributing to your own health as a result!!! It is also great that Jenny at 867-5309 is such a good friend that you can call her in your times of need!

Thanks, Words Waywith!

That song's STILL in my head. I'm happy that I faced it, but I wish I could without the anxiety attacks and panic (or at least, to get those under control better). I guess that's the next step. Luckily(???) I'll get some practice in with the rest of the shots... confused3