Tips for Going to the Doctors?

[daisy_cat]

hi friends♡

i have an appointment for a checkup and i'm super terrified of doctors. 😞 especially since i have to give blood today and i have a horrible fear of needles due to some trauma. does any fellow Littles or Caregivers have any tips for getting through it? a typical appointment leaves me a crying, drained mess and it's really hard to be that way in public. 

thanks for any help you guys can offer!

[Capri]

I recommend bringing a little squishy or stuffy to squeeze in your hand it helps calm me down when I am nervous! sometimes the doctors have numbing/cooling spray for bloodwork maybe you can ask if they have it if you are afraid of the pain. If it's the sight of blood close your eyes real tight >< you got this!! 👏

[browneyedgirl]

Hi Daisy!

Best of luck with your trip to the doctors. I too hate the doctors and avoid them as much as possible. For the future, I find it helps to have a doctor you like and trust. If you have a small stuffy or comfort item you can put it in your bag that way you can reach in and hold on to it if you need to. I have small cute keychains on the outside of my back that I like to play with when I'm nervous.

When getting your blood drawn let your phlebotomist know you are scared of needles and you can try asking if they are able to use a smaller sized needle (they may not be able to accommodate this). The more relaxed you are the less it will hurt. I find it helpful to look away and try to focus on something else. You could try listening to music or even watching a show on you phone. I personally like to ask them not to warn me before the stick because I will tense up, but some people find the warning helpful.

Overall, try to reassure yourself that these are trained professionals and they know what they are doing.

Goodluck and try not to stress yourself out too much about it!

[DashingDaddyDom]

I don't think my advice is helpful but I have had to be around a lot of needles and blood my whole life (which is why it's probably not helpful) but when I was younger when it still would cause me anxiety and emotional discomfort I'd actually ask if it was ok to watch. It sounds counter intuitive but once it goes in sometimes after the initial sting watching the tubes fill might help you relax knowing that you're alright and this is all it is. On top of that before they do it ask how many vials and ask to see them too if you need to. I think it goes with the old adage of "Things you can see will always be less scary than things you imagine".

[MissNMTX]

Probably the best approach is to just be honest. Tell them you're afraid ( I myself have a specific fear of finger prick tests) some techs are better than others, there is numbing spray, and they might just work faster. Also, breath... breathing exercises do wonders for so many things. Best of luck to you.

[Andriel_Isilien]

11 hours ago, daisy_meow said:

hi friends♡

i have an appointment for a checkup and i'm super terrified of doctors. 😞 especially since i have to give blood today and i have a horrible fear of needles due to some trauma. does any fellow Littles or Caregivers have any tips for getting through it? a typical appointment leaves me a crying, drained mess and it's really hard to be that way in public. 

thanks for any help you guys can offer!

Totally normal to be scared and doctors/nurses/practitioners/etc are amazing with accommodating for triggers and phobias. I too have a big fear of my veins getting poked. I even fainted while watching someone else get it because I thought that would help me 😫 I let them know about this issue so that we both can make the process quick and easy with no fuss. A stress ball to squeeze is really good, drinking lots of water before and after the visit, and lying down when they draw blood really helps me. Having a snack or juice can be good too. If your veins are really small and/or hard to find you can request a butterfly needle be used instead. Best of luck! 💟