Ok this sounds so silly - hoping to get sleeved in 2017! Insurance covers so starting those steps...I've had 2 babies via c-section but STILL scared of needles I know it's all part of the process and it's nothing that will inhibit me from pursuing surgery...ugh...just wish I could get over this fear.

With everything beforehand, during, and after surgery -- how frequent was blood drawn or needles used?

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Edited January 2, 20179 yr by fatgirlfreed

I HATE needles!!!! I lucked out and can't recall many blood draws in the hospital. Maybe two. BUT I did have to have two shots a day in the thigh for fifteen days to keep from getting blood clots. I've noticed in past threads that some people had to have them and others didn't. Depended on the surgeon and the patient. But even with my hatred for needles and being a big sissy, if I had it to do over again I'd still go through with it! Best decision I've ever made.

I had 2 blood drawn at the doctor office. The IV(day of sugery), and one blood thinner every 8 hour while I was in the hospital. I hate needles too ,but to be honest my nurse was so kind that I did not feel pain.

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OMG, I'm too afraid of needles - believe it or not, you'll be fine. Best of luck!

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I hate needles!!

I have to hold my breathe and look away anytime they start to poke me!! ????

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Afraid of needles, with extremely small veins so I had to be poked several times until they found it.

All and all though, this was the least memorable part of the surgery. I knew getting paid meds and fluids was a priority so I was happy once they'd fixed the IV

I hate needles! I don't even have my ears pierced for that very reason. The IV was the worst going in but I survived. The shots to prevent blood clots scared me but they honestly did not hurt. They tested my blood sugar while in he hospital and I wasn't a fan but I survived. I'm still here, still have a phobia of needles but you will make it!

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Some hospitals can give you a little shot of lidocaine in the hand before they insert the IV.

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Edited January 2, 20179 yr by toofatnopants

I'm scared too but it is a necessary evil lol. I just hold my breath and look away also.

I luckily don't have this fear. I'm a nurse and was a paramedic and have let people practice sticks on me because it just doesn't bother me.

I have a friend however, who will actually pass out at the sight of a needle, and her blood pressure goes through the roof. For yearly needed blood draws, they give her an anxiety medicine to take in the morning, and she has to have her husband drive her to and from the doctor's office. It's the only way they can get it done. She was hospitalized with a medical emergency, and maintaining an IV was a disaster.

For a lot of patients, I can usually get them to slow their breathing, not watch the procedure, and we can get through their anxiety when I need to start an IV. They do make a lidocaine spray that can help numb the skin and help some, they use it in pediatric cases. I didn't find that it helped much, but then the needles don't bother me in the first place.

Bottom line, this is actually pretty common, don't feel ashamed or bad about asking for help making the experience easier to get through. Nurses and medical people see this all the time, and there are a few things we can do to help. If your anxiety is particularly severe, talk to your doctor about a little pre-medication.

Thanks for the encouragement, everyone.

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I wasn't afraid of needles prior to but you the end of I was just sick of being poked and having two IV lines hooked up on each arm.

It's gotta be done though so but it will pass! I try just looking away or holding my ma's hand or something!

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Edited January 5, 20179 yr by sasharbinx