Really bad needle phobia

Hi,

I'm just wondering if at your pre op assesment with the nurse they take blood? I have a terrible phobia of needles, its that bad that when i was pregnant the midwife sent me to see a clinical psychologist for cognitive behavioural therapy (not that it made any difference lol) I can cope with the thought of surgery and pain after etc but i'm so frightened of needles. I feel really daft even posting this because I know that needles dont hurt and its a silly fear but i just cant get past it :pale:

This may also sound stupid but did any of you ladies get put to sleep with gas rather than the old needle in the back of the hand?

Thanks

Aww sweetie alot of people have this fear but I see yours is really severe. Most pre ops don't require blood to be taken. In rate circumstances due to a recent illness or family history they might have to but as a rule they dont. I had to but that's just cos in getting a nose job too, the bloods were for my nose.

I can't say about the general anaesthetic needle, but I think that's how it's administered unfortunately. Don't know how I can be of help :((( xxx

oh my god cognitive therapy! @@ // im just laughing cause i can really relate.. im not afraid of needles that much cause i have to give blood samples a lot.. so i had to get used to it.. // but to be totally honest i was more afraid of the IV than the actual surgery.. and i really had to keep it together cause i honestly almost passed out when they did that part.

i do not know about the gas..... but i specifically told them i was really nervous about the IV and they were very nice about it and gave me some novacaine or something there i think. //

in my mind what i do to help with needles is sort of 'push' against it in my mind.. not tensing up really.. but just.. its hard to explain. i just look somewhere else.. and sort of hold my breath.. and sort of just.. its hard to describe. // i sort of firm up my skin where it is going to go in. // that realy seems to help. like you know if you are plucking your eyebrows, it hurts less if you pull the skin taut.. // good luck maybe they can give an alternative.

I didn't have to give a sample of blood at my pre op, but it depends on the clinic snd your medical history. As for the GA I've only ever had it twice and it was a cannula in the hand both times. A lot of people have numbing cream on their hand first so they can't feel it. I dont know what they would be able to do for you, maybe you should discuss this at your consultation. See what they can offer you.

Aw thanks so much for the advice and the understanding, your all so nice.

The therapy was crap haha, the psychologist was lovely and really understanding but it had no affect on me and I went every week for about 6 months. I'm that frightened of needles that the other week i had a filling at the dentist without local anestetic, it hurt like hell but i'm not letting on about that bit because my friends and my fella are amazed and think im as hard as nails now :)

The reason i mentioned the gas is that my friend is a nurse with the nhs and she said they often do a gas induction for ops and there is no reason they couldnt do it for a breast op but it would be up to the surgeon etc. I have a consultation booked tomorrow with Mr Borghini at transform in manchester so i'll ask him and see what he says
xxx

I'm that frightened of needles that the other week i had a filling at the dentist without local anestetic, it hurt like hell but i'm not letting on about that bit because my friends and my fella are amazed and think im as hard as nails now :)

thats hard core, i know people who have done that ^^ im impressed too..// but also, if you had your kid with a midwife (i did too) that kind of stuff takes guts hehe ^^ good luck asking them tomorrow. :>

Oh god I'm cringing at the thought of a filling with no anaesthetic! I'm amazed!

You're going to be OK babe

It's possible you 'may' need a blood test at your pre-op, this will however depend on your medical history hun. The nurses are very sympathetic though and understanding, you'll be in good hands if a test is needed.

The canula they use during surgery is nothing to be worried about sweetness, just explain your phobia and you'll be well taken care of, this is a 'private' clinic you're using so you get extra special care and the nurses will look after you so much.

I really wouldn't worry hun, stay focused on the boobs at the other end, you're not too far away now and you're going to have the boobs you've always wanted

Hey.

I got told I 'may' need a blood test for my preop due to certain illness in my family. But then they said they can get in contact with my doctors instead of putting me through that! It all comes down to your and family health history!

I can honestly say I didn't see or feel one needle on my ba day. I'm not scared of them but I can TOTALLY relate to your fear as I have to go to a "special" dentist as I panic pass out sweat cry etc etc!

I was somehow sedated before I got put under GA when I had my wisdom teeth out and I have a feeling it was the same for my BA as I don't remember the cannula being put in!!

Idd express ur concerns with ur aneathetist and ps as they are so reassuring and they will be able to help u out xxxxxx

OMG me too I have never had a blood test conscious LOL I ALWAYS pass out before the needle touches me but I think my phobia is more the needle/blood thing cos i think i could have a normal injection (not had to for years, since school tho)
I could hardly drive to my pre-op i was THAT scared i would have to have a blood test :( took my husband in case i passed out and couldnt drive myself home LOL anyway i didnt have to have one in the end hurrah

Re the anaesthetic needle when i last had surgery i had to hav gas to put me to sleep before they could get near me with needle (felt horrendous when i came round tho!!!) but i decided i was going to try to be brave at my BA as id chosen to do it, so didnt mention it and just kept chanting to myself that i want this op so i have to do it however when i was lying on the table and the anaesthetist came in i almost bolted ha ha ha went to pieces saying i was scared, the nurses were amazing - holding my hand and stroking my hair and to be fair it was okay going in cos he was really good at it

I was soo proud of myself as i NEVER thought id be able to do that

Sorry that wasnt helpful LOL - if youre that bad you should definately tell them as early as possible then they can give you something to relax you prior to GA :)

right i went to see mr borghini today, as advised i made it clear i have a really really bad phobia lol and he said he will speak with the anaesthetist (however you spell it) and see if he can give me something to make me calm :) but he said I would have to have a blood test and there is no way round that. I mentioned this to my pc and she said they dont normally do bloods for routine ba and that the ps is wrong as i have no medical conditions etc that would suggest I would require a blood test. So now i'm confused, who is right the ps or the pc?!? Anyone else been with transform?


And thanks for all the support about the needle thingy, i'm glad you all don't think im mard haha xx

I went with Transform and did not have to have a blood test as I had no previous medical conditions and I was able to tell them what blood group I am, cause I give blood. I suppose they may want your blood type?

ah i see, well i remember being told my blood group after i had my daughter, not that i can remember what it is but i'll check with my gp and see if he has a record. Hopefully this will help me wriggle out of having the blood test

Yeah it's worth a try :-) they usually ask if they can have access to your medical records at your pre op, you just need to be able to give them your GP's address and tel no. Hopefully they wont have to give you a blood test hun.

Well most people seem to not have had one so hopefully i won't either. I'm keeping everything crossed x