tuberculosis shot with needle phobia
 

So needles is my number one phobia. I clamp up, I get very light-headed, I feel sick at the very mention of one. It sad my real collage doesn't scare me as much as a needle. I know, It is ridiculous that I have this. I can't even have any pointy facing towards me. Even pencils in school I always face away.

So before I start Collage I have to get this shot. And I heard it hurts, a lot. Which for me, its enough to make me forget about collage. I know its crazy. So, I'm wondering, Anyone have any suggestions? Besides just to suck it up. I have done that with my last shot. Looked away while a nurse distracted me. I got very light headed, and they had me stay for an extra 45 minutes to make sure I was alright.

It doesn't help being almost 19 and leaving the doctor's office in tears every time too >.< I decided to do a bit of research to find out if there is an alternative to getting the shot. My last shot they did a cold spray thing. And it didn't even hurt, but still freaked me out... But idk.. I'm shaking right now btw everyone! >.< Man, I feel like such a baby. I know its a stupid phobia too. And I know Needle's are not that bad. But I just can't seem to build a bridge and get the hell over it.

There are a lot of people who are afraid of needles, so you shouldn't feel like you are the only one in that case. But as far as getting the shot itself, I'm not sure if there is any other alternative that you can have. Though I will agree with what some of the others have said about more or less sucking it up and just getting it. Though you should at least think through why it is that you have to get that shot. It may hurt when you get it, though I suggest trying to take several deep breaths and trying to tell yourself that it isn't that bad, it's just a simple shot. And try to look away so that way you don't feel that light headed :3.

Hmm, have you ever tried meditating? Using breathing techniques and envisioning that you're somewhere else takes some of the focus off the needles. Also, I remember seeing people pinching someone's leg or arm while they're getting a shot so that they focus on the pain of the pinch instead of the shot. Otherwise, shots may take some time to get used to. Once your body realizes that shots won't hurt/kill you, it should hopefully stop reacting that way.

Whenever I wait in my allergist's lobby for allergy shots, there are a few kids and people who are screaming bloody murder in the shot room. But after getting four shots a week for a month or so, they're completely desensitized to the shots. So maybe it'll take getting used to shots or using distracting techniques. I'm sure you'll pull through it, though! :) Just keep your head up and tell that shot who's boss!

I didn't get the TB vaccine, it wasn't required for the college I went to.

I am a blood donor and i deal with needles every 3 months.

Let me give you some tips.

1) Go to blood donor sessions just to watch. Watch other people at ease with needles and it may rub off on you.

2) Remember, that the pain is fleeting and this device was invented to help make life better for people, to administer injections.

3) Don't look at the needle going in. Breathe deeply and look away

4) Ask the nurse, if she has any rub on anaesthetic.

Good luck!

My doctor gave me my own tube of topical lidocaine, actually. But I think I lost it. XD;;
It was useful while I could use it though.
I didn't feel the needle as much, which is 80% of what unnerved me.

When I was little I used to pretend that we were just playing doctor and they were gonna pinch me to give me a pretend shot. :XD I still cried afterwards, but it was enough to talk my little self into sucking it up. Now I've actually grown to not mind needles at all.

Personally I cite personal beliefs for not getting "required" vacs. I have not received a vaccination for almost eight years now totally by my own choice. Yes, I have gotten sick, no I have not died (;) ) or have I been hospitalized for anything. I have been scratched by rusty barbed wire, had the flu, been exposed to chicken pox, etc. Camps and schools have put up fights at first but with a bit of persuasion I have been allowed to attend. I know It's not like that everywhere though.

If you really think you need the vac. try breathing excersizes, closing your eyes while listening to music (this is what helped me when I had to get some allergy testing done two years ago as I too have a bit of a needle phobia), or watching others cope with needles before hand. Good luck

I have this phobia too. Last shot I had to get was the meningitis shot. That was awful. I was crying while they were taking my blood pressure before they even brought out the needles and my blood pressure skyrocketed. The insurance company probably thinks I'm a walking time bomb.