Blood draws, IVs, and vaccines. In the medical field, needles are an everyday part of our lives and daily practice. And even as we counsel people through their own anxiety, medical providers are not immune to trypanophobia, or the fear of being poked with a needle.
When I was a toddler, my parents noticed I was easily exhausted, and I’d become very pale. After a whirlwind of tests, blood draws, and an unpleasant bone marrow biopsy, they found I was severely anemic, and needed a blood transfusion.
Maybe it’s because I was so young, but the whole experience left me with a terrible fear of needles. In fact, my mother, a registered nurse, was the only one who could draw my blood without the old feeling of panic creeping up on me. It was only when I went away to college that I was able to allow others to approach me, needle in hand.
My medical history, along with my dedication to medicine, has left me passionate about donation. My life was saved by the generosity of someone else donating blood, but due to my previous transfusion, I thought I wouldn’t be able to pass along that gift. However, medical advancements show that donating would be safe for me, and whoever would receive my blood, so the opportunity opened up. Despite my fear, I became determined to make it happen. It was a series of unfortunate and ridiculous events.
Attempt 1: I made my husband drive an hour to the donation center while I nervously chugged 60 oz of water. I could hear my heart pounding in my ears, and tried to hide that the half gallon of water was weighing heavily on my bladder, as they inspected my arms. Without even a single attempt, they told me they couldn’t find a vein, and I wouldn’t be able to donate. I was so disappointed.
Attempt 2: I was determined to prove to myself I could do this on my own, so I left my emotional support husband at home. I didn’t even make it to the parking lot. I was within eyesight of the donation center when I hit a pothole, and blew out a tire. My husband met me on the side of the road, and together, we waited 3 hours for the tow truck before heading home. It was starting to feel like the Universe was going to make me really work for it.
Attempt 3: Making it to the parking lot on all four tires definitely started this trip on a more successful foot. Nervousness makes me extra chatty, and the sweet receptionist that checked me in recognized my anxiety. She paired me with the phlebotomist they called “Master Of Difficult Veins”. He took one look at my arms, gave me a reassuring nod, and said it would be no problem. And honestly? It wasn’t. I barely felt a thing, and he didn’t even need the smallest adjustment. The hardest part was laying still for 15 minutes with my arm straight. I was exhilarated when we finished. I had done something I never thought I’d be able to do, whether from fear or medical history.
Almost 5 million people need blood products every year. About 41,000 pints are needed daily. While the need is constant, donation is low. Many states are experiencing severe shortages. If you are able, please consider donating. A single donation can save more than a single life.
If you are nervous, these are my best tips for having a successful experience.
- Get hydrated, but pee before you sit in the donation chair.
- Be honest with the staff. Most people probably feel some apprehension going in, and these passionate professionals want you to feel reassured and safe.
- Make sure your phone is charged, in case you need the distraction. Your visit may take a bit of time.
- Wear comfortable clothes, but make sure your sleeves can either roll or push up. They need to access the inside of your elbow.
- Afterwards, have a little something to eat. My favorite is fruit snacks!
- Drink lots of water in the next few days following donation.
- It may take a few days to build back up your normal strength and endurance during workouts, but it’s a small price to pay for the gift of life you’ve given someone else.
Resources:
