Krista Hatcher from Krista & The Morning Rush on 93.1 Jamz… Back, once again to join us at BSH!
Thank you to Krista Hatcher for this article
Some people tend to fear needles because of the pain associated with them. This especially applies to individuals with “slippery” veins or those with veins that are hard to locate under the skin. They usually end up feeling the poke of the needle multiple times before it is successfully inserted.
It’s not uncommon to be afraid of needles. Fortunately, there are various techniques to help you overcome your fear. Here is a list of effective methods you can try.
1. Speak With the Person Administering the IV
Healthcare professionals are trained to handle patients who are anxious around any medical apparatus. Don’t hesitate to voice your concerns, it is a part of their job to help address them.
Inform your doctor of your concern. Tell the staff right away if you are afraid of needles when you go for IV therapy or other procedures. This way, the staff will take extra precautions to ensure you feel more comfortable and ready.
You can also ask about the process. Learning more about it can help calm your nerves. This also gets rid of any misconceptions you may have before you begin.
2. Try Breathing Exercises
Some people are known to hyperventilate due to their fear of needles. However, proper breathing can help them relax before an injection. During this time, it is beneficial to concentrate on breathing – slow and steady breaths help the body to relax.
Studies have proven that breathing exercises reduce pain and relax the mind and body during procedures. A slow, deep breathing exercise will increase the amount of oxygen in your blood. Your heart rate will slow, your blood pressure will drop, and your muscle tension will ease.
3. Ask for a Numbing Agent
If the feeling of a needle makes you uncomfortable, you can always ask for a numbing agent. This usually comes in the form of a cream or spray that is applied to the spot where the IV needle will be inserted. It will keep the injection site numb for a couple of hours. This is usually applied 30 to 60 minutes beforehand.
4. Distract Yourself
One way you can overcome your fear of needles is through distraction. It may seem like a mundane tactic, but this works for certain people. Try focusing your attention on something else during the injection, such as different items in the room. You can also try listening to music or watching a video on your phone to take your mind off the IV needle.
5. Partner With a Dependable IV Clinic
If you’re looking for a clinic that offers excellent IV solutions, search no further. Trust our healthcare experts from Badger State Hydrate in Madison, WI. We specialize in providing IV therapy. Contact us today for more information about our services.
“When it comes to complete relaxation with no distractions but listening to 93.1 Jamz on your iPad, I mean just that! The expertise of the Badger State Hydrate crew are led by a Registered Nurse and a Double Board Certified ER Physician! So, no worries about that tiny little needle, because you won’t even know it’s there! They’re THAT GOOD!” – Krista K 93.1 Jamz
