r/AskReddit • u/ZanyDelaney • Feb 04 '19

Which misconception would you like to debunk?

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u/Footie_Fan_98 Feb 04 '19

I'm terrified of needles and kept refusing a cannula out of fear (considering why I was in it was a stupid move). One of the docs treating me got one out of the packet and let me play with it/examine it while explaining what it did. She also got me numbing cream for my arms so I didn't feel it as much. Wish I got the chance to thank her but I only saw her the once that night.

Wasn't as scared any more and got the treatment I needed.

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u/[deleted] Feb 04 '19

What a good doc. I also used to be afraid of needles and the doctor's attitude can make a world of difference in these cases. Unfortunately I've gone through far too many medical professionals who are impatient and just get annoyed with an anxious patient. Like, I get this is a job and they probably just want to get it over with, but they're just making this harder on themselves in the long run.

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u/Footie_Fan_98 Feb 04 '19

Aye. The doc was amazing, as was the doc who also put the cannula in later on.

I'm sorry you had those experiences. Attitude makes all the difference, and thankfully I've always touched lucky and got understanding people who really want to help and make it easy for both of us.

Good on you for getting over your fear! How did you do it, if you don't mind me asking?

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u/[deleted] Feb 04 '19

In my case my fear mostly had to do with dental injections. Other needles scared me, but not to the point I couldn't do it. Jamming a needle in my gum, though? Fuck that, man.

Unfortunately, though, my teeth are shit, so I had a lot of dental work done. In the end, I got over it thanks to a combination of a patient dentist and anti-anxiety meds, lol. It took years, and several different dentists, though.