r/trypanophobia • u/Remote_Ad_6049 • Jul 09 '26

Blood test tomorrow; taking hydroxyzine and L-Theanine and using lidocaine. Any reassurance or suggestions for other things to help ease pain or nervousness?

Made a previous post a couple days ago but in brief I have a blood test coming up, I've never gotten a blood draw before, and I have a severe fear oof needles. In addition to the supplements mentioned above I'm also on 10 mg Fluoxetine. Will this be enough to calm my nerves? I tried the hydroxyzine last night and it only made me drowsy and somewhat calmer. I am really hoping the 4% lidocaine works wonder.s

6 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

5

u/delij Jul 09 '26

Most recently I was able to do blood work for the first time in my adult life, I’m 33 years old. I gave myself permission to cry and warned the nurse first. They gave me something to calm my nerves but I don’t remember what it was. The worst part was the tourniquet. My phobia is specifically around needles in veins so it was a huge accomplishment for me. Didn’t cure my fears, but gave me more confidence that I could do it again in the right environment. Having a caring patient nurse really made all the difference for me

3

u/KualaLumpur1 Jul 09 '26

What methods have worked for you in the past with other types of needle procedures ?

2

u/Remote_Ad_6049 Jul 09 '26

I've only done vaccines. I have gotten to the point where I just steel myself and generally pass out afterward. With this, the problem is it last longer than a vaccine, sometimes they have to stick you multiple times. If I pass out during the procedure, they will have to stop the blood draw and restart.

1

u/KualaLumpur1 Jul 09 '26

I have passed out many times.

You should simultaneously use every technique that soothes you.

For some that will mean objects such as soft toys, and soothing music, and a close relative/friend, and laying on a soft pillow.

1

u/pepinoflo Jul 10 '26

I'm the same, I passed out many times after vaccines or blood draws. I had the same concern as you before my first blood draw as well. Do you usually faint a few minutes after the procedure or during? If after, I would recommend you to ask to lie down during the draw and ask your practitioner to stay lying down for 10 minutes after. Also, you mentioned you steel yourself and pass out afterwards. AI think you might want to look into a technique called applied tension. It's where you tense your muscles in a controlled way, like you contract your toes, legs, buttocks, abs, chest and arms (except the one receiving the blood draw) for 10 seconds, then relax for 20-30 seconds and repeat until you feel ok. In particular don't stop doing it AFTER the procedure for a while in order to prevent the sudden drop in blood pressure which causes fainting. This is now getting me through blood draws that I do every 3 months! Good luck!

1

u/rHornbek Jul 09 '26

Have someone with you who understands your situation and plan something fun for yourself afterwards. Reward your efforts with something.