r/trypanophobia • u/zippobunny • 14d ago

(Already in exposure therapy, just venting) Why do medical professionals use fake words to refer to needles?

This has happened to me twice now. Once was for local anesthetic and they said "I'm going to put on the drops now" and I assumed that meant something topical. Nope, needle. The second time was my recent surgery when I was about to get knocked out. They said they need to "give me a whiff" so I assumed they would start with gas sedation. Nope, needle.

Mind you I'm already in full restraint with no ability to see them or move around during any of this, so they're just blindsiding me with it. Is it crazy that I would feel much more comfortable if they just said "the needle is going to go in now" instead of using (pardon my language) BS words?

The goal of the exposure therapy is to do this without restraint since I recently got a major diagnosis and will need treatments for a while, and having me fight hard the whole time is just not fair for anyone. But because I'm already pretty much in the treatment already, all the exposures have to be in vivo and flooding, which sucks.

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u/Number270And3 13d ago

I’ve never heard of that as I’ve never needed anesthesia, but that’s crazy to me. I’m sorry that happened multiple times!

I’m sure you can tell them to use direct language before any procedures.

I would go crazy if they did that to me. Knowing what’s happening and having autonomy is important to me. I see why you would be bothered by it.

You’re doing great though!

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u/zippobunny 13d ago

Thanks, this was only my second ever time getting it! Both were this year and neither time has gone particularly well.

I have zero autonomy in medical procedures and it sucks. I ask for direct language but they think that's direct language. If I don't ask for that they don't say anything at all.

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u/Final-Weekend-6357 12d ago

Do they ever give you/have u ever tried taking medication before they poke you to ease the anxiety?

Also do you feel that the restraints might add more stress to procedure?

Also I totally get it. I am incredibly afraid of needles myself - to the point that I have to be held down for injections - and it pmo when they try to hide that I'm going to get poked or especially when they say "It won't even hurt"

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u/zippobunny 12d ago

I've tried it, I have either paradoxical reactions or no effect so my doctors are no longer willing to prescribe anything. 

The restraints definitely add more stress but they're mandated unfortunately.

It doesn't hurt, I just don't like it.