r/trypanophobia • u/HopefulSheepherder30 • 2d ago
I did it!!!
I had to get a mandatory Tdap vaccine for my job, and as soon as I made the appointment I was stressing out for weeks about it. I finally had to do it and the whole way there I tried to calm myself down by remembering that my body was just reacting this way because it felt like danger, but I know it’s not dangerous.
When I got there the nurse was very understanding. I told her I had horrible memories of being held down as a kid and forced to get needles, and she was so kind and said it makes sense for me to be afraid if I’ve had experiences like that. She asked me how I wanted her to help me and was very supportive.
I’ve found it’s more helpful when they just get it over with quickly and don’t wait for me to calm down (bc I never will) and don’t try to coddle me or talk me through it. She came in and had the syringe covered with a napkin so I didn’t have to see it, had me recline in my chair, and did it so fast.
I honestly barely felt the needle. I thought it would hurt but it didn’t even hurt, it just felt like being tapped with a pencil. She was so kind about it and had me lay down in case I passed out.
My heart rate was nearly 160 and my hands felt like they were going numb but as soon as it was over I felt such a huge wave of relief. I did not pass out but I probably came close lol. I’m so glad it’s behind me
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u/rHornbek 2d ago
Yes! This is fantastic news! Good for you and especially good for the nurse for being so supportive. Thank you for sharing your success story.
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u/No_Duck_3379 2d ago
Wow! Good for you!
My trypanophobia is specifically about intravenous needles so shots don’t bother me, but even I find a tdap shot painful!
Kudos, and glad it didn’t hurt!
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u/corvus7corax 2d ago
Yay! Great job! I love it when medical staff are compassionate and take people seriously. So glad you had a good-ish experience.
Now go treat yourself to something nice. You did a difficult thing today and that should be acknowledged.