DEAR DEIDRE: EVER since I had to have surgery on a broken arm as a child, I’ve had a phobia of needles. I’m 33 now.
When I was coming round from the anaesthetic, I had a needle in the back of my hand.
I could see how long it was under my skin.
I was freaked out but a nurse said that I would have to wait for the doctor to have it removed.
I watched it coming out and my phobia began.
I can’t even look at needles on the TV and refuse to have any blood tests or injections.
[authenticated-scripts src=”%3Cscript%20type%3D%22text%2Fjavascript%22%20src%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fthesun.formstack.com%2Fforms%2Fjs.php%2Fdear_deidre_problem%22%3E%3C%2Fscript%3E%3Cnoscript%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fthesun.formstack.com%2Fforms%2Fdear_deidre_problem%22%20title%3D%22Online%20Form%22%3EOnline%20Form%20-%20Dear%20Deidre%3C%2Fa%3E%3C%2Fnoscript%3E” type=”embedded” width=”100″ /]This fear has steadily worsened over the years and I constantly worry that if I end up in hospital I won’t be able to cope with any injections.
I would love to be able to freeze my eggs to become a mum one day, but I feel like my chances are slim because of this fear.
I am desperate for help but nobody seems to be able to give me any advice on how to get over this.
[read-more title=”READ MORE FROM DEAR DEIDRE” article_ids=”33062358″ shortcode_id=”170794ae-6289-4131-aba5-484b537ffcfc” /]DEIDRE SAYS: Needle phobias are fairly common, and there are things that can assist you.
Hypnotherapy can help people to overcome their phobias.
If you ever need an injection or a blood test, ask them to prescribe some Emla cream which numbs your arm, so you won’t feel the jab.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Dear Deidre: Understanding the impact of ghosting ” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6349478205112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]Listening to music on headphones will help to distract you too.
My support pack Fears And Phobias explains more.