Getting Used to Blood Tests

By Ali Long

2 min read

Before I got sick, I would get blood tests done twice a year. Just to make sure I wasn’t deficient in anything. Usually, I was deficient in iron. I used to dread these appointments. I used to hate needles and the thought of blood. I am very squeamish, if I see blood I faint. So, even though I would never look during a blood test, I would still always faint.

Now I get blood tests every 2-3 months, sometimes more often. I still dread these appointments, but nothing like before. I’m used to needles. I inject myself every two weeks. It’s the blood that I can’t get used to. Fortunately, I do not faint anymore.

My doctor understands

When I go to my doctor, we will always have a little chat first, she asks how I am, how my treatment is going and if I need anything, etc. At this point she knows, but I always remind her that I need to lie down in case I faint. She lets me get comfortable and turns on the fan. I always overheat and get sweaty during blood tests, so the fan is very helpful.

I will take a deep breath and try to relax my mind and my body. Then, I look in the opposite direction to where my doctor is standing, waiting to take my blood. My doctor knows how uncomfortable I find blood tests so she will try to distract me by asking questions and telling me a little bit about herself. I find this extremely helpful. Talking, answering questions and asking my doctor questions helps me not think of her poking a needle into my veins and taking my blood. Even thinking about it now has me a bit hot and bothered. I think it’s something I will never fully get used to, but at least I don’t faint anymore.

Once she has finished taking my blood, she will let me lie there for as long as I need. Usually, I lie there for a minute or so and sit up slowly. She always gives me a cold glass of water after and offers a fizzy drink in case I need it. Normally, I just drink water as on the way to my appointment I normally stop in the shop, so I have a fizzy drink waiting for me in the car.

Things that help me get through a blood test

When I book my blood test, I will never take a morning appointment. Some mornings I wake up feeling weak and sick. I know if I got a blood test feeling like that I would faint.

Late afternoon appointments suit me best. I will make sure to eat plenty before my appointment as this will help when I feel weak. In the past few months, I’ve realized that hydration is key when it comes to finding a vein. So, I will make sure to drink at least a liter of water before my appointment.

I will then make sure to take it easy for the day. I often use a lot of my energy when I get blood tests. Getting nervous, worked up and feeling weak takes up a lot of my energy.

I know that blood tests aren’t that much of a big deal, but they are something that I find uncomfortable and I’m still getting used to.

How do you find blood tests?

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Ali Long Moderator & Contributor
Hey <inline-mention username="Lisa Marie Basile" user-id="2390344"/> I'm glad that you can relate to my article! Yes, no matter how many blood tests I get, that underlying fear is always there lol. Oh wow, that is pretty funny and sad but I can definitely relate to you! I had such a big fear of needles, these experiences can be quite traumatic! But like you said, my needle experience is getting better and better, and that will continue! I always think in situations like this it's mind over matter. And, I think about the passage of time. Yes I have to go through this experience, but it's only for a short period of time. In less than 5 minutes it will be all over and forgotten about! Thank you for your kind comment, I hope you are keeping well. Ali (Community Member)
Lisa Marie Basile Moderator & Contributor
Thank you so much for this article. I think it’s important to mention how blood test can be scary still, even if they are a lot easier than before for us AS folk!! It’s almost like you took the words right out of my mouth, ha! Funny story: When I was a kid, I’d get poison ivy all the time. Then I’d have to get steroid shots at the hospital, and it would take my mom, my dad, and two nurses to hold me down as I went apocalyptic-insane trying to prevent them from giving me a shot. It’s actually pretty funny (and sad lol) to think about! Here’s to your needle experience is getting better and better!
James Hollens Moderator & Contributor
So glad to hear that you have managed to get better at getting your bloods taken! I've never had too much trouble with mine but I still can't bring myself to look at the needle when it is happening either. I would have thought after all this time getting regular blood tests and injecting myself every week that I would be able to handle it but even watching injections on TV makes me look away! Thanks for sharing these tips, I think a lot of people will benefit from hearing them! All the best, James (Community Member)
1. Ali Long Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="James Hollens" user-id="2386640"/> Thanks James! I've always been very squeamish. I faint at the sight of blood so I need to look away lol. I'm the same, if I see people injecting on the TV I have to look away. I'm well used to injecting myself at this point but after all this time I still have a little fear of needles. Nothing like I had before. I used to cry from panic when I had to inject. How do you find injecting yourself? All the best, Ali (Community Member) 
2. James Hollens Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Ali Long" user-id="2378712"/> Oh gosh it definitely is a good idea to look away in that case - fainting with a sharp needle in your body doesn't sound like a safe situation! I actually don't mind it at all as long as I'm not looking at it when it is happening. Mine is an epi-pen so I basically press it on my leg and look away and wait for the click that tells me its all over! Is your injection a pen or do you have the old school needle set up? Best wishes, James (Community Member)