So I have a fear of needles, now before anyone says anything, I know most people have a fear of needles, but mine I suspect is quite worse than most. It all goes back to when I was still in college at Drexel, I decided to donate blood because it’s the right thing to do. I went in, started donating blood, and all of a sudden, halfway through the procedure, the fire alarm went off. Now naturally I asked if I should get up and we can continue afterwards, the Phlebotomists said, no lift your legs, 30 seconds later they said “pump your fist fast while lifting your legs.” This goes on and on for about 10 more minutes as they try to rush me to finish. Apparently they found out it was a fire drill going on, but neglected to actually inform me.
Once I was done, they instructed me to stand up as soon as I was done, no fruit juice, no cookies, no crackers, I stood up thinking I was fine, and suddenly felt lightheaded. Next thing I know things start to go black and I pass out. According to the Phlebotomist I yelled out “TIMBER” as I fell to the ground. I woke up 2 minutes later perfectly fine, but with my blood pressure recovering from being bottomed out. Ever since then, any needle sends me over the cliff of panic.
Today, I had to go get part of my toenail removed due to a bad infection from an ingrown. I went in and sat in the chair, and the injections begin. My podiatrist knows my phobia and issues well so she uses a cold spray to numb the skin before the needle is actually used. It’s a good thing too because She gave me about 30+ injections. I was panicking slightly at that point slightly sweating, but holding things together for the most part. I asked about what they were doing after they started removing the nail, and that was when all hell broke loose for me. I saw one of the needles sticking out of my skin and all of a sudden, I started shaking all over, I felt a tingling sensation in my fingers and toes, and my stomach was tingling as well. In the end this panic attack lasted about 30 minutes, which was the longest 30 minutes of my life, I would probably have to say, I had no control over myself but I was so panicked I couldn’t stop shaking at all. In the end, I’m all sliced and diced on my toes and now the recovery beings.
I at least made myself feel better with my Berry Pizza that I made once I arrived home, that and wine solve everything!