Does this sound familiar? You’re in the doctor’s office and your stomach is in knots, your foot can’t stop tapping, and your fingers are curled tightly into fists or holding your arms. The wait seems to be agonizing, and then the nurse walks into the room with the dreaded shot. If you feel yourself paling at the sight of the needle, know that you’re not alone. An estimated one in 10 adults have a phobia of needles, which can also be referred to as trypanophobia.
We at IV Revival completely understand! Needles aren’t fun and the thought of getting poked isn’t a pleasant one. So we wanted to offer you advice on how to help your fear of needles so you can enjoy the full benefit of IV therapy.
1.Talk to Your Doctor/Nurse
Trypanophobia is a legitimate phobia. Nearly one in 10 adults have it and it is thought to be hereditary: an estimated 80% of adults who have the condition claim they have a first-degree blood relative who has it too. It is also possible that some adults learned to be afraid of needles as well.
That is completely okay! There is nothing to be ashamed of. If you’re afraid of your needles, embracing it is one of the best things you can do. If you talk with your medical professional or nurse administering your IV about your phobia, they can help you through it. They can answer any questions you have, perform distraction techniques, and talk you through the entire process, if that helps you. They can even cover the injection site if you ask them to so you don’t have to see it during your treatment.
Never feel embarrassed about it either. Your doctor or nurse will be happy to help you in whatever way they can.
2. Practice Breathing Exercises
A phobia can often knock the wind right out of your lungs, which can increase your anxiety. On top of that, breathing exercises are scientifically proven to help balance your mood. We recommend you try any of these 8 helpful exercises.
Our favorites are lengthening your exhale and breath focus. Lengthening your exhale influences your body’s ability to relax, and breath focus allows you to focus inwardly instead on external stimuli.
3. Think Long Term
When you’re faced with your biggest fear, it’s tough not to focus directly on it. If you’re able to tear your mind off of it, it may help you to focus on the future result. For instance, IV vitamin therapy will help optimize your health, boost your immune system, and give you the energy you need to face the rest of the week. You will feel amazing!
Up to a week of benefits is worth less than an hour of discomfort (or under 5 minutes for a B12 shot), right? And once the needle is inserted, you won’t even feel it. You don’t even have to look at it — you and the nurse can talk, you can watch your favorite show, you can do work; whatever you want to help distract yourself.
Just remember, always think of the next step and how good you will feel once it’s done!
4. Educate Yourself
Knowledge is power. If you’re concerned about needles or IVs, do your own research to help calm your fears.
If you’re concerned about safety, you can breathe easy. IV vitamin therapy is extremely safe. It is very rare to experience medical complications from the IV, especially when done through IV Revival. We only employ highly experienced registered nurses to administer the IV. The needle itself is sterile and there is very little risk of contamination.
Our menu only offers water-soluble vitamins, which is essential for preventing vitamin toxicity.
If you’re worried about pain, that’s okay! The needles we use are extremely small, so you’ll barely feel a thing. If you’re getting a vitamin shooter instead of an IV, we give you the option to have it administered in your glute or your arm. We promise that you’ll hardly feel more than a slight pinch.
5. Don’t Get an IV Alone
Having a friend with you can be the extra support you need to get through the treatment. They’ll be able to distract you, hold your hand, or be a source of comfort if you’re worried about the needle. The right friend will help you look to the future and won’t let you succumb to your fear.
At IV Revival, we encourage having company! If it helps you, then we are all for it.
BONUS TIP: Skip the Clinic and Waiting Room
If the experience of a doctor’s office or a clinic increases your anxiety, then we have good news for you. IV Revival brings the treatment to you. Our services are completely mobile, so you don’t have to have the anxiety-inducing experience of waiting in a strange clinic. You can get the IV from your couch, from your office, or from your bed!
If you’re curious about trying IV therapy, consider requesting an appointment with us. Our team of trained nurses can answer any questions you may have and will provide you with a safe and comfortable experience in your own home. Give us a call today.