I've never really had a problem with needles before. Even the daily multiple needles through IVF, while unpleasant, was basically okay. But my first chemo treatment was on Tuesday and we had a lot of problems with the cannula. I cried. I sobbed. I haven't cried from a needle since I was a very small child. We got there in the end, but we've opted to get a port inserted for next time. Only now I find I have this huge anxiety about needles and cannulas in particular. I've had nightmares about it. I'm dreading having to have another cannula for the general anesthetic for the port insertion. I cry just thinking about it. I've put off getting the community nurse to give me more nausea meds because I'd rather feel nauseous than have more needles.I've never had this sort of anxiety before. And it seems to have come on so suddenly from one bad experience. Has anyone else dealt with this? Should I see a counselor about it?

Hi Sevenbe, definitely have a chat to your doctor about it. I've found with anxiety the more you think about something your worried about the more anxious you get. Can you try taking some controlled breaths and looking in another direction when they do the needle? Slow your breathing down, focus on a point somewhere else in the room, then let them poke it in :)

Oh Sevenhe it is horrible I agree when they have trouble getting our cannulas in they had to opt for a PIca line for me due to my allergies. Its ok to cry and sob girl we all get put on a rollercoaster ride we dont choose to go on.... they had the "specialist Cannula man have to come over from another section to try to get mine in. the Pica Line was so much easier after it was in .... Please talk to your doctor or BC nurse tell them how anxious you have become about the needles. Our team is there to help us with our ride not just the planning but also the practical stuff. like our anxieties that flare up or begin due to the rollercoaster ride. I found taking my Ipod with my fav Music playing with one ear plug in and trying to focus elsewhere helped me, but we are all different so You know yourself what helps you relax? ask for Emula Cream .... MY kids called it magic creamHugs and peace as you go forward Alice xxx

Thanks. I'm doing my best to relax when I get them, but I've never experienced this level of anxiety before. I'll ask about the Emula Cream.

If I didn't take an anti-anxiety before my sessions I was a complete mess. I thought I was totally in control and didn't even feel nervous until the nurse was hooking me in, then suddenly it was panic city. Twice I ended up in tears. *hug* I think it's a normal reaction, but it's worth letting someone know how distressing it is for you.

It's the anxiety pushing that fear up. Definitely talk with you Dr about it. I had a port put in and used emla beforehand so no pain. Talk to the anesthesiologist before surgery about this as might give you a sedative. As to nausea and chemo. There are many drugs that don't require an injection. One is ondasetron which is a wafer...so no matter how sick most absorbed through the mouth (I used to suck a mint with mine) The secret is to keep on top of the medications. Tell your oncoligist and they can change many things to help. I needed additional steroid days, stemitil and ondasetron. ..which made it quite okay.

Needle anxiety | Online Network

11 Replies

Mira
Member
9 years ago
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Hi Sevenbe, definitely have a chat to your doctor about it. I've found with anxiety the more you think about something your worried about the more anxious you get. Can you try taking some controlled breaths and looking in another direction when they do the needle? Slow your breathing down, focus on a point somewhere else in the room, then let them poke it in :)
SoldierCrab
Member
9 years ago
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Oh Sevenhe it is horrible I agree when they have trouble getting our cannulas in they had to opt for a PIca line for me due to my allergies. Its ok to cry and sob girl we all get put on a rollercoaster ride we dont choose to go on....
they had the "specialist Cannula man have to come over from another section to try to get mine in. the Pica Line was so much easier after it was in .... Please talk to your doctor or BC nurse tell them how anxious you have become about the needles. Our team is there to help us with our ride not just the planning but also the practical stuff. like our anxieties that flare up or begin due to the rollercoaster ride. I found taking my Ipod with my fav Music playing with one ear plug in and trying to focus elsewhere helped me, but we are all different so You know yourself what helps you relax? ask for Emula Cream .... MY kids called it magic cream
Hugs and peace as you go forward
Alice xxx
Sevenbe
Member
9 years ago
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Thanks. I'm doing my best to relax when I get them, but I've never experienced this level of anxiety before. I'll ask about the Emula Cream.
InkPetal
Member
9 years ago
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If I didn't take an anti-anxiety before my sessions I was a complete mess. I thought I was totally in control and didn't even feel nervous until the nurse was hooking me in, then suddenly it was panic city. Twice I ended up in tears. *hug* I think it's a normal reaction, but it's worth letting someone know how distressing it is for you.
primek
Member
9 years ago
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It's the anxiety pushing that fear up. Definitely talk with you Dr about it. I had a port put in and used emla beforehand so no pain. Talk to the anesthesiologist before surgery about this as might give you a sedative. As to nausea and chemo. There are many drugs that don't require an injection. One is ondasetron which is a wafer...so no matter how sick most absorbed through the mouth (I used to suck a mint with mine) The secret is to keep on top of the medications. Tell your oncoligist and they can change many things to help. I needed additional steroid days, stemitil and ondasetron. ..which made it quite okay.
Sevenbe
Member
9 years ago
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Thanks. It's good to know I'm not the only one and there are things we can do.
Karenhappyquilt
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9 years ago
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Don't feel bad, it's ok to be anxious. The chemo makes some of us much more anxious than normal. Ativan is an excellent medication for anxiety. I took it before five of my chemo cycles. It definitely helped. My chemo nurse said kindly "sometimes a chocolate biscuit helps, sometimes you need Ativan!" You will need a prescription from your doctor. It's addictive so you can't take it all the time, but it is excellent on a short term basis. It also stops you feeling nausea. Once this is over you may become fine about injections again. Good luck. Karen
kayvie
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9 years ago
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Hi Sevenbe
I never had needle anxiety before my first chemo - it took ages to find a vein and the pain and anxiety each time they tried only got worse - to the point that I wanted to get up and leave! So I know how you feel. I felt so traumatised after the first chemo that I phoned the oncologist to say that I was done with treatment. I have since has a port inserted (more anxiety about another needle for the anaesthetic) - I tried to breathe through it and look the other way but even so am not looking forward to future sessions - I find that breathing exercises and meditation are helping with the anxiety. Also the advice from others to focus somewhere else in the room while they do their thing is something I will definitely try!
TripleNegMama
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9 years ago
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I also found that the weekly blood tests were not so much fun - but once I found someone that was really good and I explained to her how difficult it was - after that just asked for her by name each week - never had to have a trainee digging around ever again, and she used the needle that they use for babies and then put it into the tubes from there - so much easier and less painful.
Prue78
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9 years ago
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Hi, I just wanted to say how much your post sounded like what I felt. I had never had a fear of needles but on my second chemo it just hit me and then even getting blood taken the tears would just start rolling down my cheeks. I decided on getting a ports cath because I also had Herceptin for 12 months and it the anxiety I felt was overwhelming. I recently finished and had the ports cath out last month and I don't regret it at all. Sending love