omg shots!!! Please help!

[syddasquid]

I am going to the doctor's on the 27th and I am SUPER afraid of shots!!! Anyone got any tips? I know I'm gonna get a shot...and I don't think its helping. Please help!

[samjehlik]

dont look when the give you the shot and take a deep breath and hold it in till its over ..

[catherinedwhite]

It only hurts for a minute.
That's what I tell my 4 year old.
The discomfort will not last.... don't sweat the small stuff.

[vp44]

I have always done this with my son is talk to him and take his mind off of it and before you know it's over.

[dwggs]

Don't watch as you get the shot ... works for me ... If I can see it coming it goes much better

[gbabesmom]

I don't look when they're doing the shot. Hope it goes well for you.

[djohnson43]

I agree don't look when you get it, but another way is to hope the person giving you the shot is gentle not ruff. At my dr. office there is one nurse that none of us in the family likes, including my husband, because she just jabs and then the injection site hurts for the next several hours. best of luck.

[syddasquid]

Thanks for all your help!

[linderlizzie]

Breathe slowly and deeply and try to keep your muscles relaxed rather than tense. Any pain is reduced if you can stay relaxed.

I think the suggestion of not looking is a good idea too. Lots of people said that one already.

Maybe the doctor will give you a sucker if you don't cry.

[briannajeanxo]

dont look and hold your breath. i never minded shots until i got pregnant. but now i have a weak stomach and hate them.

[pmagalei]

It depends on where you will get your shots. You need to relax your muscles and body as it will help the needle penetrate your skin smoothly and easily. You will only feel a little sting. Many people say to look away , But my strategy for my boys is always the opposite. You look at it and then your fear for your next shots will be gone. Since your eyes are trained to look at it, and you anticipate what will occur the next time, and it will only be a poc( piece of cake). Now put that band aid on it and keep it for 15 minutes until the blood stops!!!

[jenniferhoder]

Don't look.... Take a deep breath- you'll be okay!!

[jmccaskill]

RELAX the muscle where the needle is going!!!! It is natural to tense an area that is going to be 'attacked' and that just makes the whole thing worse. I can't agree that all shots are 'over in a second', some are going to ache for a while, depends on what is being sent in and the substance, some burn a bit. Regardless, the pain or discomfort is no where near as bad as the emotional trauma folks gin up about the event. Try not to think about it and just accept the fact that it is going to happen and is a good thing for your overall well being.

[blondie71]

I don't care for needles myself  If you are getting a shot in your hip or lower back stand on the side that the needle isn't going into, another words lift the leg up that on the side of where the shot is going.  It always works for me.

[kapeh12]

I have a syndrome where my limb actually paralyzes for a time (days) after a shot.  If I don't take precautions I'll pass out during the shot (or blood draw - anything with a needle).  Once I learned of it, I was told when I get a shot or get blood drawn to lay down, and as other suggested above, take deep breaths and relax as much as possible.  I also have a cookie/juice handy to take after (just like people who donate blood get).  I also make arrangements to stay lying there for another 15-20 minutes after the shot before I get up and hope I don't pass out.

Personally I don't mind the shot - doesn't hurt that much, but how my body reacts to it bites.  Tetanus shots are the worst for me - I have to wear my arm in a sling for nearly a week before I get enough function back to start using it.  The area where I get the shot is typically sensitive for up to a month - bump it and I may lose functionality for a few hours.

Apparently my dad had the same issue, so I guess I inherited that from him.

Hopefully some of the techniques I use will help you.  Most people don't have the after-effects I do, but the steps I take to keep myself conscious will help you relax through your shot.