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What happens during a blood test - reassurance needed

Hope

Today I had that dreaded doctor's appointment, but it went better than expected. I was concerned because I have been experiencing stabbing sensations in the left side of my chest, and was worried in case there was something wrong with my heart. You know that never ignore chest pains advice? Well, I was petrified I was going to die, and I am only 26 years old. But the doctor checked my blood pressure, which was completely fine, as was my oxygen saturation. She took my heart rate on my front and back, and said my heart sounded healthy.

The doctor said that she had no concerns from the tests and from what I was telling her, but offered me the chance to have a heart trace EEG and a blood test at the doctors nexr Monday. She told me that she is not concerned, and thinks that the tests will show nothing is wrong, but that it will help put my mind at rest, so I accepted the tests. But I am worried about the blood test - what do they involve, and how can I reassure myself?

Parents

  • Thank you for the explanations. Yes, I am more nervous about the procedure itself than the results, which I have good reason to believe will be fine. In any event, I am doing what's best for my health by not ignoring something and seeking medical advice. I have never had a blood test before, and I am worried I will feel faint.  Thankfully I do not need to fast beforehand. Is it a good idea to eat something afterwards like a banana or biscuit, a bit like people do after giving blood?. I think I will ask to lie down during the test because I do have a fear of fainting. I am also worried it will hurt because I do not like needles, but if it does not hurt as much as the TB vaccine I had at school once, it can't be too bad. That vaccine felt like being stung by a bee, it was horrible, but I did not pass out.

    If it does hurt, what would be a coping strategy I could use? I am very squeamish when it comes to blood, but I know that most people have to have blood tests at some point in their lives, and I guess I have to overcome my fear of them!.

    Thankfully my support worker will be with me.

Reply

  • Thank you for the explanations. Yes, I am more nervous about the procedure itself than the results, which I have good reason to believe will be fine. In any event, I am doing what's best for my health by not ignoring something and seeking medical advice. I have never had a blood test before, and I am worried I will feel faint.  Thankfully I do not need to fast beforehand. Is it a good idea to eat something afterwards like a banana or biscuit, a bit like people do after giving blood?. I think I will ask to lie down during the test because I do have a fear of fainting. I am also worried it will hurt because I do not like needles, but if it does not hurt as much as the TB vaccine I had at school once, it can't be too bad. That vaccine felt like being stung by a bee, it was horrible, but I did not pass out.

    If it does hurt, what would be a coping strategy I could use? I am very squeamish when it comes to blood, but I know that most people have to have blood tests at some point in their lives, and I guess I have to overcome my fear of them!.

    Thankfully my support worker will be with me.

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