• Replies 13 replies
  • Subscribers 79 subscribers
  • Views 3667 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

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

  • Hi - you could ask the person who does your blood test to use a small needle.  Professionals do these tests every day so it's nothing new to them, but can be a new experience for the patient.  They are over with quickly (under a minute) and they put a small plaster or similar on the skin where the needle was inserted.  Also, don't take aspirin for at least 24 hrs before your blood test.  It thins the blood, making it difficult to clot.  And, as has already been said, if you feel squeamish, then look away. Smile

Reply

  • Hi - you could ask the person who does your blood test to use a small needle.  Professionals do these tests every day so it's nothing new to them, but can be a new experience for the patient.  They are over with quickly (under a minute) and they put a small plaster or similar on the skin where the needle was inserted.  Also, don't take aspirin for at least 24 hrs before your blood test.  It thins the blood, making it difficult to clot.  And, as has already been said, if you feel squeamish, then look away. Smile

Children
No Data