Fear Of Injections

Going into the 24/25 academic year I’ve got extremely low confidence, self esteem and self doubt as now I’m writing this blog in October and it’s flu season but I can’t get my head around controlling my fight, flight or freeze to get it done.

I’ve had quite a few covid and flu jabs and all of them were indeed successful until last year when I had a little incident where the nurse had injected me the Covid jab in my left arm.

With the flu jab going in my right arm I felt some bubbles pop when the needle came out and the nurses simply said “oh it’s just bubbles, don’t worry it won’t harm you it’s done now”.

This has put a terrible fear I my mind if what if it happens again so this time a doctor said I could try some medication that would make me really drowsy and tired so it would let me finally have done after a few other attempts.

And this darker time in my life I’m filled with so little confidence and much self doubt if I would have it done.

As always much help and support is appreciated!

Parents
  • Hi Matthew,

    You would think that the amount of injections/cannulas I've had in my life, I'd be fine with needles - believe me when I say I am definitely afraid - panic attack, the lot - especially before.

    But, like what TheCatWoman has said, I'd rather take the flu/covid vaccinations than ignore them completely, and then *potentially* be worse if you contract the viruses themselves.

    I ALWAYS get myself a treat (or 2) to enjoy afterwards - at the start of October - I had both my covid and flu injections at the same time! I completely freaked out before-hand, thinking that I should have done them separately after I had already booked the appointment! I made sure that Mum was available to be with me - even if she didn't allow me to hold her hand, she stood in front of me so I could see and speak to her whilst the pharmacist (who was actually OK), completed the injections. 

    My treat(s) afterwards, was a hot apple pie from McD's and snuggling under my favourite blanket watching Masterchef (which I hadn't really seen much of - so was able to catch up with it).

    I also have a lot of blood tests as well - as have got reduced liver function (in a nutshell) - but surprisingly, I have actually been able to go to the medical centre on my own to have these done a couple of times now - and as long as I tell the phlebotomist (most of them know me very well), that I get very anxious about needles, they are generally able to talk about something I enjoy (normally pets and wildlife) whilst getting on with the procedure - again I make sure I get myself a treat afterwards.

    I'm hoping this helps you out a little Matthew - honestly though - I'd rather take the injections, than contract full blown covid/flu.

    Mweekie xx 

  • I had covid and felt like I'd been hit by a train, walking 10 yards to the toilet was exhausting, I've not had real flu for years now, that took me about 6 weeks to recover from properly, I slept for 3 days straight!

Reply Children
  • I had COVID - literally the week I was due to go to Croatia for a long weekend! Just felt like I had a headcold - but oh my god did I ache all over that week. I actually felt like I could sympathise with my Mum who as both osteo and rhuematoid arthritis in most of her joints - but once I tested negative again - I just felt completely wiped out for 2 weeks afterwards. Thankfully, I have had all the initial and booster vaccines, mainly because of my own health, but also I had a very, very, very close friend die from it - and she was one of these people who didn't believe it could happen to her. Her family have all had theirs done and boosters as well since she passed away - funny how it takes something so bad to happen for families to actually wake up and realise that COVID is actually real and not a conspiracy theory.

    Sending hugs to the both of you xx