I'm a provider that would like to test every 2 months or so, but have a hard time doing so because I am severely needle-phobic. All the poor phlebotomists at my doctor's office hate me. Is anyone else like this, or does anyone have any recommendations or testimonials? I'm skeptical regarding hypnotherapy but I'd try it if there were enough endorsements. Thanks...

Go at your own pace.  Avoidance reinforces the phobia.

So my doctor had the nurse distract me with conversation and my head turned away from the needle while they gave me shots.

It worked!

How might a therapist gradually expose me to needles? I know this method works for other phobias, but I don't see how a licensed therapist can have medical needles.

FYI- I have a ton of tattoos. It's just medical needles that seem to be the problem. Part of it is phobia surrounding the tourniquet...  it makes me go weak just writing about it, uckkk...

-- Modified on 11/28/2011 9:25:44 PM

Exposure therapy has been successfully used with many, many clients who had phobias to things that could not be replicated in the therapist's office.

You could talk with a therapist with whom you can establish a rapport about how they might go about doing this.  They should be willing and able to address all of your concerns.

-- Modified on 11/28/2011 9:41:52 PM

Only a few STDs require blood testing, Syphilis being the biggest example. You can test for Herpes antibodies by blood, but you'll often have symptoms by the time the antibodies are going to show up on a test, and it's typically diagnosed by symptoms anyways.

Gonorrhea and Chlamydia can be found by cervical swab, or in some cases urine.

HIV Testing can be done by an oral swab in most states, and you can even get a Rapid HIV test (result in 20 or 30 minutes) by oral swab in some states.

I'd do a Google search for HIV/STD testing in your city or state, or Google search your state Health Department and ask for confidential or anonymous testing resources.

If that doesn't work, I can probably point you in the right direction if you give me the city/state you're trying to do the testing in.

Good luck!

That part is easy.  Just don't use the tourniquet.  Instead, have someone squeeze your upper arm hard.  It works just as well as the tourniquet.
Also, just before the needle picture, do something to take your mind off it, like singing or counting backwards or anything else which requires a bit of concentration.

I have been testing for everything that doesn't require a blood test. Thanks to everyone for your advice, I really appreciate it- I will definitely try distractions and someone squeezing my upper arm. I just really wish I could ask for a gas anesthetic, lol.