A Needling Suspicion You Did That Wrong
(I am donating blood at a traveling clinic that has come to my college. I have a rather intense needle phobia and like to use donating blood as a way to get over this fear just as much as an opportunity to help others. However, when the needle is in me I become visibly tense and my breathing quickens. Sometimes the nurses worry that I am going to pass out or go into shock, so I always warn them about my fear, assure them that I will NOT pass out, that I’m just anxious, and ask them to count to three before they stick me, which reduces my anxiety. They are usually very understanding of this request.)
Nurse: “Okay, we’re all set now. You’re just going to feel a pinch and a sting.”
Me: “Can you please count before you do it?”
Nurse: *legitimately confused about this request* “Count? Why?”
Me: “I have a bit of a needle phobia. I’m not going to pass out; I just don’t want to be surprised by the needle.”
Nurse: *still with a confused expression* “Okay…”
(She then proceeds to count to three as fast as she can… WHILE she is already sticking me with the needle. Lo and behold, I panic, push myself several inches up in the chair, and feel tears begin to stream from my eyes involuntarily.)
Nurse: “Oh! Well, I didn’t know you were gonna jump up in your chair like that!”
(She leaves to tend to other donors. I begin to calm down, but tears are still streaming down my face as a result of the unpleasant surprise.)
Nurse: *coming back to check on me, notices my face* “Is… is something sad going on in your life right now?”
Me: “Nothing other than the nightmares I’m gonna have tonight…”
