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Phoenix.Afrodita

720d

Hi, everyone! I had a colonoscopy last Tuesday. Everything went well, thankfully, but the worst part for me was the butterfly insert for the IV line. I have always been terrified of those, and I get really anxious about them. Generally, I tend to want to practice exposure therapy with things like these, but I donโ€™t think itโ€™s feasible with this particular issue. Does anyone have any tricks or tips for getting through one of these? Thank you so much! ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ’–

Top reply
    • Phoenix.Afrodita

      718d

      @ProfessorPlum Thank you! This is what I do as well, but I forget about having people asking me questions. Thank you for that! ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ’– BTW: the reason being horizontal helps is because our blood pressure drops; itโ€™s called vasovagal reaction, and when we faint due to it, vasovagal syncope. The reason we faint is so our brain doesnโ€™t lose blood-flow - and therefore oxygen - so being horizontal keeps us from fainting because our brain is not losing blood-flow even though our blood pressure is dropping. Bringing our own stress ball with us and constantly moving our fingers and toes also helps by keeping our blood pressure up. I hope this helps clarify some things. And thank you again for the tip about having people ask me questions! ๐Ÿ˜Š Now I just have to practice remembering it!! ๐Ÿ™ˆ

    • Jen82

      718d

      Maybe put some earbuds in and listen to soothing music?

      • Phoenix.Afrodita

        718d

        @Jen82 Worth a try. Thank you! ๐Ÿ˜Š

    • ProfessorPlum

      720d

      I struggle a lot with needles. I used to always pass out any time I had to give a simple blood sample. What I've learned to do is first I tell the nurse I have an anxiety issue and that I need to lay down. I dont know why laying down helps, but even if we're in a room with just a chair, they will always find me a room where I can lay down, even if it's on an x-ray table. Then, I tell the nurse he/she has to talk to me. I don't look at my arm, and I let the conversation distract me from what they're doing. Having someone ask me questions that I have to think about and reply to distracts me more than listening. Even my kids have learned to ask me random questions when I'm having an anxiety attack!

      • Phoenix.Afrodita

        718d

        @ProfessorPlum Thank you! This is what I do as well, but I forget about having people asking me questions. Thank you for that! ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ’– BTW: the reason being horizontal helps is because our blood pressure drops; itโ€™s called vasovagal reaction, and when we faint due to it, vasovagal syncope. The reason we faint is so our brain doesnโ€™t lose blood-flow - and therefore oxygen - so being horizontal keeps us from fainting because our brain is not losing blood-flow even though our blood pressure is dropping. Bringing our own stress ball with us and constantly moving our fingers and toes also helps by keeping our blood pressure up. I hope this helps clarify some things. And thank you again for the tip about having people ask me questions! ๐Ÿ˜Š Now I just have to practice remembering it!! ๐Ÿ™ˆ

      • ProfessorPlum

        720d

        @ProfessorPlum And for an IV that stays in your arm, I always put a blanket or something over it so I don't notice it's there.

โ˜ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision

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