Anyone had a blood test (jab on finger type)?

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

I was supposed to have a blood test today, the sort you stick a plastic thing on your finger and press a tab (very Star Trek).

Despite having the loveliest nurse in the universe (Gardens Surgery since you ask) who complete understood my fears, I couldn't go through with it.

Does it hurt? Is it bearable? Please don't reply if you are rugged, brave and heroic. I want to hear from the wimps and cowards.

[SarahG]

It's fine! I'm shocking with blood tests, though not too bad with injections admittedly. Look away and it's over before you know it, there's not time to worry about it, honestly. The hardest bit is waiting while they get the bits ready, maybe take a friend or iPod?

It's like a sting rather than hurt- a bit like getting ears pierced.

Good luck!

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

Thanks SarahG. Trouble is I threw up when I had my ears pierced.

[SarahG]

Hmmm, well accept that could happen, take some rescue remedy before you go and maybe some pain relief in advance and take a bowl!

It's so quick and unlike ears you only take one hit!

[uncleglen]

I had that for blood sugar. It didn't hurt but when the nurse put the sample in the machine, it couldn't read it so I had to go to the hospital anyway for the full monty blood tests.

[DulwichFox]

I have type 2 Diabetes. Controlled by diet (no medication)

I acheive this by checking my Blood Sugars daily to see which foods affect my glucose levels.

I do this 3 times on some days.

It does not hurt.

Taking a blood sample does not hurt either.

Fox.

[BB100]

I do mine 8 times a day and inject myself as well at least 10 times a day. You get used to it but if you only do it every so often it might sting a bit. It's not unbearable - having a baby or having a skin tag burnt off is. It's the tiniest needle and doesn't go in very deep. The side of the finger hurts less, if at all, if they use an open lancet instead.

[Laddy Muck]

Peckhamgatecrasher Wrote:

------------------------------------------------------

> Despite having the loveliest nurse in the universe

> (Gardens Surgery since you ask) who complete

> understood my fears, I couldn't go through with

> it.

>

> Does it hurt? Is it bearable? Please don't reply

> if you are rugged, brave and heroic. I want to

> hear from the wimps and cowards.

I was recently tested via this method. As others have pointed out, it is very quick. It is not entirely pain free though; I experienced a mild stinging sensation, but that was all. Hubby, on the other hand, felt nothing. We had that same nurse (she's wonderful) too. A LOT less painful than needles, with none of the complications - in my opinion. Takes a fraction of a second whereas the needle method can take forever. Oh, and I am most definitely a wimp and a coward as is husband!

[Moos]

I've had it, PGC. It does Hirt a bit, but not for long. Less painful than ear piercing, definitely. Good luck! x x

[Moos]

Who's Hirt?

...hurt a bit..

[Jeremy]

It stings a bit. Like pricking yourself on a small thorn. I hate blood (and sometimes throw up if I cut myself) but this really isn't all that bad.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

I have a cunning plan, Hirt can go in my place.

Thanks for your responses everyone.

[annabel42]

I couldn't take having my ears pierced, but have had more blood tests than I care to remember, without difficulty. The secret is to look away or close your eyes.

[Saffron]

Emla topical anaesthetic cream is marketed for jabs and blood tests, for children and adults:

http://www.emla.co.uk/