Where can I get Saline to overcome my fear of needles?!
Question:
Where can I get Saline to overcome my fear of needles?
I have an extreme fear of needles. It’s so bad that I pass out and vomit when getting any kind of blood work or vaccine. I joined a local EMS unit, and knowing my risks of disease exposure, I want to be able to get my fear of needles out of my system, and get those vaccines that I should have.
Over time, looking at the medics do their job, I watch them use needles. In addition, I have a friend who is diabetic, who requires daily insulin injections, which I also watch. All this have lightened my fear of needles, but I’m still afraid. My diabetic friend understands my fears, because she was afraid of needles/ She told me when she was first diagnosed, the camp she went to showed her how to self-administer insulin using saline. She said that whenever I am ready, she will let me use one of her unused needles to help get over my fears, and if I could get saline, that she will help me with that fear. Do I need a prescription for saline, or can i get it from a pharmacy OTC
4 months ago
Please note:
* I am BLS, not ALS. we do not carry medicine at all
* I am looking for sterile solution. I am not looking for a “high” or anything of sorts. I am just trying to feel the needle in a controlled, comfortable setting. I am aware of the dangers of this practice, that is why I am doing this under the supervision of the diabetic friend. This is a practice done at diabetic camps in the area, for children and parents of who have recently been diagnosed with type 1. This is a senseless fear I am trying to overcome. If anyone who has similar fears who have overcome this in a different manner, please answer here as well.
Answers:
This whole process sounds a little scary...as in maybe a little unsafe. Whatever you do, you want to get STERILE saline solution. I would ask the EMT's or Paramedics in your EMS unit about this whole self injection business. I don't particularly like needles, either, but instead of trying to inject myself, I just turn my head away when I am getting a shot or blood drawn. Try to think about something else...be safe.