As they said to the DJ: put the needle on the record!!

I take blood thinners and so, every 8 weeks, I have to go to the hospital to have my blood checked. I don't mind. Usually, the only trace of this bi-monthly abuse is a tiny needle mark in my arm, but even that miraculously disappears after just a few days.


Thinking of needles going into my gums (I have dentures for 30 years now) still gives me the creeps. I've never been needle-phobic, but it was close! And I remember one time when a specialized dentist tried to extract one of my brother's teeth. Frank has Down's Syndrome and when he is afraid, he is very, very strong. They tried everything: distraction, holding him down with three men, laughing gas... It all worked fine until... he saw the needle. In the end, they removed the tooth under general anaesthetics. That worked, because he gets the anti-flu virus every year, so he is used to getting injected in his arm.

Needles are used to take blood, to sedate, to give fluids and medication (intravenous drip), give insulin etc. etc. etc., so if you are terrified by the sight or thought of them, you have a huge problem and so has your doctor. Officially it is called Belonephobia, the fear of sharp objects.
For good information: http://www.needlephobia.info/