Injections can be very painful, but unfortunately we can't avoid them. Everyone at some point in their life must receive an injection. The thought of needles and blood can make some people feel nauseous so receiving an injection can frighten them. Apart from that, you will also have to deal with pain at the injection site. However, by diverting attention and staying calm during the injection process and then easing the pain at the injection site afterward, you can manage any painful injections.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Distracting and Calming Yourself
Step 1. Note that the needle size is currently smaller
Most people have received injections as children and may have had bad experiences associated with them. However, reassuring yourself that the needle size is now much thinner and less painful can help calm you down before the injection process.
- Ask the doctor or injector about the size of the needle if necessary or what kind of pain you will experience. In some cases, they may not mind pointing out how small the needle is.
- Know that you are not the only person who is afraid of needles or injections.
Step 2. Have a conversation with the doctor
If you are frightened, try talking to your doctor or nurse before and during the injection. This step can help reassure and distract.
- Talk to your doctor about your fears or concerns before the injection. Ask him to explain how he will administer the injection before the process begins.
- Ask your doctor to talk to you while he injects you to distract yourself. Keep the conversation light, and not related to your health condition. For example, you could tell him about an upcoming vacation and ask if he has any suggestions for it.
Step 3. Turn your face away from the injected body part
Recent research has shown that looking away from the part of the body that was injected can be the best way to distract. Focus on the object that is opposite the part of the body that was injected.
- Look at pictures or other objects in the room.
- Watch your feet. This can help take your focus away from the part of your body that was injected.
- Closing your eyes can also help calm you down and prevent you from thinking about the injection process.
Step 4. Divert your mind by utilizing gadgets
Forgetting everything about the injection can help you relax and distract yourself. Try different media like music or tablets.
- Tell the doctor that you want to distract yourself from the injection with the gadget you carry.
- Listen to soothing, slow music.
- Watch a show or movie that you enjoy.
- Watch funny videos before and during the injection process to calm yourself down. This step can help you associate the injection with humor instead of pain.
Step 5. Use relaxation techniques
Relaxing your entire body can help you get through the injection process. You can try breathing exercises to meditation, or try different relaxation techniques before and during the injection.
- Squeeze a stress ball or other type of sensory object with the hand opposite the arm that will receive the injection.
- Take a deep breath slowly. Inhale deep into your lungs for four seconds and then exhale for the same amount of time. This type of rhythmic breathing, or sometimes called pranayama, can relax you as well as distract you.
- Double your relaxation technique if necessary.
- Contract and relax muscle groups from your toes to your forehead. Contract these muscle groups for about 10 seconds and then relax for about 10 seconds. Take deep breaths before moving on to the next muscle group to relax yourself.
- Take anti-anxiety medication to relax you. The injection process is very fast, and the chances of the anti-anxiety medication will far outweigh the anxiety you feel. So, take this drug only if your fear or nervousness is extreme. Make sure you tell your doctor about any medications you are taking to anticipate any contraindications to the injection and ask someone to drive you home after the injection is complete.
Step 6. Write the injection scenario
Facing a needle can put a strain on you. Use behavioral tactics by creating scenarios using imagery to help you through the injection process.
- Write down the “scenario” for the injection. For example, write down what you would like to say to the doctor and what kind of conversation you would like. "Hello Dr. Munir, nice to meet you today. I came today to get a shot, but frankly I'm a little scared. Therefore, I would like to talk about my vacation to Malang next month when you inject me.”
- As much as possible adhere to the scenarios that you create during the injection process. You can take notes if necessary.
Step 7. Imagine the injection in a simple description
Imagining and directing images are behavioral techniques that can shape the way you think and react to certain situations by treating them as ordinary and boring. It is up to you which technique you will choose to deal with the injection process you will encounter.
- Rethink the injection process as “a lightning-fast process that tastes just like a baby bee sting.”
- Guide yourself with different images during the injection process. For example, imagine yourself at the top of a mountain or lying on a warm beach.
- Break the injection process into manageable parts. For example, break up the process into greeting the doctor, asking questions, distracting while the doctor administers the injection, and then going home happy.
Step 8. Invite someone for support
Ask a friend or family member to accompany you to the doctor for the injection. He can tell you something to calm and distract you.
- Ask your doctor if the person you are bringing in is allowed into the examination room where the procedure is being performed.
- Sit in front of the person accompanying you. Hold her hand if that helps calm you down.
- Invite the person you're with to talk about something completely different like dinner or a movie you want to see.
Part 2 of 2: Relieve Pain at the Injection Site
Step 1. Pay attention to the injection site to see the reaction that occurs
Do not be surprised if there is pain or discomfort at the injection site for several hours or days. That's a normal thing. Watching for signs of an inflammatory reaction post-injection can help you figure out the best way to relieve pain or decide whether to see a doctor. These common symptoms include:
- Itchy
- Redness at the injection site
- Warm feeling
- Swelling
- Stings
- Pain
Step 2. Do ice therapy
Apply ice or an ice pack over the injection site. This can relieve itching, swelling, and pain by restricting blood flow and cooling the skin.
- Leave the ice on the injection site for 15-20 minutes. Do this therapy three to four times per day until the pain subsides.
- Use a frozen vegetable bag if you don't have an ice pack.
- Protect the skin with a towel before applying ice or an ice pack to minimize the risk of developing frostbite.
- Use a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the injection site if you don't want to use ice.
- Do not apply anything hot to the injection site. Heat can increase swelling because it causes more blood to flow to the problem area.
Step 3. Take pain medication
Over-the-counter pain relievers can relieve pain and swelling. Consider taking this over-the-counter medication if the pain or swelling at the injection site is severe.
- Take pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB), naproxen sodium (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
- Do not give aspirin to a child or teenager under 18 because it can increase the risk of Reye's syndrome, a condition that can be fatal.
- Reduce swelling with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium.
Step 4. Give rest at the injection site
Avoid moving the part of the body where the injection is located, especially if you have recently had a cortisone injection. This will give the injection site a chance to recuperate and can avoid further pain or comfort.
- It's a good idea to minimize heavy lifting if you've recently had an injection in your arm.
- Rest your feet if you get a foot injection.
- If you have recently had a steroid injection, avoid heat for 24 hours to ensure the injection provides maximum response.
Step 5. Seek immediate medical attention in case of an allergic reaction or infection
In some cases, the injection can cause an allergic reaction or prolonged pain. Seek medical help as soon as possible if you experience any of the following symptoms or are unsure which medication to take:
- Pain, redness, warmth, swelling or itching worsens
- Fever
- Shivering
- Muscle ache
- Difficulty breathing
- High-pitched or uncontrollable crying in children
