Catharsis
First off, thanks to everyone for their kind words. Getting blood drawn should be trivial, but for me, it's not, and I appreciate how supportive everyone has been.
The blood draw went really smoothly. The nurse was very understanding, and highly competent at her job. I was able to do something new: during the draw itself, I was able to process the physical stimulus and the emotional response separately. The needle wasn't bad at all- it stung a little bit, but not even as much as a bee sting. Being able to focus on that sensation and analyze it, while holding back on the emotional reaction allowed me to explore the terror, too... and to realize that I really was just making myself miserable. I can't say I'm done making myself miserable, but this will make it easier next time.
When it was all over, and the needle was out, I almost cried from the relief. The nurse asked me how I was feeling, and I answered, "Cathartic." When she didn't say anything else*, I added, "I'm feeling relieved."
So, that's it. Hopefully, the next stick won't be as big a deal.
--
* What ARE they teaching in schools??
The blood draw went really smoothly. The nurse was very understanding, and highly competent at her job. I was able to do something new: during the draw itself, I was able to process the physical stimulus and the emotional response separately. The needle wasn't bad at all- it stung a little bit, but not even as much as a bee sting. Being able to focus on that sensation and analyze it, while holding back on the emotional reaction allowed me to explore the terror, too... and to realize that I really was just making myself miserable. I can't say I'm done making myself miserable, but this will make it easier next time.
When it was all over, and the needle was out, I almost cried from the relief. The nurse asked me how I was feeling, and I answered, "Cathartic." When she didn't say anything else*, I added, "I'm feeling relieved."
So, that's it. Hopefully, the next stick won't be as big a deal.
--
* What ARE they teaching in schools??