Injections can be very painful, but they are sometimes unavoidable. Many people are easily impressed by the idea of needles or blood and may experience the experience as a traumatic moment; also, sometimes the pain lasts for some time. But if you get distracted, relax during the procedure, and soothe the localized discomfort, you can easily manage the pain sensation.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Distract and Relax
Step 1. Be aware that the needles are very small
Many have had to undergo injections as children and may have negative feelings associated with those memories. However, if you realize that the needles are now much thinner and cause less pain, you can relax before going through the procedure.
- If you want, you can ask your doctor or nurse what the size of the needle is or what pain you might be experiencing. In some cases, they may show you how small it is.
- Recognize that fear of injections is a real and very common problem.
Step 2. Talk to your doctor
If you are scared, chat with your doctor or nurse before and during the procedure. This can help reassure you and distract you.
- Communicate all your fears or concerns about the sting to the healthcare provider. Ask him to explain in advance how he will give the injection.
- Also ask him to talk to you while injecting the drug, as a distraction technique. Pick a conversation topic that is light and unrelated to your health. For example, tell him about your next vacation and ask him if he has any ideas for you.
Step 3. Look away
A recent study found this to be the best way to distract yourself from this process. Focus on an object in the opposite direction from where the injection will be given.
- Look at a painting or other element in the room.
- Watch your feet. In this way, you can detach yourself from what is happening.
- Closing your eyes can help you relax and avoid the anxiety that comes with waiting for the sting. While keeping your eyes closed, imagine some pleasant situation, such as a warm beach.
Step 4. Distract yourself with communication tools
If you can take your mind off the impending injection, you can relax and make the experience less traumatic. Look for different sources that may distract you, such as music or the tablet.
- Tell your doctor that you want to distract yourself with the devices you brought with you.
- Listen to slow, calming music.
- Watch a show or movie you enjoy.
- Watch a fun video before and during the procedure to relax. This can help you associate the sting with a pleasant, rather than painful episode.
Step 5. Use relaxation techniques
This way you can better deal with the experience. From deep breathing to meditation, try different techniques before and during the injection.
- Squeeze a stress ball or some other sensory toy with the opposite hand from the arm affected by the sting.
- Breathe slowly and deeply. Inhale for four seconds and then exhale again for four seconds. This rhythmic breathing, sometimes called Pranayama in yoga practice, can help you relax and distract yourself.
- Combine more relaxation techniques if necessary.
- Contract and relax the muscle groups, starting with the toes and ending with the forehead. Hold the muscles tense for about 10 seconds and then release them for another 10. Take a deep breath between each muscle group to calm down even more.
- Get some anxiolytics. Puncture is a very quick procedure, and the anxiolytic drug will likely take effect for much longer than the one injected; therefore try to take it only if the fear or anxiety is really very strong. Tell your doctor that you have taken the tranquilizer, in case there are any contraindications with the active ingredient being injected, and have someone with you who can take you home.
Step 6. Imagine how the procedure will go
You may feel tense when you are in front of the needle. Use a behavioral tactic by recreating a "mental film" to better cope with the experience.
- Write a "script" for the injection. For example, imagine what you will say to the doctor and the type of conversation you will have. "Good morning Dr. Rossi, it's nice to see you today. I'm here for the injection and know that I'm a little scared, but I want to tell you about my next vacation in Munich, while it goes on."
- Focus as much as possible on this "script" while the doctor goes through the different stages of the process. Bring your notes if that helps.
Step 7. Describe the injection in simple terms
Framing and guided image are behavioral techniques that can help you see and perceive certain situations in other ways, making them live as more mundane or common experiences. Use both techniques to manage the moment of the sting.
- Think of the procedure as a "quick touch and feel of a little bee sting."
- Go through the various stages of the injection imagining different things. For example, you can think of yourself on the top of a mountain or on a beach in the sun.
- Break down the procedure into distinct and manageable stages to help you get through the experience. For example, you distinguish the moment when you say goodbye to the doctor, ask him questions, get distracted during the actual puncture, and eventually come home happily.
Step 8. Find someone to support you
Ask a friend or family member to accompany you to the appointment. By talking to you, he can distract you and help you stay calm.
- Ask your doctor if the person accompanying you can come into the doctor's office to attend the procedure.
- Sit opposite your friend. Hold his hand if that helps calm you down.
- Talk to him about something that has absolutely nothing to do with the injection, like a dinner or a movie you watched.
Part 2 of 2: Relieve the Pain
Step 1. Check for reactions at the injection site
It is not unusual to experience some pain or discomfort for a few hours or days. Pay attention to any inflammatory reactions that occur after the injection, so you can find the best solution to relieve pain and see if you need to see a doctor. The most common symptoms are:
- Itching;
- Redness radiating from the injection site
- Heat;
- Swelling;
- Tenderness to the touch;
- Ache.
Step 2. Apply ice
Place ice or a cold pack on the affected area. Cold temperatures relieve itching, swelling and pain by narrowing blood vessels and cooling the skin.
- Leave the ice in place for about 15-20 minutes. Repeat cold therapy three to four times a day to ease the pain.
- Use a bag of frozen vegetables if you don't have an ice pack available.
- Place some fabric, such as a towel, between your skin and the ice to minimize the risk of chilblains.
- Apply a clean, cold, wet towel to the injection site if you don't want to use ice.
- Do not expose the toe area to heat, as this may increase swelling and bring even more blood to the infected area.
Step 3. Take some pain relievers
Over-the-counter medications can relieve pain and edema. Consider getting one if there is inflammation or a lot of pain.
- Painkillers include ibuprofen (Brufen), naproxen sodium (Momendol) or paracetamol (Tachipirina).
- Do not give aspirin to children under 18, as it increases the risk of getting Reye's syndrome, a life-threatening disease.
- Reduce swelling with NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
Step 4. Leave the affected area to rest
Do not strain her, especially if you have been injected with cortisone. This way, you give your skin time to heal and avoid further pain or discomfort.
- Try to lift loads as little as possible with the affected arm.
- Do not put weight on the foot if the injection has been made on the corresponding leg.
- If the injected drug is a steroid, do not apply heat for 24 hours to ensure maximum effect.
Step 5. Seek medical attention if any allergic reactions or infections occur
In some circumstances, injections can cause these side effects or prolonged pain. See your doctor as soon as possible if you have any of the following symptoms or have any concerns about your medication:
- Worsening of pain, redness, warmth, swelling or itching
- Fever;
- Chills;
- Muscle aches
- Difficulty in breathing;
- Acute or uncontrolled crying in babies.
