[susie123]

I used to be scared of needles but during and after my stay in hospital in Jan I've had so many blood tests, cannulas etc etc that I don't really mind any more. I always look away and tell the nurse/doc that I'm going to yell. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. Depends on what happens after they say the usual "sharp scratch" and how many times it takes to get the thing in to the vein.

I must say though that the blood gases from the artery sounds like a different thing altogether. Think I've mentioned this before - when I was in hosp the woman in the bed opposite had to have it done. They tried several times and she was becoming more and more agitated. Eventually she asked me to go over and help to calm her down. I held her in my arms and I could feel how truly terrified she was - shaking all over. Not sure they ever managed to do it that night though but I shan't forget her in a hurry.