I am SLF
I have had a serious Needle phobia sinse childhood.
Mainly due to Dental problems combined with heavy Bleeding, so every extraction needing Stiches as well.
I dont mind the sight of blood mine or anybody elses.
The problem became worst while in the RAF.
On one occasion I had to have 7 injections to remove one tooth,
Dentist stopped half way through sent me back to the waiting room , tooth half out .while he finised with other Patients!!!!
Got so bad I had to take Tranqualisers to even sit in the chair for an Examination.
The Navy came to my rescue while stationed in Gibraltar, they set up a
full blown exercise and did a full extraction,I was knocked out for three days!!
Boy was it worth it though.
Many years have passed and I still have a great fear of the needle
I recently had to have a small Biopsy on a "Place" on my finger, I was panicked.
I told the staff of my Phobia at my local Surgery where they were going to do it.
TAKE HEART ALL YE WHO FEAR!!!!!
They were fantastic. went through the whole deal and hardly felt the needle for the "Local" .
Chatting to the Doc afterwards I mentioned I have come to the Conclusion that the main problem is the ANTICIPATION of a repeat of earlier problems.
(My cat has drawn blood on quite a few occasions with Claws/Teeth, doesn't bother me at all, !!!!!)
What I found also helped was to clench my fist so hard to create a "counter pain" during the actual injection.
Bit long winded I know, but hope it might help.