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I hate needles!  One would think that after having had breast cancer, coronary artery disease, two hip replacements, and a hysterectomy I would be cured from this fear of needles.

When I went to my annual dermatology “slice, dice, and burn” appointment the doctor found several areas of concern.  They had to numb the area and then remove the suspicious areas.  So I came home with little round band aids covering the areas in question.  And since one of them turned out to be a basal cell I needed a more in dept slice and dice which will require-yes more needles!

When I went to my orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon I learned that the reason I had a “bone” protruding from the bottom of my foot was because of the arthritis (loss of cartilage) and scar tissue I developed from the removal of a ganglion cyst when I was 21.  The arthritis and scar tissue is breaking down the bone and surrounding area and pushing it out.  Baring surgery, a ultrasound guided cortisone shot and orthotics may help.  Oy, more needles!

The dentist visit required needles to numb the areas in my mouth that show unacceptable gum loss and deep tissue dental cleaning was required.  No worries though, the dentist said, we will numb you well before we scrap and dig!

Am I having fun yet?  Why is it that the things you absolutely abhor you are destined to continually do?  Needles and scalpels make me break out in sweat like I am having a menopausal hot flash only with a heavy dose of fear mixed in so that I can look as foolish as I feel.

All these event have happened within 3 weeks so I have had time to sit and think about this.  It made me realize just how far medical practice has come.

In the wild west barbers and blacksmiths used pliers and whiskey to pull out an aching tooth.  In the early modern era, opium, alcohol, or even mesmerism were used but found unreliable with patients often screaming and thrashing. Conditions were unsanitary with surgeons often wearing unwashed, blood stained coats, non-sterile instruments and done in an Amphitheatre setting with spectators watching.  Is there any wonder why surgical survival rates were poor?  If you want to get a “feel” for what it was like; check out The Knick on Prime Video or HBO.  The Knick is set in New York in the 1900, and centers around the groundbreaking Knickerbocker Hospital.  Its is frightening to watch the trial and errors made to get to where we are today.

In the 19th Century with the advances in anesthesia, antiseptics, pain management, antibiotics, and invention of implements, and minimally invasive tools like MRI’s, Ultrasounds and laparoscopes; the practice of medicine has made revolutionary advances.   And more knowledge is accrued and used to provide better care and treatment for patients.

Today, those hypodermic needles are much more refined than those in 1956 when my poor husband, at age 6, had to have 2 injections per day for scarlet fever.  His poor bum was so sore!  Injections have been reduced to a pin prick or two with mild short term discomfort with blessed numbness to follow!

So how do I cope?

I realized my fear was larger than my faith rather than relying on my faith to be stronger than my fear.  I believe God was there through each appointment.  Also, none of these experiences were as bad as I had imagined.

So I exchange my fear, cynical, “poor me” attitude for one of gratitude that God placed me on earth as such a time as this.  And I arm myself with His word to guide me through each event where I face my fear of needles.  Having said that, I am hoping we get to a place in the near future is conducted like in Star Trek where a little hand held machine is waved over the area affected and Puff! You are cured!

In the meantime, here are some of my favorite bible verses to help calm the rolling storm in my stomach when facing these events.

Psalm 91:4  The Lord will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge. His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

Psalm 139:5  He goes before us and He stands behind us.

Joshua 1:9 …be strong and courageous.  Never be afraid or discourage because I am your God, the eternal one and I will remain with you wherever you go.

Psalm 23:4  Though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Ps18:32 It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.

Psalm 121:7-8  The Lord will keep you from all harm.  He will watch over your life.  The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Habakkuk 3:19 Amplified Version He is my strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army.

Psalm 30:5 The Lord’s favor is for a lifetime.  Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning.

Jeremiah 29:11  For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

How do you handle medical mayhem when it strikes?  Please share so others might benefit.

 

Thank you for reading my post.  If you have found it encouraging please consider liking, commenting or sharing it.  Feel free to even re-blog – may these words take flight!

I have additional insights I’d love to share with you found in the pages of my debut book: Surviving Medical Mayhem – Laughing When It Hurts.  To order a copy or learn more go to my website at www.lorettaschoen.com

Blessings for Health & Wellness.