BLOOD TESTS
I need a blood test to rule out any physical illnesses for a depression diagnosis. I've never had one before and I'm feeling quite anxious about it. I've had several immunisations done before and was completely fine, are blood tests similar? In need of general information, does it hurt, etc, also what other kinds of tests will they do...?
Honey, you'll do great!! Let your phlebotomist (nurse/blood taker/whomever) know that it is your first exeprience with a blood draw, and I imagine s/he will be as gentle and comforting as possible. Also-- if you start to feel light headed at any time, SPEAK UP RIGHT AWAY. It's not uncommon, and it's also NOT DANGEROUS, but it can be frightening. Someone will stick with you to coach you through it.
Deep breaths. Like I wrote, you'll do great! Let us know how things go.
p.s. It's awesome that you are having bloodwork to check your baseline and meds levels as you are medicated. This is an amazing and wonderful part of the psychiatric process that is often overlooked in our care. It's so important. Kudos to your doc for ordering the tests!
