I'm on a roll!

Last week, I had blood drawn without an audience. This week, I got a shot without an audience. I'm going to overcome my needle phobia!

I scheduled a physical with an internist since I had never had one before. I liked the doctor and plan to use her when I'm sick or when I need to see a doctor. At the end of the visit, Dr. Monahan said I needed to get a DPT shot. I haven't had a tetanus shot in about thirteen years, so I agreed to get one. The last one I got was when I was seventeen and about to head to college. I remember it hurting, but I didn't remember much more than that. Maybe I blocked the pain. That tetanus shot hurt. A lot. I'm a big ole' baby anyway, but this was exceptionally painful.

The phlebotomist who gave me the shot prepared me for the discomfort by saying I could expect some pain shortly after the injection. She also said some people develop a knot where the injection is given. I experienced both. My arm felt like it was on fire shortly after the injection. I would describe that as a discomfort. Seven days after the shot, I still have a knot. It's slightly warm to the touch and is somewhat painful when touched. The redness has pretty much gone away. A little bruising appeared a few days ago, but it went away after a day or two.

It is generally recommended that you get a DPT every ten years. I now realize it takes that long to work up the courage to get another one.

I had my usual "nearly passing out" reaction. I hung out in the lab and chatted with an older gentleman who was having blood drawn, and his wife. I turned my head and stared at the wall while his blood was drawn. We talked about Christmas trees. I recovered after about six or seven minutes and headed out.

Honestly, I'm considering going to get a flu shot. It's probably a little late in the season to get a flu shot, but I'm still thinking about it. I will overcome my needle phobia.