Kidney School™—a program of Medical Education Institute, Inc.

Module 8—Vascular Access: A Lifeline for Dialysis

Needles

If you are afraid of even the idea of needles, there may be some other steps you can take to help yourself feel better. Check the list below for the things you think you might be able to do:

Ask my doctor if PD is an option for me—and if not, why not.
If I have an AV fistula, ask about the Buttonhole technique.
Ask my doctor about desensitization therapy.
Talk to other patients about how they handled their fears.
Look into the possibility of hypnosis to help overcome my fear.
Learn how to insert my own needles, so I am in control.
Other:

Page 14 of 24 | Further reading