Shots

[Andrew92]

I'm approaching the due date for my next tetanus shot. It's been almost ten years since my last one. I think it was around Christmas of '97, but it could have been in January of '98.

However, the last time I've had a needle stuck in me was five years ago. I needed to have a TB test done for a physical before going to college; the college required it. I haven't had a shot or IV since then, nor have I been stung by a bee or wasp; just mosquito bites, and I rarely ever feel mosquitoes biting me because I think more about swatting the evil buggers.

I did, however, get tested for mono about midway through my freshman yet and it hurt like crazy! I remember the nurse that day told me she would rather have a shot than get tested for mono. (I tested negative, BTW, so thanks a lot for unnecessary pain!) I've also suffered a minor ankle sprain in that time that kept me inactive for three days (it was about as minor as you can get). In addition, being a runner, I can't tell you how many side stitches or shin splints I've had in my time.

So, when the time comes to get that shot, probably in a few weeks, how bad should it hurt to me? Yeah, I know I sound a little chicken. Should I think about the sprained ankle or my side stitches? HELP! Sorry, I just hate getting shots!

And of course, feel free to post any stories you have about tetanus shots or any shot in general.

-Andrew92

[Category 5]

It's better then BEING shot.

[dizzyfish]

You'll be fine. The shot will hurt some and probably be sore in that area for a day or so. I've had shin splints in both legs at once and the shot wasn't as bad as that.

Of course, the shot was years ago so I may not be remembering it that well.

[alicia-w]

it's better than getting tetanus!!!

pinch yourself really hard.... it will be over before you know it. be thankful you dont have to stand in a line and get it by a gun like we did in basic training.... YIKES

[AnnularCane]

I got one nearly 2 years ago. It didn't hurt too much. I did get a big tender lump on my arm for a few days or so after that.

Of course, it may be different for you, I guess. I had two TB skin tests in the past, and one of them hurt, but the other one I barely felt. I'm not sure why that is.

[artist]

after getting the shot be sure to move that arm around alot so it will keep from getting very stiff and sore for the next 24 hours. It may hurt to lift it but do it so it doesn't get worse. And the shot itself - a piece of cake! YOu will be fine - just keep that arm moving.

[Andrew92]

Thanks everyone. I'll try to remember these little tidbits when I go in for the ol' needle.

Needless to say, there's only one type of shot I enjoy taking in. Here's a clue, you usually get it inside a bar, and even then I'm extremely picky.

I just hope the nurse is kind, quickly but gently sticks it in here, takes it out, gives me a band-aid, and sets me free.

-Andrew92

[DaylilyDawn]

One thing I can say is don't tense up when the nurse approaches with the needle. Tensing up will insure a sore arm. Relax the arm and think of pleasant things when the nurse starts to give the shot.

[tigergirl]

I just brought some of my kiddies today for their tetnus shot. I was told now you need it every 5 years instead of 10!

[prettywitty]

I hate to tell you, but tetanus shots hurt because it's in a muscle. However, it's over in a new york second and the soreness is no worse than after a workout. I always read something so that I won't be thinking about the needle, and for God's sake, don't watch! It's way better than getting tetanus.

[DanKellFla]

I thought this thread was about booze.

[Bellarose]

I'll gladly swap with you....In a couple of weeks, I'll be getting an IV, AND an epidural. Nothing like a nice needle in the spine...youch!

Just a little thought to put things in perspective for ya, lol. You'll do just fine with your tetanus shot, especially if you can head over to the bar for the kind of shot you like, right after! Kind of the adult version of when parents take their kids for ice cream after.

Bella

[TreasureIslandFLGal]

Yeah, listen to Bella. I just went through a 6 week series of epidural injections and facet joint injections in my spine. They supposedly are going to help with the chronic back pain that I am still dealing with after having had back surgery.

I guess that it could always be worse even though I shudder to imagine that!!

Do your best to relax and know that it will be over in alot less time than you spent dreading it!!

[Bellarose]

Yeah, listen to Bella. I just went through a 6 week series of epidural injections and facet joint injections in my spine. They supposedly are going to help with the chronic back pain that I am still dealing with after having had back surgery.

I guess that it could always be worse even though I shudder to imagine that!!

Do your best to relax and know that it will be over in alot less time than you spent dreading it!!

Yikes, Girl, you got me beat! I'm nervous about my ONE injection! Hope it works for you and that you are pain free soon!

[prettywitty]

I thought this thread was about booze.

[TreasureIslandFLGal]

Yeah, listen to Bella. I just went through a 6 week series of epidural injections and facet joint injections in my spine. They supposedly are going to help with the chronic back pain that I am still dealing with after having had back surgery.

I guess that it could always be worse even though I shudder to imagine that!!

Do your best to relax and know that it will be over in alot less time than you spent dreading it!!

Yikes, Girl, you got me beat! I'm nervous about my ONE injection! Hope it works for you and that you are pain free soon!

Yeah, me too!! Won't know for a couple of weeks if it even worked but, the silver lining in this is while I am unable to work, I'm learning how to play the guitar- a lifelong dream come to fruition!!
Thanks for your best wishes!

[Regit]

I've never been bothered by needles. As a little kid, they were kind of creepy, but I wasn't really scared of them.

Some shots I quite like. I was in the ER once and got a shot of Nubain. The moment the needle punctured my skin, I felt a nice sensation and within 10 seconds I was as high as a kite.

Really, though I've had horrible experiences with needles. My veins burst easily, so it's hard to draw blood. I've NEVER had anyone able to draw it out of my hand. One nurse put a needle in my right hand, despite my request that she use my arm rather than my hand. She couldn't get anything and dug the needle around inside, trying to find something. She tried three different veins until my hand was a bruised mess.

She was getting very rude and attempted to go to my left hand. I told her if she put the needle anywhere near my hand again, I'd stab her with it.

She gave up, a new nurse came in, and got a vein on the first try.

Oh, and I've also had a spinal tap. That's not a good way to get comfy with needles.

Despite those experiences, I'm still fine with them.

[MSRobi911]

Shots are no big thing. I give myself one everyday due to being a Borderline diabetic and my body being allergic to all the pill form of the medications for diabetics. I have had 3 epidurals, 1 for a C-section that didn't take and 2 for back pain and numerous trigger point injections in my shoulders. Really, just relax, don't look at it and be talking to the nurse person that is going to stick you. If she knows what she/he is doing, the shot itself shouldn't hurt that bad, its the after effects and it being sore more than the tiny shot itself. I had to get one after Katrina because I stepped on a nail that I didn't see and it was a no biggy. The hard thing was finding one after Katrina caues everyone ran out and we (the doctors office) couldn't get any in from the suppliers, they were sending them all to the hospitals and Red Cross, etc...but we got a couple from the hospital for our employees so that was good for me, cause I wasn't the only one that stepped on a Q#$%@#$% nail!

My question is why are you going to get a Tetanus anyway? Unless you cut/stick yourself with something contaminated you don't need one.

Mary

[Andrew92]

Thanks again guys. It probably still won't be for a couple of weeks when/if I get this tetanus shot. I just know I'm due because it's almost been 10 years. Tigergirl, I think only if you suffer a really deep wound and it's been at least 5 years since your last shot that you need another one. Otherwise, it's the normal 10 years.

MsRobi, I dunno because I take good care of my body in general. But I did scrape my hand the other day (not a major one, and only cut off a little of the top layer of my skin anyway). Still, I know I've gotta get my shot soon.

-Andrew92

[Regit]

My question is why are you going to get a Tetanus anyway? Unless you cut/stick yourself with something contaminated you don't need one.

Mary

Actually, everyone is supposed to get regular tetanus shots. The "rusty nail" thing is a myth. Tetanus can come from a variety of sources, so you can get it from any cut.