Easing needle insertion pain/phobia

[MooseMom]

I happened to come across a magazine article today about a doctor who is a pediatric emergency physician and pain specialist who has developed a gadget to help ease or even completely eliminate the pain of shots for kids.  I'd provide a link, but I can't find one now on the mag's website.  I'll check back next month; they might have it then.  But anyway, the article goes on to say that this doc (who is also a mom) was very surprised to one day be greeted at her front door by a woman bearing gifts.  She wanted to thank her (Dr. Amy Baxter) because she had bought this gadget to help her dad, who is on dialysis.  He was about to stop treatment because he'd found the needle insertions so painful.  Dr. Baxter had not thought about it's use for adults!

This gadget is called Buzzy, and here is the website...

http://www.buzzy4shots.com/

If you type "dialysis" in the search function, you'll find various testimonials and informative bits and pieces.

I just thought this might help someone here on IHD.

[Riki]

That's kind of cool

[MooseMom]

Since the magazine hasn't yet provided a link to this specific article, I'll just type a paragraph from it. It is written by Jillian Keenan:

"The gadget, about the size of a computer mouse, looks like a large plastic bee.  A gel pack is attached to the underside of the bee, and right before getting a shot, you press the frozen pack against your skin a few inches from the injection site.  When the device is switched on, Buzzy gently vibrates.  Like magic, the area goes nub and you feel the needle much less.  'The sensations of cold and vibration desensitize the nerves, therby dulling or eliminating the pain from the shot,' Baxter says.  'The concept is based on gatecontrol theory.  The neural pathways that transmit pain can only process so much sensation at one time.'"

Remember that Dr. Baxter is a pediatric emergency physician and a pain specialist, so she should know what she's talking about!

[papacat]

Thanks for the information about Buzzy. I may need it if I ever have to switch to HD!

papacat

[kit78]

Has anyone actually tried this item? Does it really work?

[kevno]

Its never been about the pain of the needle with me. Pain is something I am used to. Its deep imprinted memories I have, from when I was a child being held down, my arm strapped to a board. I am OK if the nurse/doctor gets the vein in the first or second go. But more goes than that, I feel like that child being held down, I have to get up and walk away to calm down. Sometimes up to an hour it can take. Seen two doctors and one prof about this phobia. No real idea came out, what to do. Been back on dialysis on the 26 may for 26years last six years on just tescio lines. Manage to keep away from needles. For now. But that six year old child never could.