# When getting an injection or other kind of needle poke, do you like to watch the needle go in? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 20, 2011, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-getting-an-injection-or-other-kind-of-needle-poke-do-you-like-to-watch-the-needle-go-in/572017 "2011-02-20T16:51:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a88e4f/32.png) [@Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_is_the_new_Analog)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2011, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-getting-an-injection-or-other-kind-of-needle-poke-do-you-like-to-watch-the-needle-go-in/572017/42 "2011-02-21T00:44:30Z")
I get blood drawn either twice a year or four times a year, depending on medications. Right now I’m in a 3 month cycle, because I switched to a prescription anti-inflammatory and started a statin recently. I don’t have the ability to watch the needle. I’m too squeamish about it, and would pass out. As it is, I have to lie down during the draw, and stay there for a few minutes afterwards. Then I drink some OJ, and get up slowly. That usually works for me. -D/a ---
**Author:** ![Queen\_Tonya](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/4491bb/32.png) [@Queen\_Tonya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Queen_Tonya)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2011, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-getting-an-injection-or-other-kind-of-needle-poke-do-you-like-to-watch-the-needle-go-in/572017/43 "2011-02-21T01:35:58Z")
I like to watch for blood draws, not watch for shots going in. ---
**Author:** ![lisacurl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/41988e/32.png) [@lisacurl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lisacurl)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2011, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-getting-an-injection-or-other-kind-of-needle-poke-do-you-like-to-watch-the-needle-go-in/572017/44 "2011-02-21T01:38:49Z")
I generally look away to avoid tensing up. ---
**Author:** ![sangfroid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e0b2c6/32.png) [@sangfroid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sangfroid)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2011, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-getting-an-injection-or-other-kind-of-needle-poke-do-you-like-to-watch-the-needle-go-in/572017/45 "2011-02-21T02:01:03Z")
voted “depends” I’m surprised no one has yet mentioned whether they are an “easy stick” or not. I am - I have nice big surface veins for blood draws and such. Seems to make things a little less intimidating, for me anyway. And the folks doing the draws seem to like the easy access. :slight hijack: A question for any phlebotomy technicians/nurses reading: Do you puncture the vein during blood draws with the needle bevel up or bevel down? Bevel down seems most common, but actually pierces more surface area, potentially causing more pain. Bevel down has more distance to full penetration, but less surface area. Comments? (I’ll open a new thread if anyone wants to discuss further) ---
**Author:** ![sangfroid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e0b2c6/32.png) [@sangfroid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sangfroid)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2011, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-getting-an-injection-or-other-kind-of-needle-poke-do-you-like-to-watch-the-needle-go-in/572017/46 "2011-02-21T02:07:18Z")
Sorry, flip the bevel direction around. I misremembered. Here’s a quick link to what I’m referring to: [link](http://dinosaurmusings.blogspot.com/2006/09/bevel-down.html) ---
**Author:** ![antonio107](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7ea924/32.png) [@antonio107](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/antonio107)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2011, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-getting-an-injection-or-other-kind-of-needle-poke-do-you-like-to-watch-the-needle-go-in/572017/47 "2011-02-21T02:12:33Z")
> [@Queen\_Tonya](#): > > I like to watch for blood draws, not watch for shots going in. I’m the complete opposite. The “glob glob” going in sync with your heartbeat is grossssss. ☹ I watched back in December when I got a cortisone shot in my wrist. I’m not sure why, since I _normally_ turn my head. “Train Wreck” style curiosity, I suppose! ---
**Author:** ![Rushgeekgirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rushgeekgirl/32/3715_2.png) [@Rushgeekgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rushgeekgirl)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2011, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-getting-an-injection-or-other-kind-of-needle-poke-do-you-like-to-watch-the-needle-go-in/572017/48 "2011-02-21T03:06:22Z")
I have a phobia. I would really prefer not to even be in the room when the needle goes in. ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2011, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-getting-an-injection-or-other-kind-of-needle-poke-do-you-like-to-watch-the-needle-go-in/572017/49 "2011-02-21T03:19:57Z")
> [@sangfroid](#): > > voted “depends” > > I’m surprised no one has yet mentioned whether they are an “easy stick” or not. I am - I have nice big surface veins for blood draws and such. Seems to make things a little less intimidating, for me anyway. And the folks doing the draws seem to like the easy access. > > :slight hijack: A question for any phlebotomy technicians/nurses reading: Do you puncture the vein during blood draws with the needle bevel up or bevel down? Bevel down seems most common, but actually pierces more surface area, potentially causing more pain. Bevel down has more distance to full penetration, but less surface area. Comments? (I’ll open a new thread if anyone wants to discuss further) I need to watch and I’m, I guess, a “medium stick” - if they’re good and find the vein, I do a good job. But my veins are evidently not obvious. I suppose the “first tier” veins are not evident on me and they have to go to the deeper ones or something - there’s always some discussion. ---
**Author:** ![thirdwarning](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecccb3/32.png) [@thirdwarning](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thirdwarning)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2011, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-getting-an-injection-or-other-kind-of-needle-poke-do-you-like-to-watch-the-needle-go-in/572017/50 "2011-02-21T03:22:27Z")
I watch right up to the point when the the needle is about a half inch away, then I look somewhere else. As soon as it’s in, I’m right back to watching. I’m not even sure it seeing it go in would bother me, but the idea does, a bit. Although I do watch when they’re poking around, trying to find a vein or get it in the right way or whatever it is they’re doing, with the needle already in. ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2011, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-getting-an-injection-or-other-kind-of-needle-poke-do-you-like-to-watch-the-needle-go-in/572017/51 "2011-02-21T04:00:56Z")
Since you’re talking about other people doing the injection or poke I chose “I don’t care”. I have to give myself injections (and obviously look then) so I’m very comfortable with needles. ---
**Author:** ![Silvorange](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8dc957/32.png) [@Silvorange](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silvorange)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2011, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-getting-an-injection-or-other-kind-of-needle-poke-do-you-like-to-watch-the-needle-go-in/572017/52 "2011-02-21T04:05:55Z")
> [@sangfroid](#): > > voted “depends” > :slight hijack: A question for any phlebotomy technicians/nurses reading: Do you puncture the vein during blood draws with the needle bevel up or bevel down? Bevel down seems most common, but actually pierces more surface area, potentially causing more pain. Bevel down has more distance to full penetration, but less surface area. Comments? (I’ll open a new thread if anyone wants to discuss further) It seems like bevel down would scoop up skin/tissue. Maybe that’s not a big issue with smaller needles, though. I only use 16 gauge. ---
**Author:** ![drastic\_quench](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e36b37/32.png) [@drastic\_quench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drastic_quench)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2011, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-getting-an-injection-or-other-kind-of-needle-poke-do-you-like-to-watch-the-needle-go-in/572017/53 "2011-02-21T04:29:03Z")
Inquiring minds want to know! Needles? Absolutely. But I like to see everything medical they’re doing to me. Also tattoos, which are really the ultimate needling. I’ve watched doctors nurses: set my bones lots of stitches - even my scalp (there was a mirror) remove stitches lance boils remove moles treat burns drain infections drain cauliflower ear countless allergy shots and various anesthetics scrub cinders out of road rash remove both of my big toenails multiple times I’ve had a few procedures they had to put me under for, and it was kind of disappointing in a way. At the same time, I wouldn’t be interested in video of the operation. I guess I only enjoy seeing it live. The toenail removal was particularly gruesome, and the doctor was disturbed that I requested to sit up and watch. I was 11 the first time around, I think. Usually they worry about their patients passing out, and I have to convince them of my mettle. ---
**Author:** ![chizzuk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e36b37/32.png) [@chizzuk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chizzuk)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2011, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-getting-an-injection-or-other-kind-of-needle-poke-do-you-like-to-watch-the-needle-go-in/572017/54 "2011-02-21T05:12:37Z")
> [@lisacurl](#): > > I generally look away to avoid tensing up. Oh, yeah, this is another reason I don’t watch at the moment it actually goes in. I’m afraid I’ll reflexively contract the muscle, which will make it hurt more. Easier to know it’s coming but not precisely when and focus on staying as loose as possible. ---
**Author:** ![Pai325](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Pai325](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pai325)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2011, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-getting-an-injection-or-other-kind-of-needle-poke-do-you-like-to-watch-the-needle-go-in/572017/55 "2011-02-21T16:11:46Z")
I have bad veins. I don’t watch because I am closing my eyes and praying for blood. As soon as it goes in I look to see if it’s been successful or if we are going to repeat. ---
**Author:** ![joyfool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/df788c/32.png) [@joyfool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joyfool)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2011, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-getting-an-injection-or-other-kind-of-needle-poke-do-you-like-to-watch-the-needle-go-in/572017/56 "2011-02-21T16:28:44Z")
I always watch too. It seems to hurt less that way. ---
**Author:** ![Minnie\_Luna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4bbf92/32.png) [@Minnie\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Minnie_Luna)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2011, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-getting-an-injection-or-other-kind-of-needle-poke-do-you-like-to-watch-the-needle-go-in/572017/57 "2011-02-21T16:38:58Z")
> [@sangfroid](#): > > voted “depends” > > I’m surprised no one has yet mentioned whether they are an “easy stick” or not. I am - I have nice big surface veins for blood draws and such. Seems to make things a little less intimidating, for me anyway. And the folks doing the draws seem to like the easy access. > > :slight hijack: A question for any phlebotomy technicians/nurses reading: Do you puncture the vein during blood draws with the needle bevel up or bevel down? Bevel down seems most common, but actually pierces more surface area, potentially causing more pain. Bevel down has more distance to full penetration, but less surface area. Comments? (I’ll open a new thread if anyone wants to discuss further) I’m an easy stick, I have actually taught people how to draw blood by using my veins as their first stick. In those cases, I have to watch and comment as they prepare and actually stick me. I was taught bevel-up and have taught others bevel up. I’ve never tried bevel down, nor do I remember seeing anyone attempt it. I will watch when ever I get blood drawn or have an IV placed. I want to make sure they are doing it correctly. As far as injections go, I usually look away. No real reason, other than I trust them not to fuck it up, so I don’t have to watch. ---
**Author:** ![Girl\_From\_Mars](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3da27b/32.png) [@Girl\_From\_Mars](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Girl_From_Mars)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2011, 8:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-getting-an-injection-or-other-kind-of-needle-poke-do-you-like-to-watch-the-needle-go-in/572017/58 "2011-02-22T08:53:29Z")
I hate to see the needle going in whenever I get a shot or they take blood; but when I give myself shots (IVF meds) - it doesn’t seem to bother me. I much prefer giving myself the shot than Boy From Mars (he bruises.) ---
**Author:** ![kambuckta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/53a042/32.png) [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2011, 9:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-getting-an-injection-or-other-kind-of-needle-poke-do-you-like-to-watch-the-needle-go-in/572017/59 "2011-02-22T09:06:21Z")
I’m a looker. 🙂 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-getting-an-injection-or-other-kind-of-needle-poke-do-you-like-to-watch-the-needle-go-in/572017.md?page=2)