When needing an injection

When I went for an annual physical, the injection was always the last thing. I believe the thinking was if they do it in the beginning, the kid would be upset for the entire exam.

But I would rather have had it at the start. Not knowing made me nervous throughout the exam. If I had gotten the shot at the start, it would be over and I wouldn't have worried. Than again, while I didn't like shots, once it was over, I wasn't upset about it.

How do others feel about that?

Would you have preferred to get it over with at the beginning?

At my pediatrician the needles were always done at the end of the exam. After I changed to a family doctor they have always been done by the nurse before the doctor comes in. He doesn't usually do the needles himself, although he has given me one himself. To me it doesn't really matter if it is done before or after the exam as I'm not really bothered by them. I can certainly understand why they wait until the end of the exam for kids.

Actually, I meant as a kid I would rather have had it at the beginning.

As an adult, knowing I'm getting a shot doesn't bother me.

Interesting idea. Get a shot at the start of the exam before they know what shot, if any, you need or are due for. Bet the insurance companies would love that model.

@quincy: how would they not know at the start of the exam what shot you're due for? I'm talking about an annual physical, not a sick visit.

I was OK with getting it in the end.

My shots were always in the end in both senses of the term. Having to wait exacerbated my fear of whether and where I might get an injection so I think getting it first would have allowed me to relax for the examination knowing that the worst was over.

Shots were always given at the end of the exam and always in my bum. I always held out hope I didn't need any.

If I'm getting an injection in my bum then I'd prefer to have it at the end, so that I'm not having to sit on it and can just walk out. Suppose an injection in the arm makes sense to do earlier on, especially if it's the type where you have to sit in the waiting room for a while before you can leave.

It's been awhile since I had a shot in the butt, but I prefer it at the end so I have a chance to walk it off before having to sit back down.

Every so often I have a tetanus booster. I get it at the end of the exam. It makes no difference to me, in fact the thought has never crossed my mind.

It is such a mix of emotion for me to either know in advance I am due for an injection or to be told during the exam process, usually at the end, that I am due. Both experiences occurred growing up, which has likely influenced my feelings, and today I prefer to know in advance. Usually my doctor has told me, "listen next time, we need to update your ______." It stays in my mind for sure and when next time comes, it's just a question of whether the nurse will use my arm or "no dear, I won't need your arm for this one!" Typically, I am still undressed so hearing that gives me a scrunched facial expression and soon a very exposed rear! When I dress and leave, I always wonder who can tell that I got a shot in my bottom. Growing up, it wasn't too hard, I would have tears on my cheeks as I left the exam room.

Once again, Julie, we seem to be similar. I also wonder who might know I had injections in my bottom but my attitude has changed over the years.

In my youth I deemed getting shots that way childish and didn't want anybody to know I still got them back there but often betrayed myself by favouring the tender cheek when I sat down (if I could sit down at all). It now excites me for attractive young ladies to visualise my bare bottom injected, so I often overtly rub my buttock for the benefit of the receptionists and waiting female patients when I leave. Whilst the receptionists probably know in advance where I will get my shot(s), getting them in a cubicle merely screened off from the waiting room can leave none of the waiting patients in any doubt when they hear the nurse tell me to drop trousers, pull down pants and bend over.

Nick

I only had one shot in my rear end growing up--a penicillin shot for a relapse of strep throat a few months shy of age 9, some 33 years ago. But i do recall this feeling throughout the rest of the day that everyone--especially all the adults--could tell that "D---" had had to bare his bottom at the doctor for a shot the "baby" way. I just assumed that only kids got shots in their butts, the same way only kids got their temperatures taken in their tushies.

Not every annual checkups comes with injections (immunization). I think a better practice would be to tell the kid ahead of time (like on the ride to the doctor, or while waiting in the waiting room) if shots would be part of the visit. If they are, give the kid a choice to have it first or last. It will give him/her a sense of control of the situation. It will help with the nervousness. This is also an acceptable time to promise rewards for cooperation (triple scoop ice cream with sprinkles, stickers, etc). After all, a shot is a big deal. But then again, it also depends on how old the kid is and how well he can process bad news like shots. I guess there is no right formula to handle this.

Mmm... interesting question... in real life that feeling is really uncumfortable

but playing med fet games the feeling of anticipation, knowing the needle is geeting ready for you is great...

If it is a routine immunization, they have always been at the end unless that was the sole purpose of the appointment. When it was to treat an illness, giving them at the end gives the doctor the opportunity to make the diagnosis and order the proper med. that said, I have seen injections given when the exam had not been completed in rare situations, such as persistent vomiting.

In any case, if you need one, you usually know it and it makes no difference when the inevitable stick takes place.

I personally would have preferred shots in the beginning. It would have been over and done with. The anticipation was awful! I always fretted during the whole exam. Wondering. The anxiety building. Do it and ease a kids mind!

Why an injection at the beginning before checking the general condition, asking about feeling or problems, checking blood pressure, temperature, making a diagnosis or thinking about possible implications etc.?

I hate getting shots. I would have it at the start and get the anxiety out of my head

In the case of routine medical examinations, Mel, inoculations can be given first. I always ask for my shots before my blood pressure is taken to reduce anxiety and provide a lower reading. The only disadvantage is sometimes difficulty sitting down for the bp.

I remember as a kid being nervous during my entire exam, anticipating having to get an injection. It would have probably been better to just give me a shot in the beginning and I wouldn't have been nervous about it anymore.

I just accept the pain. I have no problems with shots. I used to fight when I was little.