I've been lucky in that I don't have much fear of needles... though I HATE being in the hospital... I didn't want to make you feel embarrassed, though. It is really common to fear that stuff. I just wonder what people who have that strong of fear about the hospital stuff do when they end up really sick and in the hospital.

My best friend had to get a HIDA scan (for her gallbladder) recently, and she begged me to come with for moral support while they did the IV thing. My mom gets really freaked out about the hospital stuff, too, ever since her breast cancer & chemo & surgery and whatnot. So it is NOT uncommon and it is NOT something to be ashamed about.

Sending you best wishes for your upcoming surgery...