[Kathy]

Are you getting sedation? I love getting the sedation, it is a couple of pain free hours and you are out of it for the shot. The numbing agent (lidocaine, I believe) burns like crazy. It feels like a bunch of ants biting you all at the same time. If you had stitches after child birth, and were able to feel at that time (ie. no epidural relief), they most likely gave you a shot of lidocaine, prior to the stitches. The numbing is the worst part, in my opinion. It's not horrible, nothing compared to childbirth; I just like the sedation drugs
I am so afraid of needles (I'm getting better, after 2 kids, numerous injections, surgery, etc). I go to a place where they give you a shot of lidocaine in your hand (small needle, a little burn), before starting the IV. Now, that's the way to go, especially if you aren't crazy about needles. I also get lots of warmed up blankets when I go. I love the warm blankets!