Needling

There are two techniques for doing needling: rope and ladder or buttonhole. Rope and ladder means you use different sites progressing up and down a "ladder" on your limb. A buttonhole is a permanently used hole that you open up every time you dialyse. You scratch the scab off and put the needle in. That sounds revolting.

I do buttonholing. At first, like most people, I thought it was disgusting but then I relaxed. Here's why. It reminded me of when I was a kid and had a graze or cut. A few days afterwards the idea of picking at the scab was irresistible. It was strange how picking at the scab never hurt and how satisfying it felt. By tapping into this "scabby knee" recollection I easily overcame whatever revulsion I felt and buttonholed easily. I recommend this little mental trick to you.