Earlier this week I went in for my annual physical which involved a blood draw. Unfortunately, I had 'forgotten' to fast so it was a no go, but I'd mentioned to the nurse that I typically get light-headed and am not the best when it comes to needles or blood and needed to lie down.
She told me the name for my squeamishness (besides wimpy) is called vasovagal syncope -- which is a pretty common cause of fainting. While I'm not an all-out fainter, I experience all of the other symptoms of vasovagal including paleness, slight nausea, lightedheadness and claminess.
Why, I asked?
The nurse told me it's an overreaction to certain 'stresses' which causes a reduction in blood flow to the brain. She told me it was connected with the flight or fight response and is an amped up part of the survival instinct. Blood signals danger (think predator) and fainting is a way of 'playing dead.'
Haven't been able to verify that end of the story yet, but did find a pretty cool description of Vasovagal on the Mayo Clinic's Web site.
I still have to get my blood drawn this week and will update my post on what happens.
Does anyone else experience vasalvago at the sight of blood or when giving blood? If so, can you share tips of easing the 'overreaction'? Can anyone verify the 'survival' part of the story?
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That is very interesting!
The survival part of this makes sense:
"Blood signals danger (think predator) and fainting is a way of 'playing dead.'". In the fight or flight response, blood rushes to your limbs, in order to aid in physically protecting yourself or fleeing the situation quickly. Your body does not "waste" its resources on such things as digestion (another possible reason many people get a upset stomach when they are stressed). So, it makes perfect sense that the blood rushing to your limbs can make you faint or light-headed, as well as the rapid breathing that is also associated with the fight-or flight response.
I never thought about my fear of needles as being part of my survival technique that this pointy, sharp object inherently means "danger". It's not the blood for me, but the needle.
When I was pregnant and had gestational diabetes, I had to "get over" my "overreaction" quickly, as I had lots and lots of blood drawn, and had to prick my finger several times each day for several months. It eventually just became a reaction that wasn't worth the hassle, and I was able to shrug the nervousness away.
My way of handling the needle situation (I now have allergy shots, two of them twice per week!).
- I don't look at the needle anymore
- I tell the nurse to "treat me like a 3 year old", and they usually are more gentle. It also feels like I'm in more control of the situation, and I hear myself saying it is not going to be too bad.
- Then, I just take a deep breath and breath out as the needle goes in. It really works!
Tina---best of luck! Let us know how you do.
October 26, 2008 - 7:42pmThis Comment
I can certainly relate to the sight of blood and the fear of hitting the floor face first. I remember when I signed up for the military and had no idea about how many shots and blood samples that were necessary to serve your country. Needless to say, they had nurses sitting on me because I have the 'fight' reflex that tends to be within arms reach.
I read the story and cannot relate to the successfulness of the story although, I would certainly try next time I need a blood test. I will have to finish this story after trying the home remedy. This one will have to be continued.......
October 25, 2008 - 1:46pmThis Comment