Ask HN: How to Deal with Vasovagal Syncope
Many people (and especially men) get a vasovagal syncope i.e. collapse during or after a blood collection. How do you deal with it?
4 comments
I’m not sure that everyone can exercise control over it. Perhaps for some people who have a specific phobia to blood or needles, they could do some kind of therapy that helps reduce their fear response.
I know from my own personal experience that I don’t usually vasovagal in response to blood and needles or any kind of fear, but about 2 to 3 years ago, I did a stint where I would scrub assist in some surgeries, and even though I loved scrubbing in, I would sometimes vasovagal during a procedure. Some of the tips I was taught to avoid a vasovagal in those circumstances was to wear compression stockings, eat a decent breakfast, drink plenty of water before scrubbing, and while standing still for ages wiggle my toes, and flex my leg muscles etc and things like that - and failing all those things, I learned that as soon as I lost my hearing, I needed to immediately sit down, because for some reason, I lose my hearing before I properly pass out. I know it’s kind of different circumstances but I do think some of those tips do help. Particularly having a decent meal and being well hydrated before having blood collected will probably be the most helpful, though there is no guarantee that this will work.
I always lay down and talk a lot with the medical personal. Some say you should watch the needed fo in but I can't.
Hmm that might help. Maybe instead of watching someone do it to you, you could start by watching YouTube video’s on how to cannulate or something, and then maybe watch a few others have blood tests in real life. Like perhaps build up to it slowly.