So, some of you may remember my 1st mammogram experience (I passed out). I had to go back for a 2nd mammogram today because the results of my 1st one had an "area of density." I went into the room with the tech and informed her of my last experience and that it is a typical response for me regarding medical situations. She blew me off. I continued to tell her that I'd feel better if she had a 2nd tech or allowed me to use a chair ... she blew me off. I thought I was insisting ... she said, "you'll be fine, stop thinking about it." So, once the procedure begins, within a few seconds I can feel my fainting response revving up. So, between every squeeze (I think there were 4 views today) I had to sit down (by my own direction, not by the direction of the tech) and put my head down. I'd stand back up, get set up in the machine and feel the fainting coming on each time. Never once did the tech offer support or take me up on my earlier suggestions. She was friendly about it, just not willing to listen. Then, I had an ultrasound. That was fine, I was reclined for that ... that has always stopped my fainting response. I should know results in a couple of days.
Sorry to hear the teach wasn't more helpful, but glad you got through it. Sending positive thoughts your way.
When this all gets finished and you get the good results, you really should write a letter to the place you went today. If you had fainted, you could have seriously hurt yourself. She shouldn't have blown you off like that. I'm sure she hears lots of complaining but part of her job is to be compassionate.
Go4th ... my first mammogram was over a week ago and I did injury myself when I fainted. (I hit my jaw on the machine ... even today if I touch my jaw the pain is nauseating ... a combo of ache and nerve pain). I told this 2nd tech about hurting my jaw ... still nothing. :/ I DID write a letter about my 1st tech, the one that was with me when I fainted. She was SOOO good.
I had a mammogram yesterday and I kept chuckling to myself thinking about your fainting episode fingers crossed you get good reports!
I agree that you should write a letter. She should have been able to help you in some way. You weren't asking for anything outrageous. I think her behavior was unprofessional and dangerous. Now for the important stuff: I hope your results turn out well. Good luck!
It sounds like fainting caused by anxiety. It happens to a lot of people and probably the most dangerous part about it is the potential for injuries like banging your jaw or head on something (like what happened above). I'm not prone to fainting, but I had an unpleasant medical procedure yesterday and I felt myself getting that dizzy, pre-fainting feeling. I was lying down during the procedure, so for me it wasn't an issue of blood pressure lowering due to standing. I was very worked up about it though, so I think that's what caused it.
Write a letter and cc your doctor and/or the clinic administrator. The tech shouldn't be blowing a patient off like that.
I'm glad to know I'm not the only fainter! I only faint at the eye doctor, but it happens pretty much every time. I hate when I move and have to find a new optometrist - they never seem to believe me, and I'm always afraid I'll end up falling to the floor and getting hurt! I miss my old eye doctor, who would always make sure there was a nurse in the room to hold me, and that I was scheduled for slower times of the day so I could get started w/out spending any time in the waiting room.
KU... so sorry it was so stressful for you!!! You should have definately had some help!!! Hope your results come back with positive new for you (not the scans)
That is what I said, fainting caused by anxiety. Orthostatic = change in position Vasovagal = situational Syncope = Fainting due to sudden drop in blood pressure
It sounded to me like you were talking about fainting caused by a drop in blood pressure due to standing. I didn't see anything about anxiety in there.
(sorta) They're all kind of interrelated. I am diagnosed as having vasovagal syncope, and I actually have a pacemaker because of it! At a very early age I started fainting and having seizures in times of stress, illness or fear. For nearly 3 decades, the doctor's told me I had epilepsy (even though they could find no neurological reason to support that other than the seizures). Then, a few years ago, I had another "episode", and a friend who was with me at the time said that when I was seizing, my lips turned blue. I decided to schedule an appointment with yet another neurologist. He thought that it sounded more like I was fainting and then having a seizure, and he said that sounded more like vasovagal syncope than epilepsy, so he sent me to a cardiologist. The cardiologist do a very basic test called a "Tilt table" test that moves you simply from a vertical position to a horizontal one. If you have vasovagal syncope, then within a few minutes, you'll pass out! I wasn't in the tilt position for 45 seconds when I passed out and flat lined!!! Then I started seizing. Apparently, the seizures were my body's way of trying to jump start my heart. The next day, they put the pacemaker in me. Now, understand, I have a very extreme reaction to a VERY common problem (one in three adults faint for this reason at least once in their lives... my heart just happens to stop when it does. Grrrreat...). If you have this KU, it's not uncommon, and many times it is treated by just using meditative/relaxation techniques. The Vasovagal nerve is triggered by anxiety and stress, so that's how a fear of a medical procedure would come in to play here.
And KU, if it does turn out you have it, then there is just more proof that we were twins separated at birth.
HA! Love this! Yours sounds very scary! Mine is always tied to medical procedures. And, as a 4 year old, I had a traumatic experience in a hospital just prior to surgery. I suspect that might the root of my anxiety, may even be able to label it a phobia. Band, did you see my first update after my first mammogram a week or so ago? Passing out, hanging from the machine by my boob, a 4 foot tech gal trying to hold me up ... omg, I'm such a mess!
I didn't see it until I saw this thread then I found it and reread it. Girl... I can't believe that happened to you! I don't blame you for being nervous! Seriously, though, a lot of people have vasovagal episodes with just specific triggers (like medical procedures). Again, it's probably nothing to worry about, but definitely look into some meditation techniques to use before you go in again! It will probably make a huge difference!
My doctors are surprised I don't have vasovagal syncope. I have rather odd blood pressure. It'll be 100/70 sitting, 120/80 lying down, and 80/60 standing up. I also have social anxiety, generalized anxiety, and social phobia.
My doctor told me my freshman year of college she believed I had vasovagol syncope and I thought it was so weird because I had never heard of it nor had anyone I know heard of it since... first time I've ever heard someone else mention it!
Mine is also just triggered by doctors...and when I attempted to get my ears pierced... Is there anything you do/take to prevent from passing out in doctors offices?
At the dentist I'm reclined...I didn't pass out=but I did get the feeling that I was going to (the sweats, etc.)-I was hoping i could prevent that too! Someone on your other thread suggested resucue relax...I'm just hesitant about that since it is over 25% alcohol and if xanax doesn't work- why would that.
I've been tested for so many things, i've picked up many medical terms in 21 years of life One time, a cardiologist wanted my neurologist and my electrophysiologist to test to see if there was a relation between my seizures and a seizure I had in 2007 (The cardiologist thought it was a sympathetic nervous system response due to a (suspected) drop in BP due to not eating that morning. She was wrong)
