Reged: 08/06/04
Posts: 4381
Loc: Within stray mortar fire of DC
Oh, I know how you feel!! They say it's about 10% of us who pass out at the sight of blood (at least that's what the technicians and doctors tell me to make me feel better!).
I made them put a note in my chart that ALL blood work must be done with the patient lying down, after a doc recommended it. It's really funny, cos it's right up there at the top of the first page in RED when you open my chart!
Not only do I pass out, but I'll have a seizure where my eyes roll upwards, my hands cup at my chest and my back spasms back and forth in violent convulsions. Very dramatic, they tell me. Hey, I take their word for it cause I'm out cold the whole time! Then I wake up hyperventilating and the person who's there has to get me to breathe normally.
And I'm always soooooo embarrassed because I know exactly what's happened-- sometimes I actually say "I'll PASSING out!" before it happens.
So don't worry, you're not alone. You can do breathing exercises and sip a sugery drink (if allowed before your bloodwork) to keep yourself out of shock. But def get the work done lying down. All of these things really help.
Posts
I pass out too
Then I wake up hyperventilating and the person who's there has to get me to breathe normally. 
