Tips on avoiding fainting?

[teawamutu]

I did today, halfway through coil insertion. FFS.

Partly my fault because the morning was a frantic rush, for about the first time ever I didn't have breakfast and tbh as it's about the fourth time I've had one I assumed would be fine. It's seven years since I last gave birth so think things a lot more closed than I was expecting although did take paracetamol beforehand (didn't touch the sides).

I also have stupidly low blood pressure so do occasionally faint in response to a sudden painful shock.

Apart from food, anything else I could do to lessen the chances and actually get through the procedure next time?

Legs raised above heart. I get this a lot and it's really irritating - blood does it to me amongst other things. I have finally found out that basically it's blood pooling in your legs (I'm sure that there's a medical term) and getting it all running back to my heart sorts it out before I faint (cubical bit there, as I feel very clammy and my vision starts to tunnel so I get warning!)

*Critical bit, not cubical. Thank you autocorrect for your weird changing of words...

Yes, if you can then raise your legs above your heart. Alternatively, March on the spot or go up on to your tiptoes/down again repeatedly to get the blood pumping round. There is some kind of tensing thing you can do but I don’t know enough about it, hopefully someone else will be able to give more info.

Good thought - I was just lying down with my feet on the bed, maybe nurses could help me out a bit!

Feel terrible - not just for the after effects of fainting, but because I'd waited 6 weeks for the appointment because they're in short supply, and now I'm going to take up two unnecessarily

This is why I've said no to coil! I'm having implant in a few weeks time I hope it works for me 🙈

I faint when I stub my toe never mind coil insertion!

@DwangelaForever once it's in, it's brilliant - has given me nearly 20 years (before and between dc) of trouble free contraception so I hope I haven't put you off. First time this has happened!

tense your buttocks, or hook the tops of your fingers against each other, then try to pull apart, both counter-manouevers for fainting

Many years ago between I was aged 8 to 10 I fainted a few times. Doctor advised tensing and relaxing my knees if I began to feel faint. Don't know if it works though.

I also have low blood pressure and at certain times have been a bit prone to fainting.
I always focus on my breath. Imagine breathing in golden white light through the nose and then slowly breathing out red smoke through your mouth.

Breathing and tensing bits in turn - will definitely try, thank you

Valsalver manoeuvre when you feel lightheaded.

Biting my tongue helps me when I start to feel lightheaded.