I’ve had this for many years ever since I was a teenager. When I was younger it happened for more reasons, but as I got older it specifically happens with blood tests. The incontinence is very embarrassing and awkward! I have also sometimes threw up afterwards and usually am always a bit shaky and exhausted for the whole day.
I’ve just been told it’s vasovagal syncope. And I’ve clearly got a phobia regarding blood tests - if I have to wait a while for one I can feel myself panicking. Dry mouth, heart palpitations and I just try and concentrate on breathing. Then when I have the test I regularly pass out and wet myself.
The last time this happened was about 4 years ago now. It was the worst one yet - after passing out and then waiting a few minutes, they sat me up and I passed out for a second time. I then was so dizzy I couldn’t get up. I was in hospital anyway for this blood test, and next thing I was being wheeled into rhesus at A and E!
It was obviously a precaution - they checked my heart and repeated bloods and stuff. Anyway, they just ended up putting me in a side room on a drip to raise my blood sugar. Then I was fine!
After this I became pregnant with my first child and knew I had to work on sorting out this issue. I’ve since had several blood tests, epidural, injections, etc, and it’s not happened again. My solution is -
Initially wear a pad for blood tests so you don’t have to worry about incontinence.
Make sure you’re not too hot and eat and drink beforehand
Any blood test book for early in the day so you’re not working yourself up all day
When in the waiting room, I basically jig my legs. Keeps the blood flowing and helps distract me (I probably look a proper weirdo ahah) Specifically keeping the blood flowing is very important. Vasovagal Syncope happens when the nerve is stimulated and your blood pressure suddenly drops. So ‘exercising’ keeps your blood pressure more stable? If you google it you will see it explained better.
This is also super important - any blood test have lying down.
And lastly, when having the injection, constantly flex and point your toes and I also clench and unclench my fist (the one not being tested) again, this really helps blood pressure
Oh, and of course, wait a few minutes before getting up afterwards.
Having two children and all the hospital visits that entails has obviously helped loads for me with exposure and I am very confident now I won’t pass out. I’m also very stubborn and was determined to fix this issue. The more times you have blood tests successfully and don’t pass out, the more confident you get and the less panicky you will feel.
Just to add - when this first happened when I was a kid I wasn’t scared or nervous at all. I think the fear came because I had passed out, and it just got worse over the years and became a self fulfilling phobia. At my worst, I couldn't even enter a medical environment without feeling I was gonna pass out.
I hope this helps in some way!