Vaso-Vagal Discussion

[ Home | Contents | Search | Post | Reply | Next | Previous | Up ]


Re: Is it safe to have surgery?

From: Matt

Comments

My experience has been very much like yours. I have unusually low blood pressure. I also have anxiety during any medical procedures performed on me - possibly stemming from a bad hospital experience when I was 5 years old. With these characteristics coupled together, I have had many fainting episodes in my life. Mostly at hospital. A few years ago I went in for minor surgery and had a grand mal seizure in the anesthesia room. Scariest experience of my life. After that, the doctor prescribed xanax for my anxiety. I do not enjoy the zombie-like effects of the drug, but taking a modest amount before a medical appointment does seem to help. Other non-prescriptive solutions include keeping physically fit by running lots and drinking lots of water to keep hydrated. Also, if I feel an episode coming on, I try to get as low to the ground as possible and/or sit with my head between my knees taking long deep breaths. This has actually prevented fainting without the use of drugs. I hope this helps you. If anyone has any other solutions, I would love to hear them.


This web site is not a substitute for a thorough medical evaluation and diagnosis of your vaso-vagal type symptoms.  Medical treatment and diagnosis is the only acceptable initial response to these serious symptoms since they might present from any number of life threatening and treatable illnesses. It is for you and your physician to rule out more serious illnesses; Please don't use this online forum as an alternative to getting responsible medical attention and being under the care of a physician for the duration of any unknown, suspected or dangerous vaso-vagal syndrome symptoms.
Last changed: June 22, 2007