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From: Susan
Date: 3/11/00
Time: 6:47:01 AM
Remote Name: 24.112.92.185
From: Espoirs
I use to swim a lot alone. Last year I was hesitant but since the doctors were telling me that I was fainting because of hysteria I continued to swim alone. Now the doctors told me that it is POTS and Vaso-vagal. I don't know if I should continue to swim alone. I have never fainted while laying or swimming but I have fainted twice coming out of the pool (5 feet away). What I did after that is that I would walk on my knees to come out of the pool and get in the shade before standing up. I really enjoy swimming but I don't wan't to put my life in jeopardy. Can anyone give me advice. Espoirs
From: JimB
Over the years, I have found myself fainting when someone takes my blood. It is most embarrassing and I frequently will ruminate on going to have a blood test for several days before the event. How I try to avoid fainting is to tell the people taking my blood that I must lay down to have the blood drawn...however, even with that...it has happened anyway. It gives me some reassurance however. I also try to keep my mind talking to the person taking my blood, asking them questions, and having them talk directly with me by asking me questions. Anything at all to keep my mind off of the situation. Unfortunately, I have not found great sympathy of nurses or doctors over the years to my situation. However, two years ago, I passed out quite severely in the hospital after having a stent placed in my heart. My cardiologist came in and told me he was a fainter (strong vasal vagal response) which aided me immensely. He was so comforting. If others have this problem as well, I would certainly like to know what else I can do, either psychologically or physiologically to avoid fainting. Thank you.