Fainting During Medical

[PalmTrees 34]

Hello.

This may sound strange but hopefully someone here can help me with my query. My fiance suggested asking here as we are not sure about it...

So. Every time I go to the doctors I faint. It all started back in 2005 and I fainted in the waiting room after having a top-up jab for Hepatitis after going to Africa. I remember feeling very hot reading a magazine, and apparently I stood up and fell down but I don't remember. I came to on the floor very confused, had some oxygen and then went home. At the time we thought it was a reaction to the injection.

The only time I visit the doctors between then and now is for repeat prescriptions of the pill and once because I had a problem with my ear. Except for a couple of occasions, every visit has resulted in me fainting. I start to feel hot and then I'm on the floor with a doctor leaning over me. Sometimes I try to stand up (maybe to go get some air) and I immediately go down.

I think it happens most often when they take my blood pressure. I hate the cuff and it probably gets me more worked up than I should be. I'm going to practice lots with my Dad's one at home before my medical. I also feel weird when they talk about side effects etc. The last time I went, the doctor said it was nothing to worry about as some people are just prone to fainting fits (like Victorian ladies used to be), and that my blood pressure drops but then picks right back up again. I also think that psychologically I program myself to believe I'm going to faint as it happens every time, and then I do so. I spend some time on my back afterwards with my legs raised, and then I'm fine to go home. Last time I drove home 15 mins later (after wolfing down 2 chocolate bars for some sugar) so it really doesn't affect me too much.

I'm so so so worried about fainting during my medical in Knightsbridge. We were wondering this:

1) Should I explain to the doctor beforehand that I regularly faint at the doctors because I don't like going but is the only time in life I faint?

2) Or should I bring a letter from my doctor explaining I faint but its nothing to worry about?

3) Or should I not mention anything, hope I don't faint and if I do either shrug it off as a one time thing or explain I have this habit of fainting at the doctors?

Would revealing I faint every time be grounds to fail the medical? I am really worried over this. Sorry for the long post and if you've made it this far thanks for reading! Any advice will be greatly received.

Thanks in advance!

[ChicagoSarah 127]

I can't really answer these questions, but I'd vote for option #3 along with #2. Better to be prepared than not. If possible, I'd also bring someone with you to the medical. Someone to help calm you down and be there in case you do faint.

I'm definitely no expert, but I wouldn't think that fainting would result in a visa denial. Fainting isn't all that rare, and if your doctor has had you checked and concluded that all is well, I would think Knightsbridge would agree.

As a person who has a bit of a history of fainting, here are my tips:

- bring another person with you to help calm your nerves.

- focus on breathing deeply throughout the appointment.

- Bring an ice cold water bottle with you - this will help for drinking/hydration/cooling you off internally and externally

- Dress in layers, and don't worry about looking unseasonably dressed - better to be in short sleeves and ballet flats and not pass out than to be in a sweater and warm socks and end up on the floor!

I am the USC, so I can't really speak to fainting history and doing the Knightsbridge medical, but I know my doctors here don't think it's a problem. I have low blood pressure, I'm tall, and I overheat somewhat easily. I've passed out on and off for the last 10 years or so.

I think Knightsbridge is looking for diseases that would cause a potential burden on the US healthcare system. If you've never required medical attention and have been checked out for any more serious issues regarding the fainting (which sounds like its a very isolated event), I can't imagine on what grounds they could deny you.

Best of luck!

[Boiler 45,537]

I have fainted in a Hospital, and needles make me queasy.

Do not like Dentists either.

I see no harm in mentioning beforehand that this makes you queasy.

[camden 20]

Google white coat syndrome.

[lost_at_sea 995]

I'd go with mentioning it up front. They see dozens of people every day, many of which will be very nervous (and many I'm sure faint at the blood draw - it's not uncommon). They won't be surprised.

Take a note with you from the GP for peace of mind - it might even make you feel so much better that you don't faint!

[AleGwi 11]

I'd sort of say honesty is the best policy throughout the whole process! However, with this , if you tell them then they might want to do further tests. If you faint while you are there, they might want to do further tests anyway. So really there is no right or wrong answer.

I did my medical about two weeks ago there and it was such a pleasant and quick experience. They were all really nice, the waiting room and building is really quite fancy and welcoming. There aren't like people sitting there looking like they are going to die. (I think everyone who was there with me were all for visa medicals!)

Make a day of it and get there in plenty of time. I'd walk versus getting the tube and stuff, just plan your route and take your time. I say walk so you aren't stressing out about which tube line to get etc. and you can get some fresh air. Don't be nervous! Easier said than done if you get nervous often but trust me, it's really quite fun and exciting in a strange way. They all chat to you about general stuff and visa things, and life stuff haha.

IF you faint, they will maybe/probably want to run extra tests. However, by NOT telling them, you can just blow it off and say you just felt really warm and haven't had much to drink today and had to rush over here on an empty stomach. So yeah pretty much the opposite to what I said you should do above. By doing the above though, you should relax yourself and minimise the chance of fainting. If you do though you can say all that and then they will most likely buy it! Because they take some little blood tests and stuff anyway so anything sinister would show up on that.

So it's really up to you. Everything else, full honesty. With that though I would consider doing what I've just said but ONLY if you KNOW that it is just a doctor thing. People who actually go as far as to fainting in situations usually do have something that is triggering this. So I would go and see you OWN doctor first and see what they say. You might have something really minor that is triggering them. Low blood sugar, iron, you name it! It's best to find out what though.

If you KNOW there is t anything, then I would keep shhtum and just go for it, enjoy the experience and you might just surprise yourself once you are there at how relaxed you are.

By the way! I'm not just saying this, but the blood pressure cuff felt nowhere near as tight as they do at other places. So it's quite funny that you mention that because it's something I though when they did it. Just felt like a tight t-shirt :/ but she said I had good BP so winner!

Hope that helps! It really will be ok though

[PalmTrees 34]

I can't really answer these questions, but I'd vote for option #3 along with #2. Better to be prepared than not. If possible, I'd also bring someone with you to the medical. Someone to help calm you down and be there in case you do faint.

I'm definitely no expert, but I wouldn't think that fainting would result in a visa denial. Fainting isn't all that rare, and if your doctor has had you checked and concluded that all is well, I would think Knightsbridge would agree.

As a person who has a bit of a history of fainting, here are my tips:

- bring another person with you to help calm your nerves.

- focus on breathing deeply throughout the appointment.

- Bring an ice cold water bottle with you - this will help for drinking/hydration/cooling you off internally and externally

- Dress in layers, and don't worry about looking unseasonably dressed - better to be in short sleeves and ballet flats and not pass out than to be in a sweater and warm socks and end up on the floor!

I am the USC, so I can't really speak to fainting history and doing the Knightsbridge medical, but I know my doctors here don't think it's a problem. I have low blood pressure, I'm tall, and I overheat somewhat easily. I've passed out on and off for the last 10 years or so.

I think Knightsbridge is looking for diseases that would cause a potential burden on the US healthcare system. If you've never required medical attention and have been checked out for any more serious issues regarding the fainting (which sounds like its a very isolated event), I can't imagine on what grounds they could deny you.

Best of luck!

Thank you so much for replying! Your advice is good, especially with the layers. Knowing how overheated I get, I will probably need to sit there in summer clothes.

I wasn't aware that I could take anyone into the interview with me? My Mum has offered to come down to London with me and wait in the waiting room but having her in the exam room would be helpful.

I think I might get the doctor to write a letter but keep it in my pocket unless absolutely needed. I just wish we didn't have to do a medical!!

[ChicagoSarah 127]

I'd sort of say honesty is the best policy throughout the whole process! However, with this , if you tell them then they might want to do further tests. If you faint while you are there, they might want to do further tests anyway. So really there is no right or wrong answer.

I did my medical about two weeks ago there and it was such a pleasant and quick experience. They were all really nice, the waiting room and building is really quite fancy and welcoming. There aren't like people sitting there looking like they are going to die. (I think everyone who was there with me were all for visa medicals!)

Make a day of it and get there in plenty of time. I'd walk versus getting the tube and stuff, just plan your route and take your time. I say walk so you aren't stressing out about which tube line to get etc. and you can get some fresh air. Don't be nervous! Easier said than done if you get nervous often but trust me, it's really quite fun and exciting in a strange way. They all chat to you about general stuff and visa things, and life stuff haha.

IF you faint, they will maybe/probably want to run extra tests. However, by NOT telling them, you can just blow it off and say you just felt really warm and haven't had much to drink today and had to rush over here on an empty stomach. So yeah pretty much the opposite to what I said you should do above. By doing the above though, you should relax yourself and minimise the chance of fainting. If you do though you can say all that and then they will most likely buy it! Because they take some little blood tests and stuff anyway so anything sinister would show up on that.

So it's really up to you. Everything else, full honesty. With that though I would consider doing what I've just said but ONLY if you KNOW that it is just a doctor thing. People who actually go as far as to fainting in situations usually do have something that is triggering this. So I would go and see you OWN doctor first and see what they say. You might have something really minor that is triggering them. Low blood sugar, iron, you name it! It's best to find out what though.

If you KNOW there is t anything, then I would keep shhtum and just go for it, enjoy the experience and you might just surprise yourself once you are there at how relaxed you are.

By the way! I'm not just saying this, but the blood pressure cuff felt nowhere near as tight as they do at other places. So it's quite funny that you mention that because it's something I though when they did it. Just felt like a tight t-shirt :/ but she said I had good BP so winner!

Hope that helps! It really will be ok though

I definitely agree with not taking the tube. All those people, stations, and potential transfers could add anxiety to the day before you're even there! Or, take the tube, but go really early with the plan to walk and grab breakfast somewhere nearby. Take a walk in the brisk air and just relax.

Just take your time and think about why you're doing this! Focusing on the positives might help take your mind off the appointment itself a bit!

[PalmTrees 34]

Oh wow, thank you all for the replies!

I'm a little confused whether to say something or not but maybe I'll just go with the flow and see how I feel? I'm definitely going to have a long walk beforehand and a big meal. I hate the tube so will definitely avoid it, its so hot down there!

I never knew there was a thing called white coat syndrome! Crazy but I guess it makes sense.

Honestly, thank you all for such quick replies, there is a lot of useful info and I'm grateful for it

[AleGwi 11]

I definitely agree with not taking the tube. All those people, stations, and potential transfers could add anxiety to the day before you're even there! Or, take the tube, but go really early with the plan to walk and grab breakfast somewhere nearby. Take a walk in the brisk air and just relax.

Just take your time and think about why you're doing this! Focusing on the positives might help take your mind off the appointment itself a bit!

Yep! That's the one! If you are going on the train as well, it's really close. Like less than 2 miles! So I was there within half an hour of Euston Station. Got there mega early and went and had a cheeky cake in costa! then after, had a wander down oxford street and then over to the embassy just to have a look.

I was there for my student visa back in 2009 but had time so thought I'd refresh on how far from the station that was too. Was about 40 mins walk

[AleGwi 11]

Oh wow, thank you all for the replies!

I'm a little confused whether to say something or not but maybe I'll just go with the flow and see how I feel? I'm definitely going to have a long walk beforehand and a big meal. I hate the tube so will definitely avoid it, its so hot down there!

I never knew there was a thing called white coat syndrome! Crazy but I guess it makes sense.

Honestly, thank you all for such quick replies, there is a lot of useful info and I'm grateful for it

You're welcome! It's pretty cool this site isn't it, I've been using it a lot recently for little things here and there.

One thing I'd say if you take someone with you... The doctor will want to check the goods! So might wanna tell mother dear to turn away before you drop trow! haha

[PalmTrees 34]

You're welcome! It's pretty cool this site isn't it, I've been using it a lot recently for little things here and there.

One thing I'd say if you take someone with you... The doctor will want to check the goods! So might wanna tell mother dear to turn away before you drop trow! haha

It is so helpful! I'm sure I have annoyed some people with little questions or being silly and panicking over time but everyone here is so nice to me and I know I'm in the best possible hands for great answers.

And haha I didn't know that! If Mum comes, I'll be sure to give her advance warning!

[Anna Grant 169]

Oh wow, thank you all for the replies!

I'm a little confused whether to say something or not but maybe I'll just go with the flow and see how I feel? I'm definitely going to have a long walk beforehand and a big meal. I hate the tube so will definitely avoid it, its so hot down there!

I never knew there was a thing called white coat syndrome! Crazy but I guess it makes sense.

Honestly, thank you all for such quick replies, there is a lot of useful info and I'm grateful for it

I get 'white coat hypertension'. That is, any time a doctor takes my blood pressure, it's elevated. When I take it, it's fine. I've taken my own blood pressure monitor into the doctors to show that it works correctly. My blood pressure was elevated at my medical and she was going to tell me to go back to my doctor for more tests. I asked her to allow me 30 minutes to calm down and I knew that my blood pressure would reduce. She reluctantly allowed me that time and it did reduce to an acceptable level.

I agree with the layers and the no tube (if you can). You probably won't be able to bring someone into the actual medical (and it would raise questions as why you wanted someone with you). they will be able to stay with you in the waiting are a - there were a few people who had brought someone with them when I was there. So they will be able to keep chatting to you to keep you calm.

Good luck and let us know how it went.

[apple21 953]

My younger brother used to be like that too but he has outgrown it.

Good luck.

[Ketsuban 1,034]

Hello.

This may sound strange but hopefully someone here can help me with my query. My fiance suggested asking here as we are not sure about it...

So. Every time I go to the doctors I faint. It all started back in 2005 and I fainted in the waiting room after having a top-up jab for Hepatitis after going to Africa. I remember feeling very hot reading a magazine, and apparently I stood up and fell down but I don't remember. I came to on the floor very confused, had some oxygen and then went home. At the time we thought it was a reaction to the injection.

The only time I visit the doctors between then and now is for repeat prescriptions of the pill and once because I had a problem with my ear. Except for a couple of occasions, every visit has resulted in me fainting. I start to feel hot and then I'm on the floor with a doctor leaning over me. Sometimes I try to stand up (maybe to go get some air) and I immediately go down.

I think it happens most often when they take my blood pressure. I hate the cuff and it probably gets me more worked up than I should be. I'm going to practice lots with my Dad's one at home before my medical. I also feel weird when they talk about side effects etc. The last time I went, the doctor said it was nothing to worry about as some people are just prone to fainting fits (like Victorian ladies used to be), and that my blood pressure drops but then picks right back up again. I also think that psychologically I program myself to believe I'm going to faint as it happens every time, and then I do so. I spend some time on my back afterwards with my legs raised, and then I'm fine to go home. Last time I drove home 15 mins later (after wolfing down 2 chocolate bars for some sugar) so it really doesn't affect me too much.

I'm so so so worried about fainting during my medical in Knightsbridge. We were wondering this:

1) Should I explain to the doctor beforehand that I regularly faint at the doctors because I don't like going but is the only time in life I faint?

2) Or should I bring a letter from my doctor explaining I faint but its nothing to worry about?

3) Or should I not mention anything, hope I don't faint and if I do either shrug it off as a one time thing or explain I have this habit of fainting at the doctors?

Would revealing I faint every time be grounds to fail the medical? I am really worried over this. Sorry for the long post and if you've made it this far thanks for reading! Any advice will be greatly received.

Thanks in advance!

Oh, you poor thing I'm the same at theme parks. I'd definitely make the doctors at Knightsbridge aware so they don't freak out.