Am I out of luck? Please please please help

[uproarhz]

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Hello everyone. I'm panicking cause I think I am in big trouble. I want to become an MD and I'm applying this year. But I have a huge worry. I apparently can't stand the sight of blood!!! I want to, but I can't! Every time I see something bloody and all, at first I say "oh, I'll be ok and I'm already used to it, or it'll be better this time" but then I faint; the whole world goes black and I pass out. I usually have to find a chair or something to lie flat on so I won't fall down and create problems for others. It happened again today in ER when I was volunteering and I just watched some guy get his cut off finger sutured and boom, my face was chalk white and cold and I was helpless and embarrassed. Has anyone else experienced anything like this, especially those that have gone to become successful med students or doctors????
Does any one know how to deal with? Any quick fixes? It's quite embarrassing. Can someone help me out? Please????!!

 

[bloHaZaRd]

I've heard from one of my psych professors that no one can faint by the sight of blood.

 

[monopolova]

If this is true, I'm sorry to say that you are indeed out of luck. Even if you go into psychiatry or radiology, you'll have to encounter blood during your training. Consider a career as a Phd -- perhaps research is more up your alley.

Good luck! 👍

 

[robo77]

just practice cutting chickens and beef at home for cooking, buy the bloodiest animals from now on. if you are a vegetarian, then you are probably out of luck.

 

[stinkycheese]

There is a huge difference between fainting at the sight of a severed finger and fainting at a simple blood draw. If your problem encompasses the latter and has not gone away through exposure therapy (ie, making yourself watch blood draws ad nauseum), then I am sad to say that yes, you are screwed.

 

[uproarhz]

I've heard from one of my psych professors that no one can faint by the sight of blood.

Tell your psych professor I can. He can even contact me for a research study if he wants!!!

 

[uproarhz]

If this is true, I'm sorry to say that you are indeed out of luck. Even if you go into psychiatry or radiology, you'll have to encounter blood during your training. Consider a career as a Phd -- perhaps research is more up your alley.

Good luck! 👍

So you think there is no eventually getting used to this???

 

[hnbui]

yeah i think that research the your best bet.

 

[bloHaZaRd]

In that case, watch a lot of violent movies.. might help you to desensitize bloody encounters.

Try not to faint 😛

 

[monopolova]

So you think there is no eventually getting used to this???

Well, I think that's up to you to find out (do what was suggested with the bloody meat products). Obviously, if you aren't "cured" after testing yourself every day for a while, you're probably a tough case to crack.

 

[uproarhz]

yeah i think that research the your best bet.

But I don't want to give up. I enjoy medicine for the most part. There are certain elements of medicine that I really can't find just in research, even though I love research too. I mean research gets me really excited but it doesn't bring the personal satisfaction of helping someone out and making someone's day a little better, at least not on a day to day basis. Maybe if my research down the line contributed significantly to medicine that would be good, but it's not enough to keep my sense of compassion satisfied. So i don't want to just give up and quit.

 

[uproarhz]

In that case, watch a lot of violent movies.. might help you to desensitize bloody encounters.

Try not to faint 😛

Well, I can watch bloody movies and I don't faint. That's not to say that I'm totally ok with them, but at least I don't faint. It's worse when I am present at the sight of it. And it's not blood really that gets me like that. I can watch a pool of blood say on a bloody blanket or gurny and it doens't get to me. I guess it's more the result of seeing a "wound" than just blood

 

[monopolova]

I mean even cadaver dissection which doesn't necessarily involve blood involves the presence of bodily fluids of all colors of the rainbow (how would you handle what I like to call "cadaver pudding" which is commonly found in the bottom of a hollowed out thoracic cavity). It seems to me that there are just too many times in your med-schooling that you will have to withstand the sight of some sort of human liquid.

 

[uproarhz]

I mean even cadaver dissection which doesn't necessarily involve blood involves the presence of bodily fluids of all colors of the rainbow (how would you handle what I like to call "cadaver pudding" which is commonly found in the bottom of a hollowed out thoracic cavity). It seems to me that there are just too many times in your med-schooling that you will have to withstand the sight of some sort of human liquid.

I know that... But i wonder if there is any way to overcome this phobia or fear or I don't know what to call it. I'm so determined I'm even willing to try psycotherpay if that's gonna work.

Anyone out there, has ever overcome something like this and made it all the way through med school?

 

[stinkycheese]

What else do you want us to say? You claim that nothing you do helps; we offer suggestions, you ask for miracle cures. If you can't handle blood, you can't be a doctor. If you want to be a doctor, find a way to handle blood. That's about all anyone can tell you. Go to therapy if you think that will help.

Anyone out there, has ever overcome something like this and made it all the way through med school?

Med school is just the beginning, child. "Making it through" med school with this phobia does not mean that you can practice successfully. Residency is much worse. Unless you want to do psych, and even then, you have to do IM and neurology during your intern year.

 

[Dr.LeoSpaceman]

I mean even cadaver dissection which doesn't necessarily involve blood involves the presence of bodily fluids of all colors of the rainbow (how would you handle what I like to call "cadaver pudding" which is commonly found in the bottom of a hollowed out thoracic cavity). It seems to me that there are just too many times in your med-schooling that you will have to withstand the sight of some sort of human liquid.

mmmmm....cadaver pudding

 

[uproarhz]

What else do you want us to say? You claim that nothing you do helps; we offer suggestions, you ask for miracle cures. If you can't handle blood, you can't be a doctor. If you want to be a doctor, find a way to handle blood. That's about all anyone can tell you. Go to therapy if you think that will help.



Med school is just the beginning, child. "Making it through" med school with this phobia does not mean that you can practice successfully. Residency is much worse. Unless you want to do psych, and even then, you have to do IM and neurology during your intern year.

I'm not asking for miracle cures and I'm not asking for people who have never even experienced nearly what I have to tell me what to do. I was especially asking for someone who has dealth with this to see if they have any tips. If that is not you, then don't respond. I have not done anything other than just plain old trying to expose myself, but obviously "just doing it" hasn't helped so far. It's like if you are coughing I just tell you to cough until it stops. Even though that could be the only answer, I just thought I'd try and see my options. No need to get mad a "child" that doesn't listen!!! 🙄

 

[CarleneM]

I think your best bet would be to see a therapist who specializes in overcoming phobias. i don't know if your insurance would cover any of the cost but i think it would still be worth it. You should look for someone who does cognitive behavioral therapy or systematic desensitization, not psychoanalysis or flooding. It is my understanding that therapy for phobias and panic attacks can be quite successful although I have heard bad things about flooding (not gradually exposing a person to their fears but throwing them in to the worst scenario right away).

 

[Lion-O]

Here's what I'd do: visit www.rotten.com or www.ogrish.com every now and then. It will get you used to gross stuff really fast.

It's my belief that anybody can get over their fear/disgust of blood and gore. If you were stranded in the wilderness, and your only chance for survival was to kill and eat an animal, I'm sure you could do it. Or alternatively, I doubt there are any soldiers in Iraq who couldn't help a wounded comrade due to fear of blood. When put into adverse conditions, humans will do whatever is necessary to survive.

 

[uproarhz]

Well, I actually did some searching around on the internet for this and in the world of pubmed, it was easy to find out that there are actually people studying this specific topic. Here's an interesting article that I came across if anyone has a similar situation, but don't want to say anything.

http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/104/8/903 "Predisposition to Vasovagal Syncope in Subjects With Blood/Injury Phobia"

Apparently the medical term for it is vasovagal syncope (the fainting part) and this article suggests that a physiological imbalance may cause this. I'm not sure I buy all their conclusions, but it's interesting.
Some other articles were suggesting taking in a lot of fluid and salt (to increase blood pressure) and also muscle flexing techniques in the thighs and the arms at the onset of the faint or presyncope to prevent a drop in blood pressure in the brain. But yes, they also suggestion psychological deconditioning therapy as some believe that the blood/injury phobia may actually be a conditioning response to vasovagal syncope. Additionally there is medication for the physiological abnormality in autonomic circulatory control.
Who would have thought that people would actually study this and NIH would actually fund it!!! 😀

 

[Blade28]

Apparently the medical term for it is vasovagal syncope (the fainting part) and this article suggests that a physiological imbalance may cause this. I'm not sure I buy all their conclusions, but it's interesting.
Some other articles were suggesting taking in a lot of fluid and salt (to increase blood pressure) and also muscle flexing techniques in the thighs and the arms at the onset of the faint or presyncope to prevent a drop in blood pressure in the brain. But yes, they also suggestion psychological deconditioning therapy as some believe that the blood/injury phobia may actually be a conditioning response to vasovagal syncope. Additionally there is medication for the physiological abnormality in autonomic circulatory control.

Well, IIRC the vasovagal mechanism is one of the most common causes of syncope. I'd just work on slowly building up "tolerance"...are you OK watching gore on TV or in movies? What about less intense things, like smaller cuts, nosebleeds, blood draws, etc.? Do you have a problem with needles or having your own blood drawn?

I think you can work through this...just takes some desensitization. Good luck! 👍

 

[edik]

but I remember my mom telling me her experience while studing to become a phlebotomist. She was afraid of blood too (to a lesser degree though), especially drawing blood. But before she was allowed to practice on people, she had practice of some dolls with red-colored water in their "veins". Since then, my mom convinced herself that when she sees blood - it's just that red water, not blood. Did wonders for her. I guess try to abstragate, and maybe practice at home by looking at some liquid of blood color.
Good luck.

 

[SpiritiualDuck]

You'll be fine. I use to be bothered by it too. When I first started in the emergency room as a volunteer, I used to leave the room occassionally to clear my head, take a few breaths. I got better at it. Today, it doesn't bother me. I remained persistent.

Also, a friend of the family, a doc, says that if he's away from medicine for too long it returns and he his first time back is tough. He deals with it. Some people just respond differently than others.

Don't worry. You'll get use to it. Set a time limit, tell yourself that you're going to only observe for 1 minute one day, you'll make it becuas you know you have an out, then the next day aim for 2 minutes, and build, and eventually, you won't care.

 

[beanbean]

It is not unusual for med students to feel faint or pass out the first few times in surgery or the ED under the circumstances you describe. Anatomy lab also takes some getting used to for some students. Everyone has something that bothers them. Blood, burns, vomit, feces, pus...there is lots of gross stuff out there. Gradual exposure will help you get over it. Right now it sounds like you anticipitory anxiety is part of the problem. If you immediately start to prime yourself with thoughts of 'what if I pass out', you probably will.

Keep volunteering.

Don't be embarrassed about it.

Step out of the room when you start feeling bad.

Sit down and put your head between your legs until the feeling passes.

Make sure you have eaten a decent meal and have had plenty of fluids before volunteering.

Often it is the thoughts that personalize the pain the patient is feeling that cause you to feel faint, not the blood itself. This may be why you can look at blood or see a fake bloody movie, but have problems seeing wounded patients.

I have been an EMT for 18 years now. I occasionally feel faint if I am watching someone get stitched up. If I am doing something I am fine, but just standing there watching something is very hard. Try to find something to do.

Keep your knees slightly bent if you have to stand. Sit on a stool if there is one available and it is appropriate.

If you feel you need some guidance, by all means see a psychiatrist or physcologist who treats phobias.

best of luck,

Deirdre

 

[principessa]

uproarhz,

I wouldn't listen to the people who told you you're out of luck because, ultimately, being squeamish is a silly reason not to go into medicine. I started a thread on a similar topic - look up "Weak stomach." In summary, I had always been fine with the sight of blood and needles, but I fainted once in the ER and now I feel sick watching some movie scenes with needles. A lot of people had had similar experiences. It's nothing to be ashamed of. Just try to observe as much as you can in the ER, and work yourself up to the really bad stuff, i.e. get used to blood draws before you look at the severed digit. It may help to be more active. Most people find that they are less likely to get sick when they're actually doing something to help someone instead of just observing. I know it's pretty much hands-off when you volunteer in the ER, but maybe you can find some small job to do - hold the phlebotomist's kit or something. Also, it seems the more empathy you have with the patient, the more likely you are to get sick. It's important to have empathy for your patients, but at this stage you need to focus on staying conscious, so try not to think about what the patient is feeling during the procedure, and don't look at his or her face.

Good luck.

 

[uproarhz]

It is not unusual for med students to feel faint or pass out the first few times in surgery or the ED under the circumstances you describe. Anatomy lab also takes some getting used to for some students. Everyone has something that bothers them. Blood, burns, vomit, feces, pus...there is lots of gross stuff out there. Gradual exposure will help you get over it. Right now it sounds like you anticipitory anxiety is part of the problem. If you immediately start to prime yourself with thoughts of 'what if I pass out', you probably will.

Keep volunteering.

Don't be embarrassed about it.

Step out of the room when you start feeling bad.

Sit down and put your head between your legs until the feeling passes.

Make sure you have eaten a decent meal and have had plenty of fluids before volunteering.

Often it is the thoughts that personalize the pain the patient is feeling that cause you to feel faint, not the blood itself. This may be why you can look at blood or see a fake bloody movie, but have problems seeing wounded patients.

I have been an EMT for 18 years now. I occasionally feel faint if I am watching someone get stitched up. If I am doing something I am fine, but just standing there watching something is very hard. Try to find something to do.

Keep your knees slightly bent if you have to stand. Sit on a stool if there is one available and it is appropriate.

If you feel you need some guidance, by all means see a psychiatrist or physcologist who treats phobias.

best of luck,

Deirdre

Thanks you guys. Some of your comments were very helpful, yes even the ones that were somewhat harsh and were just like "suck it up or leave it." Hopefully next time I go in for volunteering, I can have a better ending than last time. 😀

 

[Agent999]

Some people faint from blood because the sight of blood causes a sudden and intense stimulation of the vagus nerve, leading to dilation of the carotid arteries and subsequent reduction in cerebral blood pressure. So if you are really desparate, why dont you try vagotomy =)

 

[WiscoFan14]

Why on earth won't you just go see a psychologist or psychiatrist? They have tons of experience in helping people overcome phobias...there are legitimate treatment modalities that will help you!

Instead of asking a bunch of meds/pre-meds on a message board...just call your local psychologist and you'll be good to go.

 

[velo]

You might want to post this in the Allo forum where you can hear the opinions of some actual med students who may have struggled with this and found a way to overcome it. Here in pre-allo you're going to get a lot of people telling you that your out of luck...in the back of their head, they're thinking "yeah, don't apply...less people for me to compete against!"

I think you'll get through this, see what they have to say in Allo

 

[spankyMD]

I couldn't agree more with beanbean....when I shadowed in hospitals in high school, I definitely had a hard time watching stuff (for me it's more if the patient's in pain...I can handle blood and guts galore on a patient who's not feeling it). Fainted once and got pretty close to it two other times. I worked as an EMT in college, and as long as I'm engaged in helping the patient, the gross stuff doesn't bother me a bit. Sometimes I come off a call and realize, "whoa...that was pretty gross" but while I'm there I'm just focused on getting info and making decisions and treating the patient. Still can't watch Trauma: Life in the ER without getting grossed out, but I can work in the ER just fine. It might help you to find a way that you can be more actively engaged in the patient's care, so that you're more concerned with what steps need to be taken to get the patient better, and less focused on looking at the bloody wound. Don't get discouraged! 😳

 

[tupac_don]

Dude,

What you are asking is ridiculous. That's like saying I wanna be a swimmer, but I don't wanna get wet. You will have to see blood. There are specialites where u can probably avoid seeing blood for the most part, but u will have to do a gen surg rotation as part of med school and there will be tons of blood there. Either get over ur fear, or go become something else, not a doctor, like a pharmacist. Best of luck.

 

[Gerg]

I had the oportunity to follow an opthamologist around all day yesterday during one of his surgery days. In the second to the last case of the day, he was doing some surgery to a patient's eye lids, and they were bleeding a lot. He told me he HATED the sight of blood. The the next case to come in was a reconstruction of the woman's left eyelid and cheek. She bled all over the place.

If you want to become a doc, you'll have to put up with blood. It's usually not C-Section volumes, but it's everywhere!

 

[medic170]

I enjoy medicine for the most part. .

I think that you better LOVE medicine before you get in too deep. You don't sound like your that committed anyway.

 

[paranitroxide]

I suggest getting a spilling a gallon of blood all over your body..... You'll be set, of couse don't forget to thank me later.

I am serious..

 

[uproarhz]

I think that you better LOVE medicine before you get in too deep. You don't sound like your that committed anyway.

I think you can LOVE something, but not ENJOY it all the time; for example having kids. Most parents LOVE their kids but they DON'T ENJOY eveything that goes with parenting all the time. So yes, the answer to your question, I LOVE medicine, but I ENJOY most part of it. I don't think any pre-meds or med students or for that matter already docotors can claim that they enjoy watching a patient die or enjoy seeing a 3 year old with 3rd degree burns or someone who got a severed face in an accident. So you can't assume from what I said that I'm not commited. Obviously, if I wasn't committed I wouldn't be trying to get over my fear or phobia or whatever you want to call it; I would have already given it up.

 

[Luck]

Out of luck? You can never have enough of me. 😀