DEAR ABBY: I am a woman who suffers from syncope. I become lightheaded whenever I must have blood drawn or a needle prick -- it doesn't matter which. My physician and her nurse always accommodate me by allowing me to lie down during these procedures, and consequently I have never fainted.
However, if I go elsewhere for a procedure, as I recently did to a free medical screening, after telling the medical personnel about the syncope, the reactions I typically receive range from a look like I have two heads to comments like: "Oh, this will be real quick; you won't feel a thing," "Don't watch" or "Think of something else."
Well, I did experience an episode of syncope during that last screening, and it was very embarrassing. Why won't medical personnel listen to what a patient tells them? Who knows my body better than I do? -- SYNCO-PEEVED IN THE SOUTH
DEAR SYNCO-PEEVED: Believe me, I empathize. However, free screenings can be as jam-packed as a casting call for "American Idol." Overwhelmed medical personnel may not be able to accommodate someone who has special needs. That's why it's important when you hear comments such as those you mentioned that you insist on being helped by someone who understands what the implications of syncope are. You may have to wait a bit longer, but it may prevent a blackout.