...but I was alive

I grew up in a medical milieu, where dinner conversation revolved around Adenocarcinoma, barium enemas and yes, even fistulas*.

My parents worked in hospitals. All my parents' friends worked in hospitals. Hell, I even went through a long phase when I decided that I wanted, needed to be a doctor when I grew up.

So why, pray tell, is it that I suffer from what is quite possibly the world's worst case of White Coat Syndrome? I spy a blood pressure cuff out of the corner of my eye and I can immediately feel my heart rate pick up, accompanied by all the other trappings of anxiety.

(Incidentally, I actually have low blood pressure, so I'm not sure why the idea of getting my blood pressure checked scares me so much).

I just returned from my New Employee Health Appointment. Although I don't work in a hospital, I do work beside one and in the healthcare sector, so consequently it was mandatory for me to attend this most rudimentary of appointments.

Everything was going well -- even though I was actually sitting directly beside a blood pressure cuff -- until she mentioned something about bloodwork.

Me: "Now?"
Her: "Um, yes. Is that a problem?"
Me: "Um, no, but, um, right now?"
Her: "Yeah. It will just take a second."
Me (blood draining out of face): "Okay. But you need to know that I'm a fainter."
Her: "I'm glad you told me. You can lay down while we take the blood."
Me (now shaking): "Right now?? Like, today?"

I seriously need a support group.

*WARNING: Link not for the faint of heart!