Blood work and fasting
 

Ick.

Anyways, my GP's sending me to get blood work done to test vitamin levels, the results to go to my neuro for follow up with me.

With that said, the 'rules' are to fast for 12 hours before hand. No problem, 8 pm to 8 am, when I go in there, no food and drink, I can do this!

My only 2 concerns though, can I chew sugarless gum and take my pain medication, or am I to abstain from both?

Of course the doctor didn't say anything about medications. :rolleyes: I'm more concerned about that part, but will veto both if you knowledgeable folks can tell me.

All the durn sheet says is 'small sips of water'. Nothing about stuff like gum and medications.

Laura you have to call the doctor and ask. I have had similar questions about fasting and even calling the lab they would not give me the information. They want your Doctor to tell you. Can you call?

I could call her, however that would be 10 am or later tomorrow. I'll just go without today/tonight, but I'll ask at the hospital out of curiosity (one night no pain pills won't do me in, thankfully) :).

Then I'm getting a HUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE muffin from Tim Hortons after my bloodwork's done. I deserve! :D

I am always told that I can take my meds with only enough water to swallow the pill, no more. So, be ready to have a dry swallow. tell the tech what you took and when.

I would avoid the sugarless gum as it contains chemicals other than just the sugarless stuff, and it may affect how your body reacts.

Hang in there. :hug:

Fasts for testing only, do not restrict water. In fact if you are dehydrated, some blood tests will be affected by that. BUN for example may test high when dehydrated. I've been told to drink water normally because it is also hard to pop the veins when you are dehydrated. Most maintenance drugs are allowed for blood testing...but you should ask to be sure. Most vitamins are reported as concentrations, ng/ml, for example. So if you are dehydrated they may show false higher readings.
The converse is also true, don't overdo any water, just enough to keep from being really thirsty.

Water is restricted before surgeries however, because of aspiration risk.

I wouldn't do anything with artificial sweeteners in it like gum.
There is just not enough evidence about them, but suggestions that they can affect blood sugar readings or insulin levels have been made. If you are having a fasting insulin taken exercise is not recommended as that will elevate it.

Well, that was pretty pain free. I just went without anything last night and went bright and early this morning to the hospital blood clinic. Was in an out in no time, and I did treat myself to muffin :D

Doctor's office was closed, and clinic didn't know about medications, so I'll have to ask for future I guess!