fasting blood work

Hello friends,

I had a question about fasting blood work. How does that work post op? Right now if I don't eat every few hours I start to feel unwell. I can't imagine fasting 8 or 12 hours right now for bloodwork. What are some things that have worked for you?

Making sure they book my appt first thing in the morning and having a snack all ready to go as soon as they finish the blood sucking! Also, a bit of water in the morning -- usually 8-12 oz but they say too much water can be a problem as well.

12 oz. is good enough to pop those veins up for easy hitting!

Fasting really does need to be fasting. At least 8 hours before blood draw. You should also refrain from supplements for 3 days before tests for vitamins, minerals, and iron. Many things won't be affected, but some will be thrown off.

Oh, I did not know that about the vits! Will do that for my next round.

I also didn't know this!

Ok, this probably sounds extreme but I have some serious anxiety about the fasting and stopping of supplements. I feel like I am barely back on my feet and the thought of stopping this routine that has been carefully created makes me really anxious and scared. Anyone else feel like this?

Maybe it will help to think of it as a delay vs stopping. If you slept in one morning and got off schedule, you wouldn't think of that as a stop, would you? Set your appt for as early as you can, 8 hours from when you normally go to sleep (12 hours if it's a 12 hour fasting test) and you should be fine.