Do any of you ache in your joints and/or muscles when you get up in the morning? Just wondering if this is yet another symptom.

Also, should I fast before my appt. with the hematologist next week? I wasn't instructed to, but it seems like it would make sense. I'll do whatever I need to in order to get the most accurate results!

Thanks,
Nancy

I can't answer the question about the sore muscles/joints but I can tell you that when I was talking with a Nutritionist yesterday (at the Organic store) she was telling me all about her experience with anemia and what to expect. She said that a lot of times people are told to fast before a blood test, and that makes your levels increase from normal. So a lot of times, the dr's think you're fine when the levels are really much lower.

I don't know how correct that is but that's what she told me.

Thanks for that info, forensicmom. I did a Google search and came across an instruction sheet from a lab for fasting bloodwork. While it DID say not to eat for 12 hours, it also stressed that the patient should drink a glass or two of water within a couple of hours of the blood being drawn to avoid dehydration. It stands to reason that dehydrated blood cells certainly could skew the numbers.

My appt. is at 9:15, so not eating won't be a problem, but I definitely want to stay hydrated. I will put a call in to the hematologist's office and get their specific instructions, just to be on the safe side.

I"m new to anemia and have ben seeing a hematologist since November and I asked the same question here about fasting and was told it is not necessary. My hematologist agreed. If you were having your cholesterol checked then you need to fast but not for the tests for anemia. It is very important to stay hydrated because it makes it easier for the technician to draw your blood from your vein.

Best of luck!

Anemia would be unchanged in bloodwork for CBC and Ferritin. However, for the serum and sat that would be changed by foods and supplements. I have never been told to fast for any of my tests regardless. FLFLOWERGIRL:)