Suggested Blood Work

[DebB]

I've searched here plus Googled it and I'm hoping you all can help.

I have a check-up in November and I'd like to have blood work to see how I'm doing - if I'm low in anything, etc.

What would you suggest that I request to have checked?

Any suggestions appreciated - thank you! *Ü*

[katchmoleen]

I would ask for a Complete Blood Count, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel. Ferretin level, B12, and Vitamin D level. That will hit just about everything that a vegan might need to be concerned about.

[DebB]

Thank you so much katchmoleen - I'm copying all this down and will ask for this. I just didn't know which way to go and this sure helps - thank you! I appreciate you helping out. *Ü*

[Veganforlife]

Also, before you go? Drink a good deal of water. It "plumps" the veins up and they can draw the blood WAY easier. This too should be done for the elderly, whose veins are like impossible to find. Trust me. Many a bloodtest done when I was hypothyroid...

[DebB]

I normally don't drink a lot of water, so how long before the test would you advise drinkin' up? I always go in first thing, early in the morning. Thank you VFL! Such a good tip. *Ü*

[Dimond]

Also, before you go? Drink a good deal of water. It "plumps" the veins up and they can draw the blood WAY easier. Wish someone gave me this advice when I use to get blood tests. They never can find my vein and it's usually complete torture. :( If I'm ever forced to get one again, I will try this.

[Veganforlife]

First off EVERYone should start their day with at least 8 ounces of water (preferrable 16 ozs.); you figure we have been fasting all night. Before the blood test? I'd say a half hour to an hour would be sufficient. And why AREN'T you drinking water throughout the day?

[DebB]

Wish someone gave me this advice when I use to get blood tests. They never can find my vein and it's usually complete torture. :( If I'm ever forced to get one again, I will try this.

Hi Dimond ~ Next time you could ask them about this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butterfly_needle
The gal at the lab I go to told me this is great for small or hard to find veins.

Hi VFL - With the amount of water rich food I eat,, my body's just not asking for much water. I do drink water, just not the amount I used to drink when I was eating SAD. *Ü*

[Veganforlife]

I forgot about the butterfly needle. Good point. By the time you "feel" thirsty? You are dehydrated. I drink even when I'm not thirsty.

[DebB]

By the time you "feel" thirsty? You are dehydrated. I drink even when I'm not thirsty.

Thanks ~ I'm doing what my body needs right now. I've been at the water drinking for several years. It's all good. *Ü*

[Dimond]

Hi Dimond ~ Next time you could ask them about this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butterfly_needle
I'd already done that for years and it's still an issue. Basically the majority of practitioners just have no idea how to do it correctly. Occasionally I've been lucky enough to find someone who does, but of course it's been a different person every time. I just have no interest in ever getting one again unless it's an emergency. With the advanced technology available now, there should be a completely painless way to do this and no one should ever even need a blood test again. But that's a whole other thread. :rolleyes:

Good luck with your tests, Deb.

[DebB]

That reminds me of this poor nurse trying to get an IV started in my husband.. she couldn't get it and after 3 tries, he reached over and grabbed onto her wrist (he's a big guy) and said, "You've got one more chance...." (gulp!!! yikes) *Ü*