Blood tests

[YuliK]

Tomorrow I have to give a complete blood sample for my rheumatologist..I have to fast 14 hours before.

Should I take my Prednisone at my usual hour of 2am

on an empty stomach ?

I usually take it with yogurt.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

If you can take it with water that should be okay. It’s only a one-off.

[Laurapc]

You can take it with a drop of milk. Shouldn’t be an issue at 2am.

[SheffieldJane]

I didn’t until after my blood test and my body didn’t seem to notice.

[alvertta]

Ask the nurse or doctor.

[YuliK]

Thanks to all...

[PMRnewbie2017]

Yes. Take at 2am as usual with water, but not pints and pints. Won't be a problem. My reasoning is because if they are measuring ESR and CRP levels your body needs to be "dosed". Otherwise since the cytokines are released at 2.30 to 4am as you no doubt know, they could in theory be exerting an inflammatory effect by the time you have a blood test at say 9am. If you are having regular blood tests and wish to compare your ESR and CRP over a long period, I think it's a good idea to cut out the possibility of variables. To give you an example: I saw my Rheumy a couple of weeks ago and he said "Oh your readings are up to CRP 8 and ESR 18. Previously they were 5 and 10 respectively". Once told him I had a cold but otherwise felt fine he was reassured . He did not ask if I had been unwell. I had to tell him. The last thing I would want is him thinking I'm not on a high enough dose and am starting to flare.

[YuliK in reply to PMRnewbie2017]

I took the prednisone at 2am with water. Did my blood tests this morning at 9am. Feel fine 🙏 now just waiting for the results.

Thank you so very much for the support you folks shared with me yesterday and this morning. 👍Greatly appreciated. 🌷

👍

YuliK

[VAl4266]

Just a question, has anyone who is with dr Hughes, ever had a blood test? I never have, and wondered if this is the norm???