Hello guys! I am coming up on my 4th yr anniversary the end of August and I wanted to post an interesting topic. I am an American of English heritage, but a practicing Muslim and as this is the Holy month of Ramadan all the Muslims (that are able) are fasting from sunrise to sunset. I have always participated prior to my MM, but after my surgeries was told by Dr. Steinburg "I should never fast again" and I have since heeded his medical advise. Of course, us MM'ers should stay very hydrated and keep our blood pressure strong for our grafts. It seems a no-brainer that fasting would lower blood pressure and leave one de-hydrated. I have felt somewhat sad & guilty "not" fasting although it is perfectly acceptable "not" to fast if it were to be harmful (ie: a diabetic or elderly person etc)
I am curious to see if other MM'ers out there "are" fasting and if so, how is it affecting you?

I personally get symptomatic when I am dehydrated and notice speech slurring and dizzyness as my wakeup call to increase my fluids.

Ok.....thanks for stepping in
Smiles to all.....Diane  : )

You said it all.  I am a Christian and there are several times a year when we fast as well.  However, I have had to give this up becasue of MM.  I also become symptomatic when I get dehydrated or even if I have not eaten enough.  I have also felt guilty at times but it is so important for me to stay hydrated. 
Don't worry, I do not think these things are held against us.  I sometimes will try to fast for shorter periods of time, such as just fasting in the am, from the time I get up until lunch.  SInce this is a time for you to abstain from physical needs are there other things that you can abstain from that would allow you to participate without feeling quilty? 
Good Luck

Tracie

Thanks Tracie for your input! It is thoughtful and informative as many people of ALL religions fast for significant holidays. I believe my Jewish friends can drink water and eat bread during their fast...but a Muslim cannot eat or drink "anything", it is a total fast until broken.

Of course, denying oneself of food or water is only a physical aspect of fasting and the spiritual/reflective component is actually the more important ritual of any fast.
As my wise son put it...."your hunger & thirst serves as the reminder, to focus on the spiritual side of things!"

I too, like you, get symptomatic when I haven't "eaten" or had fluids in a short time. I do believe that our good intentions....are counted : )

Wow - interesting topic!  I am a practicing Jew.  We fast on Yom Kippur (only one day - sun down to sun down).  We're not supposed to eat or drink anything at all.  The Jewish faith provides us a "pass," if you will, for anything that can put your life at risk or any medical conditions such as diabetes and such.  So, I still fast in terms of food, but I do drink liquids to stay hydrated.  I believe you do what you can....

-Shari

Shari, wow sunset to sunset. That's a full 24hr fast! I wasn't aware it was that lengthy! I imagine that would be hard for most "healthy" persons. Glad you choose to stay hydrated throughout. And yes, our sincerity is what matters most. Thanks for sharing!