Does anyone else get confused by blood tests? I certainly do. I had one last week and popped in to get my results. My ALT was 86 and a lot of other things were in the high side like potassium.my white blood count was low and the neutrophil was at the lower end of the scale. It said repeat requested but having already been booked in for next week the receptionist said it wouldn't be any earlier. I did the stupid thing of looking at Dr Google and panicked myself.
To add to my panic my mum (bless her she puts up with an awful lot of hassle) panicked me by sating I drink far too much fluids (non a
Coolidge of course as my meds don't allow it) and she is worried that I may be diabetic as it is rife in both sides of the family. She then googled it and said a lot of my symptoms are that of diabetes exasperating the arthritis and AS. Now I didn't think I drank a lot until I kept a record over the past few days and realise I'm drinking about 12 pints of water a day, not including tea and coffee. Does anyone else have this problem or any advice on what I should do as I'm worrying myself now. I know Dr Google is the worst thing I could do but should I be concerned. I understand a lot of people can't give advice on here but what would you do in my situation xxx
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Dr Google is anything but reliable: in my mind it's the 21st century equivalent of 19th century quackery, a boon for the worried well and a blessing in very heavy disguise for those with genuine health troubles. If you have to do it then stick to reliable sites, such as NHS Choices and Arthritis Research. You should go and see your GP about these results , and to have them properly explained, because something is obviously going on - what medications are you currently taking? I apologise for not remembering. DD
Many of us have had temporary blips one way or another. What's important is that your GP is onto it straight away and one week isn't a long time to wait for a follow-up test. If they were worried they wouldn't just have asked for a repeat, they'd have marked it 'urgent'. I've been down to the local hospital in the past to get an immediate one and, no, there was, in the end, no problem.
I'm sure if she'd had access to the internet my Mum would have had a field day with medical sites but that wouldn't have made her a doc. (It would just have made her dangerous
In my humble opinion you either have diabetes or you don't, "pre diabetes" simply means you have it but it will get worse, diabetes is a serious and progressive condition. It can, however be controlled with diet and exercise and various medication.
as for the symptoms of diabetes , they are similar to what we get with arthritis , are you on methotrexate as this can cause raised ALT & increasing folic acid to 5mg six days a week can lower your ALT (did with mine which was alot higher ) but you need to talk to your rhumy nurse/consultant first
Of course I hope you don't have diabetes. It would, indeed, be one more thing to worry about but you are doing all the right things. ((()))
Khalil Gibran: The deeper sorrow carves into your being the more joy you can contain.
And on a greetings card (which, sadly I have lost). On the cover is a conductor in full flight, faced by a pig singing its heart out. Inside the pig is looking cross and the conductor frustrated. The words?
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig.
DD
Good for you, Sarah! And well done on bringing the matter up. Remember, if you reach that edge, we'll all be there with you hauling you back to safety. I hope it's good news after all.
Never listen to mothers. Well, that's what my two sons advise
How's your salt intake? That could make you thirsty – crisps, olives, pre-packed food.
Another quick update. I went to my appointment this morning with my consultant (well one of her alternatives) and have made some progress. Since last year my treatment seems to be beginning to work in the sense that over a year ago I had 32 inflamed joints with severe pain whilst now I have only 23 severe, 19 moderate pain. I mentioned the severe exhaustion and constant need to drink. Turns out receptionists at Drs need to be better trained. I am borderline diabetic, as my bloods indicated there was a higher than normal level of whatever they were looking for, but not enough to worry about, and a controlled diet would get that under control in no time. The Dr is concerned mind that I might have Sjogrens however due to my mouth always feeling dry so has run extra blood tests. He thinks it is too early to decide how successful Enbrel is and depending on my results would prefer me to stay on it, unless of course my new blood tests decree otherwise. He has said he will be keeping a close eye on my blood work over the next few weeks as my alt keeps fluctuating but has put me back on low dose methotrexate in the hope it will help my back and has contacted physio as he hopes they can help my back keep mobile. He was a really well spoke Dr, who spoke to me, not at me which eft me feeling a bit more supported.
So even though I came away with a few more questions than answers, all the answers did leave me feeling a bit more positive. Plus until I know if I have Sjogrens, I'm going to enjoy a day At the beach with my husband and son.obviously I will be well covered as I've tried to read all the literature he gave me, but I'm gonna get busy living before I have to concede any further to this condition.
Just for the record - receptionists don't interpret anything so if the wrong info was given it wouldn't have been the receptionist who gave it but someone higher up the line.
Receptionists should not be responsible for interpreting medical results, their job is to make and change appointments, end of. Borderline results should not be ignored, it would have been better practise for you to have been contacted and had things explained. This sounds like Type 2, yes? I hope that an improved diet will help to resolve matters. Enjoy your day at the beach! DD