Got a call from my GIs office- my labs are normal. They always are. I asked for the numbers and she said there are so many of them. Grrr. I called medical records and they are sending them out today. I asked if I had to keep my appointment for tomorrow and was harassed that I commented I was having problems managing my colitis. Do you think? I was bad and denied having D because realistically, what are they going to do besides take my money and offer nothing new. I'll see them in November for my yearly visit.
They are probably writing notes in my chart that I'm crazy but the jaundice thing wasn't my idea. I'm tickled pink I don't have to go I but still perplexed as to why I still feel so bad. Its hard being normal- haha
Lab results
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The GI wouldn't touch that question- said I had to go to my regular doc. I'm curious what was all ordered since all I really got out of the conversation is that the nurse didnt want to take the time to explain because I'm normal. I don't recall my numbers but I've had my thyroid tested every six months for years- always their normal. Not sure if the thyroid supplement I'm taking now is doing anything beneficial or if it would have to be a Rx to help.
DebE, my thyroid was "normal" for Mayo 4.76 (.5-5.0). However many now believe that >3 indicates an issue. I think that's true in my case. You need to find out your values and read all you can at stopthethyroidmadness.com. My energy levels are finally improving (nearly three years later) and my mood is definitely better. It's a long, tough road we're on but we're getting there! Deb
Donna, I am taking NDT (natural desiccated thyroid) and am self medicating. Mayo only prescribes Synthroid (as far as I know) and I don't want that. I do want to mention that I have studied all this extensively and am running a lot of labs by myself to monitor levels. It isn't something anyone should undertake lightly, in my opinion. Deb
My last thyroid TSH test was 3.66 and i knew i wasn't feeling right. i am already on Synthroid, but have had to increase dosage over the years. I insisted that my doctor raise my dose again because of the newer guidelines of anything over 3 being a problem. After taking the higher dose for 6 weeks ( and adding a selenium supplement), my numbers are in and i am at 1.93. I feel much better. I wanted my doc to do more extensive testing to see if I would do better with NDT, but i was informed that Kaiser no longer does that treatment ( eye roll)
Leah
Leah
Donna,
When I began taking Armour (8 years ago, with a prescription), my TSH was barely above midrange (somewhere between 3.25 and 3.5, as I recall, but the reference range was 0.34 to 5.6 back in those days). But my Free T4 was slightly below range (T3 was normal). Over the years, my TSH has declined, but my Free T4 always stays near or below the bottom of the normal range.
About a month ago, my Free T4 wasn't tested, but my TSH was 0.53 (normal range 0.36–3.74), so my doctor was happy. Occasionally, my TSH will be below range. For example, a year and a half ago, my TSH was 0.31 (normal range 0.36–3.74), but my Free T4 was also low, at 0.72 (normal range 0.76–1.46).
No doctor ever does so much as even raise an eyebrow about my lab results, even when I point them out. I'm guessing that's because they don't understand them, because low TSH in combination with low Free T4 is contradictory.
Tex
When I began taking Armour (8 years ago, with a prescription), my TSH was barely above midrange (somewhere between 3.25 and 3.5, as I recall, but the reference range was 0.34 to 5.6 back in those days). But my Free T4 was slightly below range (T3 was normal). Over the years, my TSH has declined, but my Free T4 always stays near or below the bottom of the normal range.
About a month ago, my Free T4 wasn't tested, but my TSH was 0.53 (normal range 0.36–3.74), so my doctor was happy. Occasionally, my TSH will be below range. For example, a year and a half ago, my TSH was 0.31 (normal range 0.36–3.74), but my Free T4 was also low, at 0.72 (normal range 0.76–1.46).
No doctor ever does so much as even raise an eyebrow about my lab results, even when I point them out. I'm guessing that's because they don't understand them, because low TSH in combination with low Free T4 is contradictory.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
My thyroid is an ongoing question. I'll have to make a second call and see if I can retrieve the results from last fall.
I received the labs today for the tests ran because of my acupuncturist's insistance that I be checked since I appeared jaundice. They are as follows and meaning nothing to me so I'd welcome comments:
Hemogram Referenace Range
White blood cells 6.3 4.1-11.5 K/cmm
red blood cells 4.34 3.75-5.00 M/cmm
hemoglobin 13.5 12.0-15.6 g.dl
hematocrit 40.6 35.0-45.6%
MCV 93.5 82.2-99.3 fl
MCH 31.1 27.7-34.4 pg
MCHC 33.2 33.2-35.6%
RDW 12.3 11.8-16.6%
Platelet count 209 135-425 K/cmm
MPV 9.0 6.5-11.0 fl
Hepatic Function Panel
Albumin 4.4 3.5-5.0 g/dl
bilirubin, total 0.2 low:<1.3 mg/dl
bilirubin, direct <0.1 low: <0.7 mg/dl
ALK 44 32-104 IU/L
phosphatase
AST 15 2-37 IU/L
ALT 12 2-39IU/L
total proien 6.5 6.2-8.5 g/dl
Again, these number don't mean much to me aside from I can see none fall outside the "normal" range. I have been called everything from interesting, unusual, unique....... I am nothing close to normal.
I don't know when normal is normal and good or normal and doesn't apply to me. I am thankful there is nothing more serious going on but it still doesn't give me an idea how to handle the on going eye issues and fatigue. I have notice my scalloped tongue is improving so I will be happy about that.
Like I've said earlier, having a yellowish tinge at times is not unusual for me so I wasn't alarmed when it was brought up. I don't notice it much but always have an extreme paleness in my regular appearance. The past few years I've noticed that I do not tan anymore but do get a burning feeling throughout my skin when out in the sun. I rarely wear short sleeves anymore because I get cold easily and at the same time get overheated and hot just as easy. If anyone knows a good HVAC guy for the bod, my thermostat sure could use an adjustment!
I received the labs today for the tests ran because of my acupuncturist's insistance that I be checked since I appeared jaundice. They are as follows and meaning nothing to me so I'd welcome comments:
Hemogram Referenace Range
White blood cells 6.3 4.1-11.5 K/cmm
red blood cells 4.34 3.75-5.00 M/cmm
hemoglobin 13.5 12.0-15.6 g.dl
hematocrit 40.6 35.0-45.6%
MCV 93.5 82.2-99.3 fl
MCH 31.1 27.7-34.4 pg
MCHC 33.2 33.2-35.6%
RDW 12.3 11.8-16.6%
Platelet count 209 135-425 K/cmm
MPV 9.0 6.5-11.0 fl
Hepatic Function Panel
Albumin 4.4 3.5-5.0 g/dl
bilirubin, total 0.2 low:<1.3 mg/dl
bilirubin, direct <0.1 low: <0.7 mg/dl
ALK 44 32-104 IU/L
phosphatase
AST 15 2-37 IU/L
ALT 12 2-39IU/L
total proien 6.5 6.2-8.5 g/dl
Again, these number don't mean much to me aside from I can see none fall outside the "normal" range. I have been called everything from interesting, unusual, unique....... I am nothing close to normal.
I don't know when normal is normal and good or normal and doesn't apply to me. I am thankful there is nothing more serious going on but it still doesn't give me an idea how to handle the on going eye issues and fatigue. I have notice my scalloped tongue is improving so I will be happy about that.Like I've said earlier, having a yellowish tinge at times is not unusual for me so I wasn't alarmed when it was brought up. I don't notice it much but always have an extreme paleness in my regular appearance. The past few years I've noticed that I do not tan anymore but do get a burning feeling throughout my skin when out in the sun. I rarely wear short sleeves anymore because I get cold easily and at the same time get overheated and hot just as easy. If anyone knows a good HVAC guy for the bod, my thermostat sure could use an adjustment!
Hi DebE,
As far as I can see, all of your numbers look great.
As far as jaundice is concerned, if you actually had jaundice, one or both of your bilirubin results should be elevated, and obviously they are not.
Based on your CBC results, you are as healthy as a horse (as they say).
Tex
As far as I can see, all of your numbers look great.
As far as jaundice is concerned, if you actually had jaundice, one or both of your bilirubin results should be elevated, and obviously they are not.
Based on your CBC results, you are as healthy as a horse (as they say).
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Thanks Deb- yep, I know it's a symptom and have many others too. My docs refuse to even humor me anymore and don't want to talk about it because those numbers consistently come back normal too. They all think I'm a hypochondriac. I'll most likely keep taking the thyroid supplement from the Acupunture lady and see what happens.
Tex- it's so odd to be disappointed but its a good reminder that things could be worse.
I do appreciate everyone's input, without it I'd be lost.
Tex- it's so odd to be disappointed but its a good reminder that things could be worse.
I do appreciate everyone's input, without it I'd be lost.