Lab results - advice needed

Marcia K · Post by **Marcia K** » Mon Sep 19, 2016 8:53 am

Good morning. I recently had lab testing done and was able to review the results online. My primary care physician is not good at sharing the results so I'm glad I was able to see them. My mean platelet volume is 7.0, the range is 7.5-11.3. Per google a low mean platelet volume can indicate chronic kidney failure, widespread infection and use of toxic drugs. My alkaline phosphatase level was high - 121. The range is 35-120. Abnormal levels most often indicate a problem with liver, gall bladder or bones. My cholesterol which has always been normal in spite of a family history of high cholesterol is now 221, should be less than 200. My cholesterol, LDL calculated is 135, should be less than 130. And to think I thought that I was doing so well. On a brighter note my Vitamin D level is acceptable and my thyroid is okay. Any suggestions as to what I should do? I eat a lot more meat now than I ever did to heal my gut but it's mainly turkey. I do not take any medication so toxic drugs are not the cause of any of these levels. I came to the place where I know that I can find answers! Thank you all for being here.

Post by **tex** » Mon Sep 19, 2016 10:41 am

Marcia,

Sometimes test results are out of range for unknown reasons (or due to irregularities in testing procedures).

Was your EGFR 60 or above? Creatinine normal? If the answer is yes to both, then your kidneys are almost surely doing OK.

Were your platelet count and your platelet distribution width (PDW) normal? If so, then your platelet production (bone marrow) seems to be OK. Newer platelets are larger, and older platelets (that have been in circulation for a few days) are smaller. Predominantly older platelets would yield a lower calculated MPV.

If other liver tests such as bilirubin, AST, or ALT are also high, then the increased ALP is probably coming from the liver. If calcium and/or phosphorus measurements are abnormal, the ALP may be coming from bone.

Note that moderately elevated ALP can also result from ulcerative colitis, certain bacterial infections, and certain other issues. But your elevation is only slight (not moderate). But the fact that UC can cause elevated ALP suggests that MC might also cause it.

Also, remember that test levels that are only slightly out of range are usually considered to be unimportant, because they may be due to a transient event. If the numbers continue to grow out of range on subsequent tests, additional testing may be needed to pinpoint the reason.

I hope that this is helpful.

Tex

Marcia K · Post by **Marcia K** » Mon Sep 19, 2016 6:33 pm

Thanks so much, Tex. All of the tests you mentioned were normal. That makes me feel better, I thought I was falling apart.

The day I went to the doctor my blood pressure was high, which was the first time in my life for that, too. I know that was from the terrible amount of stress we're under at work, but that's another story. Thanks again!

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Mon Sep 19, 2016 7:24 pm

Marcia
while the stress is high can you increase magnesium intake?

Post by **tex** » Mon Sep 19, 2016 7:36 pm

Marcia,

If you were to ask a doctor, she or he might explain that ALP can be increased by issues such as a bile duct obstruction, rickets, or liver cirrhosis. But as far as I'm concerned, you have pinpointed the reason for your elevated ALP result. Stress can increase ALP levels. I'm not aware of any similar research on humans, but this has been demonstrated in dogs, for example:

Abstract

Here, to determine the effects of transport stress on blood parameters in dogs, we investigated the changes in hematologic and serum chemical parameters in healthy beagle dogs transported from Beijing, China, to Osaka, Japan, to obtain the background data. Only the activity of serum alkaline phosphatase increased clearly upon arrival, a change attributed to transport stress, but the activity gradually reduced afterward. No marked changes in levels of other blood parameters were noted. Our findings here suggest that alkaline phosphatase is a useful tool for studying transport stress.

Effects of Transport Stress on Serum Alkaline Phosphatase Activity in Beagle Dogs

You're most welcome,
Tex

crervin · Post by **crervin** » Mon Sep 19, 2016 8:42 pm

Marcia,
Just walking into a doctor's office causes me high blood pressure! I'm scared to death they are going to put me on blood pressure med

. At home it's 100/59....

So glad Tex cleared up everything with your results.....what would we do without Gabes and him!

Marcia K · Post by **Marcia K** » Tue Sep 20, 2016 5:26 am

Gabes, I have started to do Epsom salt foot baths in addition to the magnesium tablets that I take and I use the gel on my thighs before bed. I have been retiring early to color and read my Bedside Blessings as well as other books that I have. I am trying my hardest to manage the stress that will be there until I can finally walk away from it. Thanks, Tex. I thought the stress was most likely causing most of my issues. Some days my body physically aches from it. Martha, you are so right...this is the first place that I come to seek answers. They are the best! Have a great day everyone!