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Can someone help me understand blood test results?

Posted by greatwhitenorthgal @greatwhitenorthgal, Apr 28, 2023

Hi everyone.

My 75-year-old father had an ischemic stroke in January 2023 and after discharge from the hospital, I took him to see the family doctor who performed a blood test and urine test. I can see the results online and there are a lot of abnormal results. I've attempted to call the doctor back several times but his receptionist is known not to answer the phone.

If someone can tell me what these results mean and give me an idea of what might be happening because my father is dealing with severe confusion at the moment and it seems to be getting worse every single day.

Erythrocyte Distribution Width - 15% CV - High
Creatinine - 139 umol/L - High
Urate - 560 umol/L - High
Potassium - 5.5 mmol/L - High
Ferritin - 521 ug/L - High
Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy - 31 nmol/L - Low
Blood (in urinalysis chemical) Value: +1, Flag: High, Range: NEG-NEG

Any explanations or advice on these would really help me out in figuring out why my dad's delirium/confusion is getting so intense!
Thanks,

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Mentor
Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | May 1, 2023
In reply to @greatwhitenorthgal "I mentioned in the e-mail that I've tried calling numerous times and my calls go unanswered,..." + (show)
@greatwhitenorthgal

I mentioned in the e-mail that I've tried calling numerous times and my calls go unanswered, which is why I sent him an e-mail instead. This is a single practitioner's office.
I don't know what to expect at this point. From his test results and the research I've been doing, it seems my father is in stage 3B of kidney disease, but of course, I will not diagnose him myself, it is just what seems to be making sense from what I understand.

His eGFR result while still in the hospital 2 months ago was 52 and as of March, it dropped to 42.

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I’d really encourage you to have your dad get a second opinion with another doctor soon, maybe at larger medical facility if that’s possible. You’re right to be concerned about his health. I’m not a doctor either but it’s pretty clear he has some serious health issues with symptoms of significant blood in his urine, dropping GFR, his confusion, etc.. His doctor should be on top of this. At 75, your dad could have many healthy years ahead of him. It’s as though his doctor has him written off.
Would your dad consider another seeing another doctor?

REPLY
cathaleen | @cathaleen | May 12, 2023

You can not sit back AND not reach the Dr, the woman not answering the phone is neglect.

Sounds like ur Father has high inflammation that needs to be treated asap. Obvious electrolytes are off, should be addressed asap.
Possibly an infection as well.
Does He have a UTI causing Creatine to be high, possibly.
UTI can turn sepsis quickly. Sepsis Shock. The unanswered calls at his Dr is creating inhumane suffering, get him to ER, and then a dependable Dr. God Speed.

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dustycat52 | @dustycat52 | May 13, 2023

You can also google the test results. I do it every time I get blood work.

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daniel777 | @daniel777 | May 14, 2023

For piece of mind for you and your father find another medical facility and doctor that will address your father’s serious abnormal lab results as soon as possible even if you have to drive to another city with a larger capacity or teaching hospital.

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greatwhitenorthgal | @greatwhitenorthgal | May 17, 2023

Update:

Thank you to everyone who has commented and tried to help!

My father was taken to the ER last week after some very strange and odd behaviours and increased confusion. It turns out he had another set of strokes within the last few weeks. He is now stable and will be doing rehab soon.

He did not have a UTI or any other infections, according to the doctors.

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1 reply
bmaharry | @bmaharry | Jan 10 9:52pm

You have to be aggressive within the health care industry these days. You have to be your own Advocate for your health or those who you are caring for.
Your Primary Care Physician is the person you need to see and most likely you will have to make an appointment with them or as in my case I have to communicate with them through an App on my phone.

REPLY
daniel777 | @daniel777 | Jan 11 8:49am
In reply to @greatwhitenorthgal "Update: Thank you to everyone who has commented and tried to help! My father was taken..." + (show)
@greatwhitenorthgal

Update:

Thank you to everyone who has commented and tried to help!

My father was taken to the ER last week after some very strange and odd behaviours and increased confusion. It turns out he had another set of strokes within the last few weeks. He is now stable and will be doing rehab soon.

He did not have a UTI or any other infections, according to the doctors.

Jump to this post

If you can find a Gerontologist to evaluate your dad ( These physicians specialize in treating the ederly) that would give you a good path to follow.

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l0lag0lag0b3 | @l0lag0lag0b3 | Jan 12 5:02pm

Best Wishes.. I hope Your dad is seeing Nephrologist/ Urologist I only say this as it was mentioned Blood in urine.

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