1. < Blood Cancers & Disorders

I am looking for advice on lab work and how to address my Dr about it

Posted by meo1 @meo1, 5 days ago

I have had labs done every year since 2022 and every year my Anion Gap has been low. The last 2 years I have had my labs done 2x a year due to high cholesterol, triglycerides and low calcium & sodium.
After medication and diet change my numbers have slightly lowered on the high test and my sodium and calcium are within normal range. What my concern is happens to be the abnormal test the dr never discusses, my anion gap. In 2022 it was an 8 "normal range" however since my hysterectomy in 2022 it has been dropping and is now at a 3 for last 3 sets of labs. My albium is normal as well as creatines and all other test on that panel until most recent labs which noted a high level of chloride. My concern is reading on line it tends to note kidney disease and cancer yet my Dr has not even addressed these numbers. Should I be concerned and should I schedule an appointment to ask questions or should I seek a specialist to review the existing labs?

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shmerdloff | @shmerdloff | 1 day ago
In reply to @amberl99 "If I had not been my own advocate, done my own research, requested referrals, and been..." + (show)
@amberl99

If I had not been my own advocate, done my own research, requested referrals, and been smart about it, I’d be dead. That any doc, an ENT no less, would be ‘furious’ about patients having questions about their data pertaining to their own health is unacceptable. They are hired and paid by the patient to do their very best by their patient. This doc isn’t. Your friend, who probably is a good friend, needs a come to Jesus moment or find another profession.

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He's old now, retired, and seeing the world. He was a very competent and caring doctor. Clinical Narcissism is an occupational necessity and hazard.

REPLY
jello13577 | @jello13577 | 15 hours ago

I worked in a lab for yrs and I myself have CKD. Chloride can be the kidneys but your most important lab is normal as you said for creatinine which is the big indicator of kidney disease. I have had my chloride levels diff many times but it is usually dehydration. My anion gap has been diff levels also and my nephrologist tells me it is nothing to be concerned about it can also be dehydration and that makes electrolytes imbalanced. What I mean by being dehydrated can be as simple as needing another glass of water, it doesn't always mean your so ill from dehydration your in danger. I have had kidneys disease since I was 10 yrs old. I drive my nephrologist crazy because I always have the results before him and I have checked everything out on line before my appt. Don't worry about every little abnormally because it is usually nothing unless so totally out of whack and then the Dr will say something. Also all labs have different norms and abnormals by a few points here and there on there formularies. Take care!

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shmerdloff | @shmerdloff | 2 hours ago

If you can find the Leukemia Society website, there is a good video on how to interact with the lab and your providers.

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