Yesterday I got a call from the lab. I need an ultrasound and could I come in tomorrow morning at 7:30 A.M.?
So, Thursday morning, fasting since midnight, -- not even any water -- I arrive at the lab. The test is easy, but the young female technician is not. Finally it's over and I am off without a clue as to what the results might be. What an insulting young woman.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
A New Medical Specialist
Due to the low platelet count discovered last week, I need to see a doctor at the new Cancer Center. The one that, when you drive past it, looks like a Las Vegas casino.
My regular doctor's scheduler said not to worry about being sent to a cancer doctor. Hematology is handled by cancer specialists whether or not the problem a cancer-related blood disorder.
Doctor is new to the place and is a specialist in medical oncology and hematology. I wait in the exam room for over an hour.
He interviews me, looks over my records -- labs test results from the past seven years or so -- and appears to listen to my questions which focus on my total lack of sysmptoms. He needs to see more labs results and after that maybe I'll need an ultra sound of my midsection and a bone marrow biopsy. No rose-colored glasses with this guy.
When he's done with me I go to the lab lady and she takes 9 vials of blood. How many different tests? I have no idea. At least 9, obviously. Doctor will discuss the tests when he sees me in two weeks on March 6.
My regular doctor's scheduler said not to worry about being sent to a cancer doctor. Hematology is handled by cancer specialists whether or not the problem a cancer-related blood disorder.
Doctor is new to the place and is a specialist in medical oncology and hematology. I wait in the exam room for over an hour.
He interviews me, looks over my records -- labs test results from the past seven years or so -- and appears to listen to my questions which focus on my total lack of sysmptoms. He needs to see more labs results and after that maybe I'll need an ultra sound of my midsection and a bone marrow biopsy. No rose-colored glasses with this guy.
When he's done with me I go to the lab lady and she takes 9 vials of blood. How many different tests? I have no idea. At least 9, obviously. Doctor will discuss the tests when he sees me in two weeks on March 6.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Three-month medical checkup
Doctor puts me on a diabetes drug, Metformin, twice a day.
As for the platelet count I must see a hematology specialist. Before I could remind him of the wildly incorrect EKG a few months ago that showed nonexistent scars on my heart he said tests were sometimes wrong or misleading. I think sometimes the tests may not recognize temporary health events and thus give wrong results.
He knows I found the tests for the heart problem worrying and uncomfortable, and useless.
PS -- The red blood count is fine this time. I don't anemia after all, for now at least.
As for the platelet count I must see a hematology specialist. Before I could remind him of the wildly incorrect EKG a few months ago that showed nonexistent scars on my heart he said tests were sometimes wrong or misleading. I think sometimes the tests may not recognize temporary health events and thus give wrong results.
He knows I found the tests for the heart problem worrying and uncomfortable, and useless.
PS -- The red blood count is fine this time. I don't anemia after all, for now at least.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Lab tests prior to next doctor visit
I have to see my doctor next Tuesday and remembered before I had my coffee this morning that I needed to get some blood tests done. So I was at the lab by 7:30. Got a call from the doctor's office that most of the results were fine but a couple needed some attention. The glucose level was high, 188, and the A1C was 6.3, up from 5.7 last time. The platelet count was lower than usual. I tend to run a little low but in 3 months it had gone from 117 to 104. It should not go below 100. So I need so see a hematologist. They will make an appointment for me next week.
Last visit my red cell count was low and he thought maybe they should test for anemia. Now it's the white cells. Go figure.
Last visit my red cell count was low and he thought maybe they should test for anemia. Now it's the white cells. Go figure.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Check up with eye doctor -- 4 months after
The eye involved is doing well and the cataract in the left eye is growing slowly. Some effects of diabetes is evident and I need to lose weight. Next check up in five months.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Regular Checkup
I went to my primary care physician for a routine check up and pain management re-evaluation.
He's pleased that I have lost nearly ten pounds since my last visit three months ago. However my blood pressure and blood sugar have both gone up. Last visit when I was fatter both numbers were down nicely. He says the tests also show a low red blood count. Possible the beginnings of anemia. I have been told this now and then for forty years. Nothing ever comes from it.
Other than these items everything else appears ok for now. The remains of the blood clot in the right leg hasn't improved and it still hurts. I'm told it should go away someday.
He's pleased that I have lost nearly ten pounds since my last visit three months ago. However my blood pressure and blood sugar have both gone up. Last visit when I was fatter both numbers were down nicely. He says the tests also show a low red blood count. Possible the beginnings of anemia. I have been told this now and then for forty years. Nothing ever comes from it.
Other than these items everything else appears ok for now. The remains of the blood clot in the right leg hasn't improved and it still hurts. I'm told it should go away someday.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
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