question about labs - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

poet_kelly · 10-01-2009, 07:45 AM

I had some labs done back in July but only just recently got a copy of the report myself. The surgeon's office had told me over the phone that everything was fine except my vitamin D was low, but that's not what the report says. So I have some questions about the results. For various reasons, I don't trust my surgeon's office, and I'm looking for a new doctor. But I was wondering if you could tell me what these things mean.

My hematocrit was high. It was 45.5, and it says normal is 34.4 - 44.8. So mine wasn't very high, but it's a little high. I read that dehydration can cause that. I had fasted for 12 hours before having the blood work done. Would that cause it to be high?

My alkaline phosphatase was high. It was 110, and it says normal is 25 - 100. It turns out I had gall stones at that time. They had not been diagnosed yet, but I was having symptoms, and an ultrasound later identified the stones and my gall bladder was subsequently removed. Would that account for the elevation? Or is it likely I am not getting enough calcium, which you mentioned in your Utube video on vitamins? I take 1500 mg calcium citrate per day.

Finally, my thiamin was high. It was 172, and it says normal is 80 - 150. I tried to look that up but couldn't find anything about it being high, just low. What does that mean, and do I need to do anything about it?

Thanks.

Kelly

Dr. Callery · 10-11-2009, 11:32 AM

If I read your post correctly you have two areas of concern. You want to find out more about the meaning of your lab results, and you are not happy with communications with your surgeon's staff.

It wouldn't be appropriate for me to comment about the interpretation of your lab tests because I'm not your physician. Some abnormal results are very important. On the other hand, some results may be in the abnormal range but may not be clinically significant.

The best thing to do might be to ask for an appointment with your surgeon and speak to him directly about the test results. Also tell him about your concerns about his staff and how the lab information was conveyed. Sometimes a surgeon is unaware of how his staff is working with patients, and it is a great help to him and other patients to bring it to his attention.

If you don't feel comfortable making an appointment with your surgeon, meet with your primary care physician to discuss the labs and the communication breakdown. Often your PCP can help get things straightened out.