Do you carry around your own test results for new docs?

[Koolau]

I have some experience in the medical field and I have to say that even if your test results come back as "normal" is good to get them on paper so you can sit for yourself and study them afterwards where on the scale you are. Let´s say something simple as iron for example, you can be on the edge of too little but you are "Normal" in medical sense but still have very strong symtoms. I learned the hard way that if you are on the edge on either too much or too little your doctor wont let you know, so I study the tests myself and if I see I need to take more or less of something I do that and I do reschedule an appointment for that bloodtest often about 3 months so I can fill it up or reduce it (since the body is often slow to adjust).

Actually, I count on my doctor to alert me if something is (or isn't) an issue based on the numbers. I've often had number that fell out of spec. and the Doc has said not to worry about it. Another number was slightly out, and he ordered another test because the "downside" could have indicated cancer.


I agree it's good to find out as much about your numbers as possible, but at some point, you either need to trust your doctor or find one you can trust. I'm very impressed with my PCP (that has not always been the case, so YMMV.)

 

[brett]

I have some experience in the medical field and I have to say that even if your test results come back as "normal" is good to get them on paper so you can sit for yourself and study them afterwards where on the scale you are. Let´s say something simple as iron for example, you can be on the edge of too little but you are "Normal" in medical sense but still have very strong symtoms. I learned the hard way that if you are on the edge on either too much or too little your doctor wont let you know, so I study the tests myself and if I see I need to take more or less of something I do that and I do reschedule an appointment for that bloodtest often about 3 months so I can fill it up or reduce it (since the body is often slow to adjust).

We do exactly that. We get our results posted by the lab within 48 hours. Not just the results but how our results compare with what is considered to be a safe, acceptable range.

The results each have a layman's description of the tested item and what the consequences may be if we are on the outer edge of an acceptable range ,,,and keep going in the wrong direction.

I found his very useful to review. I had two questions based on the ones I could understand/comprehend. Better than thinking about a question after the physician appt.

 

[GalaxyBoy]

I have some experience in the medical field and I have to say that even if your test results come back as "normal" is good to get them on paper so you can sit for yourself and study them afterwards where on the scale you are. Let´s say something simple as iron for example, you can be on the edge of too little but you are "Normal" in medical sense but still have very strong symtoms. I learned the hard way that if you are on the edge on either too much or too little your doctor wont let you know, so I study the tests myself and if I see I need to take more or less of something I do that and I do reschedule an appointment for that bloodtest often about 3 months so I can fill it up or reduce it (since the body is often slow to adjust).

I used to have a doc who would just send me a post card saying everything was fine. Once it came postage due. He’s not my doc any more.

On another note, DW and I were going through some papers my late Dad left. I found a booklet with all my vaccinations from birth to adolescence.

 

[Koolau]

We do exactly that. We get our results posted by the lab within 48 hours. Not just the results but how our results compare with what is considered to be a safe, acceptable range.

The results each have a layman's description of the tested item and what the consequences may be if we are on the outer edge of an acceptable range ,,,and keep going in the wrong direction.

I found his very useful to review. I had two questions based on the ones I could understand/comprehend. Better than thinking about a question after the physician appt.

In addition to access to explanations of the tests, our "My Chart" shows results over time with option to see the results in graphical form. This is very useful in looking for trends. If "normal" results suddenly change, that may be an indicator to the doctor to watch more closely or to order other tests.

This tool is especially useful for something like kidney function. The kidney function test is a result of a couple of results and is therefore prone to quite a bit of variability and loss of accuracy. Any single result is probably not dispositive but over time, and especially viewed graphically, kidney function may become better known.

I am always "low" on kidney function but the doctor says I'm age appropriate and don't have anything currently to worry about (well, with my kidneys.)

 

[Rianne]

In addition to access to explanations of the tests, our "My Chart" shows results over time with option to see the results in graphical form. This is very useful in looking for trends. If "normal" results suddenly change, that may be an indicator to the doctor to watch more closely or to order other tests.

This tool is especially useful for something like kidney function. The kidney function test is a result of a couple of results and is therefore prone to quite a bit of variability and loss of accuracy. Any single result is probably not dispositive but over time, and especially viewed graphically, kidney function may become better known.

I am always "low" on kidney function but the doctor says I'm age appropriate and don't have anything currently to worry about (well, with my kidneys.)

I have low kidney function as well. When my GFR dropped 5 pts in 6 months I made an appointment at Mayo Clinic. All my records, CT scans, notes, and bloodwork were transferred electronically. I didn't have to bring any records. Turns out the kidney disease diagnosed at my local healthcare was false. I was misdiagnosed. The radiologists at Mayo clearly said this was misdiagnosed and so did the specialist there. But we did a genetic test to prove it. I now have a new Nephrologist.

You are correct, about watching the kidney function over time. Making sure things are at least stable. Many factors can alter kidney bloodwork results, not drinking enough water, or heavy exercise increases creatinine, but that doesn't necessarily mean your kidneys are failing. The results go up and come down over time.