[GaryH]

Re: Importance of seeing treating doctor about lab results

by GaryH on Sat Oct 10, 2015 12:51 pm

This is a good topic Eric! It is one that I have noticed for a long time. We should be aware of giving advice that may / may not be accurate. It is very important to discuss lab, or other results with your doctor, who should know the specifics of your case, thus taking everything in context. When someone posts a question on here, generally, they do not give us all the info from day one and that could have a direct bearing on what the results mean. Then we respond, using this incomplete picture of someone's file, with only layman's knowledge, and you can guess the results. We can reply only in general terms, or with what has worked for us in the past, but there should always be a disclaimer to go and discuss this with your doctor.

I feel it is important to keep on top of my particular treatment as we go along. This has come to be quite necessary in the last month as my hemoglobin was bottoming out and I have had to keep on top of my lab results and get (up to now) 6 blood transfusions. Without having access to these results, I would have been waiting a few more days for the system to wake up! Throughout the course of all my treatments, my doctor has patiently described what all of my test results mean and how to interpret them, but that only applies to me.

Whilst we are on this subject, I also think it is important for people to post where they live, or are getting treatment. I think there are differences in other countries. Particularly re: meds.

Another disclaimer, This was also posted on my dex day, You are right! It does loosen the fingers!!