[roper0866]

Here's the test results I have gotten so far, these were all taken
on 12/18/06:

Creatinine, Serum - 1.38 mg/dl
Ferritin - 346 mg/ml
Glucose, Random - 88 mg/dl
Iron - 124 ug/dl, TIBC - 284 ug/dl, TIBC unsat - 160 ug/dl
Transferrin - 44%
Potassium, Serum - 3.9 meq/l
Sodium, Serum - 142 meq/l
CBC w/o Diff : WBC - 5.0 k/ul, RBC - 4.89 m/ul, HGB - 14.4 g/dl, Hemotocrit - 40.4%, MCV - 83fl, RDW/RBC - 12.6%, Platelets Count - 199 k/ul.

I'll post more info as I get it from Kaiser. Trying to get info fropm them is like pulling teeth!! haha!! Thanks again to everyone for your help!!!

Roper0866

[rose]

I hope that ferritin isn't ng/mL

I don't have the other ranges in my brain.

They should give you a copy of the actual labs, with the "normal" ranges and all.

rose

[mrsD]

you really need to see your results compared to that labs published ranges.

But just off the top of my head:
1) your kidney creatinine is high...rather high for a young man and it is almost out of normal range. Some labs cut off at 1.3, others at 1.4. so you need further kidney tests to see why your creatinine is elevated.

2) Your ferritin is high too..and should be further investigated.
this site gives causes:
http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:...lnk&cd=1&gl=us
http://www.ksat.com/encyclopedia/6859951/detail.html

3) Kaiser had a screening program in place at one time for hemoachromatosis.
This genetic disease causes arthritis, and organ failure as the iron builds up
in the body. A genetic test would the the logical next step for you to rule
it out. hemoachromatosis is not that rare.

4) Your potassium is in the low normal range...almost out of normal however.
You should be selecting foods high in potassium. Low potassium can be
due to renal tubular acidosis, and with the elevated creatinine...well, is a
warning to have further kidney tests run. Low potassium presents with weakness and fatigue.

[roper0866]

Thanks for the reply,
I'm in the process of getting my medical records from Kaiser but it's going to take 4-6 weeks to get. I'm going back to see the Neurologist on the 23rd and he's supposed to begin my treatment plan on this visit so I should have alot more to post at that time. I did go back and check though, and my PCP Dr. did do several other Iron and Hemochromatosis tests and he has ruled it out. Of course that doesn't mean he's right. haha!! I will post the info on my new treatment program on the 23rd.

Thanks - Roper0866

[roper0866]

Rose,
You had posted something back on pg 1 that really stuck with me. You said the symptoms usually don't come on strong and new (not an exact quote) but it does happen. I've given that alot of thought and I was feeling very fatigued and tired for at least a year prior to this happening. I've been working 12-15hr days 6days a week for many years so I just chalked it up to needing sleep and a vacation. Maybe this has been going on for a long time and until the severe dizziness I just ignored it?? What do y'all think??

Roper0866

[roper0866]

Hey Everybody,

I'm going back to see the Neurologist on Fri 23rd to find out what my treatment plan is going to be for this disease. Dr. had said the last time I saw him (spinal tap on 1/4/07) that he was going to want to try steroids for me. Has anyone taken these? does it work? what are some of the side effects? The fatigue and pain are the main symptoms keeping me from working, is the steroids going to help w/ the fatigue and tiredness? Just thought I'd get some opinions before I go see the Doc.

Thanks - Roper0866

[rose]

I realize that the Kaiser systems is a law unto itself (so big, and so in bed with so many politicians), but a patient by California law is entitled to a copy of medical records within 15 days!

rose

[rose]

That is soooo common. B12 damage generally is subtle for a long time. So subtle that we do not realize how many problems are due to B12 deficiency until they begin to improve months or years down the road.

It is common with this deficiency to see a symptom as "new" when it becomes obvious.

rose

[dahlek]

Just as the neuro thinks he's done, ask him for a copy of the test results then and there...Bet you'll get it almost right away...[doc gives it to a staffer who goes to the copier --taking their time of course]. I find that if I do this in the offices that usually charge for such things...I don't have to pay.

It's got two-fold value...you get it right away, and get it for free. Worth a try, anyhow!

Good luck! - j

[rose]

Absolutely. And that is an important thing to do for another reason: many times some of those lab results (and much else that should be in a record) will not be in the copy of the entire record. Best to collect as much as you can as you go along.

rose