I'm sorry but I have yet another question. My lab work shows a trace amount of ketones in my urine. I know that can be nothing(at least I think so).

I was thinking though that I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and now trace ketones. This is all new.

There was no glucose in my urine. My metabolic panel showed a glucose level of 87.

I ask I'm asking is should I request any more testing?

Ketones will show up if you are eating high protein, low carb food.

In fact the Atkins' diet used ketostrips to check on how well people were avoiding carbs.

This link also shows other causes:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/e...cle/003585.htm

Since your result was low, I'd not worry about it yet.

MrsD & Hopeful,

I know I have brought up the steroids (with the IVIG) before in relation to the osteoporosis, but can't the steroids cause ALL these NEW issues...osteoporosis, high BP (from fluid retention), high cholesterol, and even the Ketones?

Isn't it more likely that ONE things is causing all the NEW problems vs 4 NEW things causing the 4 different problems?...I mean what are the odds here. If you have coincidentally acquired 4 new problems all recently from 4 different means, then I think you should go play the lottery...LOL

Thanks Mrs. D. I also got my vitamin D levels back they are total 40, D3 40, D2 <4.

I currently take D3 2000. Is that all I need?
Thanks :)

That is pretty good for D3. It is your decision if you want to go higher. You could do 4000 IU one day and 2000 IU the next for a while and see if you raise at all next testing.

Watch your calcium intake, and keep any supplements below 600mg a day.

Hi enbloc,
I agree with you. When the nurse called yesterday she said he will probably put you on a cholesterol med. I said I don't want to do that until we figure out what is causing all this. She told me I could wait until I see him next month.

I agree there is one thing causing all this. I only get 20mg of solumedrol with my IVIG.

Maybe one of you could answer this for me. I have been researching how long 20mgs of solumedrol would stay in my system. I get it IV push with each Rx.

Does anyone know how long it would stay in my system and if that low of a dosage could cause all of this. My neighbor takes 20mgs each day (I think)so it seems 20mgs every two weeks would be consider minimal?

I also am experiencing fluid retention.

I'm just a mess. I'm falling apart:)

Thanks Mrs D,
I'll stay we're I am if you say that number is pretty good. I do not take calcium because my blood work shows it is on the high side of normal. 9.6 & 10.

Thanks again:)

Steroids (IV push) only stay in the system a few days (2-4 I think), but you get it every other week. 20 mg methylprednisone is equivalent to about 25 mg of prednisone, I think...maybe 30 mg.

That is still a significant amount and I can't imagine why it would not related to the common side-effects associated with steroid use.

MrsD likely knows better details on the drug and half-life, etc....along with whether it's plausible that it could be the cause of your new problems at the doses you take.

I hate to :deadhorsebeat: here, but before going on cholesterol meds (I'd try niacin first, but that's me) I'd ask to have my testosterone checked—simple blood test.

I wouldn't say it's a possible cause, because it isn't really known yet which causes which, but low testosterone has been linked to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, elevated ketones, and a lot more.

emphasis mine

Doc

Thanks Dr. Smith, I never thought go that one. I will also try the niacin. I have an appt in June I believe. I'll request the test for testosterone.

I have recently been thinking of going to someone who works on bio-identical hormones. I'm definitely calling someone now!:)