got my complete blood count done yesterday

katermari
katermari Posts: 137 Member
edited December 2024 in Food and Nutrition
i actually have never been so excited to get results from blood work in my life,
excited to figure out why im always exhausted, acid reflux, hair falling out (used to be to my waist now to my shoulders) dry skin, in general my health is not good lately.
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Replies

  • mermaidnj
    mermaidnj Posts: 161 Member
    all those symptoms it was anemia


  • psychod787
    psychod787 Posts: 4,099 Member
    kshama2001 wrote: »
    I have lots of those symptoms when my anemia gets out of control.

    Keep us posted!

    Good lord! You are one tough gal!🙏
  • pinuplove
    pinuplove Posts: 12,871 Member
    katermari wrote: »
    i actually have never been so excited to get results from blood work in my life,
    excited to figure out why im always exhausted, acid reflux, hair falling out (used to be to my waist now to my shoulders) dry skin, in general my health is not good lately.

    I hope you get some answers and that it's easily remedied :smile:
  • JenniferM1234
    JenniferM1234 Posts: 173 Member
    Do you know when you’ll get the results?
  • wilson10102018
    wilson10102018 Posts: 1,306 Member
    edited November 2019
    Lower expectations. Unless you have anemia due to iron deficiency you are gonna get more tests. The CBC is like a flyover. Get a look at the terrain from high altitude in that blood and then when something is out of norm they will drill down with more tests. The CBC is the portal. What comes next is driven by the results of the CBC. There are a lot of things that cause your symptoms. Let it unfold naturally without jumping to conclusions.
  • Avidkeo
    Avidkeo Posts: 3,213 Member
    wilson10102018 wrote: »
    Lower expectations. Unless you have anemia due to iron deficiency you are gonna get more tests. The CBC is like a flyover. Get a look at the terrain from high altitude in that blood and then when something is out of norm they will drill down with more tests. The CBC is the portal. What comes next is driven by the results of the CBC. There are a lot of things that cause your symptoms. Let it unfold naturally without jumping to conclusions.

    This. CBC is a starting place, and is highly unlikely to give you an actual answer. It will hopefully point in a direction for further investigation.
  • katermari
    katermari Posts: 137 Member
    lorrpb wrote: »
    How many calories do you consume daily? These are also classic symptoms of undernourishment.

    i consume 1600 before i binge ( i am a recovering closet binge eater)
  • wilson10102018
    wilson10102018 Posts: 1,306 Member
    You will be happier not to diagnose from symptoms on the Internet. Nothing good can come of it. Save your responses to the diagnosing physician. It has been well proven that patients who thing they have a particular condition tend to overstate the symptoms that pertain to it.
  • Noreenmarie1234
    Noreenmarie1234 Posts: 7,492 Member
    edited November 2019
    katermari wrote: »
    all my levels came back normal. i am now even more confused and lost than ever.

    CBC won’t show much unless your problem is anemia.
  • deannalfisher
    deannalfisher Posts: 5,600 Member
    did they do a CMP (complete metabolic panel) as well as a CBC? and second what AnnPT77asked about TSH? (my doc has to order that separately for me when i get bloodwork done)
  • Fuzzipeg
    Fuzzipeg Posts: 2,303 Member
    I would add, t4 and t3, as part of thyroid panel, you can be told things are normal range when its what is optimum for yourself, the numbers are like a bell curve and some do better mid range or upper or lower from experience, its personal. The man who invented the tsh testing says the test is not being used as intended, the way it is used only tells part of the story. I hope you are blessed with a well trained medic.

    Vitamins and minerals can be low, I hope you can have those tested. B12 is essential for energy and much, much more. Ingesting it from meat requires some specific enzymes and possibly digestive microbes it is possible with acid reflux low microbes may be involved, can be caused by present or historic antibiotic use, some other medications also reduce microbe colonies, having low digestive acid too can contribute but you can't assume reflux is definitely low acid it may not be. B12 can be given as injections but there is one product I know of, there are probably more which contain the enzymes to aid absorption.

    I know I will be jumped on for mentioning this, I veer towards the functional side of medicine, they use the same blood tests but look for the reasons often taking dietary actions to aid the reaction required rather than medication because nutrition is what will probably work better in the long run giving the body what it needs to function well rather than something synthetic or something which is designed to work as a sticking plaster while the issue is only part addressed.

    Our bodies are so complicated, read what you can around your symptoms, keep to medical papers, many are free to read, Hospital research papers and the like, if you venture into blogs look for the authority if there is no quotation then beware, you may find the same information else where with a quotation.
  • naomi8888
    naomi8888 Posts: 519 Member
    Fuzzipeg wrote: »
    I would add, t4 and t3, as part of thyroid panel, you can be told things are normal range when its what is optimum for yourself, the numbers are like a bell curve and some do better mid range or upper or lower from experience, its personal. The man who invented the tsh testing says the test is not being used as intended, the way it is used only tells part of the story. I hope you are blessed with a well trained medic.

    Vitamins and minerals can be low, I hope you can have those tested. B12 is essential for energy and much, much more. Ingesting it from meat requires some specific enzymes and possibly digestive microbes it is possible with acid reflux low microbes may be involved, can be caused by present or historic antibiotic use, some other medications also reduce microbe colonies, having low digestive acid too can contribute but you can't assume reflux is definitely low acid it may not be. B12 can be given as injections but there is one product I know of, there are probably more which contain the enzymes to aid absorption.

    I know I will be jumped on for mentioning this, I veer towards the functional side of medicine, they use the same blood tests but look for the reasons often taking dietary actions to aid the reaction required rather than medication because nutrition is what will probably work better in the long run giving the body what it needs to function well rather than something synthetic or something which is designed to work as a sticking plaster while the issue is only part addressed.

    Our bodies are so complicated, read what you can around your symptoms, keep to medical papers, many are free to read, Hospital research papers and the like, if you venture into blogs look for the authority if there is no quotation then beware, you may find the same information else where with a quotation.

    I was going to suggest reverse T3 as well.
  • katermari
    katermari Posts: 137 Member
    they tested my thyroid too. I am so lost and confused, i feel like giving up.
  • katermari
    katermari Posts: 137 Member
    AnnPT77 wrote: »
    katermari wrote: »
    all my levels came back normal. i am now even more confused and lost than ever.

    Did they test TSH (not usually part of CBC), nutrition (various iron measures, Vit D, maybe B12, others) . . .and if you're losing weight, how fast (and what is current weight)? Done any digestive system tests related to reflux?

    Like others said, CBC is a first pass. Keep pushing. Hang in there; it's a process.

    i am actually gaining weight/stayed the same for about 6 months nowl
    i did a gastric test at the hospital for reflux, nothing. i am so discouraged
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 35,190 Member
    katermari wrote: »
    AnnPT77 wrote: »
    katermari wrote: »
    all my levels came back normal. i am now even more confused and lost than ever.

    Did they test TSH (not usually part of CBC), nutrition (various iron measures, Vit D, maybe B12, others) . . .and if you're losing weight, how fast (and what is current weight)? Done any digestive system tests related to reflux?

    Like others said, CBC is a first pass. Keep pushing. Hang in there; it's a process.

    i am actually gaining weight/stayed the same for about 6 months nowl
    i did a gastric test at the hospital for reflux, nothing. i am so discouraged

    I understand how discouraging this is: I've been through similar sequences (different symptoms/conditions, but the long drawn-out diagnostic process). But please keep working at it. Unfortunately, this is what the process is like . . . especially if what you have is not a common condition (they test for common things first).

    I went through multiple tests and scans for reflux/heartburn before the cause was found (a relatively rare gallbladder condition), but it was a multi-step process to find that out, and get it addressed. And don't assume that just because you may have something uncommon, that it must be something especially dangerous or hard to treat: That's not true. Both common and uncommon things can be dangerous or not very; hard to treat or pretty easy.

    If your GP is supportive, keep working with him/her.

    If not, seek a new primary care doctor. I know that this is all even harder when you're exhausted, but it's clearly important. Please keep chipping away at getting a solution!
    katermari wrote: »
    they tested my thyroid too. I am so lost and confused, i feel like giving up.

    Just TSH, or full thyroid panel?

    Hugs and best wishes that a good course opens up in front of you soon!
  • katermari
    katermari Posts: 137 Member
    AnnPT77 wrote: »
    katermari wrote: »
    AnnPT77 wrote: »
    katermari wrote: »
    all my levels came back normal. i am now even more confused and lost than ever.

    Did they test TSH (not usually part of CBC), nutrition (various iron measures, Vit D, maybe B12, others) . . .and if you're losing weight, how fast (and what is current weight)? Done any digestive system tests related to reflux?

    Like others said, CBC is a first pass. Keep pushing. Hang in there; it's a process.

    i am actually gaining weight/stayed the same for about 6 months nowl
    i did a gastric test at the hospital for reflux, nothing. i am so discouraged

    I understand how discouraging this is: I've been through similar sequences (different symptoms/conditions, but the long drawn-out diagnostic process). But please keep working at it. Unfortunately, this is what the process is like . . . especially if what you have is not a common condition (they test for common things first).

    I went through multiple tests and scans for reflux/heartburn before the cause was found (a relatively rare gallbladder condition), but it was a multi-step process to find that out, and get it addressed. And don't assume that just because you may have something uncommon, that it must be something especially dangerous or hard to treat: That's not true. Both common and uncommon things can be dangerous or not very; hard to treat or pretty easy.

    If your GP is supportive, keep working with him/her.

    If not, seek a new primary care doctor. I know that this is all even harder when you're exhausted, but it's clearly important. Please keep chipping away at getting a solution!
    katermari wrote: »
    they tested my thyroid too. I am so lost and confused, i feel like giving up.

    Just TSH, or full thyroid panel?

    Hugs and best wishes that a good course opens up in front of you soon!

    this may be silly but what is a ful thyroid panel LOL
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 35,190 Member
    katermari wrote: »
    AnnPT77 wrote: »
    katermari wrote: »
    AnnPT77 wrote: »
    katermari wrote: »
    all my levels came back normal. i am now even more confused and lost than ever.

    Did they test TSH (not usually part of CBC), nutrition (various iron measures, Vit D, maybe B12, others) . . .and if you're losing weight, how fast (and what is current weight)? Done any digestive system tests related to reflux?

    Like others said, CBC is a first pass. Keep pushing. Hang in there; it's a process.

    i am actually gaining weight/stayed the same for about 6 months nowl
    i did a gastric test at the hospital for reflux, nothing. i am so discouraged

    I understand how discouraging this is: I've been through similar sequences (different symptoms/conditions, but the long drawn-out diagnostic process). But please keep working at it. Unfortunately, this is what the process is like . . . especially if what you have is not a common condition (they test for common things first).

    I went through multiple tests and scans for reflux/heartburn before the cause was found (a relatively rare gallbladder condition), but it was a multi-step process to find that out, and get it addressed. And don't assume that just because you may have something uncommon, that it must be something especially dangerous or hard to treat: That's not true. Both common and uncommon things can be dangerous or not very; hard to treat or pretty easy.

    If your GP is supportive, keep working with him/her.

    If not, seek a new primary care doctor. I know that this is all even harder when you're exhausted, but it's clearly important. Please keep chipping away at getting a solution!
    katermari wrote: »
    they tested my thyroid too. I am so lost and confused, i feel like giving up.

    Just TSH, or full thyroid panel?

    Hugs and best wishes that a good course opens up in front of you soon!

    this may be silly but what is a ful thyroid panel LOL

    It varies somewhat by lab, but more than TSH, pretty much always T3 and T4, sometimes other things.

    https://labtestsonline.org/tests/thyroid-panel

    Are they giving you a detailed (paper on online) copy of your test results with all the values, normal ranges, etc.?

    If not, ask for it and see if you can get it.
  • Fuzzipeg
    Fuzzipeg Posts: 2,303 Member
    I feel for you. I know what it is to feel blocked by so called medical systems. It feels impossible to get someone to take notice and help most times. You know you feel off but your just not fitting their boxes, the ones you and everyone else are supposed to and its devastating, really hurtful. Our lives are as worthwhile as anyone else's make sure you Know this.

    Wondering, I have reactions to perfumes and off gassing chemicals, paint/varnish/glue vapers, and probably formaldehyde etc from new curtains and furniture, even fuels, those sorts of thing. Using functional methods I have improved to be able to live, do more than just look into the garden, giggle. I've not been able to achieve conventional help for this either. It is also possible to react to moulds and mildews in the atmosphere, they are even in soggy autumn leaves. I know it all sounds weird but there are many of us so afflicted. Went to a granddaughter wedding, felt able, took my emergency kit, just in case. I'd been busy supporting Bride and family as usual, even shortening a flimsy two layered dress which took 12 or more hours I did not have. I became distressed needing to have air, no one gave a dam, worst no venue support, I ended up missing the vows, having come home, showered, changed clothing and cars returned for the Reception, for my special order, only to have to leave because "Rules are Rules". I'd taken my supplements religiously for months, had my mask, nose bips can other stuff. I don't even want to see the recording of the event, I was there but not helped to take part, it would just rub salt into the wounds. Its great the way people can make you "less", or at least try. At this point I say, Never give up, as long as you have breath, keep on breathing because you are valued and make the world a better place. I know all to well the Stress from one thing adds to the stressors from other reactors then add the judgement of others and it explodes which makes one or at least me, the pariah in the whole thing.

    Something underpins, adhd, can be chemicals, its like Autism and other similar diagnoses, something, many different things underpins them all. I hope you find your personal way. I'm 70 in days! frightening particularly because in general I have had to learn how to get my health back for myself. I've had some help from a BANT, UK only nutritionist, read and kept on reading. Please do the same, please don't let the ignorant get you down. For me that includes Doctors, one had he bed bound because he said, this gel is fine for arthritis, though I had told him of my reactions to prese I tried a smear seemed ok, next thing, well morning could not stand! I have full knee movement and no pain by dint of my own efforts with no help from the system. Also tell them, you are entitled to your paperwork. It helps to research the whys and wherefores of your personal health.

    (Beg pardon, not being helped to stay at my Granddaughters wedding really hurts, compounded by others insensitivity)
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 35,190 Member
    katermari wrote: »
    AnnPT77 wrote: »
    katermari wrote: »
    AnnPT77 wrote: »
    katermari wrote: »
    AnnPT77 wrote: »
    katermari wrote: »
    all my levels came back normal. i am now even more confused and lost than ever.

    Did they test TSH (not usually part of CBC), nutrition (various iron measures, Vit D, maybe B12, others) . . .and if you're losing weight, how fast (and what is current weight)? Done any digestive system tests related to reflux?

    Like others said, CBC is a first pass. Keep pushing. Hang in there; it's a process.

    i am actually gaining weight/stayed the same for about 6 months nowl
    i did a gastric test at the hospital for reflux, nothing. i am so discouraged

    I understand how discouraging this is: I've been through similar sequences (different symptoms/conditions, but the long drawn-out diagnostic process). But please keep working at it. Unfortunately, this is what the process is like . . . especially if what you have is not a common condition (they test for common things first).

    I went through multiple tests and scans for reflux/heartburn before the cause was found (a relatively rare gallbladder condition), but it was a multi-step process to find that out, and get it addressed. And don't assume that just because you may have something uncommon, that it must be something especially dangerous or hard to treat: That's not true. Both common and uncommon things can be dangerous or not very; hard to treat or pretty easy.

    If your GP is supportive, keep working with him/her.

    If not, seek a new primary care doctor. I know that this is all even harder when you're exhausted, but it's clearly important. Please keep chipping away at getting a solution!
    katermari wrote: »
    they tested my thyroid too. I am so lost and confused, i feel like giving up.

    Just TSH, or full thyroid panel?

    Hugs and best wishes that a good course opens up in front of you soon!

    this may be silly but what is a ful thyroid panel LOL

    It varies somewhat by lab, but more than TSH, pretty much always T3 and T4, sometimes other things.

    https://labtestsonline.org/tests/thyroid-panel

    Are they giving you a detailed (paper on online) copy of your test results with all the values, normal ranges, etc.?

    If not, ask for it and see if you can get it.

    no they didn't give me my paperwork back, they actually suggested my adhd was acting up, causing anxiety and stress, causing all these other issues, I CALL *kitten*. and wanted to put me on a stimulant

    If you can, I'd ask for a copy/printout.

    Are you in Canada (just guessing from your profile pic)? If so, hoping some of the other Canadians here have info on how you might get your results, whether you have a right to them, etc.

    In the US, or at least my part of it, it's normal to be able to get a copy of the results. Often they're online as part of a medical record there, or retrievable online if you know the right site address, or they'll mail a paper copy, on request without charge (or maybe with a self-addressed stamped envelope). But I don't know what the rules are elsewhere.

    Best wishes!
  • sarabushby
    sarabushby Posts: 784 Member
    In the UK we have a company called Thriva who send you a sample kit, you prick your finger and fill the tube with blood, send it off and they will test it and send you your results. You can order different packages of tests inc b12 and thyroid function etc. I don’t know where your located but it may be worth investigating if there’s the equivalent available for you? There are money off coupons frequently. The tests aren’t THAT cheap, but what price do you put on your health and well-being? Besides, hopefully it’s something you only really need to do rarely unless something comes back problematic and if so, you can see your doctor.
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