Posts by Nicholas Myers

This search isn't specific enough to provide a real answer. You'll need to redo the urinalysis; once those results are in, we can determine if there's actually anything worth investigating further. To be clear, the most common culprit for this kind of thing is usually a urinary tract infection.

You can request your vaccination records directly from the facility where you received the shots. If they were administered during a routine school physical, get in touch with your school's health clinic. However, if you went through a local public health department, you'll need to contact them instead.

Honestly, just looking at those results without any context, my first thought was a potential UTI. You really ought to get that urine test redone.

Generally speaking, seeing epithelial cells in a sample doesn't tell you much diagnostic-wise—it's a bit of a dead end. However, since you're also seeing mucus and white blood cells, it's worth taking seriously. Get the test repeated. If the next one comes back clean, don't sweat it. If not, go ahead and schedule a urine culture.

Nicole Fisher5 said:I'm trying to go through the records... can't seem to track down that initial post... if anyone has any insight, please help me out!

Are you experiencing any issues with urination? Also, was the sample collected correctly—using the midstream method with the foreskin retracted?

Hello,

Please refer to the instructions in the initial post. What was the reasoning behind the urinalysis—was it part of a routine physical, or have you been experiencing specific symptoms?

Maria Perez46 said:I need some help interpreting my hepatitis marker results.
Since my liver enzymes were slightly elevated—nothing major, just a minor bump—I went to a private clinic to run some hepatitis panels.

Here are the results: HBsAg neg
Anti HBs pos 18 IU/L
Anti HAV neg
Anti HCV neg

Just for context, I received the Hepatitis B vaccine back in high school.

Thanks in advance!

Hi there,

Your results align perfectly with your history of being vaccinated against Hepatitis B. That antibody titer is in the protective range (anything over 10 IU/L), which is good news; it means your vaccination is still providing coverage.

As for the Hepatitis A and C tests, they came back negative. Everything looks normal.

Best regards. 🙂

Hello,

To address upper eyelid retraction—where the lids look perpetually startled—type A botulinum toxin (commonly known as Botox) is injected into the muscle responsible for lifting the lid, the m. levator palpebrae.

There are two ways to handle the injection: transcutaneously or transconjunctivally. To put it simply, it’s either through the skin on the "front" side of the lid, or from the "back" side after the lid is everted and a topical anesthetic is applied. It requires a very fine needle. You’ll feel some discomfort at the site, though that really depends on your own pain tolerance and the needle size.

You can see how this looks in these two images*. Try not to let them spook you. 😉



When handled by an experienced ophthalmologist specializing in this treatment, the procedure is both safe and effective. One potential side effect is ptosis—essentially, the eyelid that was once too high might droop lower than intended. However, this is quite rare, and even if it occurs, it is temporary and eventually resolves.

The duration of the effect varies. Some studies suggest it lasts about 2 to 4 months, but since everyone reacts differently, it may last longer for some.

I don't mean to be repetitive, but if this is necessary for you, I suggest seeking treatment at the Mayo Clinic or Johns Hopkins Hospital. They certainly have the most experience with this specific procedure.

Best regards. 🙂
_________________________________________________
*images sourced from the following works:

1. A single transcutaneous injection with Botox® for dysthyroid lid retraction, M-J Shih, S-L Liao and H-Y Lu;
2. Advanced functional oculofacial indications of botulinum toxin, C. Lee, d. o. Kikkaw, N. Y. Pasco, D. B. Granet

crimsontrucker20 said:My apologies for not mentioning this earlier... Basically, during those tests (related to my lymph nodes, blood work, fever, hypogammaglobulinemia, and inflammatory rheumatic disease with X-ray findings of sacroiliitis...), my primary care physician ordered this specific test. However, nobody has actually interpreted it for me. I just received the results, and my GP doesn't quite have the expertise to break them down 😢 so I was hoping you might be able to help...

Thank you so much!

Best regards,🙂

Hello,

Forgive me, I didn't realize we had already exchanged a few posts further up the thread. 🙈

Interpreting HLA typing isn't straightforward. The science moves fast, and staying current requires constant study—something nearly impossible unless it's your full-time profession. Since rheumatology and immunology aren't my specialties, I'm not technically qualified to interpret these results. Please view my attempt at an explanation as mere guidance, and don't hold it against me if I miss the mark.

The core concept here is simple: certain HLA antigens show up more frequently in people with specific diseases than in healthy populations. Essentially, having a particular antigen may correlate with a slightly higher risk for a certain condition. This does not mean that having the antigen guarantees illness. Likewise, someone can develop a disease without possessing that specific antigen.

Looking at your results, I don't see any standout HLA antigens typically linked to increased autoimmune risks. There is HLA DR11, which one subtype is associated with a form of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (which affects children under 16, so you fall outside that bracket), but I doubt the connection is significant enough to worry about here. Some studies link it to a slightly higher risk for thyroid autoimmunity (like Hashimoto's), but even that isn't considered a definitive or strong correlation.

Interestingly, you lack HLA-B27, which is frequently found in various rheumatic diseases, including ankylosing spondylitis.

Overall, based on this, I don't see a heightened risk for autoimmune issues. I hope that's correct.

Apologies again if I've overlooked anything or misinterpreted a detail. This is highly specialized territory. You should definitely show these results to an immunologist and ask for their professional take.

Wishing you all the best. 🙂

Amy Cox76 said:I need some help understanding these urinalysis results. I have a pre-op appointment with an anesthesiologist tomorrow, and everything looks fine except for this.

Urinalysis
(U) DIPSTICK
Appearance cloudy clear

(U) SEDIMENT
Leukocytes 15 count/hpf 0-2 (x400)
Epithelial cells 15 count/hpf 0-1 (x400)

Bacteria moderate neg to +++ neg (x400)

Hello,

Are you experiencing any discomfort while urinating? This result could be due to sample contamination, which often happens if the collection isn't handled properly—for instance, failing to use a midstream catch, or if the urine touches skin, fingers, or the rim of the container.

The anesthesiologist might ask for a retest.

Best regards. 🙂

Rachel Gomez81 said:Thank you again.

A huge thanks once more. 🙂

Yes, the unit is µg/L. Both iron and TIBC were tested; iron came in at 10.6 umol/l (8.0-30.0), and TIBC was 59.4 umol/l (49.0-75.0).

I’ll definitely check the Ferritin levels once she finishes the Nexium.
Though, this has me wondering about the thyroid. Would Ferritin need to be significantly higher if we were looking at hyperthyroidism?

Thanks.

Ma'am,

Serum iron, TIBC, and by extension the transferrin saturation (Fe/TIBC) are all within normal ranges. As for Ferritin, I would venture to say it is only slightly elevated. Sources vary on what constitutes "normal"—some suggest up to 200 µg/L is optimal for women, while others set the upper limit closer to 300 µg/L—so I don't believe this should cause much concern.

To my knowledge, elevated Ferritin isn't typically linked to an overactive thyroid.

You could recheck the Ferritin later, though it might not even be necessary. Ultimately, it's up to the doctors managing her care.

Best regards. 🙂

rowdyhawk27 said:Thanks so much for analyzing this and getting back to me.
My periods aren't heavy at all; they're actually very light.
But I deal with these issues regarding erythrocytes and hemoglobin
quite often, along with iron (though it wasn't in this specific panel).

I'm not sure how I'd even fix the red blood cell count—maybe through diet?
Everything I've found so far that helps sounds pretty revolting, though I suppose I'd try it if I had to.

This was just a report for my gynecologist.

I'll be seeing my primary care physician in about a month to ask for a full CBC and see how everything looks then.🙂

Ma'am,

The results are somewhat unusual, but the hemoglobin levels are still within the normal range.

Since you mentioned your cycles are regular, there shouldn't be a reason for iron deficiency, assuming your diet is adequate.

Given the inconsistencies in the data, it wouldn't be a bad idea to retest everything in a little while. Perhaps then a clearer picture will emerge.

Best regards. 🙂

rowdyhawk27 said:Hey. 😁 What a great corner of the internet this is.

DOH: 27
Why the blood work? I’ve been on birth control for two years now. I want to check how it's hitting my liver. If everything looks good, I might consider switching brands; if not, I’m stopping entirely.

Medical history: blood work issues... ever since I can remember. Anemia. It’s a blunt term for a frustrating reality. One minute you're fine, and the next, even walking up a flight of stairs feels like a marathon. It isn't just about being tired; it's that heavy, hollow sensation in your limbs. Usually, it comes down to the numbers—low Ferritin levels or iron deficiency messing with your blood's ability to carry oxygen. It’s a physiological drag that slows everything down. Regarding those low iron levels—I haven't run the labs lately, so I can't be certain. Was that still the regimen Gin was putting me on?
..........................
I’ve been checking my levels, trying to get that iron up, but it doesn't look like it's budging. It seems stuck below 5. If the lower limit of the reference range is 6, am I just going to be stuck here indefinitely? :S

To whom it may concern,

Your results primarily show a drop in red blood cell count. Your hemoglobin—which is the more critical metric when assessing anemia—is sitting right at the bottom edge of the normal range.

The labs also show that those red blood cells are looking a bit oversized.

The results are, to say the least, unusual.

Since you're on birth control, you’d typically expect it to regulate your cycle and mitigate heavy bleeding—which is usually the primary culprit behind anemia in women. However, your red blood cell indices don't really support an iron deficiency diagnosis. In cases of iron-deficiency anemia, we look for small red blood cells with low MCV and low hemoglobin levels; your results show the exact opposite.

Everything else came back normal, though there was a slight dip in my platelet count.

If I were in your shoes, I’d at least consider repeating those Mayo Clinic labs after a while. Even if there isn't any other pressing reason, you really need to track the trends for your red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and platelets.

Consult with your doctors.

Greetings. 🙂

stormygardener34 said:I’m asking again. Does anyone have any information on this?
I’ll give this a shot here, since I was already asking for those lung cancer PDFs.
Adenocarcinoma, lower lobe of the right lung (Stage IV - T2b N2 M1a), ICD-10 code C34.3.
Pleural carcinomatosis, right side. ICD code C78.2. Performed a thoracentesis on the right side to drain the fluid.
Submucosal tumor infiltration at the opening of the bronchus leading to the 6th segment, which is currently narrowed.

It’s stage 4. Inoperable. They're starting chemotherapy with Paclitaxel every three weeks.
I need an honest answer. Doctors tend to gloss over the details, and patients who think they have all the answers often miss the mark.

To whom it may concern,

Unfortunately, we’re looking at Stage IV. In cases like this—specifically non-small cell lung cancer where other treatment paths have been exhausted—paclitaxel is the standard protocol. As for the timing, the three-week gap between cycles is exactly what the clinical guidelines dictate. It's being handled according to plan.

You’re always entitled to further clarification and a second opinion.

I fear we’re looking at nothing more than palliative care here. In short, there’s no real path to a cure.

As they say, you have to keep hope alive.

Wishing both the patient and yourself all the best. Hang in there. You don't give up. Every single day is worth fighting for. 🙂

Rachel Gomez81 said:Hello,

A woman's Ferritin level is at 267. The lab report lists the reference range as 20 to 300, but I keep finding sources stating that for women, it should be under 150. Which is correct? Should this value be a cause for concern?

Thanks in advance,

Nicole Kidman

Ma'am,

Regarding your mother's health, I assume those values are (somewhat) elevated (is the unit µg/L?), but perhaps not enough to warrant alarm. In my view, it shouldn't be a major concern, though it would be wise to re-check the Ferritin levels down the road. Were iron and TIBC tested as well?

That said, given how complex your mother's situation is—and considering she’s currently undergoing gastrointestinal workups with Harvey, who is a gastroenterologist and thus the expert here—I'll leave the final word and clinical opinion to him and her medical team.

My best to you and your mother. 🙂

crimsontrucker20 said:Hello, could someone please explain these tissue typing results—specifically the antigen determination...
This is for an 18-year-old. PLEASE, THIS IS QUITE URGENT!
Thank you very much and best regards!......

Ma'am,

What was the reason for the typing?

Hello,

Regarding your diagnosis—Selective IgA Deficiency—I’ll keep this brief to avoid drifting off-topic. Statistically, it affects about one in every 333 people. Since IgA is the primary antibody protecting your mucosal linings, a deficiency can lead to more frequent respiratory or digestive infections—think recurring sinus issues, ear infections, pneumonia, or stomach upsets. That said, many people live with it and never experience any symptoms at all. Treatment usually just means antibiotics when a bacterial infection actually hits. One thing to keep in mind: if you ever need a blood transfusion, it's vital to let the medical staff know about this condition. Also, there is a slightly higher tendency toward allergies or autoimmune issues in some cases.

As for investigating suspected lymphadenitis (swollen lymph nodes), there is a standard clinical protocol. It typically starts with blood work—CBC, metabolic panels, CRP, ESR, liver enzymes, LDH, etc.—followed by an ultrasound and potentially a fine-needle aspiration. Once the cytology results come back, the next steps depend entirely on your history and those findings. This might lead to an infectious disease workup (which involves blood tests for things like EBV, CMV, or toxoplasmosis) or a consultation with a hematologist.

Since you have already been referred to the Mayo Clinic, which is arguably the gold standard for these types of concerns, I don't think much advice or recommendation from me is necessary. The specialists there are top-tier.

Go ahead with the recommended testing.

Wishing you the best. Kind regards. 🙂

Dear Madam,

It is difficult to interpret this smear in a vacuum without the rest of your lab work and a full clinical picture. I can only offer a general overview of what these specific findings suggest.

The results show an increased percentage of segmented neutrophils with an elevated number of granules in their cytoplasm. This pattern is common in various scenarios—it could point toward inflammation or infection, but it also appears in other physiological states, such as during pregnancy.

Additionally, there is evidence of variation in red blood cell size (anisocytosis) and shape (poikilocytosis). Minor variations are perfectly normal. However, more pronounced anisopoikilocytosis is often associated with different underlying issues, most frequently various forms of anemia—where red blood cell counts or hemoglobin levels are low.

Please do not jump to the conclusion that this translates strictly to "infection plus anemia." I cannot make that claim, nor is it medically sound to do so based solely on this single report.

Your attending physicians are the ones best equipped to interpret these results. They have the complete context of your health history and all your other diagnostic tests. You should certainly consult with them regarding these findings.

Best regards. 🙂

You should go ahead and get ferritin and those other tests you were advised to take. To be honest, I find it quite strange that they skipped ferritin during such a thorough workup. It’s a simple test, yet absolutely vital if you want an actual picture of your iron stores. Judging iron status based solely on serum levels is a mistake; there's too much daily fluctuation and too many outside variables at play for that data to mean much of anything.

If they already suspected your issues stem from an iron deficiency—not anemia, mind you, provided your CBC looks normal—it makes little sense why ferritin wasn't checked or why you haven't started any supplements. 🤷

I moved this thread here. Since you already started a separate discussion regarding your symptoms, it makes more sense to keep everything consolidated in one place.

Anthony Scott54, I’ve just read through your previous posts from the beginning. I’m struggling to see the connection to progesterone or sex hormones—what specifically led you to suspect low levels there?

If those hormone levels were fluctuating significantly, you would likely notice disruptions in your menstrual cycle first, rather than just pronounced fatigue and palpitations while maintaining regular cycles.

What you need is a cohesive diagnostic plan, ideally guided by a competent internist who can establish a logical clinical roadmap. Jumping from one isolated test to another is rarely effective; it’s just guesswork.

First, you need a thorough, systematic physical exam to check for any abnormalities in your physical status. From there, follow up with routine labs (CBC, electrolytes, basic biochemistry, urinalysis, TSH). Only then should you consider more specialized testing, such as ACTH, cortisol, viral serology, immunological/rheumatological workups, or psychological screening.

It looks like you've completed some testing, but a good internist needs to synthesize all those data points into a single picture to see if anything was missed and perhaps reach a conclusion.

goldenskipper13 said:yes, but the ferritin was low too... that's what I meant.
But there are various types of anemia. Simply checking iron levels isn't enough to determine if iron stores are sufficient or if the underlying cause of the anemia is resolved.

Exactly. It matters if we are dealing with iron-deficiency anemia, but it's a different story if other forms are at play, such as anemia of chronic disease.
😉

I believe I mentioned that point earlier, so we are in agreement regarding the iron.

I should also add that basic anemia screening involves checking hemoglobin and red blood cell counts; TIBC, iron, and ferritin are only used later to pinpoint the specific cause.

goldenskipper13 said:Values under ten generally point toward anemia.

Anemia isn't diagnosed based on ferritin levels alone; you look at hemoglobin and red blood cell counts.

For adult women, a standard serum iron range falls between 8 and 30 µmol/L.

I agree. A reading of 12 µmol/L isn't enough to either confirm or rule out sideropenia—essentially, low iron stores. To get the full picture, testing ferritin levels provides a far more reliable metric.

That said, if we're looking strictly at sideropenia without full-blown anemia (low hemoglobin or red blood cell counts), research and hematological consensus suggest this wouldn't significantly impact immune, neurological, psychological, or muscular functions in adults.

In addition to checking your sex hormones as previously advised, it would be wise to have your TSH and fT4 (thyroid levels) tested as well, assuming you haven't already.

*Source: Iron Deficiency Anemia in Adults.

Dear lady,

Regarding those monocyte levels—it’s true their percentage looks low, but that’s just math. Since the neutrophil count went up, they naturally take up a smaller slice of the pie. If you look at the absolute monocyte count instead, it actually falls within the normal range for a child this age. I wouldn't lose sleep over it.

Keep managing the fever regularly. Use Tylenol syrup, making sure the dosage is accurate—don't underdose—and maybe some lukewarm sponge baths. Just keep a close eye on how the little one is doing.

I hope things turn around soon.

Best regards. 🙂