Posts by Bryan Barnes2

Quote: Felix the Cat

redcyclist7 said:I’ve been taking Centrum—honestly, I never had any issues with my iron levels until this year. Now, I'm left wondering... could this be an underlying health issue? Anyway, thanks for the input. 🙂

If you are still experiencing regular cycles, the primary driver behind iron-deficiency anemia is often heavy menstrual bleeding. For those who fall into this category—and I truly mean this as a sincere suggestion—I would advise scheduling routine gynecological exams and periodic blood work to monitor your iron levels. It is much better to start an iron supplement regimen early—well before the actual symptoms of anemia begin to take hold.

Beyond the typical reasons for iron deficiency, I would point to dietary gaps—perhaps a lack of meat consumption? Or even more concerningly, occult bleeding within the gastrointestinal tract or issues stemming from the urinary tract.

redcyclist7 said:So... I'm looking for some advice because this seems quite strange to me. I recently had a full blood panel done—I've been dealing with anemia lately.

Everything else looks fine, but this part is confusing me.

Iron: 27.1
UIBC 18.8 L

How is it possible to have such high iron levels but a low UIBC? Thanks.

You didn't mention it, but I assume you've been taking an iron supplement due to the anemia (iron-deficiency anemia?).

Things become much clearer if we look at the formula:
TIBC (total iron binding capacity) = UIBC (unsaturated iron binding capacity) + Fe

Think of UIBC as the portion of a specific protein—transferrin, which carries iron through the bloodstream—that remains unbound.

To put it simply: the more iron present in the blood, the less free protein (UIBC) there is available. It works both ways—less iron means more free protein.

Therefore, your results are perfectly logical.

To get a more precise picture of your body's actual iron stores, I would suggest having your ferritin levels checked.

Maria Fisher46 said:And to my esteemed colleague, Bryan Barnes2—I also offer my 👋 and 🙏.

🙂

My regards to a respected peer—an authority here on the Health forum. 👍

dustytinker52 said:@Bryan Barnes2 thanks for the reply👍

Could you please give me your thoughts on this part of the report as well:

Fungi by PCR
Pfizer 2904 10-5000 Positive
Candida (albicans tropicalis) 588 MFI 10-5000 Negative

Thx

I am inclined to agree with Nicholas Myers.

A potential reason for this colonization could be a malabsorptive syndrome—or perhaps damage to the intestinal lining (if I recall correctly, there was some suspicion regarding Celiac disease in your case).

Now—assuming the analysis is accurate and the lab hasn't made an error—the real question is whether treatment is necessary at all. If there are no symptoms, is it truly justifiable to treat something based solely on a positive finding?

The antifungals used against Pfizer aren't common medications—unlike, say, fluconazole... we are talking about much more modern, extremely expensive drugs that aren't just handed out; they typically require approval from a medical board first.

Any doctor you show this report to will find themselves in quite a difficult position.

dustytinker52 said:...I am just wondering about these specific values...could this be celiac disease? Thanks!

It is a possibility.

Besides the stool tests, did you undergo any serum testing—specifically tTG or EMA?
Beyond that, a gastroscopy with targeted deep duodenal biopsies would likely be necessary.

Without those steps, it remains difficult to confirm if we are truly looking at celiac disease.

Linda Ramirez30 said:Could someone please interpret this pathology report from my gastroscopy:
Stomach mucosa fragments—covering, foveolar, and glandular epithelium—show reparative-degenerative changes along with small areas of dysplasia in the covering and foveolar epithelium! There are sparse lymphocytes in the lamina propria.

Given that finding, I would suggest seeing a gastroenterologist—and they will probably want to repeat the gastroscopy later. This result definitely warrants follow-up monitoring.

Elizabeth Hall65 said:I have read so many different things online; is a cholesterol level of 6.9 concerning?
I found out that once you hit 7.0, medication is usually required.
Please advise.

Crucial data points are missing here—specifically your LDL and HDL levels.

The answer isn't straightforward.
It depends on several variables: your age, whether you have diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, or if you smoke.

For instance, if you are a healthy middle-aged woman with no family history of heart disease and an HDL above 1.2, I wouldn't rush toward statins in that scenario.

However, if you have survived a heart attack (which I hope you haven't), or if a parent passed away young due to cardiac issues, or if you smoke, struggle with weight, high blood pressure, or diabetes—and your HDL is around 1.0 or lower—then, alongside dietary changes, I would likely recommend medication.

As I said, there is no simple or singular answer.

restlessdriver said:Everyone has elevated cholesterol because everyone's diet is centered around starch.

I don't have high cholesterol myself. 🙂

If greasy food were actually the culprit behind high cholesterol, you wouldn't be seeing these specific results—modern research suggests the real issue is an excessive intake of carbohydrates. Essentially, the body "processes" them in a way that prevents fats from being burned for energy, causing them to accumulate instead.

Exactly! To put it simply—the body converts carbohydrates into fat quite efficiently.

Give it a shot and you'll likely find you won't need medication—though unfortunately, most people opt for the faster route, which tends to be much harsher on the system.

According to various studies, using diet as your primary tool can impact total cholesterol levels by about 15-20%. In practical terms, if your total cholesterol is at 7.0, you could realistically see it drop down to the low 5s. That’s a respectable range that shouldn't require medication—provided the individual is otherwise healthy.

placidsailor4 said:Hi everyone.
I recently went in for some routine blood work and a urinalysis just to check things over—everything came back normal except for a few outliers:
-MPV: 11.1 (normal 6.8-10.4)
-Relative urine density: 1.031 (normal 1.002 - 1.030)

Is this cholesterol level concerning enough to warrant medication? I noticed my HDL Cholesterol is 1.6 (normal >1.0)
What's the deal with the MPV, and is that slightly high urine density dangerous? Could they be related? I'm a 49-year-old male.
Thanks in advance for any help.

Since these elevations are marginal and your other markers look good, I wouldn't lose sleep over the MPV or the urine density. Isolated, slight elevations like those typically don't point to anything serious.

Regarding the cholesterol.
I won't repeat myself—the advice remains the same as what was given to the user with the 6.9 cholesterol reading.
I would definitely suggest adjusting your diet and then re-checking your lipid panel in 2-3 months.

silentdriver23 said:I am looking for some guidance here.
Everything looks fine except for my urinary free cortisol—which is incredibly high, around 1600. I had a dexamethasone suppression test and it was
Thanks and best,

A negative dexamethasone suppression test, combined with normal ACTH levels, effectively rules out a diagnosis of Cushing syndrome.

feralwolf said:I am looking for some advice. 🙂

We are dealing with a 65-year-old man suffering from rheumatoid arthritis—he is currently taking Cortisone and Aspirin.
Two days ago, he began experiencing speech difficulties; he feels like his articulation has slowed down, while those of us listening hear a sort of slurring.
He went to the emergency room in Oakland, where the conclusion was:

Patient shows no signs of acute neurological deficit. Neurological status is normal, with no evident focal neurological deficits. An MSNBC brain scan showed no signs of an acute pathomorphological substrate. Recommend starting antihypertensive therapy (blood pressure was 165/95).

It was recommended to perform a carotid and vertebral artery Doppler ultrasound, as well as a TCD VB spleen study—these have been completed with normal results—along with a lipid panel.

The issue is that his speech isn't returning to normal, so I am wondering if anyone here has had similar experiences or advice on what further tests we should pursue or which direction to take. His primary care physician hasn't provided any referrals.

I should mention that right before this started, he suffered the loss of a close family member. Is it possible this is simply a reaction to stress?

It seems unlikely that this is merely stress.
I would suggest an MRI of the brain—it is a far superior diagnostic tool compared to an MSCT.

restlessdriver said:Are you an endocrinologist? Thanks for the response regardless.

I am not an endocrinologist—though I would certainly suggest scheduling a visit with one.

restlessfox96 said:Hi,

About five years ago, I saw a doctor regarding sinus issues. Unrelated to that, the doctor noticed swelling in my finger joints—which suggested inflammation. Personally, I hadn't even noticed it myself; there was no pain or redness. Following the doctor's lead, I went for tests, and a rheumatologist at the Mayo Clinic concluded it was "nothing significant," noting synovial thickening on the report. This was based on negative blood work and X-rays. Five years later, through a colleague, I learned there is a possibility this could actually be RA, so I was advised to see another specialist. That doctor recommended an MRI, HLA typing, and fresh blood work. The MRI and blood results show no signs of inflammation... but I can't quite make sense of the HLA results. I have an appointment scheduled to go over everything, but I'm a bit impatient and was wondering if anyone here could help interpret them.

Method: CDC (serological)

HLA-A
9 / ND

HLA-B
39 / ND

Method: PCR-SSO/SSP (molecular)

HLA-C*
NT / NT

HLA-DRB1*
03 / 16

HLA-DQB1*
NT / NT

Note M67

Based on what you've described, you don't meet the criteria for an RA diagnosis—the foundation of which is joint pain and redness (symptoms of inflamed synovium). As far as I can tell, your issue is purely cosmetic.
HLA testing doesn't confirm the presence of the disease, but rather a predisposition toward it—so... even if the test were positive (which isn't the case here, aside from a slightly elevated HLA DRB1 titer), without clinical symptoms, it wouldn't carry any weight in a diagnosis. It surprises me that anyone sent you for that specific test. I certainly wouldn't have.

Karen Allen16 said:beta HCG
Result
If I'm reading this correctly, it looks like there is no pregnancy?

That is how it appears to me as well.

Paul Ramirez59 said:What does "cardiac contour of an easily identifiable aortic configuration" actually mean?

It could suggest some structural changes in the heart due to long-term high blood pressure—though I don't know if that applies to you. On the other hand, this "easily identifiable" note might just be a cautious way for the radiologist to describe a perfectly normal finding.

I would recommend getting an echocardiogram.

Thomas Vaughn72 said:Hi, I picked up my results on Monday because I haven't been feeling great lately—mostly dizziness, headaches, and high blood pressure at 140/110.

Here are the results (I'll just list the elevated ones):
white blood cell 11.21 — normal up to 9.7
red blood cell 6.02 — normal up to 5.72
hemoglobin 181 — normal up to 175
mchc 349 — normal up to 348
neutrophilic segmented granulocytes 8.05 — normal up to 6.49

glucose 6.24 — normal up to 6
urate 457.9 — normal up to 403
triglycerides 2.99 — normal below 1.7

Everything else looks fine.

The tests were done on Monday, five days after returning from a trip where I spent seven days walking around sightseeing every day—and staying out late most nights. Plus, I wasn't eating much more than twice a day.
Is it possible that the more active lifestyle over the last few days caused these numbers?

My doctor is sending me for an abdominal ultrasound, which—to be honest—is making me a little nervous.

Based on what you've shared, there isn't any reason to panic quite yet.
I would suggest repeating the KCC test in two weeks—provided you stay properly hydrated beforehand.

An abdominal ultrasound? Well, it won't hurt—but how much clarity it actually provides remains to be seen.

Brenda Stewart59 said:I simply don't have the bandwidth to wander from one clinic to another just to check if they offer a specific test—plus, you can't get any decent info over the phone.

At private labs, Rebro T3 tests cost about thirty or forty dollars—and you'll usually have the results the same day. It’s much better than wandering aimlessly from door to door and wasting your precious time.

restlessdriver said:Is anyone actually going to comment on these results? It's been a month since this was posted.

You've essentially self-diagnosed by claiming it's "likely due to low testosterone"—and then you ask for an opinion.

To be honest, I don't see a deficiency here—even considering your mention that some labs set their upper limit at 40... that would imply your level of 16-something might be seen as 25+ elsewhere.

Regardless of what you tell us, we aren't going to talk you out of your conclusion. You'll still feel it's too low—simply because you're young, in your prime, and all that.
I wouldn't be so blunt if I hadn't seen how you handle similar threads—defending your stance so fiercely against anyone with a different view.

Only an endocrinologist can prescribe therapy—I'm not sure what their take is on your situation.
And frankly, I hope you aren't considering any illegal routes to acquire steroids.

Have a pleasant day.

Some friends of mine from Germany picked up some Vaseline earplugs for me.
They go all the way into the ear canal.

They might be available at local pharmacies—perhaps even Walgreens—or you could try ordering them online ( http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ohropax-Pa...item4157be3189 ).

redeagle75 said:My uric acid levels have been elevated for about four years now—a persistent issue. I’ve actually been on allopurinol before. I would take it for roughly six months, which would bring my levels back down to a normal range, but once my doctor tried tapering me off, the uric acid would spike right back up after a few months. As for my thyroid, everything was fine until a year ago; this is the first time I've seen an elevation. An ultrasound also picked up a small nodule.

I wasn't aware you had already undergone treatment with allopurinol—that detail wasn't quite clear in your initial post.

So, the thyroid hormones are elevated?

With a TSH at 4.7, one would typically expect to see lower T4 and T3 levels—unless we are looking at secondary or central hyperthyroidism (though I note you mentioned a nodule).
But then again, medicine rarely follows a simple 2+2=4 logic, so...

Paul Ramirez59 said:It’s regarding Canada—specifically Ottawa.
Labs like this show up with these reference ranges here.

Could someone interpret this if I break it down slightly? Why might the Hematocrit and Hemoglobin be marginally elevated—could it stem from physical activity the day before?

white blood cell 6.8.......................... ref. range 5.0 - 13.0.........................units x10*9/L
red blood cell 4.62................................... 2.9 - 5.0.......................x10 ? 12
Hemoglobin 14.6* ..............................9.0 - 13.8.....................g/l
Hematocrit 0.41* ...............................0.32 - 0.40....................1
MCV 89.4* .......................................73.8 - 89.4.....................fl
MCH 31.6* .......................................24.3 - 29.2.....................pg
MCHC 35.4* .....................................30.0 - 35.0.....................g/dl
Platelets 227 ..................................150 - 450
RDW 13.4 .........................................11.9 - 16.2
MPV 8.6 ............................................6.9 - 11.3

If someone presented me with these results in America, I would suspect those were reference values meant for a child aged 6 or 7. Since we are dealing with another country and a different lab, I will assume these values are indeed what they claim to be.

If the hematocrit and hemoglobin are truly slightly elevated, it is possible—under conditions of dehydration (following exercise and insufficient fluid intake)—that the blood is hemoconcentrated; essentially, due to reduced plasma volume, the hemoglobin appears falsely elevated, whereas it is actually just a relative increase at the expense of the plasma.

A previous workout could certainly trigger dehydration, leading to such a result. Theoretically, at least.

I would certainly recommend repeating the KCC in a month, ensuring proper hydration beforehand.

redeagle75 said:I had some blood work done a few days ago.
The following results fell outside the standard reference ranges.

MCHC: 349 (normal up to 345)
Creatinine: 114 (normal up to 104)
Urate: 518 (normal up to 403)
Cholesterol: 6.8 (normal up to 5.0)
ALT: 49 (normal up to 48)
GGT: 60 (normal up to 55)
CRP: 6.9 (normal up to 5.0)
TSH: 4.78 (normal up to 4.20)

I am a 31-year-old male.

My doctor sent me for thyroid hormone testing and prescribed allopurinol.
I would appreciate your perspective on this.
Thank you in advance.

These findings—specifically the cholesterol, liver markers, and urate levels—could certainly align with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism—essentially an underactive thyroid.

Consequently, the physician's decision to investigate thyroid function (beyond just the TSH) is quite reasonable—though I wonder if there was a need to rush into allopurinol therapy—at least before the potential hypothyroidism is fully clarified.

Terry Williams19 said:If anyone could share their perspective on this lab result...
Result — Reference Interval
Platelets are at 136—just a bit below the standard range of 158 to 424.
MPV is sitting right at 10.4—which is essentially the upper limit of the 6.8 to 10.4 range—so it's technically within normal parameters, even if it's leaning toward the higher side.
Neutrophils are at 71.4—just barely within the standard range of 44 to 72. It's essentially like running a marathon and finishing just seconds before the timer hits zero—technically successful, though quite close to the limit.
White blood cells—specifically granulocytes—are essentially the frontline infantry of the immune system. Much like how a security detail protects a high-profile official, these cells move to intercept any perceived threats within the body.
White blood cells — 20.6 — 20-46.

Urine.
Red blood cells—roughly 2 to 3 times the standard level—compared against a range of 0 to 2.
White blood cell count—2-3—falls within the normal range of 0-5.
There is a significant presence of epithelial cells—quite a lot, actually.
It appears there is some sort of bacterial presence—much like a small, persistent leak in a basement that you only notice once it starts affecting the foundation.

Please specify once more—for the sake of clarity—the exact reason why the blood was drawn.
Based on the KCC guidelines—and looking at how things usually go—I’d suggest scheduling a follow-up KCC in about a month. From there, depending on what those results show—specifically if the platelet counts remain low—we should probably start a full workup to get to the bottom of the thrombocytopenia.

Brenda Stewart59 said:I could use some assistance, please...

Where in the city can I get the following tests done?

T3—one of the thyroid hormones—is essentially the body's primary metabolic driver—much like how fuel regulates an engine's pace.

Total IgE levels—think of it like a general alarm system for the body's immune response—can vary quite a bit depending on individual sensitivity.

ANA/ENA—these markers essentially function like a diagnostic compass—helping clinicians navigate the complexities of autoimmune patterns.

CH50, C3, C4, C1Q, and C1-INH—these are essentially the vital indicators for assessing the complement system—much like checking the various gauges on a dashboard to ensure the entire engine is running smoothly.

Serum protein electrophoresis and immunoelectrophoresis—think of them as the diagnostic blueprints used to map out the various proteins circulating in the bloodstream.

I called the labs one by one—trying to be thorough—but everyone there seems to be playing dumb. They insist that I show up with a physical referral in hand, yet when I actually arrive, I find they won't even perform certain tests. It’s quite frustrating—like being told you need a ticket for a show, only to get to the theater and realize they aren't even performing the main act. 😠

Mayo Clinic — Rebro T3
The T3 results will likely be on a separate instruction sheet—since we're looking at a radioisotope scan conducted through the Nuclear Medicine Institute.

Paul Ramirez59 said:Could someone please help me make sense of these lab results? I had them done because I started seeing flashes in my right eye—though an ophthalmologist has already checked me out, and everything looks fine, including the retinal exam.

Hematology results:

White blood cell count — 6.8 — within the standard range of 5.0 to 13.0.
Red blood cell count: 4.62 — within the standard range of 2.9 to 5.0.
Hemoglobin levels came back at 14.6—which is a bit higher than the standard range of 9.0 to 13.8. It’s like having slightly too much fuel in the tank—not necessarily a crisis, but certainly worth keeping an eye on.
Hematocrit is at 0.41—just slightly above the standard range of 0.32 to 0.40. It’s a minor deviation—much like a car running a few miles over the speed limit—but worth keeping an eye on.
My MCV came back at 89.4—which sits right on the edge of the normal range—so I am keeping a close eye on it. It is like being exactly one inch away from a finish line; technically you've reached it, but there isn't much breathing room left.
MCH — 31.6* — (Reference range: 24.3 - 29.2)
MCHC is at 35.4—just a hair above the standard range of 30.0 to 35.0—which is essentially like a car idling slightly higher than usual. It’s a minor deviation, really.
Platelet count: 227 — within the standard range of 150 to 450.
RDW—13.4—(normal range: 11.9 - 16.2). This falls squarely within the expected parameters—much like a steady heartbeat in a quiet room.
MPV — 8.6 — (Range: 6.9 - 11.3)

Clinical biochemistry—it really is the foundation of everything we do.

Serum glucose levels came back at 5.4—well within the standard range of 3.9 to 6.2.
Urea — 5.1 (Reference range: 2.5 - 7.5). Everything appears to be within the normal limits here—quite steady.
Creatinine 80 65 - 110
Cholesterol 5 < 5.3
Triglycerides 2.22* 0.4 - 1.9
AST 18 0 - 38
ALT 20 0 - 48

Urinalysis

Appearance Clear ref.in. clear
Color Yellow yellow
Protein trace opal neg
Glucose neg neg
Ketones neg neg
Bilirubin neg neg
Urobilinogen 1 - 16 1 - 16

Microscopic examination of urine sediment

Red blood cells 4 - 5* ref.i. 0 - 1
White blood cells 1 - 3* 0 - 5
Epithelial cells rare
Mucus Mass

NOTE: I went for a long bike ride the day before—resulting in some pretty intense leg soreness—if that could possibly be linked to these lab results...

I would appreciate any thoughts or advice.

These reference values seem quite strange.

How old are you? And which lab performed these tests?

If you are an adult male—and assuming hemoglobin units are expressed in g/dL rather than g/L—the upper limit should be north of 17 (or 170), not 13.8. The same logic applies to white blood cells (is the upper limit really 13?)

My suggestion is to definitely repeat the KCC—the biochemistry and urine results look fine.

It could be anything at this point—or nothing at all.

We’re essentially just guessing—much like how people try to interpret a Vanga prophecy.

One really ought to run some specific tests first.
To start, things like a CBC, a coagulation profile, a full metabolic panel, a urinalysis, and thyroid hormone levels.
From there, you can expand the diagnostic workup as needed.

Mark Young5 said:thanks for the reply.... 👏 do you have experience with ET? I am 34. My platelets are mostly around 600—they actually found the inconsistency in my blood work quite by accident during a routine physical, which led to further testing and so on. I haven't even seen a hematologist yet, and I already have at least a million questions 🤔 what worries me most is how long these platelets can stay under control before transitioning into something more complicated... my biggest fear is that I have two young children and I want to be around for them for a long time 🙂

I encounter people diagnosed with ET from time to time.

My advice—for now—is to avoid excessive internet searching.
There is no reason to panic; the condition can be successfully managed (using the medications mentioned above), and I see no reason why you couldn't live a full life. The disease itself does not shorten one's lifespan.
The risk is that complications like thrombosis can occur occasionally—but that is exactly why the medication exists to prevent it. As for progressing to another disease... it is possible, but... the odds are slim; the vast majority of patients (99%) remain within the scope of ET.
Until you see a hematologist, take a 100 mg Bayer Aspirin with lunch on your own initiative.

Walter Thomas18 said:In any case, you need to identify the cause of the elevated platelets and treat it (inflammation, bleeding, anemia, cancer...)

The cause has been identified. It is the JAK-2 mutation—essentially a mutation of an enzyme that extends the lifespan of platelets and makes them less susceptible to apoptosis (the normal programmed cell death that all cells in the body undergo).

So, it isn't that the platelets are being produced in excess; rather, the issue is that they aren't dying off as they should. That is where the high count comes from.

feralwolf said:Thank you so much 🙂—actually, my main concern is this lingering uncertainty—because if we are looking at something malignant, I worry that waiting those extra 3-6 months might just make the whole situation more complicated.

Based on the MSCT results, the gallbladder looks perfectly fine—no growths, and the wall thickness is totally normal.

An Ultrasound can often be misleading—due to how different structures overlap—which is why additional diagnostics are recommended; it’s about using more precise methods to rule out any suspicion once and for all.

Honestly, there is no point in even discussing these rankings.
One of the primary metrics used is simply how many artificial lens implants are performed for cataract patients at a given facility. That is all well and good—but what about everything else?
Just two years ago, you would be stuck on a waiting list for a lens procedure—mainly because the budget hadn't been allocated for it—yet today, now that it has become a cornerstone metric, ophthalmologists are practically pulling people off the street to operate.
It is all being done just to bolster the statistics and climb the rankings.

Jerry Sullivan2 said:It seems we’re running through the same old record again, even though he was seemingly fine and relatively stable just a short while ago. He spent two weeks at the hospital, they discharged him, and then—just two days later (today)—he’s back in the ER. His abdomen is incredibly distended, almost like a balloon; he isn't urinating, and I suppose all the fluid is just pooling in his abdomen. They’ve kept him admitted because his sodium levels are low, but honestly, I guess there isn't much else anyone can really do at this point.

Is he still drinking alcohol?

And this—well, it looks much better now. 🙂