Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST]

Could someone help me make sense of these results? My mom's CEA tumor marker came back at 8.2, but if I recall correctly, the upper limit for smokers is usually around 4.2. I'm not sure if this is a major factor, but she has been a smoker for nearly 20 years. Everything else in her lab work looks perfectly normal.

I can't quite tell if my anxiety is justified here, so if anyone with some experience could let me know if that number is considered high or what it might actually point toward... 😕

Thanks, everyone...

I went in for some blood and urine tests today. A few things jumped out at me as being outside the typical range: my ALT came back at 64 (standard range is 0-48), and my uric acid was 452 (standard range is 163-403). Additionally, the lab results showed an MCHC 348 (range 320-345) and an RDW of 15.6 (range 9.0-15.0).
Does anyone have any professional insight on this?

I was wondering if anyone here actually knows how long alcohol stays in your system?

feralfox12 said:Does anyone know how long alcohol actually stays in your system?

Here you go—do the math yourself. 😁

http://www.sigurno-voziti.net/alkohol/alkometar.html

I really need someone to help me make sense of this radiology report:

Mineralization was noted in the right shoulder images.
A small bone cyst in the acromial process of the scapula.
Early arthritic changes in the acromioclavicular joint.
The joint bodies of the acromioclavicular and humeroscapular joints are congruent.

Basically, I’m currently in my notice period at work—basically being phased out because they have too many people—so I’m asking for an explanation here in plain English. If this means I actually need treatment (like, say, surgery), it would be way better to handle it while I'm still on sick leave at my current company. I'd just pause my notice period. There is absolutely no way I can take sick leave once I land a new job (IF I land one... fingers crossed)...

Thanks in advance!

p.s. I work in field sales, so my car is basically my second home—I'm betting that has something to do with this.

I went in to get some bloodwork done because I’ve been dealing with this relentless, unexplained pain in my leg... As for the actual results, almost everything falls within the standard reference ranges, with the exception of:

ALT 38
AST 32

HCT 34.6 (normal range is 36 to 50)
MCHC 37.2 (normal range is 31 to 35)

I was on birth control pills recently and have just stopped, so I can't help but feel a sense of dread regarding the possibility of thrombosis... I honestly don't know how to interpret these numbers. If anyone here understands what they might signify, could you please let me know? My doctor isn't scheduled to see me until late next week. THANK YOU.

Some stats from my blood work:
cholesterol......7.41, triglycerides.....1.78 AST.....52 H, ALT ...87 H, (Just a heads up, my ALT and AST were totally normal before my surgery back in late '07.) Hepatitis markers came back clean too. Any idea how to fix this mess?

John Lee29 said:I need someone to help me make sense of my radiology report:

Mineralization was noted on the images of the right shoulder.
A small bone cyst in the acromial process of the scapula.
Early arthritic changes in the acromioclavicular joint.
The joint bodies of the acromioclavicular and humeroscapular joints are congruent.

Basically, I’m currently on my notice period at work due to being redundant, so I’m looking for a plain-English explanation. If this requires any treatment—like surgery—it would be better to handle it as medical leave through my current employer (interrupting my notice period). There is absolutely no way I could take medical leave if I find a new job (IF I do)...

thanks in advance

p.s. I work in field sales, so my car is basically my second home—I assume that might have something to do with this.

No surgery is needed right now. I would additionally recommend getting an ANA profile to rule out autoimmune issues or rheumatoid factor, then consulting a physiatrist. Depending on those results, a primary care physician or an internist might prescribe something like an NSAID, though that's less likely for now... ultimately, this will likely result in either physical therapy or just some advice, so don't worry too much.

Sam Hall15 said:Look, surgery isn't really on the table right now. If I were you, I'd probably go ahead and get an ANA profile done just to rule out any autoimmune stuff or rheumatoid factor issues. Definitely grab a consultation with a physiatrist too. Depending on what those tests show, your primary care doctor or an internist might prescribe something like an NSAID, though honestly, that’s probably unlikely for now... eventually, it’ll likely just boil down to some physical therapy or just getting some solid advice, so don't make too big a deal out of it yet.

thanks

Does anyone know how long it usually takes to get lab results back from the clinic?
A few of us got ours right away while the baby was still in the hospital, and the discharge papers mentioned
an allergy to penicillin, some kind of C50 rheumatoid factor thing, and something else starting with a C that was still being processed.
Well, it’s been a month and a half now and we haven’t received anything in the mail. I'm kind of stuck—should I just call them up and see what's going on?

If there’s a doctor or just someone here who actually knows how to read an OGTT insulin curve, I could really use some clarification 🙂

I recently had my insulin curve tested. I did the blood draw while fasting, then downed a glass of glucose and repeated the test two hours later.
I got the results back, but I’m totally lost on how to interpret them... so if anyone knows what's going on... please help me out.

So, at the top it says: insulin profile (0 min: ref.int. 42-188 pmol/l)
And my numbers came back as: 53.10 fasting and 210.00 after the two-hour glucose drink.

Hi everyone!!!
I found my way here thanks to Ivanicapec (special shoutout to you!)
I really need some help here
My mother is quite ill 😢
DG: Ca ventriculi - (diffuse type per Lauren classification) T4 N4 M0
OP: Total gastrectomy via Roux-en-Y (Greater omentectomy and D2 lymphadenectomy)
1. Adenocarcinoma of the stomach. Tumor tissue infiltrates all parts of the stomach and is visible at the resection margins of the pylorus and esophagus.
1. lymph nodes: 15/42
2. esophageal ring: adenocarcinoma
3. metastatic carcinoma of the lymph nodes (15/24)

She’s already had her first round of chemo, and in the meantime, her CT scan results came back. I was hoping someone who understands this could give me a detailed explanation of what we're looking at

MSCT Thorax:
Lung parenchyma shows normal density, with no signs of focal lesions.
No significantly enlarged lymph nodes or expansive masses are seen in the hilum or mediastinum. The tracheobronchial tree remains patent.

MSCT Upper Abdomen:
Status post total gastrectomy with no convincing signs of local recurrence.
The parenchymal organs of the upper abdomen show no focal changes in terms of secondary deposits.
Along the scanned area, specifically in the area of the omental bursa and the root of the mesentery, multiple lymph nodes are visible within the fatty tissue, the largest measuring 1.5 cm.
No ascites is detected.

Thank you all so much in advance!!!

The lung CT scan is complete. The abdomen shows some potential changes in the remaining lymph nodes, but everything else looks fine. Wishing you the best of luck with the chemo...

Wishing everyone health and wellness,

I am seeking some guidance and would appreciate any insight you can offer on behalf of my father and myself.

The discharge summary reads as follows:

"Patient admitted to the hospital for a surgical biopsy of a tumor on the left thoracic wall.
Prior to ward admission, the patient was evaluated in our facility's pulmonary department due to a left-sided effusion and suspected secondary lesions in the right lung and left thoracic wall. Given that the etiology of the infiltrate remains unclarified, surgical intervention was indicated.
Upon arrival, the patient was mobile, afebrile, eupneic, and of medium build. Physical examination of individual organs was within normal limits.
Following brief preparation, the aforementioned procedure was performed under general anesthesia, after which the patient spent one day in the ICU. Post-operative lung imaging and laboratory results were unremarkable; upon return to the ward, control lab parameters were satisfactory, while chest X-ray showed a smaller apical left-sided air collection. On the fifth day, pleural talcotherapy was performed, followed by drain removal. The wound is healing well, all functions have stabilized on the ward, and the patient is being discharged for home care with a recommendation to follow up at our facility's pulmonary department on January 19, 2009, with a referral for inpatient treatment to continue care.
Pathology report: Metastatic Ca"

I realize the situation is grim—even if I struggle to decipher half of this medical jargon—but what troubles me most is that my father has been in various hospitals for over two months (including the last 37 days) without a single definitive treatment plan being established.
He is currently at home and experiencing severe pain. He is taking Voltaren Retard, though its efficacy seems quite limited. It is difficult to comprehend why he hasn't been scheduled for further inpatient treatment until a month from now.
I intend to speak with the doctor tomorrow, though I often find myself receiving nothing but fragmented information.
Please excuse the length of this post; I simply wasn't certain which details were superfluous.

Thank you,🙂

Dr. Ante 👍
Help me out here... I’m at month 9 of an mpo-negative protocol (mild stimulation with Clomiphene +4 Gonal). Diagnosis is PCOS. Labs from 10 days ago show insulin is down, and my OGTT was 5.1 fasting and 4.0 after two hours 🤷. Glucose is always within range, but it's consistently sitting right at the bottom end... Thyroid labs: TSH is 2.34; T4 and T3 look fine, but AntiTPO is 40.2 (normal is up to 12). Where do we go from here? Otherwise, thyroid ultrasound looks normal, though I get occasional tachycardia!

Grace Stewart6
This discharge summary feels a bit incomplete; they haven't identified the primary site, nor have they outlined the diagnostic steps to locate it. Of course, sometimes the exact origin remains elusive even while treatment proceeds—often quite successfully—but I believe they should have explicitly stated that the primary lesion was not found despite the diagnostic protocol. They are currently waiting for post-op recovery before likely proceeding with oncology treatments, though I think it would be wise to seek an oncologist's consultation sooner rather than later. Naturally, one shouldn't take any independent action without consulting the surgeon, but involving an oncologist in the process earlier would be beneficial. Based on what's written, your father seems to be in good general condition, which suggests that continuing treatment shouldn't pose any issues from that perspective...

Ante,
I truly appreciate the response and the guidance provided.
We will certainly be seeking out some professional advice elsewhere.

Alex Chase86 said:Dr. Smith 👍
Please help me... I'm at month 9 and my IVF cycle was unsuccessful (mild stimulation using Clomid + Gonal-F). I have PCOS. My labs from 10 days ago show low insulin levels, and my OGTT was 5.1 fasting and 4.0 after 2 hours 🤷.. glucose is always within normal limits, but consistently on the lower end... Thyroid hormone tests: TSH 2.34; T4 and T3 are fine, but AntiTPO is 40.2 (normal is up to 12).... what should I do next?????? Otherwise, my thyroid ultrasound looks normal, but I get occasional tachycardia!

I think it might be wise to consult an internist, an endocrinologist, or perhaps even someone specializing in autoimmunity, such as an immunologist or rheumatologist. That tachycardia doesn't necessarily have to be linked to your thyroid, though it certainly could be, regardless of a clear ultrasound. My advice would be to see an internist first and then coordinate follow-ups with your gynecologist if needed. It could potentially be developing Hashimoto's, or maybe some kind of polyendocrine disorder. It is difficult to say for certain right now...

Sam Hall15 said:The lung CT scan is done. The abdomen shows some possible changes in the residual lymph nodes, but everything else looks fine. Good luck with the chemo.

Thanks for the update, Dr. Smith. Let’s hope for the best.

Sigh... now I have a million questions swirling around my head regarding that one sentence ("possible changes in the residual lymph nodes"). Honestly, I feel like even a higher power might not have all the answers right now. 😢
I'm looking for any kind of prognosis, percentages, or even just tips on how to stay strong enough to handle the chemo...
But let's just take it one step at a time, one day at a time.

Take care, and thanks again!

So, I ended up at the ER yesterday because I had this swollen lymph node in my neck, and the pain started spreading down that whole side of my neck... Since it was Saturday, my regular doctor wasn't in, so I’m heading back in tomorrow. I’m wondering if anyone knows what extra tests I should ask for? I did get some blood and urine results back though...
My C-Reactive Protein is at 20mg/L, while the normal range is 0-5.
My white blood cell count is elevated at 11.8, whereas it should be between 3.4-9.7.
My lymphocytes came back at 2.3 and 19.9%L, but the normal range is 1-3 and 25-33%.
My granulocytes are high too, sitting at 8.7 and 74%G, when they should be 2.2-6.2 and 54-62%.
The Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) is 82.2, which is slightly low compared to the 83-97fL norm.
And my RDW (that measure of red blood cell size variation) is 13.5, also a bit lower than the usual 14.6-16.5%.

As for the urine work, it looks clear and yellow, pH 5.5, specific gravity 1.030—no protein, hemoglobin, or glucose showing up. However, my ketones are at 1, when they should be 0, and there were 1-2 WBCs and squamous epithelial cells in the sediment.

Oh, and they did put me on Augmentin, but they didn't do a culture and sensitivity test, or any blood or urine cultures...
To give you some context, I've been dealing with a bladder infection since August of this year and it just won't quit. It's Escherichia. I've tried everything—antibiotics, cranberry supplements, gallons of uva ursi tea... all I got out of it was a yeast infection because the antibiotics totally wrecked my natural flora, but the actual infection is still hanging on.
Also, I have a colonoscopy scheduled for next week because I deal with these intense cramps in my lower left abdomen (maybe descending colon?) about once a year, followed by passing out and diarrhea. Other times, it's just the cramps and diarrhea. Doctors told me it might just be stress, and this has been going on for about 7 years now. I've already had all the major tests done for my brain and heart, and those came back perfectly fine.
Any thoughts??