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

Olivia Anderson10 said:Brain MRI report: Based on the standard imaging techniques used across three planes, the organization of the gyri and sulci, along with the relationship between gray and white matter, appears normal. There are no signs of ischemic lesions or hemorrhage within the brain parenchyma. No focal expansive processes were detected. On FLAIR sequences, there are no signs of demyelinating lesions. The ventricular system is appropriately positioned and sized. The optic nerve chiasm, cavernous sinuses, pontocerebellar angles, and the craniocervical junction all appear morphologically normal. Within the pituitary gland, a discrete hyperintense signal is visible on T1 and T2 imaging, measuring up to 3 mm, which is primarily suspicious for a pituitary adenoma. Endocrine evaluation is recommended, along with a dedicated pituitary MRI.
Here is the report, vividsailor7. That’s the finding. Please, I need your take on this pituitary adenoma. Is this actually a tumor? Could this be what’s causing my issues? Just to remind you, my problems consist of abnormal, uncontrolled jerking of my body and limbs out of nowhere. Or was this adenoma just an incidental finding during the scan? What does it even mean for my health?

My apologies for the delay in getting back to you—it completely slipped my mind. I know my colleagues have already walked you through everything, but I want to add some specifics regarding the endocrine workup.
Basically, you need to see an endocrinologist as mentioned. They will likely order tests for ACTH, cortisol (both morning/afternoon levels and a 24-hour urine test), prolactin, T3, T4, TSH, and sex hormones like E2, LH, and FSH. You'll also need to check electrolytes, glucose, potentially more electrolytes in a 24-hour urine sample, and possibly some specific tests for adrenal gland function.

Hi everyone, I really want to thank everyone who has stepped up to help. It feels especially necessary since I had another unpleasant experience yesterday evening. On Friday night, I had a mild episode. Out of nowhere. It started with this heavy sensation in my arms—running from my shoulders down to my hands—and after a few seconds, it felt like something was tingling its way up from my feet. Then came this sudden, involuntary, uncontrollable jerk of my entire body. I was sitting down, but it just tossed me right out of the chair against my will. I guess you could describe it like that feeling when you’re falling in a dream and you suddenly jerk awake. Or like when someone jumps out and yells "boo" at you and your whole body reacts instantly. My limbs just sort of went on their own. After that jerk, the tingling sensation in my legs stopped and actually seemed to recede back down toward my feet before vanishing entirely. There weren't any more spasms. I took some Xanax and went to bed. I was hit by this intense coldness and shivering. I could barely fall asleep. The night went okay, though I woke up a few times. Deep down, I was hoping this wouldn't happen again, at least not so soon. The last time was back in September, and the very first time was two years ago. This morning, I just feel completely drained, listless, and stuck in this phase of self-pity.
It might be totally irrelevant, but I should probably mention that yesterday I was in a room where a group of people were smoking marijuana. When I felt the smell becoming too intense and started feeling suffocated, I stepped outside for some fresh air, mostly because I was terrified that the scent might trigger another spasm. (When these episodes happened in the past, I actually was using marijuana—now I wonder how I could have been so foolish—and I assumed the weed was the cause, so naturally, I haven't touched it since. That's why today I'm even avoiding being near smokers just because of the smoke).
For context, I smoked cigarettes for about 20 years and finally quit on September 17, 2011 (which was when my second episode occurred).
To answer the previous questions: no one in my family, close or extended, has ever dealt with anything like this. No neurological issues at all. I'm 41 years old. I have a happy marriage and a daughter. Both my husband and I work; I work in an office. I don't have any major stressors in my personal or professional life. I can't say I dealt with much stress during childhood either. I did have surgery for endometriosis, which I monitor regularly. Because of the endometriosis (or so the doctors told me), I can no longer have children. About ten years ago, I had some nipple discharge from both breasts for a while, which was explained away as a common occurrence for women. It stopped on its own. I've had EEGs and a ton of other tests, all of which came back within normal limits—essentially, they said everything looked fine. I do have mitral valve prolapse, and I've been taking Ormidol 25 mg daily for about two years. I also deal with occasional tachycardia and arrhythmias. The only test I couldn't complete was the evoked potentials for my arms and legs, because the electrical stimulation triggered those abnormal movements, so we had to stop the test.
Thank you for easing my fears regarding the pituitary adenoma.
Because of that little episode yesterday, the fear surrounding those abnormal movements has pushed itself back to the forefront.
I'm starting to get nervous, depressed, and just lose all motivation because we still haven't figured out what is happening to me.
So, I truly appreciate every single one of your posts.

Dear Olivia Anderson10,

The post regarding indications for a pituitary MRI, methods for treating microadenomas, and wanderingcobra76's response have been moved to the thread Pituitary Tumor.

Bringing this thread back to life 😁

So, the other day I was feeling like I might have a bladder infection, so I went to see my doctor.
She sent me for a full urinalysis. It turns out everything looks fine except for the microscopic sediment exam—white blood cells were at 3-5 (ref. 0-2) and squamous epithelial cells were also 3-5 (ref. 0-2). My doctor looked at the results and said there's no bladder infection, but those leukocytes and epithelial cells are still nagging at me... especially since the symptoms are definitely there—discomfort when urinating and a bit of pressure in my lower abdomen...
Any advice?

Dear Thomas Thompson12,

Finding epithelial cells in your urine isn't clinically significant. A high count usually just means the sample was contaminated—essentially, it wasn't collected cleanly.

Your results show some leukocytes, but honestly, it doesn't look like a definitive urinary tract infection.

It's worth noting that the symptoms you're describing might not actually be tied to a UTI. Gynecological issues, such as vaginal infections or vaginitis, could also be the culprit.

If your symptoms persist, I'd suggest scheduling a gynecological exam to rule out any underlying infections that might be causing this discomfort.

I need some input on my 3-year-old daughter's urinalysis results:
She’s always been a frequent pee-er, and she used to have the occasional accident in her underwear. But lately, things have taken a turn for the worse, and she’s started wetting herself constantly. It’s not just a tiny bit anymore; it’s enough to soak through her clothes. This is happening at preschool and even when we're out and about. Aside from the constant urge to go and these accidents, there aren't any other symptoms. Her labs were totally clear a month ago, but we went back this morning for another test. Here are the results: (I won't bother listing the physical/chemical exam since everything was normal—everything came back negative or 0, pH 6, light yellow color, clear appearance, weight 1.015)
Microscopic sediment exam:
Leukocytes: 2-3
Erythrocytes: a few
Cylinders: -
Epithelial cells: a few squamous epithelial cells
Crystals: -
Salts: some amorphous urates
Mucous: a little
Bacteria: a little
Fungi: -

Could this be some kind of infection? Thanks in advance!

Kyle Palmer51 said:I need some thoughts on this urine test for my 3-year-old girl:
My little one has always been a frequent pee-er and used to have accidents in her underwear occasionally. However, things have taken a turn for the worse lately, and she’s started wetting herself more and more often. It's not just a tiny leak anymore; it's enough to soak through her undies and even her pants. This is happening at daycare and when we're out, too. Aside from the constant urge to go and the actual leaking, there aren't any other symptoms. After a totally clean test last month, we went back for another urinalysis this morning, and here are the results: (I won't bother listing the physical/chemical properties because everything was fine—all negative or 0, pH 6, light yellow color, clear appearance, weight 1.015)
Microscopic sediment exam:
Leukocytes: 2-3
Erythrocytes: a few
Cylinders: -
Epithelial cells: a few squamous epithelial cells
Crystals: -
Salts: some amorphous urates
Mucous: a little
Bacteria: a little
Fungi: -

Could this be some kind of infection? Thanks in advance!

The results look normal, but since you mentioned the incontinence, I strongly suggest you reach out to a pediatric nephrologist or urologist.
Is she wetting the bed at night as well?

Morning!
Checking in as a 23-year-old pregnant woman nearing the end of my first trimester 😁

I had some blood work done for KKS and gave a urine sample last Friday, but the results have me feeling a bit thrown... 😳

I’ll just list the values from everything that fell outside the normal range.

Lab Hematology:
- leukocyte high ref interval 0 13,4 (3,4 - 9,7)
- morphological changes - L= toxic granules in some neutrophilic granulocytes! 😕

Urinalysis:
- appearance - cloudy
- color - yellow
- sediment exam
- erythrocyte - 1-3 (0-2)
- leukocyte high ref interval 0 - 5-7 (0-2)
- squamous epithelium - some
- bacteria - a lot
- crystals - plenty of amorphous salts

I know I need to drink more fluids, so I'm working on that. I'm assuming it's some kind of urinary tract inflammation, but those toxic granules are bugging me... My OB didn't react or even comment on these at all, so I'm wondering if I should reach out to my primary care doctor instead. Is it worth it?

Thanks in advance 😬

Laura Price77 said:Good morning!
Checking in as a pregnant woman (23) nearing the end of my first trimester 😁

Last Friday I had blood drawn for a CBC and provided a urine sample, and honestly, the results have me a bit thrown off.. 😳

Out of everything listed in the labs, I’ll just list the values that fell outside the normal range.

Lab Hematology:
- Leukocytes 13.4 (3.4 - 9.7)
- morphological changes - L= toxic granules in certain neutrophilic granulocytes! 😕

Urinalysis:
- appearance - cloudy
- color - yellow
- sediment exam
- erythrocytes - 1-3 (0-2)
- leukocytes - 5-7 (0-2)
- squamous epithelium - some
- bacteria - plenty
- crystals - plenty of amorphous salts

I know I need to drink more fluids—I'm working on it. I'm assuming this is some kind of urinary tract infection, but these toxic granules have me really confused.. and my OB/GYN didn't react to or even comment on these results at all, so I'm wondering if I should reach out to my primary care doctor. Is there any need?

Thanks in advance 😬

The results are fine; get a checkup in the USA if necessary.

Dear vividsailor7, she normally only gets up once or twice during the night, and before this, she wasn't even leaking any urine at all. But over the last few days, she’s actually having little accidents... It's getting worse. Based on the previous urine results, her doctor prescribed Sinersul for five days because she isn't happy about seeing a few erythrocytes in the urine. She thinks it could be the start of an infection. Do you think that's right? Honestly, I’m at a loss here because the situation is just deteriorating...

Kyle Palmer51 said:Dear Dr. Hrvoje, she’s been wetting herself once or twice during the night, which isn't normal because she never used to have accidents at night, but in the last few days, she's even had some leakage during the day. Based on her previous urine test results, her doctor prescribed Sinersul for five days because she wasn't happy about seeing a few erythrocytes in the urine and thinks it might be the start of an infection. Do you think that’s right? Honestly, I’m at a loss as to what else to do since the situation is actually getting worse.

Sinersul can certainly be used as prophylaxis for a urinary tract infection, but you really ought to consult a pediatric nephrologist—maybe someone like Dr. K. Vrljičak over at the Mayo Clinic.

Thanks for getting back to me! Regarding a nephrologist, we’ll see about that if the issues persist after the Sinusul treatment. Honestly, maybe it would be wise to go regardless, just to catch any potential anomalies early on... But look, we live in Miami, and the Mayo Clinic is a bit of a trek for us :-) Do you have any recommendations for a pediatric nephrologist in the area?
It’s also worth mentioning that she started preschool this year, so I’m worried there might be a psychological component at play that could be affecting her urination.

Kyle Palmer51 said:Thanks for getting back to me! Regarding the nephrologist, we’ll head there if the issues persist after the Sinersul. Still, maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea to go regardless, just to catch any underlying anomalies early on. However, we live in Miami, and the Mayo Clinic is a bit of a trek for us :-) do you have any recommendations for a pediatric nephrologist in the States?
It isn't worth ignoring that she started preschool this year, so I'm worried there might be a psychological component playing into the urination issues.

Now that you mention it, you've brought up two things I completely forgot to point out.
1. As for the Sinersul—if those symptoms are still hanging around after she takes it, then yes, that's when you take her to the nephrologist.
2. That psychological aspect can absolutely mess with how a child urinates, so that's really where you should start looking. P.S. I don't know much about the medical scene in Miami; maybe try asking on a child health forum for local recommendations, but wait until after the Sinersul is finished and you've ruled out the psychological side of things.

Hi there.

I'm looking over my lab results right now, specifically the metabolites and substrates, and here is what's listed:

glucose 4.7 (4.2 to 6.1)
urea 5.1 (2.8 to 8.3)
creatinine 78 (63 to 107)
urate 350 (134 to 337)
total bilirubin 11 (3 to 20)

So, I see that the urate levels are high, but I'm not entirely sure what that actually implies.

edit: if it matters, I'm 29 years old.😁

Dear briskbison28,

To get a clearer picture of your lab results, we need you to follow the instructions laid out in the initial post. Please take a moment to review that first post, then come back with the specific details requested. Once you do, either myself or other colleagues can provide an explanation.

My apologies, here is the follow-up info:

leukocyte 5.7 (3.4 to 9.7)
erythrocyte 4.19 (3.86 to 5.08)
hemoglobin 121 (119 to 157)
hematocrit 0.360 (0.356 to 0.47)
MCV 85 (83 to 97.2)
MCH 28.9 (27.4 to 33.9)
MCHC 338 (320 to 345)
RDW 14.0 (9 to 15)
platelets 259 (158 to 424)
MPV - mean platelet volume 9.4 (6.8 to 10.4)


segmented neutrophils 58 (44 to 72)
immature neutrophils 0 (up to 2)
lymphocytes 36 (20 to 46)
monocytes 6 (2 to 12)
eosinophils 0 (up to 7)
basophils 0 (up to 1)

AST 19 (8 to 30)
ALT 8 (10 to 36)
GGT 14 (9 to 35)
ALP 78 (54 to 119)

iron 7 (8 to 30)
TIBC 66 (49 to 75)
UIBC 59 (26 to 59)

cholesterol 6.4 (3.5 to 5)
triglycerides 0.74 (up to 1.7)

briskbison28 said:Hey there!

Just looking over my lab results right now, and here’s what's showing up under the metabolites and substrates section:

glucose 4.7 (range 4.2 to 6.1)
ureja 5.1 (2.8 to 8.3)
creatinine 78 (63 to 107)
I can't really work with just "urati." If you want me to transform some text, throw the original content my way. I'll handle the heavy lifting—stripping out the fluff, swapping the locations to the States, and giving it that specific, dry, sarcastic vibe you're looking for. Just drop the text below. 350 (134 to 337)
Total bilirubin. 11 (3 to 20)

So, they're high. I can see that much, but honestly, I have zero clue what that actually means in plain English.

edit: if it even matters, I'm 29. 😁

Urates are a little high, but nothing crazy. Honestly, I don't see any reason to freak out. Urates are just uric acid salts that pop up when your body metabolizes purines—you know, that stuff found in meat. Does anyone in your family deal with gout? If so, you might want to watch your meat intake, though personally, I think this is just a random fluke. If you go back for blood work in a month, they’ll probably be totally normal. No big deal.

wiredcanyon2 said:They're slightly elevated, but nothing major. I don't think there's any reason to worry; urates are just uric acid salts produced by purine metabolism (which you find in meat). Does anyone in your family deal with gout? If so, you might want to watch your meat intake, though I suspect this is just a random finding. If you get your blood work done again in a month, your urates will likely be back in the normal range, so don't sweat it.

No, we don't have a history of gout in the family.
We do have diabetes and kidney disease, but looking at the results, urea and creatinine are both within the normal range.
Besides, I'm not even a daily meat eater.

Alright, if it's nothing alarming, I won't worry about it.
Thanks! 🙂

Hey there,
sorry if this is out of place here...

My urine culture just came back showing I've got strep in my urethra, so I've already started on the antibiotics they prescribed.
I was wondering, is this kind of strep something you catch through sex? Like, if I keep having unprotected sex with my partner, is this thing just gonna keep coming back? And does she need to be on antibiotics too?

Dear Charles Doyle6,

It looks like you're dealing with a case of non-specific urethritis, which explains why you were prescribed antibiotics.

During treatment, you really ought to abstain from sexual activity. If that isn't an option, please use protection (condoms). Your partner should also make an appointment with her gynecologist.

Best regards. 🙂