Understanding Lab Results

The following article explains about research done regarding physicians explaining the results of lab testing to their patients and the finding that most patients needed/wanted more than basic information. I picked it up when it was placed on the Lab Tests Online website. Some of it a bit technical but I thought it was important enough to post it here to let everyone know that you are not alone. Many others are asking questions about their lab values.

labtestsonline.org/news/pat...

[Lynndeb]

Thank you for this information Mr_Kidney.

Today I've been looking for a post/comment you made regarding scans, and I'm having no luck, so I wonder if I could ask for your input... I don't mean to change the subject, but I needed to catch you!

I was diagnosed with ckd3a last year, and I've just slipped into stage 3b - I'm hoping that I wasn't hydrated enough when I had my most recent bloods done!

However, over the past couple of years I've gone from 118 lbs to 97 lbs (I'm 5'2"), which is cause for concern. I was finally referred to a gastroenterologist who has among other things requested a scan using an intravenous and liquid contrast. I declined, and they offered to do it with hydration, but I declined again. They've now told me that they won't use the intravenous contrast but they still need to use the liquid contrast, which would present no problem for my kidneys.

It doesn't make me comfortable, and I feel like I'm being bullied. My kidneys will still have to process the liquid. I understand the reason behind the contrast, but I feel it's a bit of a gamble, especially for someone older, according to my research, and I'm 69.

I'm in the UK, and from my experience, on the whole we really are left to our own devices up to stage 4, which is the reason I was so upset my the HU hiccup, which I understand is being resolved, in the UK.

Like everyone else, I really do appreciate your posts/replies!

[Hidden in reply to Lynndeb]

I hope this catches you before your appointment. I was at a neighbors home helping with a project. I've posted the link to a full article on contrast Scans. I've had one and asked for no contrast dye. No problems with that request or the results.

kidney.org/atoz/content/Con...

Hope this helps

[Lynndeb in reply to Hidden]

Yes it has thank you, in fact my appointment is not for a couple of weeks because I've been delaying it...

Thank you so much for your speedy reply, much appreciated Mr Ambassador!