Strange lab results...

[Radiogirl]

Irishmanpaddy mentioned this on a recent post

"Has anyone with ra had raised protein levels in blood?"

I have so many questions about my labs, too. My rheumy started me on Sulphasalazine 500mg 2x daily and it seems my labs have worsened rather than improving. Here in the US the doctors utilize a test called Vectra DA to determine disease activity and mine has gone up since starting Sulphasalazine. My liver enzymes have raised, my calcium has gone up in the high category. There are other weird changes I can't figure out. My ALT and AST were really high, but now they are really low and I don't know if that's good or bad. My rheumy doesn't explain any of this so I try to research it online as much as possible.

I guess I am really just venting here. I'm not expecting anyone to try to decifer my labs. Irishmanpaddy's mentioned his labs just got me thinking. Does anyone else experience this same frustration about their labs, along with the fears of the medications? Thanks in advance for any replies.

[Damaged]

Absolutely yes, which is why they are monitoring. This protects against damage to your liver. I strongly recommend keeping copies of all test results. The Rheumy or consultant should educate but generally do not. I would contact the Arthritis Foundation or Societies. They have materials on all the drugs resources ect

[Radiogirl in reply to Damaged]

Will do. Thanks for your reply.

[Jacey15]

If you look up the website labtestsonline it give a good explanation for results.

[Radiogirl in reply to Jacey15]

Thanks, Jacey.

[Simba1992]

I do not understand. Why don't you ask your doc. He/she would be the best to answer these questions?

[Radiogirl in reply to Simba1992]

He seems to be a good doctor, but his bedside manner isn't very warm. He rushes through my appointments and gives very little explanation when asked. I need to work on standing up to him more, naturally being polite. I have a follow up appointment in a week or so. I plan on writing my questions out ahead of the appointment.

[Simba1992 in reply to Radiogirl]

Good idea😊It's such a shame that we as patients so often need to battle with the respectless behavior of specialists☹️,when we are vulnerable and in need of kindness and understanding

[Simba1992]

You might find this article on calcium metabolism intersting😊

raypeat.com/articles/articl...

[Radiogirl in reply to Simba1992]

Thank you. I will check into it. I found a very informative site calciumpro.com It discusses hypoparathyroidism I great detail. I also read somewhere that Hashimoto disease has similar symptoms.

[Radiogirl in reply to Simba1992]

Thanks!