Blood test results

[Bluey-1]

Recently had bloods done and thyroid/calcium requested by surgery. Results on app say Borderline, repeat test in 3 months. Had FBC & usual CRP/ESR.

Calcium & Albumin 38 g/l. Calcium adjusted level 2.49

Thyroid function test THS level 4.3

FBC - WBC 8.89; RBC 4.47

ESR 10; CRP 2

Plasma glucose level 4.0

Serum total protein level 65 g/l

…just a few of the numbers on a detailed list. I’m seeing my GP on Friday but wondered if any of you good souls out there can enlighten me. I have been on 10 mg pred daily for six weeks, tapering from 60 mg June 22. Does the pred affect thyroid / calcium levels? Trying to make sense of what’s going on in the old body, just like everyone here on the forum. Thanks in advance.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

WHICH is borderline? Each of them should have the normal range used by the lab who did the tests quoted in brackets after the result - the ranges do vary slightly from lab to lab.

The glucose is borderline low but that isn't particularly worrying but I would consider the TSH questionable. Calcium looks on the low end of normal.

I say I would consider the TSH a bit questionable - there is a lot of dispute in the UK about TSH and values that are considered fine in the UK are considered high in the rest of Europe! This explains:

healthline.com/health/tsh-n...

A raised TSH means the thyroid is being sluggish and you are borderline hypothyroid. The almost low calcium MIGHT suggest a parathyroid problems and they should check the PTH (parathyroid hormone) too. Did they? Have you ever had a dexascan?

Have you any symptoms?

[Bluey-1 in reply to PMRpro]

Ah, get you re different lab ranges. Don’t know how to screenshot the full results. More info -

Calcium & Albumin 38 (35.0 - 52.0); adjusted level 2.49 (2.2 - 2.6)

THS 4.3 (0.35 - 4.9)

Plasma glucose 4. 0 (3.00 - 7.8)

Serum total protein level 65 (60.0 - 80.0)

I’ve had two DEXA scans, one in 2017 after a wrist fracture and one in 2021 after a humeral fracture. Diagnosed with borderline osteoporosis following second scan and had a Zoledronate infusion in March 22, just three months before being diagnosed with GCA.

Have been ok during the winter with increasingly more ups than downs. However last couple of weeks I’ve had periods of extreme fatigue although the last few days have been better. Pacing well I think but not operating at anything like the active level I was prior to GCA. Get easily wiped out and still suffer some restless nights. I recognise I’m only nine months into this illness.

Thanks for getting back fo quickly PMRpro. Your view of these results will be helpful so I’m prepared for my doctor’s appointment this week.

[Bluey-1 in reply to Bluey-1]

CRP was 3 not 2 - typo

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bluey-1]

If it were me, I would expect some thought about my thyroid function - especially with increasing fatigue - and at least a check of the PTH with the calcium being low-ish and you having borderline osteoporosis.

[Bluey-1]

That’s really helpful, thank you, I have since learnt how to post a pic/screenshot which is useful.