Blood test results - round 2

[Bluey-1]

I posted three weeks ago requesting help interpreting blood tests I’d had done for thyroid and calcium. Thank you PMRpro for your help. I’ve since had my parathyroid hormone levels tested plus B12, iron, as I have been feeling excessively fatigued (ironically I’ve felt much better over the last few days!). My parathyroid hormone level is 103 (range 15.0-68.0), described as ‘above high reference limit’. The surgery rang as the doc wants to see me this week. I have an appointment for tomorrow morning. Is there anything I need to know, questions to raise? Thanks in advance for your help out there.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Well at least he's notived the PTH/calcium - don't suppose the vit D was checked was it? That would be next on the list if not. I suspect you need a really good course of high dose vit D!!

uclahealth.org/medical-serv....

[Bluey-1 in reply to PMRpro]

Don’t think Vit D was tested - doesn’t show up on the NHS app. I already take one tablet of CalciD daily.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bluey-1]

That is a pretty low dose of vit D - 400 IU if you are taking just one tablet. I take 4000 IU a day, if I don't my vit D level slowly falls to a depleted level.

[Bluey-1 in reply to PMRpro]

I had no idea. Thanks for this, something to discuss tomorrow. I hope that’s all I need.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bluey-1]

And low vit D can cause PMR-like symptoms as well as fatigue and "stuff" ,,,

[Bluey-1 in reply to PMRpro]

It was the fatigue that has been excessive.

[Bluey-1 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for the link and quick response. So helpful, had it not been for you I wouldn’t have pushed for the parathyroid hormone check. In my past life I thought bloods were bloods re tests. It’s much more complex!

Next job to check my CRP/ESR via my Rheumatology dept. They send me blood bags for tests when I feel they are needed. Useful for keeping up with the data and to help inform tapering.

[Pixix]

I had even worse fatigue & explained that to my doctor, & full blood tests revealed that I have a very low amount of folate in my body, which would cause bad fatigue. I’m on six months of taking folic acid. If you’re still feeling excessive fatigue it may be worth seeing if that was checked. Maybe!

[Bluey-1 in reply to Pixix]

Thanks, another item to add to my list. I hope I cm get this sorted as it’s really affected my quality of life. I’ve had four really good days but little energy in the tank today after a restless night.

[Pixix in reply to Bluey-1]

I only get 4-5 hrs each night, due to other medical problems, so struggle a lot. But it got noticeably worse & wading through treacle (my normal state) became wading through nearly set concrete, so I went looking for help! I’ve only ever heard of folic acid in connection with pregnancies, & wouldn’t have kniw it could be an issue!

[Bluey-1 in reply to Pixix]

It’s so difficult to unpick what is going on in your body with GCA and these other issues. At least I feel I’m on to something that may explain the severe fatigue. Will see how I get on this morning at the docs. Thanks for your suggestion

[Pixix in reply to Bluey-1]

I’d never heard of anybody being low which is why I mentioned it! Sounds as if you may a,ready have the answer though, when I re read your post! Usual brain fog here.

[Sophiestree]

Did you also have Calcium numbers on bloods? They would also tell you re parathyroid issues.

[Bluey-1 in reply to Sophiestree]

I had a thyroid function test (serum TSH level 4.3 (35.0-52.0) on the 8th March plus Calcium and Albumin - calcium adjusted level 2.49 (2.2-2.6 range). Stated ‘borderline’ on my NHS app. Follow up appointment with doc - decision to test parathyroid hormone, iron, B12. Will see what she says in a bit…

[Bluey-1]

TSH serum level 0.35-0.49. Doh, those pesky decimal points!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bluey-1]

You can edit posts - tap on More, a menu offers the option to Edit

[Missus835]

It could be your D3 levels. My daily dose is 3000 IU plus Vit K2 and also B12.