I am seeing the rehumy on Monday. I noticed that many of you know what your sed rate is and other blood test results like RA. I have no idea what mine is.
Should I just ask for a copy of my last blood test?
Maybe I should call today so, thaey could have it ready for me. Will they give this to me or charge me for copies?
I dont want to be in the dark about whats going on.
Most of you ladies are so very informed about whats going on in your body.
BarbBarb, It's your blood work, it's not a secret. I don't have copies of the reports, It's just through talking with the DRs that I know the results. I've always been a curious one about the lab results, especially since the early 90's when I got so sick and no one could tell me why!!
I believe it gives me more power and makes me more knowledgeable about what's going on with my body. Knowing the results also allows me to have a more educated conversation with the DR. My GP now doesn't like to share that information with me, but I remind her, It's my blood you are telling is "normal", what were the actual results. She gets pissy, but oh well!!!
Ask for the results, ask for explanations of what this test does, and that test does. If they say everything is normal, ask well what is normal?
Barb, I ask for copies and keep them in my records - the frustrating thing is - the blood work rarely corresponds with how I am feeling. I know something is up that is not showing in the blood work so more tests. I also ask to read my chart - that always shocks the docs. but they let me do it.
Personally; I wouldn't get too bogged down with test results. They'll always let you know if there is a problem that they can do anything about. Mine sends me a note after every blood test and check normal or abnormal for every test that was done. If anything is "abnormal" he'll make comments in the comment section at the bottom.
What matters most is how you are feeling. Even if your blood test are fine; if you are not feeling well there is plenty they could and should be doing for you.
I'll bring a notebook and ask him what my last sed rate was and also what is the RA number. Maybe I should just ask him what he is looking for in the tests and to give me the results also.You know, I never get any results from my RD either - he just rings if there is a problem, but I'm always curious as his test range differs from my regular monitoring, (which I do get copies of as they go through my GP surgery). My RD is very good at explaining what is going on with me though, he explains the levels that work as inflammation markers for me and what's happening with my systemic symptoms (like my enlarged spleen - gobbling up all the extra WBC and Platelets).
It's good to have some basic knowledge of what's going on with you, and if you feel you don't have enough you shouldn't worry about asking questions. We're in this for life and it's important to understand exactly what we're dealing with.
Best, M
I'm sero-negative, so my blood tests don't say much about that. But when I did have a problem with a test, they called me the next day. If you're having the blood tests, they're probably right on top of things. The time to worry is if they aren't doing the blood tests. I always ask for a copy of my test results and then I take it with me if I go to a different doctor so they have a baseline to start with. I give each one of my doctors (rheumy, gyno, GP) my latest results each time I go in and they seem to appreciate it.