Labs Came Back Abnormal

I just got a call that I was NOT suprised to get.  My 6 mo labs have some low levels.  They didn't say what but I have to discuss this on Thurs with my primary doctor.  I am not surprised because I have been off track.  I also have been working on getting back there though.  I guess I need to work harder.  My question is does anyone know what to expect at this appt?

Jimi

Hi Jimi,

I just had my 6 mo appointment two weeks ago.  My labs also showed some low levels.  I was low on iron and vitamin B.  So she wrote me a prescription for iron and one to get a B12 shot at my PCP's office.

I would say at that appt they are just going to tell you what came back low and what  you need to do to bring them up. 

Nan

It is not that unusual for labs to be low or a bit off at the 6 month point.  This first year post op is mostly about adjustment.  Adjusting your vitamin dose until you find the right routine that works for what your body needs.  You always start out on the typical base supplements (2 adult multi-vitamins, 1500-2000mg calcium citrate, iron, B12 and B-complex).  Then when you get your lab results, things are added or subtracted. 

To understand your reports better, there's a great website.  Do a google search for "Lab Tests Online" -- you can look up individual tests and what they mean .. .then figure out what a low or high result means and what questions to ask the doctor.

The key is to stay on top of the labs.  ALWAYS get a copy of your complete report for yourself.  (If you had 3 month labs, get a copy of those too.)  Then record all your results in a spreadsheet (I have one you can download) so you can keep track of any trends that might need attention.  It's easier to correct a downwad trend than to try to fix it once it becomes a deficiency.