Question:
My surgeon does not do blood work on his patients is this normal? I believe that

it is important to keep an eye on your levels so I plan on having my own doctor take blood work but I wish I knew what specifically to ask him to check. Does anyone know what I should ask for?    — Diane S. (posted on March 26, 2004)

March 26, 2004
Here is the list that was given to me. Regularly (every 6-12 months depending on your previous results): RECOMMENDED: CBC with Differential LIPID PROFILE (Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, chol/HDL ratio) (Fasting Specimen), Tchol, Trig, HDL, Calc, LDL) TIBC, Fe, Fe Saturation Vitamin B-12 Albumin *YEARLY - DEXA SCAN for bone density. POSSIBLY ADVISED. CHECK WITH FAMILY PHYSICIAN: ALT (SPGT) GGT LDH PHOSPHORUS - INORGANIC URIC ACID COMPREHENSIVE METABOLIC PROFILE FOLATE FERRITIN VITAMIN A & D (25-hydroxy) THYROID PANEL (T3U, T4, FTI, TSH) ZINC MAGNESIUM SERUM INTACT PTH PARATHYROID A1C Hope this is helpful.
   — robinp330

March 26, 2004
I think it's fairly common that the surgeon doesn't do the bloodwork. I have mine done every 3 months by my PCP who forwards the results to the surgeon. I get a note in the mail from my surgeon within a few days letting me know how results were and if I need to change my supplements. I always request a copy of the results for myself just so I can see a trend that the dr. may not notice until it hits the "abnormal" range. My surgeon provided the "orders" for the bloodwork and here is what he wanted: Iron, TIBC, FeSat, B-12, Folate, Glucose, BUN, Creatinine, B/C ratio, Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, ECO2, Anion Gap, ALK Phospharase, AST, ALT, Total Billirubin, Total Protein, Albumin, Globulin, A/G Ratio, Calcium, Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDLC, LDL, VLDL, Chol/HDL Ratio, Magnesium, Creatine kinase, TSH, Free T4, WBC, RBC, HGB, GCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, Platelet Count, RDW, MPV, Lymph #, Mono #, Gran #, Lymph %, Mono %, Gran %. Wow, more there than I thought.
   — Carolyn M.

March 26, 2004
Am I to understand that you've had absolutely no blood work done since your surgery in November of last year? No, that is NOT normal. I can't believe that your surgeon would be so careless about your health. What the??? I don't care if HE doens't do the tests, he sould have at least instructed your PCP on what to do, AND he should have noticed by now that he's never seen a blood level on you and asked for one. THIS REALLY BURNS MY BUSHES! Go to your PCP and aske for a full workup. Don't worry about all the specifics. Just get a full workup, and compare the results to your last blood test. I hope you AT LEAST have a pre-surgical blood test to compare results to. ARRRRRRRG. I hate that aftercare from a surgeon can be so shoddy, especially when your health and future depend on it.
   — LMCLILLY

March 26, 2004
By the way, I got so burned up there for a minute, I forgot to mention... I've had post-op blood tests done at 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year by my surgeon. In between those tests, my PCP ordered a few more since I was feeling very lethargic, just to make sure my Iron was keeping up. It's interesting to compare us. I'm glad that you've taken the situation into your own hands. I'd seriously question the surgeon about WHY he doesn't.
   — LMCLILLY

March 26, 2004
I would also add a Ferritin, Vit A & D levels to the previous poster. Since I wasn't sure how much Vit A & D to take (I take the Dry type) I asked for these levels after taking them for a month. My Vit A was ok but D was very very low. And I did not have any symptoms. You are better finding out before you have problems.
   — jenafwife

March 27, 2004
My surgeon does not do blood work, however my medical doctor does (and shares the info with him). You should be seeing all of the medical professionals you saw prior to surgery. A lot of people do not realize a surgeon is trained for surgery and that is usually their primary concern (some have varied training). However, an internist (sp?) will look for chemical imbalances. And, an Endocrinolgist is even more dedicated to chemistry, hormones and thryroid imbalances. I see several doctors and make sure they all get my report along with me getting copies.
   — Anna M.