Understanding Bloodwork

I'm fortunate to have a doctor who explains my bloodwork to me. If you doc starts rattling, I'd stop him and ask to see the lab results and to go over them together. Explain to your doc that you need to understand your lab results. If your doc doesn't have the patience to do that, I'd consider finding another doctor. I believe that I'm paying my doctor to not only treat me, but to educate me so I can better understand my disease and therefore take better care of myself. It is my opinion that a doctor who expects their patients to be totally ignorant and to follow their lead blindly isn't a very good doctor.

An example in my case is that a while back my triglicerides were high so my doctor explained in detail what that meant, how it could harm me in the long term, and what I could do to modify my diet to help control it.. I had no idea that sugar could cause your triglicerides to increase. After a long explanation, I had a better understanding of the situation, even though she prescribed Tricor to control my trigli. Therefore, I continue to watch what I eat. Some docs will tell you your tricl. are high, so take this pill.

Good luck!

Hi Jenny, you can ask your doctor for a copy of everything. When I get my tests done and go in the office they just run me off a copy up front. I think always rosie has a place where you can find out what your range should be so you can tell weather it's high or low. and by how much but it usually will say on the lab results. They won't give me them unless I ask but it's good to have them. That way you always have them to take to another doctor if you need them.

hugs

carol