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What blood tests should I have done? Going to GP tomorrow.

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 6/9/2011 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
I've been trying all sorts of alternative healing and diet mods to treat my UC since the only option left is Remicade for me. I've been finding that although my inflammation is down as far as I can tell (much less urgency, no blood pools, just a slight streak of blood every few days if I eat the wrong things), that I still have very different BM's on different days. I want to get checked for Celiac's disease, so I'm going in tomorrow to discuss that with my GP and have my blood drawn. I'm also going to have my Vitamin D levels checked since some people believe that increasing their levels has helped them achieve remission.

I was just wondering what other tests might be good to run, just to help me further understand the mystery of this disease and what is right and wrong with me. I'm thinking of having my testosterone levels taken for reasons not necessarily directly causing UC, but possibly being affected by it. Anything else while I'm there?? I really doubt I have iron deficiencies since I haven't had any significant bleeding since summer last year.

Thanks!
Posted 6/9/2011 11:16 PM (GMT 0)
Thoreau,

I would suggest to do a SED rate.

SED rate is often an indicator of inflammation in the body.

Also, even though you haven't been bleeding, you should check your hemoglobin levels anyway, just to err on the side of caution.

Posted 6/9/2011 11:18 PM (GMT 0)
CBC and CMP are good to check if you have UC and inexpensive at an independent lab.
Posted 6/10/2011 12:42 AM (GMT 0)
AZYooper, I'm not entirely familiar with those tests although I know I've had one or both of them. I already know I have UC if that's what you were thinking I was wondering. I have had frequent colonoscopies since 2003 when I was diagnosed. I just am trying to clear as many possibilities as I can, so that I can hone my alternative treatments more finely towards certain things. I have a friend with Chron's disease on Remicade, but she was still having problems. She ran a blood test and found she had Celiac's Disease. I want to rule it out for myself.

InSoFla, I will talk to the doctor about the SED rate. I really doubt the hemoglobin is a problem, but I'll ask.

Thanks to you both. Appreciate it.
Posted 6/10/2011 8:22 AM (GMT 0)
Maybe by tomorrow you'll consider to ask for a prescription for Rowasa...

?

q
Posted 6/10/2011 9:48 AM (GMT 0)
Thoreau,

It is an excellent approach to ask the GI doc for all kinds of tests and questions. They usually order the normal CBCs (Complete Blood Count)and CMPs (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel), and other test depending on what meds you're taking.

You need to be your own advocate - it's your colon. You never know what might suddenly start working. One of my biggest surprises was probiotics that gave me a 3-year remission. The cause for my longest 15-year remission is still unknown. I do know, however, that I spent most of those years working overseas (Europe, Middle East ad Asia).

Good luck to you.
Posted 6/10/2011 9:55 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Thoreau,
My GI always checks for Vit D, B12 and folate, Full blood count, Liver function test, C-reactive protein, ESR, Urea/creatinine, iron/ferritin studies, CMV, Ca++, phosphate, PTH, Glucose and TSH .
Hope this helps!
Posted 6/10/2011 11:51 AM (GMT 0)
ESR and CRP are usually checked when looking at inflmmatory bowel disease. HB is also checked incase of anaemia.
Posted 6/10/2011 5:47 PM (GMT 0)
CBC and CMP cover the basic function of major organs and condition of the blood. It directs the doctor on what further tests should be done, and will red flag drug reactions and some of the rare complications and illnesses connected to UC.

Don't freak out if some of the numbers are off. This usually means nothing and analyzing them is why MDs spend so much time in school.

I have had to ask for these tests even though many doctors insist on them and some of the 5asa manufacturers recommend regular tests for kidney and liver function.
Posted 6/20/2011 6:21 PM (GMT 0)
Just got my results back...

Testosterone, Total: 390 Normal Range 285-950
Testosterone, Free: 97 Normal Range 50-247

Celiac Panel II
IgA: 203 Normal Range: 63-378
TTG IgG Antibodies: 3 Normal Range: <7

Vitamin D 250H: 43 Normal Range: 30-100

So the summary is that I don't have Celiac Disease, and that my testosterone and vitamin D levels are decent. Should I care that I'm in the lower part of the range with the vitamin D and testosterone?

Thanks!
Posted 6/21/2011 3:18 AM (GMT 0)
I wouldn't worry about it if you're still in the normal range. You could ask your doc. that question though if you're worried.
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