Blood Tests For July 2011

The needles no longer give me the jitters anymore. It could be that I have become hardened to the pain or the phlebotomists (individuals trained to draw blood samples for medical testing) that I encountered were very good at what they do. I used to turn my face away to avoid seeing the needle going into the skin. Now, I watch the entire blood extraction process.

Renal function test, liver function test and lipid profile results
Renal function test, liver function test and lipid profile results.

I went for a blood test last Friday and then for the scheduled appointment at the UMMC spinal rehab clinic on Wednesday. Serum creatinine has gone up a little to 291 umol/L, nothing to be unduly worried about as it has been hovering around this level for a while now. On the other hand, the low-density lipoprotein level is above normal at 3.09 mmol/L.

The doctor advised me to watch my diet. Admittedly, I have been rather reckless with what I eat lately. I am scheduled for another blood test in November and also a KUB (kidneys-ureters-bladder) ultrasound at the same time. Hopefully, by going on a healthier diet now, the results then will be more favourable.

Blood Work for August 2010

Wuan accompanied me to the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) yesterday. It was for my scheduled check-up at the Spinal Rehabilitation Clinic. I had been anxious from the time we went there three weeks ago to have my blood drawn for renal profile, blood glucose test and lipid profile.

Blood test results for August 2010
Blood test results for August 2010.

I had half-expected the serum creatinine to be higher than previous results. I have been going through a spell of lethargy that I thought could be due to be caused by my kidneys. It was a great relief when I saw that the serum creatinine was 288 umol/L. No doubt, it was very high due to kidney disease, it has stayed below 300 umol/L. That was all I had been hoping for.

Serum potassium was marginally higher at 5.4 mmol/L. Normal values should be between 3.6 to 5.2 mmol/L. I need to be aware of potassium-rich food that I have to cut down on. Serum urea had come down although still above the desired range, while sodium was hovering at previous levels. Fasting blood glucose looked good. Likewise, lipid profile. Saying that I am happy with the results is an understatement. I am ecstatic!