Four times a year on, Thursdays, I have to go on a fast for 12 hours and then the following Wednesday I meet with the doctor for the results of my blood test. I don’t know how he figures out the quarters, whether he starts with or ends in December. I know the next appointment is for February!
He always gives me the printout and we talk about any problems that may appear. It was a very short talk as the results were good for this old guy. The total cholesterol was 148 while my INR (blood thinner count) was 2.7 while all the hemoglobin, microalb, urinalysis reports were all in the good range. Had a few that were out of range but nothing to worry about like my sodium-serum count was 146 and should be between 134-144 and the potassium should be between 3.5-5.2 and is 5.6 but that is easy to adjust.
There are a bunch of categories like BUN, RDW or WBC that I have no idea what they mean and the doctor has explained them to me but he says not to worry so I don’t.
My blood pressure is excellent, sugar level is fine, still have a problem with the P.A.D. but the C.O.P.D. isn’t any worse and he did cut out one of the meds. We did discuss the vascular surgeon’s report which emphasized that though the plaque surrounding the leg arteries hasn’t gotten worse he advises against another stent which means the ongoing pain but I have learned to live with.
As usual, we left with the doctor asking where I was going to eat to celebrate the good report—he knows me!—and then told me that “As of now you are in good health and have nothing to worry about but once you walk out of here I don’t know!” Look he’s a good doctor and 4 times a year I have to put up with that joke so I laugh—well, maybe more of a smile—and go off to eat!