"Normal" Blood Tests
When your doctor tells you that your blood tests are "normal", what he really means is that they are "common". Do you really want to have the common health of a population which is generally sick? Common may be far from healthy.
If you wish to receive my second opinion evaluation of your blood tests, you are invited to contact me and send your results. According to what I see and how much time it will take me to write an evaluation and recommendations, I will give a price quote ranging from free to 200 shekels (or $50). In some cases, I will not be able to offer recommendations except in the framework of a full consultation.
Sample Case:
Daniel's doctor told him his blood tests were all okay. In looking them over, and after requesting that he send me earlier results for trend recognition, I found the following:
- Small red blood cell volume (MCV)
- Red and white blood cell count within, but in the lower eighth, of the scale
- High hemoglobin content per blood cell (MCHC)
- Top of range glucose and Hemoglobin A1C (3 month glucose marker)
- Total cholesterol of 163 (low, in my opinion)
- Below range iron and transferrin (blood carrier molecule)
- B12 well above the low end, but below the middle of the range
- Vitamin D just within the range at the low end
The following is my answer:
Dear Daniel,
There are several things to consider:
- Your sugar level is at the high end of the range. Since it's been fairly consistent over the years, we don't need to specifically treat it now (because I know that your diet, weight and general health are good). However it needs to be watched. Another blood test should be done in 6 months.
- You'd probably feel better having a higher iron level. I don't usually prescribe iron supplements for men, because there is a bit of danger in that, but taking four liver capsules per day may be helpful.
- As your iron level rises, the low MCV – average red blood cell volume – should normalize. This isn't a problem for you now as to how you feel, because the above average amount of hemoglobin in the cell (MCHC) means that you're getting enough oxygen even though the cells are small.
- Vitamin D should be optimized to mid-range. Take 4000-5000 a day for three months, then stop and have it checked the next time you have blood tests.
- Take B12 a couple times a week, especially if you stay close to a vegetarian diet. The official range is too low and must be adjusted so that what is now the middle of the range becomes the low end.
- I think that people feel better with a higher cholesterol count – around 180. Yours is 163, not bad, but since you do eat animal products sometimes, you may consider adding an egg or portion of fish twice a week.
Yours truly,
Dolev
If you found the sample case interesting and would like a similar evaluation done for you, send your blood test results to me by email or fax to # 153-8-9262903.
