Bad lab levels HELP ME PLEASE...

OK, I am 3 years out, have never had bad labs.  Started getting weak and said something to doctor and of course brushed off.  Just had my labs for Dr. Greenbaum done for my yearly but have not seen them yet nor has he.

With a serious cardiac history.  I began to feel heavy chested, shortness of breath and pain in left side of face, down the arm and into upper back Friday.  3 doses nitroglycerin did not work, went to hospital in life squad.  So here is what they found.

I was scheduled for stress test and cardio canceled it asap due to hemoglobin of 8, ferritin of 7 and reticulocytes did not even register.  I did not have enough oxygen capacity to walk down the hall.  My heart was starving for oxygen bad.  Finally someone called a hematogist that understood DS malabsorbiton THANK GOD.  He told me and my husband that he understood that DS is not common on this coast as Bypass isn't either.  So doctors here do not address the levels like they should if at all.  And apparently someone was doing the labs and allowing me to run on lower end which in a crisis situation puts my life at risk. 

Because I was gradually getting weak, nauseated and feeling under the weather I wasn't drinking my shakes like I normally have been and now my Albumin level has dropped to 2.  I do not at this time know the other labs but he said I am too low on everything.  But he says do not get upset we can fix this. 

I just drank one of those New Whey Liquid protein bullets, (fruit punch) not too bad and I think I could do one every hour if I have too. but it has sucralose which is sugar alcohol and I can't tolerate those.  OMG I am sitting here waiting for that to hit me.  I have champion stack whey that I do like and syntrax nectur.   

My question is,  HOW CAN I GET MY ALBUMIN LEVEL UP QUICK.  I do eat protein all freaking day.  I am a cheese, bacon and hamburger addict oh and chicken also.  I don't do bread well and I do not do sugar at all as much as possible. 

I am now getting infusions.  I am hoping to raise my own albumin level without medical intervention but I will do what ever I have to do.

Thank you,

Carla  aka Wings.

It may be a good idea to talk to the Dr. about a time on TPN.  With your albumin that low and other things low, TPN will probably be your best bet.  Get your body retanked and healthy and then you can work on keeping it there.  Good luck and keep us posted!

TPN is what I want to avoid but I will do what ever I have to do. 

Carla

If you want to avoid medical intervention for protein, I'd go with 6 Syntrax Nectar shakes a day ASAP. The New Whey tubes are casein protein and not as bio available as whey protein isolate. Syntrax is still whey protein isolate but the new Champion is a less bio available blend. Stick with Syntrax Nectars.

What you're going through sounds so scary and I'm glad you have found a doc with a brain. Please keep us posted. If you need links to Vitalady's vitamin plan, her recommended labs, a lab tracking spreadsheet, or anything else, please let me know. 

--gina

Thanks Majormom

I am hitting a protein shake every hour for a few days as I can tolerate them.  Also gonna eat the heck out of egg whites and deviled eggs. 

The Champion Stack protien gives me intestinal distress because of its type of whey protien but I am almost done with the container.  I do not want TPN.  

I will keep you all informed.  This hematologist said it was inevitable that this would occur sometime.  So I gotta hit it harder and try to figure out why I went down so fast.

Carla

Please keep us posted on your condition. And you take your vits on a consistent basis? this is what scares me;(  they didn't admit you? Usually 3 nitros and no relief peeps here get admitted. I hope you feel better soon wings. You in Jersey?

This is why it's so important to monitor your nutritional levels.  Your needs will change and you'll tweak your regimen.  This person is 3 yrs out and is just now getting labs done.

Who me, Valerie

I get labs every 4-6 months.  I have never had labs like this ever. 

Carla

Oh yes I was admitted and given an emergency iron infusion, I got out yesterday and will be getting another infusion Friday.  I will keep you all posted.  I have no idea why I went down that fast.

Carla

p.s. only slacked a little on vits and protien for couple months wow.

Hang in there --- I have had chronic conditions also --- usually treated by IV iron infusions - but on an outpatient basis -- in the room with people getting chemotherapy.

Fortunately my hematologist, rheumatologist and family prac doc were in close contact. The answer for me, ironically, proved to be a hysterectomy! I was having heavy menstrual bleeding. Soon as the uterus said goodbye,, presto, chango - protein levels rose and hemoglobin levels rose to normal. My hemo described it as "trying to fill a bucket with a large hole" every month.

Right now 3 years later - labs OK!

B