Concerns Over Blood Test Results
Age: 29 Gender: Female Greetings, I recently visited the hospital due to experiencing shortness of breath and discomfort in my chest. Additionally, I have been struggling with pain in my fingers and wrists. Now, I have received my blood test results and I feel a bit anxious about them. My online research suggests that these results could potentially indicate cancer, which is alarming. Around a month ago, during a follow-up appointment with my dermatologist regarding blood tests, he advised me to contact my primary care physician, stating that my blood tested positive for 1:320 Nuclear Dense Fine Speckled. This leads me to believe that I might be facing an autoimmune condition. Here are the specifics of my blood work: - White Blood Cells (WBC): 9.23 (Normal Range: 3.50-11.00) - Red Blood Cells (RBC): 4.00 (Normal Range: 4.00-5.20) - Hemoglobin (Hgb): 13.7 (Normal Range: 12.0-16.0) - Neutrophils (Auto): 54.9 (Normal Range: 51.0-75.0) - Lymphocytes (Auto): 32.0 (Normal Range: 24.0-44.0) - Monocytes (Auto): 10.1 (Normal Range: 1.0-9.0%) Absolute counts are as follows: - Absolute Neutrophils (Auto): 5.07 (Normal Range: 1.80-7.7) - Absolute Lymphocytes (Auto): 2.95 (Normal Range: 1.00-4.80) - Absolute Monocytes (Auto): 0.93 (Normal Range: 0.00-0.80) I understand that it's challenging to reach a diagnosis online. I have an appointment scheduled with my physician in two months, but I am seeking some form of clarification in the meantime.
Answers (1)
7/13/2025, 10:30:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about your blood test results, especially given your symptoms of shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and pain in your fingers and wrists. While your online research about potential cancer and autoimmune conditions has led to concern, let's look at your results to provide some clarity.
Main Points:
- Your blood test results show mostly normal values, but there are some elevated levels of monocytes.
- The positive 1:320 Nuclear Dense Fine Speckled test suggests the presence of antibodies that could be linked to autoimmune conditions, but it's not definitive for a specific disease.
- Your symptoms and lab results warrant further attention.
Explanation:
- Blood Test Results:
- WBC (White Blood Cells), RBC (Red Blood Cells), and Hemoglobin levels are within normal ranges, indicating no immediate signs of infection or anemia.
- Monocytes are slightly elevated, which can occur in inflammation or infections, but is not specific to cancer or autoimmune diseases alone.
- The positive nuclear antibody test indicates a possible autoimmune issue, but these tests can be positive for various reasons and do not confirm a specific diagnosis.
Next Steps:
-
Document Symptoms: Keep a daily journal of your symptoms, noting their severity and any triggers. This information will be useful during your appointment with your physician.
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Manage Anxiety: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga to help manage anxiety while you wait for your appointment. It's important to remain calm and focused on self-care.
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Research Cautiously: While knowing more about potential autoimmune conditions can be helpful, try to stick to reliable medical sources and avoid self-diagnosis. Consider writing down questions or concerns you have for your upcoming appointment.
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Stay Active: If your pain allows, gentle movement (like walking or stretching) can help with both physical symptoms and anxiety. Avoid strenuous activity until you've discussed your symptoms with your physician.
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Follow Up: Reach out to your physician's office if you experience new or worsening symptoms (like severe chest pain or breathing difficulties) before your scheduled appointment.
Remember, while waiting for a diagnosis can be unsettling, your proactive approach will help you to manage both your symptoms and your anxiety effectively. If you have specific questions not covered here, feel free to ask!
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