OpenHealth Q&A

Concerns Over Elevated Protein and Calcium Levels

Hello, I find myself overwhelmed with anxiety, fearing that something serious may be affecting my health. I’m a 35-year-old woman, and my troubles began approximately four years ago with back pain localized to the left side, particularly when lying down, and aggravated by deep breaths. Although this discomfort has been present for years, it has become increasingly prominent in the past six months. Additionally, I am struggling with profound fatigue and occasional shortness of breath, symptoms that I cannot pinpoint the onset of. To date, I have undergone various medical assessments, including a kidney ultrasound in 2021, which yielded normal results. In March 2025, I had a chest X-ray that was also clear. More recently, in July 2025, X-rays of both my lumbar and thoracic spine came back normal. A KUB scan at the end of June indicated some stool buildup in my right colon, despite my bowel movements generally being regular with infrequent constipation. A CT scan of my abdomen and pelvis conducted this week was inconclusive, with notes suggesting that the left colon was compressed, which may have hindered the evaluation. Recently, I received lab results that have left me feeling quite anxious. My calcium level was slightly elevated at 10.2 (normal range: 8.5-10.2), significantly above my usual range of around 9.4-9.8. Additionally, my total protein level was 8.1, exceeding the normal upper limit of 7.7, although I noticed it has fluctuated in the past, reaching as high as 8.3. My albumin level was reported at 4.8. To compare, lab results from March showed a calcium level of 9.6, with a protein level of 7.3 and albumin at 4.6. My physician speculates that the increase in my calcium levels could stem from dehydration, a plausible explanation considering my heightened anxiety has impacted my hydration habits. I did calculate an adjusted value for albumin which places my calcium within normal limits, but I've encountered information suggesting that this calculation might not be entirely reliable. I am worried about the significant rise in my total protein, particularly since my albumin only increased by 0.2, which raises my suspicion about potential globulin elevation and the risk of multiple myeloma. Although globulin wasn’t directly measured, estimations suggest it’s still within acceptable limits at around 3.3. I also have fears surrounding conditions like bone metastasis or other cancers, including colon or pancreatic cancer; however, given my recent normal CT findings, those are likely less probable. The remaining components of my lab work appeared normal. My hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are on the higher side at 14.8 and 44, respectively (previously recorded in March as 14.1 and 43). My sodium level stood at 139, creatinine at 0.71, and BUN at 12 were all within normative ranges. This scenario begs the question: could this truly be dehydration? One anomaly was noted with my anion gap, which was slightly elevated at 14. My concern is heightened by the recent loss of my father to metastatic cancer just last year. He was diagnosed in January and succumbed to the disease by May. His symptoms included pain on the right side of his torso and a hoarse voice, but he seemed relatively fine otherwise. His weight loss was attributed to his illness, and while a collapsed lung was identified on an X-ray, it was his elevated calcium, alkaline phosphatase, and liver function tests that ultimately indicated advanced disease. This has left me feeling traumatized over my own calcium levels. This week, I have noticed a 3-pound loss in weight, likely exacerbated by my heightened anxiety, which has affected my appetite and left me preoccupied with researching symptoms and scrutinizing my lab results for hints of a dire diagnosis. Prior to this period, my weight had been stable. I am at a crossroads, unsure if I am excessively interpreting my situation due to fear or if there is sufficient reason for concern with the lab results. I dread the idea of retesting, worried about the implications of what they might reveal. Any guidance or insights you might provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Answers (1)

7/20/2025, 6:50:55 PM

OpenHealth AI

I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling overwhelmed and anxious about your health right now. It's important to acknowledge that you have valid concerns regarding your symptoms and lab results, especially given your recent experiences and family history. Let’s break down your situation into manageable pieces to ease your worries and create a clear plan moving forward.

Key Points:

1. Elevated calcium and protein levels are concerning but may not indicate serious underlying issues.
2. Your symptoms of fatigue, back pain, and shortness of breath need comprehensive assessment, particularly as they have persisted and worsened.
3. Monitoring your hydration, stress management, and potential lifestyle adjustments are immediate steps you can take.

Explanation:

• Elevated Calcium: Your slight increase to 10.2 mg/dL in calcium, though concerning, can sometimes be attributed to factors such as dehydration rather than a serious condition. It's essential to consider not only your diet and hydration but also how stress impacts your overall health. Elevated calcium can also appear with certain benign conditions.
• Total Protein Levels: Your elevated protein levels may suggest various non-specific conditions, including inflammation or dehydration. Given your noted fluctuations in protein, this might not be an alarming finding, particularly if your health care provider can rule out conditions like multiple myeloma or other serious cancers based on current tests.
• Symptoms and Family History: Your anxiety regarding possible cancers, especially with your father's recent history, is understandable. However, normal imaging dramatically reduces the likelihood of advanced disease processes at this time, since they usually reveal significant findings.

Next Steps:

1. Hydration:

   • Aim to drink more fluids throughout the day. High-stress levels can lead to dehydration which could influence your lab results. Keep a water bottle with you as a reminder to hydrate regularly.

2. Monitor Symptoms:

   • Keep a daily log of your symptoms, weight changes, and feelings of fatigue or shortness of breath. Note when these occur and any potential triggers. This will help you and your healthcare provider understand your condition better.

3. Manage Anxiety:

   • It's crucial to address your anxiety, perhaps through gentle physical activities, relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation, or even engaging with a nutritionist for dietary advice.

4. Follow-Up with Your Physician:

   • Given the complexity of your symptoms and lab results, consider discussing the possibility of a follow-up regarding your hydration status or protein levels. Ask about retesting in a few weeks to see if the results stabilize, and ensure you're clear about which markers are most important to track.

5. Consider Specialist Consultations:

   • If anxiety continues to impair your daily life, a mental health professional could provide you with coping strategies, especially considering your recent loss.

Reassurance:

While it's understandable to feel anxious about your lab results, the context of your overall health and recent clear imaging studies offer reassurance. Focus initially on hydration and symptom tracking, allowing yourself to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider at your next appointment. You're taking proactive steps to manage your health, which is commendable. Please feel free to reach out if you have further questions or need support.